Though its neighboring casino burned down, the majestic arch of the Towers (35 Ocean Rd., 401/782-2597, www.thetowersri.com [1], free) survived in all of its turn-of-the-century elegance. The 1886 building was designed by Boston [2] architects McKim, Mead & White, and is famous as the location where “clams casino” was invented. Now the building hosts a small museum with old photographs as well as lectures, dances, and musical performances.
One of the most picturesque lighthouses for miles, Point Judith Lighthouse (401/780-0444, www.lighthouse.cc/pointjudith [3]) is a 51-foot octagonal tower protecting a particularly treacherous rocky point.
Located on the estate of a former state governor, the South County Museum (Strathmore St., 401/789-5400, www.southcountymuseum.org [4], 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 12–4 p.m. Sun. May–June and Sept.; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 12–4 p.m. Sun. July–Aug., $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 6–12, free children under 6) has displays of antique furniture and clothing, as well as demonstrations of blacksmithing and carpentry.
Links:
[1] http://www.thetowersri.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/massachusetts/boston
[3] http://www.lighthouse.cc/pointjudith
[4] http://www.southcountymuseum.org