The SeaStreak Ferry service between Providence, Bristol, and Newport starts Friday, June 23, and runs through October 9th. Consider taking a day trip down to Bristol or Newport. No driving, no traffic. Go eat lunch and see a sight. The ride is fun and there are amenities including a little bar with snacks below. Or enjoy the sun and fresh air up top and while trying to figure out what part of the coastline you are looking at. (Long hair should be contained— it’s windy up there.)
The parking lot at the ferry terminal is newly paved and free. There is complimentary shuttle bus service between the Providence train station, convention center, downtown, and the Providence-to-Newport ferry terminal.
Fares: $12 one way/$6 children 3-12/ infants 2-and-under free/discounts for seniors, disabled, etc.
SeaStreak Ferry starts, 9:30am Friday, June 23, Providence Ferry Terminal, 25 India Street, (directions)
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I don’t know whether this part of the waterfront will be part of the upcoming Providence Comprehensive Plan confabs, but this has to be the most criminally under-developed parcel in the city. Talk about leaving money on the table, and what a welcome to tourists and visitors. Most importantly, I need a place to take family members who come to the city and immediately want seafood. And while Hemingways is a fine restaurant, out-of-towners mean fried clams, lobster rolls, fish and chips, and clam cakes on picnic tables. I shouldn’t have to drive them to Warren. (I have no connection to the Dune Brothers — other than loyal customer — but I would love to see them set up shop here. They have been looking for another location.)
This site should be developed into a proper, permanent ferry terminal with visitor center. And then let someone run a clam shack/ shore dinner hall here. (This is the site of the former nightclub Shooters, which included a small marina. The floor of the ladies room is still visible.)
SeaStreak does its best and the free shuttle service is a recognition that where ferry passengers disembark is not near very much. Below is the current terminal. There are port-a-potties nearby.
Below: The old Shooters (2011).
