OFFICIAL 2019 Rhode Island TRAVEL GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Welcome 5 Rhode Island Regions 15 The Foodie
23 The Adventurer 29 The Artist 35 The Historian 41 The Ocean Lover 47 The Family 53 Seasons & Events 63 Tours
65 Where To Stay Providence, Rhode Island Fall in Love with Rhode Island — South County’s should be at the top of your list for Ocean House included in 12 Most Luxurious WELCOME summer getaways this year Valentine’s Day Hotel Packages
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but with more than 400 miles of Cook Your Catch at the Hotel Viking coastline and countless amenities, there’s Rhode Show: It may be the smallest state, but Makes the List of 5 Great Culinary always something new to explore. We’re best Rhode Island goes big on culinary traditions Adventures for Active Food Lovers known for our beautiful beaches, but I expect you’ll be just as enchanted by our exciting arts and cultural attractions and our vibrant culinary scene. Regardless of the length of Newport: An Affordable Winter Block Island’s Mohegan Bluffs and Mansion Beaches your stay, I trust you will find the Ocean State Wonderland in Rhode Island Among the Best Beaches in New England welcoming, accessible and accommodating.
Thank you for visiting, and we hope to see you again soon. Providence named an Awesome Family Trip Charlestown Seafood Festival Made the List of the You’ll Actually Want to Take This Fall Top 2018 Summer Food and Wine Festivals Sincerely,
Providence’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular A cache of restored colonial houses make Named One of the Best Halloween Parties, Newport a mecca for “heritage tourists” Gina M. Raimondo Parades and Festivals of 2018 Governor
1 VisitRhodeIsland.com 2 RHODE ISLAND ISN’T SMALL. It’s fun-sized.
There might be some places that can claim beaches as gorgeous as ours. Or an equally buzzing restaurant and arts scene. Sure, we’re not the only place with fascinating history, family-friendly attractions or a brochure-load of things to do — inside and out.
But there is nowhere that has all this so easily within reach — nothing more than an hour from anything else. In short, we are about as much state as a state can fit into a state.
3 VisitRhodeIsland.com 4 BLACKSTONE VALLEY Drink in the history. And local brews.
With a mix of vibrant diversity and peaceful natural beauty, the region is dotted with old mill villages and new breweries. There are Rhode Island many family-owned farms where you can pick seasonal fruits in the aptly named Apple Slater Mill offers an inspiring exploration of its role as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Valley. Whether you are interested in the history that shaped the nation or the good food REGIONS that will shape your evening, you’ll find it in Wait, Rhode Island has regions? Yup. Believe it or not, Blackstone Valley. despite our diminutive size, we have seven distinct regions. Each brings something unique to your
vacation — from nature to nightlife, history to hiking Blackstone Valley and beaches to bouldering. Head to Lincoln Woods State Park for swimming, hiking, bouldering, and more.
Take a tour and maybe a taste at any of our exceptional breweries, including The Guild (the largest American-made brew house in the country).
5 VisitRhodeIsland.com Mohegan Bluffs – Block Island Try your luck at Twin River Casino. Pedal more than 60 miles of bicycle trails. 6 BLOCK ISLAND BRISTOL COUNTY Lower your blood pressure Peaceful, Pristine & Patriotic — and with sand, salt and birds. other things that don’t start with “p.”
Named one of the “12 Last Great Places in the If you were to describe the quintessential Western Hemisphere” by The Nature Conservancy, New England waterfront town, then you Block Island’s dramatic cliffs, unspoiled beaches could write this paragraph for us. Hundreds of and nature trails make it feel like it’s from another years of history have made the bay an integral era. About 45% of the island is preserved, making it Unspoiled white sand beaches beckon. part of life here: from the wildlife preserves Bristol’s Fourth of July parade is the country’s oldest continuous Independence Day celebration. a favorite stop for migratory birds. Humans seem to and parks, to bike paths and quaint seafood enjoy it, too! Shopping, dining and drinking in the restaurants, all sharing the lengthy waterfront. quaint island town of New Shoreham after a day of You'll find boutiques and historic homes lining swimming, biking or beaching is the perfect antidote the red, white and blue-striped streets. to whatever may be happening on the mainland.
Block Island is a favorite of kayakers Coggeshall Farm immerses you in life and paddleboarders. on a 1790s tenant farm.
Bristol County The stunning 14-mile East Bay Bike Path Lighthouses are majestic reminders of Block Island’s nautical history. hugs the shore from Providence to Bristol.
Block Island
The 45-room Blithewold Mansion is framed The Audubon Environmental Education Center Mohegan Bluffs drop 200 feet to beautiful by truly incredible gardens filled with rare plants 7 VisitRhodeIsland.com Shop, dine, and perfect your chill-out skills in Old Harbor. offers nature-focused programming year-round. 8 beaches and incredible views. and specimen trees. NEWPORT COUNTY PROVIDENCE The dream summer spot for the It’s like a trip to the big city. Vanderbilts, the Astors and the Only you can afford it. (your family name goes here). With the ease of a town and the sophistication of a It began as a colonial port, became the Gilded city, Providence is a revelation to anyone who has Age playground for the country’s wealthiest dealt with the congestion and cost of New York and families, and is now home to our state’s newest Boston. It’s got the same kind of buzzing arts scene, See how America’s wealthiest families summered at Newport mansions, like the Breakers. casino. It was recently named one of the “Top diverse neighborhoods, the iconic Brown University WaterFire is an epic experience that engages all the senses. Add it to your bucket list; it's that incredible. Destinations in the Nation” by Condé Nast and unique shopping — the only difference is you might Traveler. This coastal haven is so dense with actually be able to find a parking space. Named the great food, historic sites, boating, beaches and “Best City for Foodies,” it’s a beautiful, walkable city— sunsets that it just might break your Instagram. which is important because, as any seasoned traveler knows: the more you walk, the more you can eat…
Start your engines and head over to the Newport Car Museum featuring a private collection of Walking tours (self-guided or with a group) are an enjoyable way to explore Providence. over 60 automobiles from 1950 to present day. Providence
Play tennis on the legendary grass courts of the Live “la bella vita” among Federal Hill’s unique shops, International Tennis Hall of Fame. great restaurants, and piazza with its iconic fountain. Credit: Erin McGinn Credit:
Newport County
Touro Synagogue is America’s oldest Jewish The world-famous Cliff Walk: unspoiled coastline on one Roger Williams Park Zoo thrills and Providence is the perfect home base for 9 VisitRhodeIsland.com 10 house of worship, dedicated in 1763. side, breathtaking Gilded Age architecture on the other. educates children of all ages. your excursions on land or sea. SOUTH COUNTY WARWICK & WEST BAY More beaches than you have Somehow manages to be both in vacation time. the center and on the coast.
It’s hard to believe that there are 100 miles of “Central” because it’s close to everything, coastline and 20 public beaches in our southern- home to the state’s international airport most region, but there are. We checked (tough (named the third-best in America), and loaded job, I know). Hike or bike through forests and with attractions, parks and shopping. “Coastal” Do stay a while, won’t you? Choose a luxurious triple-five-star resort like the Ocean House, a local inn or a cozy B&B. Gaspee Days is an annual celebration of Rhode Island’s first strike for nature preserves. Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard because its location on the western side of independence, one year before the Boston Tea Party. along inland waterways. Savor coastal cuisine, Narragansett Bay gives it the beaches, boats and tour a craft brewery or distillery. Ride a Credit: John Woodmansee and beauty you sensibly assumed the Ocean surfboard at Narragansett Beach or a helicopter State would have. along the coastline. There is so much to do that, if you’re bored, it’s because you choose to be.
Someone once said, “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” We beg to differ. Sample craft beer at Apponaug Brewery. Warwick & West Bay With 20 public beaches to choose from, C & L Stables will take you on a horseback riding tour along the you have plenty of places to explore. shoreline of beautiful Goddard Memorial State Park.
South County
If you like local history, you’ll love our 16 museums, Our nature preserves are great for biking, hiking, The region’s farms offer corn mazes and other seasonal Rocky Point State Park sits on 120 acres, with fishing access, 11 VisitRhodeIsland.com including the Gilbert Stuart Museum. bird-watching, or just standing still and breathing. activities (not to mention fresh local produce). a paved walking path and over 150 years of history. ENOUGH ABOUT US. WHO ARE YOU? You are unique and there's no one else quite like you on Earth. We couldn't print 7 billion different brochures, so instead, we created six categories of travelers to both inspire your travel planning and help you hone in on the kind of fun you want to have.
13 VisitRhodeIsland.com 14 — THE — FOODIE
“From fine-dining in private dining rooms to craft breweries in historical mills, there are plenty of culinary delights at this conveniently located destination. Come hungry.” - Departures
15 VisitRhodeIsland.com 16 THE FOODIE You have strong feelings about paprika. You know what orzo and ouzo are. You named your daughter James Beard. Well, we are home to the prestigious culinary school, Johnson and Wales University. We have a booming local farming community, an array of award-winning restaurants and a literal ocean of fresh seafood. Rhode Island needs to be on your bucket list.
17 VisitRhodeIsland.com 18 TASTE
Olneyville wieners are NOT hot dogs. The Modern Diner was the first diner named to the Hot or cold, there’s no wrong way to eat a lobster roll. RHODE ISLAND End of discussion. National Register of Historic Places. FAVORITES
We take our food seriously. We even named No better lunch than “chowda” and clam cakes. 19 VisitRhodeIsland.com Del’s frozen lemonade is the best summer treat ever invented anywhere. calamari our official state appetizer. Please don’t call them clam “fritters.” 1. Ravenous Brewery 8. White Dog Distilling 16. Nickle Creek Vineyard 24. Ragged Island Brewing Company 32. Newport Distilling Company 37. Tapped Apple Winery This “nano” brewery (smaller than a Small farm winery on beautiful Specializes in small-production, Share in their passion for indulgent liquids. Taste single barrel rum in the three stages Features unique hand-crafted wines made microbrewery) makes its ales with small Route 1A with daily wine tastings. handcrafted wines that offer uniqueness Tastings in the taproom; you’re invited to of the aging process. Self-guided tours any from the freshest apples each season. CHEERS! equipment that requires true physical 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket and quality. 12 King Road, Foster bring your own food. time; guided tours daily. 37 High Street, Westerly involvement from the brewers. 200 Highpoint Avenue, 6B, Portsmouth 293 JT Connell Hwy, Newport With so many new vineyards, distilleries and a booming craft beer 840 Cumberland Hill Road, Woonsocket 9. Rhode Island Spirits 17. Revival Brewing Company 38. Langworthy Farm Winery Locally sourced varieties of gin, Makes beers the way they should be 25. Tilted Barn Brewery 33. Shaidzon Beer Company Small farm winery on beautiful scene, for a minute we thought it might actually be easier to list 2. Diamond Hill Vineyards vodkas and liqueurs. made: bold, furious and full of passion. Small farm brewery offers tours, tastings Visit their tasting room to see just what Route 1A with daily wine tastings. who’s not making smooth, small-batch booze here in Rhode Island. Commended for its fruit and berry 59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket 505 Atwood Avenue, Cranston and growler fill. Visit to see the ingredients they mean when they say “Inspired globally. 308 Shore Road, Westerly wines, pinot noir blanc wines and its they grow and use in each batch of beer. Brewed locally.” latest vintage of pinot noir. 10. Providence Brewing Company 18. Buttonwoods Brewery 1 Hemsley Place, Exeter 141 Fairgrounds Road, West Kingston 39. Mohegan Café & Brewery 1 3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland Pet-friendly, food trucks and an outdoor Known for imaginative brews and Deep menu and a home brewer 2 deck make for a great beer scene. unique takes on classic styles. Enjoy 26. Greenvale Vineyards 34. Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Company turned local legend. 3. Purple Cat Vineyard and Winery 1920 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence samples in their taproom, and take Award-winning wines, five white wines, Learn about the brewing and distillation 213 Water Street, Block Island 3 Small-batch handcrafted wines, home a growler of your favorite. three reds, and live jazz on Saturdays process while sampling their internationally Blackstone4 Valley plus a bistro with a healthy menu, 11. Smug Brewing 30 Wellington Avenue, Cranston from May through November. acclaimed spirits, whiskey, or beer. 6 5 7 teas, javas and smoothies. Premium barley and sought-after 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth 1425 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown 8 9 10 11 11 Money Hill Road, Chepachet hops make for bold, original brews. 19. Apponaug Brewing Company 12 13 Providence 14 15 100 Carver Street, Pawtucket Great beer and food in the energy 27. Coddington Brewing Company 35. Whalers Brewing Company 17 16 4. Mulberry Vineyards of a working brewery. Hand-crafted on premise. All ales and Bold, flavorful, unpretentious brews. 18 Warwick & West Bay 14 years studying the R.I. terroir has 12. Trinity Brewhouse 334 Knight Street, Warwick lagers are 100% natural. Bring your own food to their vibrant, led to some of the state’s best wines. One of the first brew pubs in 210 Coddington Highway, Middletown dog-friendly taproom. 19 20 Bristol County 95 Pound Road, Chepachet New England; now one of the premiere 20. Proclamation Ale Company 1174 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown restaurants in the state and the largest Ever-expanding brewery in southern 28. Newport Vineyards 21 5. Foolproof Brewing Company brewery in Providence. Rhode Island specializing in hops/sours. Grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, 36. Grey Sail Brewing of RI 22 The largest brewery in the state of Rhode 186 Fountain Street, Providence 298 Kilvert Street, Warwick Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Recognized for quality craft beer. 23 Island, brewing more than a dozen beers. and Riesling. Tours and tastings daily, Come for the beer and stay for the 24 241 Grotto Avenue, Pawtucket 13. Union Station Brewery 21. LineSider Brewing Company restaurant on site. bocce, fire pits, and pizza oven. 25 Housed in the original Providence Train A destination brewery and taproom 909 East Main Road, Middletown 63 Canal Street, Westerly Newport County 6. Crooked Current Brewery Station, this casual and lively brewery offers serving local small batch beer. 27 28 26 30 South County 31 29 A 375-square-foot microbrewery and classic pub fare and an outdoor patio. 1485 South County Trail, East Greenwich 29. Taproot Brewing Company 32 33 gallery illustrating Rhode Island’s incidents 36 Exchange Terrace, Providence Unfiltered hop-forward beers fresh 34 of political corruption. 22. Leyden Farm Vineyards & Winery from the farm brewery to your glass. 35 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket 14. Verde Vineyards Unique wines created from farm-grown 909 East Main Road, Middletown Picnic in the vineyards overlooking the lake. strawberries, blueberries and grapes. 36 7. The Guild Tours and tastings available. 160 Plain Meeting House Road, West Greenwich 30. Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard Home to Narragansett Brewing Company, 50 Hopkins Avenue, Johnston 37 Many of their wines have received 38 Newburyport Brewing Company, Devil’s 23. Beer on Earth domestic and international awards. Purse Brewing Company and Farmer Willie’s 15. Long Live Beerworks Worldly styles, thoughtfully crafted. 162 West Main Road, Little Compton Breweries Craft Ginger Beer. Full-service taproom. Great beer with a focus on hop-forward ales. 6670 Post Road, North Kingstown 461 Main Street, Pawtucket Offers a weekly cask-conditioned release. 31. Newport Storm Brewery Vineyards 425 W. Fountain Street #104, Providence Try their flagship Hurricane Amber Ale, seasonal brews, or an aged brew from 39 Block Distilleries Island their “Barrelatory.” 293 JT Connell Hwy, Newport
21 VisitRhodeIsland.com 22 THE ADVENTURER
“Lincoln Woods is a boulderer's paradise... people have been climbing there since the 1930's.” - rockclimbing.com
23 VisitRhodeIsland.com 24 THE ADVENTURER You crave adrenaline the way the rest of us crave potato chips. Go jump in a lake, take a hike and get out of town aren’t insulting dismissals — they are your weekend plans. Believe it or not, 59% of the state is forested, with the rest covered in lakes, beaches, rivers and ocean. From surfing to rock climbing to mountain biking , a Rhode Island vacation is sure to keep you moving.
25 VisitRhodeIsland.com 26 Catch some of the most challenging waves in New England at Narragansett Town Beach. Lincoln Woods is one of New England’s Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way most popular bouldering locations. to explore inlets and marshes. THE MISSION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT
Pedal the beautiful 14-mile East Bay Bike Path from Providence to Bristol. Try parasailing on Block Island. Enjoy a great workout on peaceful cross-country trails.
27 VisitRhodeIsland.com Mountain biking in Arcadia Management Area. Hit the slopes at Yawgoo Valley. Block Island is a top destination for birding year-round. Skydive and get a bird's-eye view. 28 The artist “Providence has kept a great openness and a great taste for freedom. It is a welcoming and lively city, which is defined as the capital of creativity.” - Le Journal de Quebec
29 VisitRhodeIsland.com 30 ar s The
Everyone feels things. But you feel them. You are cultured, open-minded, attuned to beauty in all its forms and not at all susceptible to brochures that shamelessly flatter you. Home to the world-renowned Rhode Island School of Design and a remarkable density of museums, galleries and theaters, Rhode Island can fill you with as much beauty as your sensitive soul can handle.
31 VisitRhodeIsland.com 32 rhode island a vacation masterpiece
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Mixed Magic Theatre Stadium Theatre
Rhythm & Roots Festival Audrain Automobile Museum The Community Players
33 VisitRhodeIsland.com RISD Museum Glass Float Project on Block Island Yes! Gallery Sculptures along South Water Street in Providence 34 — THE — HISTORIAN
“Newport is about the moneyed who came here to play, their stories and their homes, and their joys and their disappointments. And that never gets old.” - Boston Common
35 VisitRhodeIsland.com 36 — THE — HISTORIAN
While society is obsessed with the new, you know that true meaning is found in the old. So, you’ll find a lot of meaning in Rhode Island. Feisty from the beginning, we were the first colony to declare independence from England and the last to ratify the Constitution. Our independent spirit is still alive in everything we do. ∞
37 VisitRhodeIsland.com 38 Built in 1895, the Looff Carousel features Roger Williams looks over the city from Prospect Terrace. The Van Wickle Gates at Brown University 66 carved figures and a band organ.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame preserves and promotes Major General Nathanael Greene Historic Conimicut Lighthouse the game’s history and celebrates its champions. Homestead in Coventry
Experience 200 years of history at Built in 1810, Linden Place features some of the The First Baptist Church in America was 39 VisitRhodeIsland.com Rough Point 40 Hearthside House in Lincoln. best Federal architecture in New England. established by Roger Williams in 1638. “Without a doubt, Rhode Island is home to some of New England’s best beaches.” - Travel Channel
41 VisitRhodeIsland.com 42 The sea calls to you like a persistent telemarketer. Your day feels like a failure if it doesn’t end with salt in your hair and sand in your shoes. You consider wetsuits to be the height of fashion. With nearly 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island is a place where you can do just about anything that takes place in, on, under and around the water.
43 VisitRhodeIsland.com 44 Narragansett Town Beach New Harbor Inlet Jet ski off Conimicut Point Beach
Easton’s Beach Roger W. Wheeler State Beach Atlantic Beach
45 VisitRhodeIsland.com Ocean House Cabana Deep-sea fishing charters Winter surfing at Sachuest Beach 46 For the FAMILY
“Awesome family trips you’ll actually want to take this fall.” - Men’s Journal
47 VisitRhodeIsland.com 48 For the FAMILY You think peace and quiet are overrated. You stopped being embarrassed by your minivan years ago. You have long understood that you don’t have kids, they have you. And you’ll see the advantages of visiting a fun-sized state immediately as you spend your time having fun, instead of getting to the fun.
49 VisitRhodeIsland.com 50 Newport International Polo is fun for the whole family. Ice bumper cars at the Alex and Ani City Center. Explore the Biomes Marine Biology Center.
Go apple picking at one of Point Judith Lighthouse sits at the entrance of Narragansett Bay. Milk and ice cream straight from the source at Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery. our many orchards.
The “WE’LL GET THERE WHEN WE—OH, WE’RE THERE” Itinerary Discover the Blackstone River Valley 51 VisitRhodeIsland.com Soaring Eagle Zip Ride at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Build a cairn at West Beach on Block Island. 52 on an Explorer River Tour. FUN ALL YEAR LONG
The variety of the seasons practically turns Rhode Island into four different states — yet we only charge you for one! You’re welcome!
53 VisitRhodeIsland.com 54 SPRING March April May The days get longer. The air softer. The plants start doing 63rd Newport Blithewold: Misquamicut SpringFest some serious showing off. The trails of Block Island become St. Patrick’s Day Parade Gateway to Spring May 10 – 12 hiding places for the Glass Float Project’s orbs (Google it; March 16 April 1 – May 31 it’s very cool). The Daffodil Days Festival in Newport is Newport Waterfront spectacular. Which, of course, gets the tulips at the Wicked Narragansett Spring Wickford Daffodil Days Oyster Festival Tulip Farm to say “Hold my beer…” Walk the scenic mile Restaurant Week April 13 – 14 May 17 – 19 of America’s most impressive collection of Colonial homes, March 21– 31 churches and museums along Benefit Street in Providence. Eat Drink RI Festival Gaspee Days Or see America’s most handsome seals (in our totally New England April 24 – 27 Arts & Crafts Festival unbiased opinion) on a Seal Watch with Save the Bay. Craft Beer, Wine & May 25 – 27 Food Festival Newport Craft Beer Festival March 24 April 27 Block Island Maritime Institute Chowda' Fest Salute to Spring May 26 Food Truck Fridays Bonjour Printemps April – September March 24 Blackstone Valley Explorer River Tours (Sundays) May 26 – October 20
WaterFire May – November
55 VisitRhodeIsland.com For a comprehensive annual events calendar, go to VisitRhodeIsland.com/events SUMMER June July August We have an absurd number and variety of beaches — from SVF Foundation 234th Bristol Fourth 65th Newport Jazz Festival the quiet, undeveloped expanse of East Beach to the Annual Visitors Day of July Parade August 2 – 4 rollicking scene at Ballard’s Beach. The calendar is packed June 8 July 4 Flickers' Rhode Island with music, arts, sports and food festivals. We Fourth of Gaspee Days Parade 57th Wickford International Film Festival July like a boss with the nation’s oldest continuous parade June 8 Art Festival August 6 – 11 and fireworks everywhere you look. The only event that July 13 – 14 can touch the Newport Jazz Festival is the Newport Folk 19th Block Island 36th Annual Festival. Meanwhile, Providence goes big with the arts Music Festival International Tennis Black Ships Festival extravaganza, PVDFest and, a couple weeks later, with the June 11 – 16 Hall of Fame Open August 9 – 11 epic party that is PrideFest. July 14 – 21 44th PrideFest & 53rd Washington Illuminated Night Parade Hamilton at Providence County Fair June 15 Performing Arts Center August 14 – 18 July 23 – August 11 37th Annual NecronomiCon Narragansett Art Festival August 22 – 25 June 22 – 23 Rhythm & Roots Festival Newport International August 30 – September 1 Polo Series 28 June – September
57 VisitRhodeIsland.com For a comprehensive annual events calendar, go to VisitRhodeIsland.com/events FALL September October November The trees explode into the most unlikely colors, and the Rhode Island Calamari Festival Audrain's Newport Rhode Island Comic Con crisp, cool days are energizing. Explore the foliage hiking September 7 Concours & Motor Week November 1 – 3 a state park, aboard a train or on a rail bike. Amaze October 3 – 6 yourself at just how many apples you think you need as Audubon Society of Newport Harbor Rhode Island Raptor Weekend Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Illuminated Boat Parade you pick your own at local orchards like Jaswell’s Farm. September 7 – 8 October 3 – November 3 November 29 Blackstone Valley’s Autumnfest brings everyone together for food, music, fireworks, arts and crafts, and more. And Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Fright Night in Slater Park Pawtucket Wintertime in Providence, the Roger Williams Park Zoo puts on the Races & Taiwan Day Festival (Weekends) October 4 – 26 Farmers Market September 7 November – April appropriately named Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular with 45th Annual Norman Bird 5,000 extraordinary carved and lit pumpkins. Misquamicut FallFest Sanctuary Harvest Fair Trinity Rep's September 13 – 15 October 5 – 6 A Christmas Carol November 7 – December 28 32nd Annual Apple Festival 53rd Scituate Arts Festival September 14 – 15 October 12 – 14 The Polar Express Experience Block Island Train Ride September 27 – 29 29th Annual Bowen’s Wharf November 15 – December 22 Seafood Festival Newport Mansions October 19 – 20 Block Island Holiday Wine & Food Festival Shopping Stroll Weekend September 19 – 22 Westerly Restaurant Week November 29 – December 1 October 20 – 27 Pawtucket Arts Festival September 1 – 30
59 VisitRhodeIsland.com For a comprehensive annual events calendar, go to VisitRhodeIsland.com/events 2020 2020 WINTER December January February Winter does amazing things to Rhode Island. The inns get Christmas at the Providence Flea Frostbite Bash at cozier. The beaches get more dramatic. The restaurants Newport Mansions Winter Markets Herreshoff Marine Museum more romantic. Tour a winery, take in a show at Trinity November 22 – January 2 January – April February 8 Rep, or visit one of the Newport mansions where they really know how to deck those halls. Journey with the family to Christmas at Blithewold Polar Bear Plunge 24th Annual November 29 – January 1 the tropical rainforest at the Roger Williams Park Zoo or January 1 WINEterfest Weekend take the family on the Polar Express — a train ride from February 15 - 16 Providence Winter Woonsocket to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, 23rd Annual Holiday Shopping Stroll & Luminaria Restaurant Weeks candy canes and, of course, the big guy himself. 32nd Newport December 4 January 12 – 25 Winter Festival Slater Mill Knitting TBD Step into the Holidays Weekend & Fiber Market at Clouds Hill Victorian January 11 – 12 Beach Polo House Museum February 22 – 23 December 8, 14 – 15, 21, Mount Hope and by appointment from Farmers Market December 8– 27 U.S. Synchronized (Saturdays) Year-round Skating Championships February 25 – March 1
61 VisitRhodeIsland.com For a comprehensive annual events calendar, go to VisitRhodeIsland.com/events WALKING TOURS FOOD & DRINK TOURS GUIDED TOURS BOAT TOURS With so much so close, it’s like Rhode Island was designed for self-guided Food is at the heart of Rhode Island culture. A tour of Federal Hill (one of the country’s Soak up some local knowledge — and our wicked awesome accent — on one of the We are the Ocean State — name a boat and we can probably give you a tour walking tours. Explore Providence’s rich history or, if you can work up top seven Little Italies, we are told) is a delightful mix of history, eating and shopping. many guided tours available around the state. On a guided tour, you benefit from on one. Cruise on the Prohibition-era Rum Runner II or a schooner through the courage, check out its haunted sites or H.P. Lovecraft’s favorite creepy Down in South County, you can explore the fascinating world of aquaculture, and the knowledge of an experienced leader who can share details and anecdotes Newport Harbor. Take the Explorer Riverboat up the Blackstone River or score hangouts. Down in Newport, the majestic Cliff Walk shouldn’t be missed, and forever change your relationship with oysters after having them fresh out of the ocean that bring the tour — and its subject — to life. Newport Movie Tours show you major romance points on an authentic Venetian gondola with La Gondola. the Newport Historical Society’s walking trails are a great family activity. at Matunuck Oyster Farm. Or explore Central Falls and its range of exotic global eats. locations immortalized in classic and contemporary films. Helicopter tours over Take the family on a swan boat in Roger Williams Park. Or cruise Narragansett Check out Rhode Island’s booming craft beer scene aboard the Rhode Island Brew Bus Newport or Block Island give you a bird’s-eye view of the Ocean State. And the Bay on a lighthouse or seal-watching tour. Kayaks and canoes can be rented for a as it makes the rounds from brewery to brewery. Or if you’re feeling more Champagne Nature Conservancy offers fascinating nature-focused experiences at beautiful day of exploring the ponds on Block Island. Fishing boats can be chartered year- than beer, enjoy an elegant meal and a scenic trip on the Newport Dinner Train. places all around the state. round for deep-sea fishing.
63 VisitRhodeIsland.com 64 outdoor activities. outdoor luxurious antiques. Charlestown Breachway Breachway Charlestown George Washington State State Washington George Campground is within walking is within walking Campground Edgewood Manor Inn is a Greek Inn is a Greek Manor Edgewood distance of Block Island Sound. of distance Revival mansion furnished with mansion furnished Revival Campground offers a multitude of multitude of a offers Campground
Credit: RI DEM Spend a night at the at Spend a night B&B in the heart of Newport. B&B in the heart of Bradford Dimond Norris House. Bradford Admiral Fitzroy Inn is a warm, friendly warm, Inn is a Fitzroy Admiral amenities at Whispering Pines Campground. Whispering amenities at Tents, trailers, and RVs are welcome to enjoy the the to enjoy welcome are RVs and trailers, Tents, rooms in a Victorian B&B. Victorian in a rooms The Blue Dory Inn offers comfortable comfortable The Blue Dory Inn offers Live like a lighthouse keeper, and stay at the Rose Island Lighthouse. at and stay keeper, a lighthouse like Live Weekapaug Inn is known for elegant elegant for Inn is known Weekapaug accommodations and farm-to-table dining. and farm-to-table accommodations Hotel Viking is a downtown Newport icon and a favorite of visitors. visitors. of icon and a favorite Newport Viking is a downtown Hotel The Ocean House is one of only eight Forbes Triple Five-Star Hotels in the country. Hotels Five-Star Triple Forbes only eight The Ocean House is one of
From five-star luxury resorts to the infinite stars of the night sky over a a over sky the night of stars the infinite to resorts luxury five-star From boutique hotels, B&Bs to hip urban cozy one-of-a-kind from campground, can think of. you accommodation kind of much any has pretty Rhode Island can’t. you a few And probably centrally located Nylo. located centrally The Dean Hotel offers a hip, urban offers The Dean Hotel respite in the heart of Providence. in the heart of respite Modern industrial design converts design converts Modern industrial historic Pontiac Mills into the chic and Mills into Pontiac historic
WHERE STAY TO in a historic Newport mansion. Newport in a historic The Vanderbilt is a luxurious boutique hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel Vanderbilt The The Spring House Hotel offers breathtaking views. views. breathtaking offers The Spring House Hotel
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