Narragansett Pier offers rich history, picturesque beaches

April 19, 2002-Whether you're welcomed to Narragansett Pier by the wooden Indian monument and a row of quaint bed and breakfasts, or your first vision of the inviting coastline of Narragansett Beach, the neighborhood's charm is obvious.

Characterized by a postcard-like backdrop of dark blue ocean crashing against the well- known sea wall and dotted with restaurants, shops, parks and a movie theater, the Narragansett Pier section of South County can only be described as a gem in the region's crown. Combine that with the neighborhood's rich history and you have discovered a truly special spot.

The area considered Narragansett Pier goes from the ocean to as far north as the stretch of Ocean Road that runs from the Dunes Club just past Hazard Rock, a favorite spot to relax for University of Rhode Island students and South County residents.

Unlike its "down-the-line" counterparts of Scarborough and Bonnet Shores, Narragansett Pier is more of a melting pot of residents- a mix of young and old, families and singles, students and professionals. According to Joseph Robenhymer, owner/broker of Ann O'Brien Realty, the pier area does not have as many student residents as other regions, but the company does rent about 100 student homes in the neighborhood.

Narragansett is a family town, but there still isn't a street you can go down without students living there, said Ted Wright, Executive Director of the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce. Despite problems that arise between students and residents, Wright said the student presence is a positive thing because they fill the houses and jobs.

Brendan Bjorness-Murano, a URI senior, lives with friends in the heart of the Pier.

"I like the pier over the rest of Narragansett because it is near the water, the movie theater, Pier Market and Crazy Burger," he said, referring to a popular neighborhood restaurant.

Lesley Fillow and Sage Stevens, housemates who live within walking distance of the beach, say their location is a huge perk.

While Bjorness-Murano, Fillow and Stevens are not year round residents, their thoughts about the area are quite similar to the locals who reside permanently in the neighborhood.

"I love the ocean. I walk down everyday, winter or summer," said Loretta Burr, a Rhode Island native who sold her home in Johnston last year to be closer to the coast.

Wright has lived in Narragansett for all of his 71 years, minus the year and a half he moved to Westerly. His ancestors first settled in the Narragansett area in 1854, so he said he feels a natural affection and sense of responsibility for the community.

"Most people who come here are here for the same reason that I never left," he said. "The quality of life has always been great. It is a great spot."

Wright pointed out that one of the benefits of Narragansett is its ideal location, making it an easy drive to Newport, Providence or Boston.

Narragansett may be easy to drive away from, but that doesn't mean it is easy to leave.

"I do a lot of traveling and I go to a lot of great places, but it's not anything like here," Wright said. "It's my town."

Narragansett Pier's most obvious attraction is the picturesque beach, constantly packed in the summer and enjoyed year-round by residents and URI students. On any given summer day there can be up to 1,000 cars lining Ocean Road, according to Wright.

However if a day of lounging on the beach is a bit more sun than you can handle, Narragansett offers plenty of other activities as well.

In the mood to head indoors? Take an afternoon to stroll through the gift shops of Pier Marketplace or Boon Street. Feeling active? Check out the tennis courts in Sprague Park or spend a perfect afternoon walking along Ocean Road.

If you really need to beat the heat, you could always take a day inside to catch a movie in Narragansett Cinema and then indulge in the region's finest seafood at a historic Rhode Island favorite, Coast Guard House.

More casual dining at restaurants like Picnic Basket, Dad's Place or Crazy Burger make the area well-suited for URI students who prefer to save Coast Guard House for a night of drinking and dancing.

Drinking, dancing and socializing have always played a key role in the culture of this seaside community. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Narragansett served as one of the most adored vacation spots on the east coast.

"It was quite a place," Wright said, explaining that the destination was a summer spot for some of the nation's wealthiest families, particularly those from the New York and Pennsylvania areas.

The famous Narragansett Towers on Ocean Road in front of the Coast Guard House were constructed in 1886 as the entrance to the town's social center, the Narragansett Pier Casino. Through the entrance at the towers, the Casino was one of America's most prestigious resorts offering boating, billiards, tennis, shooting and other sports. Restaurants, shops, theaters, a bandstand and the grand ballroom completed the resort.

An unfortunate twist in Narragansett's history occurred on September 12, 1900, when fire broke out in the grand Rockingham Hotel and quickly spread to the Casino, destroying it and nearly crushing Narragansett's glory days. The granite walls of the towers withstood the flames, a symbol of hope to all who loved the community.

The Casino was rebuilt in 1910 and Narragansett regained its status, only to lose the beloved center to yet another fire on May 29, 1956. Again the towers stood through the second fire.

Decades later the society has moved onto other ritzy vacation spots, but Narragansett's active social spirit has persevered, a feeling that appeals to URI students who gladly filled the society families' spots in the unique coastal community.