South County, Rhode Island stirs awake with the promise of spring. As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, South County transforms into a living tapestry of sights, sounds and scents.
The frozen ponds shimmer under the sun giving way to rippling waters as fishermen begin to reel in trout, perch and bass. Birdwatchers rejoice as the sparrows, finches and blackbirds return along with the rare but splendid sightings of bald eagles or blue herons. The gardens bloom with colorful flowers, from daffodils to tulips to azaleas, and visitors flock to immerse themselves in the floral spectacle for photos and to pick their own bouquets.
Along South County’s 100 miles of coastline, twenty public beaches come to life with more early morning walkers, surfers, evening strollers and those few brave early swimmers. The scent of salty sea air mingles with the blooming wildflowers creating the unique, quintessential scent of South County in the spring.
Farmer’s Markets welcome visitors and locals alike to savor the flavors and crafts from fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and other handcrafted goods. Hikers and cyclists begin to explore the miles of hiking and biking trails through lush forests and wildlife preserves.
Spring Awakenings and Adventures in South County, Rhode Island
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DISCOVER
In Charlestown’s Ninigret Park, an enchanted garden inside the mythical city of Atlantis comes to life as the third annual Atlantis RIsing International Sand Sculpture Competition takes place from May 30 to June 1. This family-friendly event brings artists from all over the world to South County, Rhode Island to compete for a cash prize with their incredible sand sculptures. Watch them work and cast your vote for your favorite. Live music, food vendors and food trucks, a sand sculpting lesson tent, and many photo opportunities with storybook characters and more abound. Tickets are at the door and more information is available at www.SouthCountyRI.com/Atlantis-Rising/.
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South County has two new residents you can meet while you’re visiting. Head to Ninigret Park in Charlestown to see two giant troll sculptures created by renowned Danish recycle artist, Thomas Dambo. Erik Rock sits by Little Ninigret Pond near the playground and the Frosty Drew Observatory, and his partner, Greta Granit can be found not far away, as you head towards the Senior Center. Both trolls were constructed with recycled wood and the help of over 100 local volunteers. Dambo’s mission is to “waste no more” and illustrate how trash can be turned into something beautiful like public art. Dambo has created over 125 troll sculptures all over the world and 44 of them are in the U.S.
Just an hour and a half from Boston and three hours from New York City, South County is closer than you think but feels like a world away.
By Monica Vanover on April 15, 2025
Atlantis RIsing International Sand Sculpture Competition
This family friendly event takes place from May 30 to June 1
Sponsored by South County, RI
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"Wow, what a great project. We felt really welcomed in Rhode Island and managed to make two great recycled sculptures in Ninigret Park. I know they can be a little bit hard to find, but that is on purpose so you can have a fun time searching for them. There are clues you will see that feel trolly, and that's how you know you are on the right path."
After visiting the trolls, hang out in Ninigret Park until dark for some stargazing at Frosty Drew Observatory. South County’s Charlestown boasts the darkest stretch of night sky between Boston and New York City.
Photo courtesy of The Preserve
An Enchanted Garden Made of Sand
Starry Skies and Giant Trolls
- Thomas Dambo
Leave the traffic behind and head to South County instead
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Visit SouthCountyRI.com for information on where to stay, what to do and more.
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Photo courtesy of Fredson Delgado
Photo courtesy of Fredson Delgado
Photo courtesy of Fredson Delgado