4 Things That Will Have You Looking At This Iconic RI Landmark In A New Light

You've probably been to Gansett more than a few times already this summer, but what about...

35 Ocean Road?

Also known as The Towers.

In case you've always wondered about this iconic landmark overlooking the shore, here are a few fun factoids to use as ice breakers at your next cocktail party (I'll be the one off to the side updating Insta Story and chatting with pretty much the same person the entire time), networking event, or other (potentially awkward) social situation this season.

1. Here Come The Brides

Sites like The Knot and WeddingWire are abuzz about it! Yeah, in case you haven't planned a ceremony or reception, or been a guest of over these last few years, you should know that it's become an in demand wedding venue. The event photos people have uploaded to Instagram are stunning; search #thetowersri there for a glimpse.

2. And We Complain About Out Of State Plates Now...

The Towers has had a few other incarnations prior to its current state of course, most notably as a key part of a resort called the Narragansett Pier Casino back in the 1890's, aka, the Gilded Age (or as I like to call it, the Roaring 90's) where the elite (all the fancy peeps — as in, socialities, their spouses, their offspring, and some of their staff) would decamp from places such as New York to spend weeks, if not the entire season, on the water in Narragansett.

*A devastating fire in 1900 destroyed most of the resort, except The Towers and its granite walls. That fire is numero uno on a laundry list of catastrophes The Towers has weathered btw.

3. Food For Thought

Ok, this is a biggie. I mean I don't recall ever hearing this before, but whilst doing some online research about 35 Ocean Road, I came across something on Wikipedia about how the dish Clams Casino originated at the old Narragansett Pier Casino (which included The Towers) and was named as such for said CASINO (or resort, the word casino had absolutely nothing to do with gambling back in the day). I say start telling your friends and family about this next time you're out for dinner. It's not like you're saying your uncle was the man who created The Cobb Salad or something, right? (Remember the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode about the guy who tried to get THAT assertion by Larry?)

4. Music In The Main Ballroom

See the interior of The Towers for yourself and enjoy some live tunes! Every Thursday as part of their Summer Series, they're featuring different local bands and musicians from 7 to 10pm. They also have new overhead lighting that uses less energy and equally as important, doesn't throw any additional heat - because who needs that with the temps we've been experiencing lately. Check out their FB or site for more deets.

Photo Credits: Photo of The Towers above is used with permission from Getty Images/I-Stock.