When visiting Charlestown you may be surprised at the hidden treasures that are there. Beautiful beaches and parks as well as the best seafood in the East coast (by Tripscenes Opinion!). There is so much to do and you can also be pre-occupied in doing nothing at all when in Charelstown. We highley recommend the Mashantucket Pequot Museum which will take you though a 20,000 year journey of Native and natural history. The Museum offers engaging experiences for all ages, from life-size walk-through dioramas that transport visitors into the past, to changing exhibits, and live performances of Native American contemporary arts and cultures. Two libraries, including one for children, offer a diverse selection of materials on the histories and cultures of all Native peoples of the United States and Canada.
Tribally owned-and-operated since it opened on Aug. 11, 1998. the Museum brings to life the story of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. It serves as a major resource on the histories and cultures of Native Americans in the northeast and on the region's rich natural history.
The Museum is a 308,000-square-foot complex, consisting of permanent exhibits, the Mashantucket Gallery (a gallery for temporary exhibits), classrooms, a 320-seat auditorium, a restaurant, a museum shop and administrative offices. The Research Center houses collections, a library, a children's library, archives, and archaeology and conservation laboratories.
Multi-sensory dioramas and exhibits introduce visitors to the history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the natural and cultural history of the eastern woodlands. Films and videos, interactive programs, archival materials, ethnographic and archaeological collections, commissioned art, and traditional crafts by Native artisans are featured in the exhibits.
The building is designed to interact with its surrounding environment while maintaining the ecological integrity of the area. It embraces the tree line and is nestled into the landscape; two of the five levels of the facility are below ground. A 185-foot, stone-and-glass tower provides visitors with sweeping views of the swamp and region. The large, circular, glass-and-steel Gathering Space serves as an arrival area. The restaurant features a variety of Native American cuisines, and the museum shop specializes in contemporary Native American arts and crafts.
Ninigret Park, the former site of Charlestown NAAS, is in Charlestown. It is now an extremely popular place for recreational sports games including a small beachfront, a bike track, sporting fields, and tennis courts. Along with these features, the park also contains the Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory. Ninigret Park is also used for the majority of large events occurring within the town of Charlestown including the Charlestown Seafood Festival, the Big Apple Circus and the Rhythm And Roots music festival.
Charlestown contains several beaches that are frequently described as "the best kept secret in Rhode Island." Miles of secluded, unspoiled, sandy beaches offer visitors a chance to enjoy many outdoor activities or just some relaxation under the sun. Some of these beaches include town operated areas such as "Blue Shutters Town Beach" and "Charlestown Town Beach" and other are state managed areas including "East Beach State Beach" and "Charlestown Breachway State Beach."
Burlingame State Park and Campground is entirely contained inside the town of Charlestown. The campground is 3,100 acres of rocky woodland that surrounds Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. Activities at the park include 755 campsites, fishing, swimming, picnicking, boating and hiking. The area north of Buckeye Brook Road, abutting the Pawcatuck River, is primarily a hunting area.
Owned and operated by the Persson family since 1963, the Nordic Lodge offers a most unique dining experience.Nestled deep in the woods of southern Rhode Island on over 100 acres of beautifully manicured lakeside grounds, the location is as enjoyable as the buffet itself. Hammocks, fountains, and a lakeside fire pit create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere in which to relax before and after dining.The Nordic Lodge is grateful to have three generations of family members as well as numerous other long term staff members who work very hard to ensure the pleasure of each and every guest.
