Rhode Island has five official counties (second lowest in the nation to Delaware’s three), and what is called South County isn’t one of them. It’s more a state of mind, an area from Coventry at its northernmost, to Narragansett in the southeast, to Westerly on the Connecticut border.
The ocean beaches are its main draw, 16 public ones in all, but the diversity of attractions is not to be missed. So here is a tour of 10 things to love about South County, starting in the north.
George B. Parker Woodland Birds, ancient rock formations, and Revolutionary War-era carriage roads make for great hiking and good exercise at the Woodland Wildlife Refuge, at 860 acres one of the largest holdings of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
“Parker abounds with wildlife and songbirds,’’ said Lawrence Taft, the society’s executive director. “It’s a rewarding place to spend a day out on the trails exploring and enjoying the natural world.’’
It’s a walk appealing to all ages, he said, with some trails easily handled by parents with youngsters, while other hillier and rockier ways demand a little more experience and stamina. A sawmill here was built and owned by African-Americans in the late 1700s, and the most prominent landmark is the Isaac Brown House, a center-chimney Colonial on the National Register of Historic Places. 1670 Maple Valley Road, Coventry, 401-949-5454, asri.org/refuges/george-b.-parker-woodland.html.
Shadow Pines Farm Cut down windy, picturesque Route 102 and find gorgeous alpacas. They aren’t very social, though, so unless you’re packing a carrot, don’t expect to pet them.
“The fleece is hypoallergenic and hollow, so it makes very warm fabric,’’ said Vivian Ball, who with her husband, Bob, raises dozens of alpacas on one of a surprising 10 or so alpaca farms in this small state. “We sell alpaca products here, including scarves I make on a tabletop loom.’’
It’s a place you can visit informally, either by just stopping by or preferably calling first. The animals are immensely curious, darting to the fences in bunches, long necks craning to see who’s come and then shambling away when bored. 181 Purgatory Road, Exe ter, 401-295-7859, shadowpinesfarm.com.
Rhode Island Bay Lighthouse Cruise On to the coast, where the high-speed, 400-seat Millennium catamaran ferry makes quick work of checking out 10 lighthouses, myriad islands, plus a turn through Newport Harbor. Between lighthouses the ferry jets along at 40 miles per hour.
“This is the fast ferry we use from Quonset Point to Martha’s Vineyard,’’ said Charlie Donadio, company president and owner.
