Foster is situated on our extreme western border with Connecticut. Incorporated in 1781, the town of Foster is comprised of eight villages: Clayville, Moosup Valley, Mount Hygeia, North Foster, Pine Ridge, Ponaganset, South Foster and Vernon. Foster is a small rural town with extensive forests. The town is home to many historic locations including farmsteads, stone walls, houses and mill ruins.
Home to the only covered bridge on a public road in Rhode Island, the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge is a beautiful replication spanning 40’; this charming landmark is part of Central Pike. Although Foster is a rural area, it’s easily traversed via Route 6, the main thoroughfare, and Routes 94 and 102.
Foster is a hikers paradise with many trails of varying skill levels, lengths and designs. Within the 109 acre Hayfield Property you’ll find four different blazed trails – Hayfield Trail (yellow), Chipmunk Trail (white), Rocky Trail (red) and Pasture Trail (blue). All Hayfield Property trails are open for walking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and trail running. Spencer Pond is a 3.5 mile loop trail with views of the pond and Ponaganset River, great for walking, hiking and bird watching. North South Trail is a meandering 78-mile trail through eight Rhode Island towns, plus a small section in Killingly, CT. North South Trail is the longest continuous trail in Rhode Island spanning from Burrillville in the north to Charlestown/Atlantic Ocean in the south. Eight miles of the NST runs through Foster with many of them being on back country roads. The NST is rated for all skill levels and hikers are surrounded by farms, ponds, mill ruins, stone walls and the beauty of nature. Jerimoth Hill is the highest point in Rhode Island at 812ft. From the peak, most of the state is visible. At only three tenths of a mile from start to peak, and a fairly easy walk/hike, it’s worth the few minutes it takes for the spectacular view that awaits you.
If you would rather golf than hike, you’ll want to visit the Foster Country Club for their beautifully manicured 18-hole course – golf’s best kept secret. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the interesting landscape of this picturesque 6,200 yards long course, which is open to the public. Tavern 19 is the on-site restaurant overlooking the greenway offering an extensive menu including wood fired pizza.
Foster is home to many historic landmarks but none more revered than The Town House. Located in Foster Center at Route 94, The Town House was built in 1795, and is one of the two oldest town houses in the nation still being used for meetings. Inside you can view the Town Scales, which date back to the 1800s. Although Foster has remained untouched by the commercialization seen in most towns, they do have a few local restaurants. Beloved for its down-home breakfasts, Shady Acres Restaurant is family friendly, and was first opened in 1975.
Every year on the last weekend in July, Foster holds its annual Old Home Days celebration on the Foster Fairgrounds behind Town Hall on Howard Hill Road. This 3-day event of all things Americana has been kept alive since its inception in 1904! Foster is home to Legend’s Creek Farm where they manufacture 100% cruelty free, as certified by Leaping Bunny, skincare products made from goat’s milk. Cucumber Hill Farm offers pony rides, hayrides, a corn maze and you can pick your own pumpkins.
Foster is a quaint, authentic New England town with beautiful scenery and quiet charm.
