Get to Know Rhode Island through Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom"
Exploring Cities and Small Towns, From Coast-to-Coast, One Family Field Trip at a Time
We love watching movies around our house, and every time we watch a movie, I search for two things: I Shazam a lot of the music, and I look on IMDB to see where the movie was filmed. I've always been drawn to the sets, going back to when I saw Dirty Dancing for the first time. I was eleven and wanted to know where the camp they visited for the summer was.
I thought it would be fun to explore a movie, learn more about where it was filmed, share how you can visit, and give you links to plan a family trip and walk your cinema steps.
Take a nostalgic tour of "Moonrise Kingdom" filming locations
I'm a huge Wes Anderson fan, so starting with "Moonrise Kingdom" seems fitting as we journey to Rhode Island. I've rounded up hikes, landmarks, and more for you, all of which can be found in the film. A trip like this would be perfect to plan this upcoming fall, with a lot of hiking and camping packed into a family-fun trip.
Jamestown and Newport: A true fall adventure
After exploring Jamestown, head across the bridge to Newport, R.I., for fall fun. This charming area has everything you need to do, from seafood festivals to pumpkin patches. Remember to visit these "Moonrise Kingdom" movie spots:
Fort Wetherill State Park: Pack an old, vintage Thermos full of hot chocolate and visit this beautiful state park to watch for migrating birds passing through, heading south for the winter. This is also home to the secret beach cove from the movie.
Beavertail State Park is a wonderful spot to hike in the fall, right along the ocean. Be sure to wear layers and visit the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum.
Conanicut Light House is so charming, overlooking the Bay, and was the Bishop's home in the "Moonrise Kingdom."
Trinity Church is a stunning old church in Newport.
Ballard Park would offer some stunning hikes under the canopy of red, yellow, and orange leaves.
Narragansett: Coastal delights and scenic spots
Almost entirely surrounded by the ocean, try some of the local, sustainable seafood in Narragansett. Food & Wine has a great round-up of places to eat. Look for lobster, crab, and bay scallops. Rhode Island is a small state so that you could get to this festival quickly, 15 miles away. Movie locations include Narragansett Bay, Prudence Island, and Point Judith Lighthouse.
Westerly: Seaside charm and “Moonrise Kingdom” magic
Home of the Block Island ferry, this charming seaside town has an idyllic downtown full of restaurants, shopping, and one of the best bookstores on the East Coast, Martin House Books. Stay at the Ocean House Hotel. Part of the "Moonrise Kingdom" was filmed here, and you will feel like you are in the movie. Hop one town over to Charleston and attend the annual Atlantis Rising Sand Sculpture competition.
Rockville: Fall colors and quiet retreat
Head inland toward Camp Yawgoog, as seen in the movie. It's Boy Scout Camp when not under the limelight. Use this time to take in some back roads and eye-popping leaves that Rhode Island is known for in the fall. Use this handy map to plan the perfect time to hit the road. Visit this round-up for a list of the best scenic routes to get off the highway and soak in the fall colors.
End your backroad drive at Pippin Orchard for locally made, fresh-out-of-the-oven apple cider donuts. Here are a few more not-to-miss spots.
Extras destinations: Long Pond Woods in Hopkinton, RI, and Stepstone Falls in West Greenwich, RI, are added bonus spots along the way. Plan a fall hike at either location. After a day of hiking, head to Grey Sail Brewery.
I will work on more locations for you, perhaps even complete with my take on a soundtrack for each film or show. Next up, I plan to visit all the Stranger Things locations for Halloween. Follow my travels and adventures to stay connected as I explore these unique places.
Let's have fun together, teaching your children to be travelers, not just tourists, while we bring the world around us into our homes through art, design, music, food, nature, and more. Erin is an author, freelance writer, and photographer living in the South. She often takes you along on her family field trip, sharing places to see and things to do from each place she travels.
