A Little Slice of Paradise in Rhode Island

Snuggled at the southern extremity of Great Salt Pond in Narragansett is Great Island, my wonderful tranquil home. It is one of three neighborhoods in the entire state of Rhode Island accessed only by bridge. As I cross over the bridge to Great Island, bordered on the right by East Pond and on the left by The Fishing Port of Galilee, I feel the frenetic pace of daily life rapidly draining from me.

It is slow paced and still evokes the peacefulness that is part of its history as a 150 acre sheep farm. The sheep were driven over to the island at low tide on a primitive causeway and then left to graze as the tide rose. The original farm house remains firmly perched on the highest point of the island to this day. The vistas are like an everchanging painting with pastoral landscapes as well as inspiring water views. Most of the 350 homes have delightful water views. You are constantly aware of weather conditions as fluffy white clouds dance across the sky borne by the prevailing winds and the sun shimmers off the water as incredible shades of the bright blue of the sky and water integrate with the vibrant green of the land to become a continual panoply of colors.

It is a very cohesive community with remnants of days gone by where, for example, on Halloween, children are still ushered into homes as the enthusiastic residents delight in the costumes and guessing who the little goblins are in their respective disguises. There is a neighborhood association for the residents to enjoy various year round social events and activities, as well as each other. In addition, residents of the island are very environmentally oriented. Only approximately twenty five percent of the residences are occupied year round. The homes vary in character, size and age yet all are extremely well maintained.

I always know that spring has announced its presence when at night I witness the lights glowing in the homes that have been awaiting the return of their summer inhabitants. For all residents to relish there are eight access points to the water so that everyone can enjoy quahogging (clamming in RI), accessing their boats, moorings or just enjoying the ambience of the area. One of these access points is a little gem of a beach that is a well kept secret, even from most island residents. There are endless fresh adventures for children to enjoy on the pond like sailing, boating, swimming or just discovering the wonders of the seashore and Mother Nature. Summer weekends are distinguished by the even larger enticing parade of boats of all varieties and sizes that skim across or down the pond, on their way out to the open ocean and points beyond.

The island is close to all area amenities, yet off the beaten path. Take a stroll down the street and over the bridge to The Port of Galilee, which is the fifth largest fishing port in New England. Purchase your lobsters right off the boats which are tethered to their slips, or walk a little further and hop the traditional or high speed ferry to Block Island. There are restaurants and fish markets as well as seasonal shops to quench your desires. In addition, there is a lovely protected sandy ocean beach poised at the end of the street to enjoy.

In the challenging times in which we live, Great Island gives me the desired result and rejuvenates me on a daily basis. I am truly lucky!