If you’re planning a trip to the east coast of the United States, be sure not to miss the little gem that is Rhode Island. Although it’s the smallest of the fifty states, “the Ocean State” has countless things for the traveller to explore.
Summer and fall are ideal times of the year to visit Rhode Island. The tiny state boasts over four hundred miles of coastline, definitely check out the many bays, inlets and beaches. With sand castle contests, surf lessons and a long stretch of sand that leads you to the mouth of Narrow River, Narragansett Town Beach this is an ideal place to spend a day in the sun. Travel a bit further south and you’ll come to Misquamicut State Beach. With a good half mile of beach, great facilities and plenty of parking, you are sure to enjoy the essence of the Ocean State!
While you’re in southern Rhode Island soaking up the sun, make your way to Newport. A quintessential New England city, Newport is best known for the Newport Mansions along the three-and-a-half mile recreational trail, the Cliff Walk. One could easily spend a day walking along the coastline, admiring the flora and touring the mansions that were “summer white house’s” to Eisenhower and Kennedy.
If you’re looking to get some exercise or simply feel the cool ocean breeze, this small state has developed a great system of bike trails. With over one hundred miles of bike path already constructed, there are many paths to choose from. One of the most popular bike trails just so happens to be the first one built – the East Bay Bike Path. The fifteen mile trail starts in India Point Park in Providence and runs through the four cities of East Providence, Barrington, Warren and Bristol. Warren and Bristol are great places to stop and grab a bite to eat and browse the art galleries and quaint shops that line their streets.
For any history buff, Rhode Island is a treasure of historic landmarks. From Fort Adams in Newport to the first enclosed shopping mall in the nation, The Arcade, Rhode Island is packed with twenty percent of the country’s historic landmarks. If you prefer museums rather than actual landmarks, there are a handful of maritime museums, living history museums, art museums, lighthouse museums and state parks with information on the state’s rich past.
The capital city of Providence is culturally rich and historically preserved for its visitors to enjoy. The section of “Little Italy” is a wonderful place to grab some authentic Italian food; the preserved colonial, Victorian and federal houses are impressive views into the past; the Trinity Repertory and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) are ideal if you’d like to experience fine arts and theatrical performances; Waterplace Park, with its cobblestone walkways and fountain along the Providence River, is an outdoor haven for city dwellers in the warmer months. Once a month in the summertime, the river lights up with braziers for WaterFire. Visitors can take a relaxing twilight ride in a gondola to soak in the music and atmosphere, or participate in ballroom dancing on the streets of the city. Providence is a lively, fun city, filled with art, history and award-winning restaurants – what are you waiting for?
