Rhode Island Towns 7 & 8: Central Falls & Pawtucket - 6/30/2020

Central Falls: At 1.29 square miles, this is the smallest and most densely populated town in the smallest state.  Central Falls has a higher population density than Boston, Washington DC, and LA, and in the 1980’s was known as the cocaine capital of the North East.  One might wonder, what there is to see in such a place, but Central Falls is full of mill history and delectable ethnic foods.

Before our visit to Central Falls, I reached out to a Facebook friend for suggestions and she provided me with a wealth of information about what to see and where to eat in Central Falls.  Using her information as well as food recommendations from friends, we were ready for our visit.  

La Casona - Authentic Colombian food in Central Falls

We started our visit with take out from La Casona, a Colombian restaurant that we had tried previously after hearing rave reviews from hispanic friends.  We ordered, and rather than wait outside the restaurant for our food, decided to take a walk over to Jenks Park. Jenks Park sits at the top of a hill, and it was a gift to the city from Alvin Jenks in 1890.  The 70 foot tall Cogswell Tower was added to the park in 1904, and it features four clock faces, each looking out in a different direction. ​
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We had the park all to ourselves during our visit, except for a carload of young men who were shooting off some large fireworks at one of the entrances.  The girls were a little freaked out by this, but after a little while, the car sped off.  We saw a lovely little free library in the park, and we left a painted rock at the base of a nearby tree. 

Entrance to Jenks Park

Cogswell Tower, Jenks Park

Little Free Library in Jenks Park

We left this rock at the base of a tree in Jenks Park

After picking up our food from La Casona, we drove over to the Chocolate Mill Overlook (one of the places my friend recommended to us) to eat a picnic dinner.  Who knew that there was once was a Chocolate Mill in Central Falls?  I found the Chocolate Mill Overlook to be fascinating, and there were several informative signs placed around the small park to illustrate what the area was like when the mill was running from the 1780’s through the 1820’s. 

Welcome to Chocolateville

Tarynn found a spot down by the river

Mixed Grill from La Casona

A dry spot to eat during the rain showers

The William Wheat Chocolate Mill

A self-service bicycle repair station at the edge of the park

We savored delicious Chicharrón Picado (pork rinds) with Arepas, Chorizo, beef empanadas, and a traditional Colombian mixed grill plate that included bite-size beef, pork, chicken, chorizo, blood sausage, fried pork rinds, french fries, plantains, fried cassava and cheese.  Although, by that time it was raining lightly, the trees at Chocolate Landing provided enough cover that we were able to enjoy our food while staying dry.  We left another painted rock here before continuing on our way.

With satisfied stomachs, we crossed over the line into Pawtucket.  We parked across from the city hall and crossed the street to visit historic Slater Mill, a national historic landmark known for being the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. The site consists of the stone Wilkinson Mill, the yellow wooden Slater Mill, and the Sylvanus Brown House (all from the 1700’s). Although the mills are closed for tours due to COVID-a9, we were still able to wander the grounds and marvel at the strength of the Blackstone River as it poured over Pawtucket Falls. Of course, we had to leave a rock here.  

Pawtucket's City Hall

A tribute to Pawtucket's Irish heritage

Aoife enjoying the moment

Wilkinson Mill

Slater Mill

Our painted rock, left at Slater Mill.

Panoramic view of Slater Mill and Pawtucket Falls. (Tarynn ran to try to be in the photo twice, but ended up as a ghostly blur)

Next we drove over to  McCoy Stadium, the home of the beloved PawSox (Triple-A team of the Boston Red Sox). Sadly, the 2020 season has been cancelled due to COVID-19. And even more sadly, this was scheduled to be the PawSox last season in Pawtucket as they are moving to Worcester, MA next year. We are so sad about this move as we have enjoyed so many games and fireworks at McCoy over the years, and going to Pawsox games at McCoy has always been part of our summer memories. Even though we couldn’t go to a game tonight, we stopped and took a picture with the statue of Sox, one of the beloved Pawsox mascots. 

McCoy Staium, Pawtucket

SOX!!!!!!

We proceeded on to Slater Park, which consists of 197 acres of public land in Pawtucket.  Slater Park has been in existence for over 120 years, and most of the land was formerly part of the Daggett Farm.  Over the years, we’ve been to several geocaching events and other picnics here in the park, and there is also the lovely 10 Mile River Greenway bike path that runs along one edge of the park.  In the summertime, children can enjoy the park’s playgrounds as well as the 1895 Looff Carousel (which in our experience rotates at high speeds compared to other carousels we’ve visited), and the petting zoo at Daggett Farm. Families can enjoy outdoor concerts in the park, ice cream and other treats from Len’s, or riding on the mini swan boats. Tonight we explored the park both on foot and by car, finding a few geocaches and appreciating the beautiful sights throughout Slater Park.  

One of the many geocaches hidden in Slater Park

Aemilia, showing her love of geocaching (not really, haha)

Chicken at Daggett Farm

Other places we've enjoyed in Central Falls & Pawtucket: 

• Stanley's Famous Hamburgers - Founded by a Polish immigrant, Stanley's has been a Central Falls icon since 1932. Stanley's is famous for its burgers topped with grilled onions & pickles, and their fries & shakes are amazing as well.  We love the nostalgia of Stanley's diner atmosphere.
• El Gallo De Oro - Amazing tacos and Dominican foods.  Soooo delicious!
• Hope Artiste Village - A massive complex of artist studios, offices, lofts, retail spaces housed in a restored mill, the Hope Artiste Village is also home to an awesome winter farmer's market. 
• Dragon Boats Festival - Annual Dragon Boat races on the Blackstone River in Pawtucket.  This event has been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19.
• Pawtucket Arts Festival - A week long festival celebrating food, music, arts, and community
• Winter Wonderland - Slater Park - Held annually at Slater Park during the first two weekends in December, this festival features hundreds of decorated Christmas trees, a giant snowman, carousel & train rides, and other family fun.  
• Tacos Don Nacho - Pawtucket's taco wagon.  Such yummy street food!
• Craft Burger & Beer - We started going here over 25 years ago.  Back then it was called The East Avenue Cafe, and it was where we would go with our fellow volunteer friends from Stone Soup Coffeehouse.  The name and indoor decor has changed, but there is still great food, lots of beer, and a casual atmosphere here.  
• The Modern Diner - This popular diner is housed in a 1930's train car. Not only do they serve typical diner food, they also have outstanding breakfasts and their weekend specials are simply the best around.
• Rasoi - Serving tasty Indian food in a stylish setting, Rasoi is on the Providence/Pawtucket line.  Try the Cauliflower 65.  It's our favorite!
• The Guild - A cooperative brewery & beer hall in a restored mill in Pawtucket.  I went to a United Way event here and was impressed by the beer, beautiful building, and outdoor spaces.  They often have pop up food vendors to supplement their limited snack menu.