I Can Sea Clearly Now

I’m guessing you've already been to Gansett a few times this month, but how about 35 Ocean Road?

Also known as The Towers.

If — like me — you've always wondered about the historic structure, here are a few tidbits I’ve discovered that you can use as ice breakers at your next cookout or family gathering. I mean, now that everything’s opening back up and we’re returning to normal-ish, parties are a thing once again.

And we gripe about out-of-state plates and traffic now: The Towers has had a few different lives or incarnations, most notably as a key part of what back in the 1890’s was a tippity top resort called the Narragansett Pier Casino. (Speaking of which, the word casino had absolutely nothing to do with gambling back then in the Gilded Age.)

Those were the days when all the fancy East Coast families (as in, socialities, their spouses, their offspring, and probably some of their staff) decamped from places like New York to spend weeks, if not the entire season, on the water in Narragansett.

Sadly, a devastating fire in 1900 destroyed most of the resort, except The Towers and its granite walls. (That fire is numero uno on a tragic list of catastrophes that The Towers has weathered btw.)

Attention seafood lovers: Ok, this is a biggie! I don't recall ever hearing THIS before, but whilst doing some online research about 35 Ocean a while back, I came across something on Wikipedia about how the dish Clams Casino originated at the old Narragansett Pier Casino (which of course included The Towers) and was named as such.

There’s some other yarn about CC having roots in France. Well, pish posh! I say start telling your friends and fam about this next time you're all out for dinner. I mean, it’s not as though you're saying your uncle was the man who created The Cobb Salad or something, right? (Remember the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode I co-opted that scenario from? Still a knee slapper.)

Take the tour: See the interior of The Towers for yourself this summer. They are back open for public tours starting tomorrow, Saturday, June 26th. It's technically free, but donations are welcome and go towards upkeep.

My friend S. and I took it a few years ago and she spent practically the entire day before reading up on the history. She filled me in on a lot, including that people were apparently only permitted on the actual beach for limited time in the morning during those resort hey days.

Anyway, it's a wonderful opportunity to experience the views from the top deck (photo above) and see what's now the ballroom space.

Here come the brides: The Knot and Wedding Wire are all abuzz about receptions at The Towers. Yes, over the years, it has been transformed into quite the in-demand wedding venue and the photos people have uploaded to Instagram are stunning. Search #thetowersri to see for yourself.

Photo Credits: All Images Above Are Courtesy Of Patty J & PattyJ.com.