TREASURED ISLAND

Rustic charm awaits at this no-fuss under-the-radar gem

Just about seven miles long and a mile wide, Prudence Island is the third-largest island in Narragansett Bay behind Aquidneck and Conanicut islands, the latter of which encompasses the entirety of Jamestown. Prudence Island has always had a sense of allure and mystery for those who’ve never visited, but if it’s piqued your Rhode Island curiosity, make it a point to explore Prudence this summer – and bring your hiking boots. Here you’ll find more than 13 miles of hiking trails that traverse the island’s vast swaths of conserved land. Though part of Portsmouth, you’ll have to go to Bristol if you plan to take the ferry, operated by Prudence & Bay Islands Transport. The ferry departs and returns daily at multiple times, which is convenient, but reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the summer as seasonal residents boost the population as much as tenfold. Rates for the 30-minute journey are a ordable at less than $6 each way for adults and under $2 for children, and while the ferry can accommodate vehicles, daytrippers typically won’t need a vehicle on the island, but a bike, which adds just a few dollars to your fare, will come in handy for exploring.

Visitors pursue Prudence Island more for what it doesn’t have than what it does, as its tranquil vibe and slow pace is just the way residents – around 100 yearround – like it. Nary a restaurant, bar, hotel, commercial center, or stoplight in sight, think of Prudence Island as a BYO destination – as in, bring your own lunch, refreshments, sunscreen, and sundries. If you’re lucky, Prudence Variety will be open for anything you forgot, but you won’t find a full-service marina or anything of the sort, unless you count Rossi Farm, a family-run farm where you can find in-season produce and the like.

You’ll also want to bring your camera, as the Prudence Island Lighthouse, colloquially dubbed the Sandy Point Lighthouse, is a sight to behold. Reaching 30 feet into the sky, it’s the oldest lighthouse in Rhode Island. Made of granite, it’s uniquely capped by what’s called a birdcage lantern, which was common before the introduction of the Fresnel lens. Today, there’s less than a handful remaining in the US. You’ll also want to see the historic Prudence Island School, the last operating one-room schoolhouse in Rhode Island. It’s changed little since being built in 1896 and serves a tiny, single-digit student body. Little House on the Prairie fans will notice it looks nearly identical to the school on the TV show.