Photo: Juliancolton, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Misquamicut is the stretch of barrier beach along Atlantic Avenue in Westerly. It is lined with motels, beach bars, arcades, mini golf and rental cottages, and it fills up every summer weekend.
Storms
The 1938 hurricane destroyed nearly every building on the beach and killed dozens of people in the area. The strip was rebuilt in the decades that followed.
In 2012 Hurricane Sandy pushed sand and water across Atlantic Avenue and damaged many businesses. Owners worked through the winter to reopen by the following summer. The Misquamicut Business Association and the state organized cleanup and helped draw visitors back.
Seasonal economy
Misquamicut State Beach, run by the state, is one of the most popular beaches in Rhode Island, and parking revenue is significant. Businesses along the strip earn most of their money between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Events such as the Misquamicut Spring Fling, a carnival held in late spring, help stretch the season.
Rising seas and stronger storms are an ongoing question for the strip. Some owners have raised buildings or added flood protections, and the state has studied long-term options for the shoreline.
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