North Kingstown

Founded as Kingstown in 1641, North Kingstown was once home to many thriving farms and plantations, several of which are still in operation or have now become museums. The town, however, has long since been overshadowed by its own village of Wickford, one of the most delightful you are ever likely to meet.

Events

Every Summer, Wickford Village [1] comes alive with the much-anticipated Wickford Art Festival (401/294-6840, www.wickfordart.org [2], July), when hundreds of artists set up booths in the town center.

Rhode Island’s [3] favorite bivalve takes center stage during the International Quahog Festival (235 Tower Hill Rd., Wickford, Aug.), which includes clambakes, shucking contests, and Native American jewelry displays.