Have you visited every place you can think of in the Jamestown area? Are you looking for something unique and fun, that you’ve probably never tried or visited before?
Here are 3 unusual attractions in Jamestown you have to see for yourself!
- Fort Wetherill
One of the less mainstream adventures the area offers is exploring the ruins of the abandoned fort. A shell of its former glory overgrown with vegetation and covered in graffiti, the tunnels and concrete walls remain, with holes in the structures and the ground where cannons and 12-inch guns used to line extensive batteries. Remains of tram tracks trail off into the brush, reminiscent of a submarine mining operation during the world wars, and gun emplacements sit empty except for their colorful new artwork by local taggers.
While many of the areas are fenced off, it seems to be mostly for show, as paths lead to holes in the fence that rarely see repair. The park is popular and crowded in the summer due to all of the water-related events, but in the off-season one can indulge in exploration practically undisturbed. The interior of the Fort is currently off-limits to the public.
- Clingstone House
Poking up from the Atlantic Ocean, J.S. Wharton designed the house with an architect as a summer getaway in the early 20th century. They designed the house to withstand powerful hurricane-strength winds while still maintaining a wooden cottage-like aesthetic.
The Clingstone House is not only unique because of its location on a private island or because of its massive size, but also because of its ecological footprint. Solar panels heat all the water for the mansion, and a wind turbine provides its power. Even more amazing, the house has a seawater filtration system and rain cistern. The Clingstone House is an incredible marriage of green technology and breathtaking scenery.
This architectural wonder sitting on an island offers 365-degree views of the ocean making the “House on the Rocks” a modern and innovative summer escape and a fun sight for tourists who can view the house from the shore.
- Watson Farm
Watson Farm is a step back in time. Explore this 265-acre property, which today is a working family farm owned by Historic New England. In 1789 Job Watson purchased a piece of this rich farmland, and for the next two centuries five generations of the Watson family cultivated it.
During open hours, take a self-guided walking tour, participate in an outdoor workshop, explore farm fields with grazing livestock, stroll along the shore, and view seasonal farm activities. Using innovative sustainable practices, the managers of Watson Farm continue the tradition of pastoral husbandry, grazing Heritage Red Devon cattle and sheep on the scenic seaside pastures. The farmers produce 100% grass-fed beef and lamb and wool blankets for local markets. Your self guided walk takes you across fields with grazing cows and sheep right down to the shoreline. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a quiet activity with the family.
Watson Farm is open from June 1 to October 15 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 1:00 – 5:00, by appointment for group tours, and by reservation for special events.