Rhode Island - 60 Great Things to Do in Rhode Island

Ten Great Things to Do in East Bay Rhode Island

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A Treasure Hunt on the Farm

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Grace Note Farm , also known as the Benjamin Smith homestead farm (c. 1730), is nestled in the northwestern Rhode Island town of Burrillville, adjacent to the George Washington Management area. The farm’s host, Virginia, welcomes guests and their horses for equestrian vacations complete with plenty of riding trails, pasture, and accommodations for man and beast. The farm also hosts single-day farm-based activities and adventures, like an outdoor treasure hunt for families with young children. The theme of the treasure hunt is learning about the wild and domesticated animals and plants that share the farm, fields, and woods. Children find nature-related treasures on the self-guided walk while adults pipe up with information from a customized guidebook. Children and families can also sign up for a session of baking and eating “hoe bread,” an old form of cornbread. Advance reservations required. Phone: 401-567-0354.

America's Industrial Revolution Born Here

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The Slater Mill Historic Site on Roosevelt Avenue in Pawtucket is where the Industrial Revolution was born in America. In the Slater Mill itself, visitors are surrounded by vintage textile machinery. With expert commentary from costumed interpreters they can imagine the lives of the people – many of them children – who made the early mills come alive. In the nearby Wilkinson Mill they can feel the throb of the great 16,000-pound mill wheel, a replica of the original wheel that harnessed the power of the Blackstone River. Children can provide the power and operate miniature machinery in the Apprentice Alcove. And in the Sylvanus Brown House they can look back to a time when spinning, weaving, cooking and quilting were the stuff of everyday life. Phone: 401-725-8638

Artwork From Watercolor Masters

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The dreamy landscapes and historic cityscapes of New England are ideal fodder for watercolorists. The Rhode Island Watercolor Society, with more than 300 members, provides artists and the general public the opportunity to view, purchase, exhibit, and learn about watercolor art. Located in a historic lakeside boathouse on Armistice Boulevard in Slater Memorial Park in Pawtucket, the society features an art gallery, library, and studio space. The gallery hosts 15 shows per year, including a National Watermedia Competition. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Phone: 401-726-1876.

Bed and Breakfast on the River

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A bed-and-breakfast that floats? The Samuel Slater Canal Boat, built in Cambridgeshire, England, offers guests a scenic cruise on the historic Blackstone River and overnight luxury accommodations with breakfast. An extra fee brings a sumptuous New England clambake dinner. Day trips include a traditional British Tea tour. The canal boat docks at Madeira Avenue in Central Falls. During the cruise, you'll observe wildlife such as swans, deer, great blue herons, turtles and more. Travelers aboard this amazing cruise are pleasantly surprised by the beauty and uniqueness that the river offers. Phone: 401-724-2200

Blackstone Cuisine on Tour

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The Blackstone Valley of Rhode Island, known as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution because it was the site of the country’s earliest textile mills, also has many layers of ethnic culture brought by the French-Canadian, Irish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, and Asian people who have lived and worked there. Now, the Blackstone tourism people have organized a Secret Ingredient Food and Beverage Tour , where visitors can taste and see the preparation of foods from many cultures that have made their way to the Blackstone. Cuisines from Colombian to Cape Verdean to Chinese are featured on the tour each Wednesday from June 3 to October 7, 2009. Each dining event includes a cooking demonstration and a meal or tasting, depending on the venue. See schedule and more details at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center website or call 401-724-2200.

Blues, Jazz and Egg Rolls at Chan’s

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Since 1965, Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining on Main Street in Woonsocket has been a legendary place to take in a Chinese dinner followed by a close-up, live performance by masters of jazz, blues, folk, cabaret, and comedy in a sophisticated nightclub setting. Your host is John Chan, son of the founder, who greets and seats guests in family-style tables close to the best music to be found anywhere on the East Coast. Music is live and vibrant every weekend and some weeknights, including open mic nights once a month. Some upcoming performers include Duke Robillard Band, Commander Cody, Bellevue Cadillac, Ana Popvic Band, Lil’ Ed and the Blue Imperials, and more great jazz and blues. Silk ties and high heeled shoes are right in style at this place of glitter, fun, and excellent music. Phone: 401-765-1900.

Chef Sanjiv Dhar Presents
Indian Cuisine at Rasoi

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Historically, the ethnic groups that set down roots in the Blackstone Valley were French Canadian and Irish, with heavy dollops of Portuguese and others. In recent years, the pool of ethnic flavors has expanded. What that means for food lovers is the presence of Rasoi, a restaurant on East Avenue in Pawtucket that serves the regional cuisines of India. Rasoi, which is the Hindi word for kitchen, is the fruition of a dream by Chef Sanjiv Dhar and his team to balance healthy food, personalized service, and Indian culture. Rasoi offers a vegetarian, dairy- and gluten-free buffet brunch on Saturday and mixed buffet brunch on Sundays. Entertainment includes belly dancing every third Wednesday. Phone: 401-728-5500

Culture and History of French-Canadian
Mill Workers on Display

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The Museum of Work and Culture on South Main Street in Woonsocket presents the story of the French Canadians who left the farms of Quebec for the factories of the New England area. It showcases the remarkable story of a people's preservation of their faith, language and customs and their acculturation into the working class of America. Entering the museum, guests cross the threshold of a Quebecois farmhouse to encounter a habitant's life and family in the pre-industrial era. Other exhibits are the shop floor of a textile mill; storytelling on the front porch of a triple-decker; a 1920s classroom; and a 1930s Independent Textile Union Hall. A walk through the museum tells the vivid story of the lives of working-class people in New England from the pre-World War era to the present. Phone: 401-769-WORK.

Don’t Forget Your Helmet

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On the Blackstone River Bikeway, cyclists can enjoy a 10-mile stretch of scenic, car-free, bicycle-induced bliss extending from Central Falls, through Lincoln and into Cumberland. The mighty waters of the Blackstone, once known as “America’s hardest working river,” used to be the power source for numerous mills during the industrial revolution. For bike path users this means miles of peaceful wooded river punctuated by some beautiful brick reminders of our nation’s faded industrial past. Ultimately, the bikeway will extend a full 48 miles and connect the cities of Providence, RI and Worcester, MA, serving as an alternate mode of transportation for commuters.

Hand-Made Crafts Shine at the Country Store

Things Made Wonderful Country Store on Danielson Pike in Foster is a wonderful country/primitive store with handmade décor and a warming and inviting staff. Usually, you’ll find a nice mixture of primitive handmade crafts, antiques, and other country items like berry garlands and sheep’s wool placemats. There is also an assortment of made in Rhode Island souvenirs to bring back from the Ocean State. Phone: 401-647-7555

History in Stone

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With historic houses, farms and mills, the Great Road Historic District in Lincoln (Route 123) retains much of the Blackstone River Valley's 19th-century rural character. Memorable places to see life of 150 years ago include Hearthside, a 19th-century mansion; the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop; and the Butterfly Gardens at Chase Farm.

It’s a Theater, Not a Stadium

The Stadium Theatre in Monument Square in Woonsocket, listed on the National Historic Register, is one of the nation’s finest examples of restored art and décor and the home of Encore Repertory Company. The range and variety of performers at the Stadium is vast: classic plays, comedy, music by The royalty of Doo-Wop and cherry Poppin’ Daddies, comedy by Loretta LaRoche, Plays like “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “A Christmas Carol” and other holiday spectaculars. Phone: 401-762-4545.

The River Where American Industry Began

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Stop by the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center on Main Street in Pawtucket to get your bearings as you explore this region, where the mightly Blackstone River combined with the ingenuity of Samuel Slater brought about the birth of the the American Industrial Revolution (learn all about it at Slater Mill in Pawtucket). The Blackstone River Valley is rich in culture, history, ethnic dining, and recreational activities. The Visitor Center is the place to start your exploration. Phone: 800-454-2882

Twice the Gambling Fun at the Twin

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The Twin River casino and greyhound race track opened in 2007 on the site of the old Lincoln Greyhound Park at Twin River Road in the town of Lincoln. With 300,000 square feet of gaming space, 4,700 slot machines, virtual blackjack and roulette tables, gamblers have plenty of gaming opportunities to choose from. The casino is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. and around the clock on weekends. Twin River’s live greyhound racing features the best in the business as the greyhounds compete for some of the highest purses in the industry. This gambling destination also offers plenty of good dining, and Fred & Steve's Steakhouse and the Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant. Live entertainment include Catch a Rising Star comedy every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and concerts by national headliners. Phone: 877-82-RIVER

Books, Glorious Books

A relaxed afternoon in a good bookstore is as good excuse as we can think of for a day trip to Block Island. Set between the Post Office and Harry’s Café, Island Bound Bookstore offers lots of room to relax and browse. Island Bound stocks the island's widest variety of fine literature for all ages. Readers will find New York Times best sellers, current pulp and hard-bound fiction and a generous offering of nonfiction, including titles on Block Island, boating, cooking, gardening and more. An inviting children's section offers fun activities for rainy days. Open daily, year-round.

Coastal Farm Offers
Peaceful Walks and Wonderful Vistas

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The rolling hills and ocean vistas of Block Island are magical in all seasons. One place to walk, take photos, watch the birds, and enjoy fantastic views is the Lewis-Dickens Farm on Coonymus Road, a refuge operated by of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. On this lovely property, coastal grasslands set on the bluffs above the Atlantic provide habitat for raptors and passerines. Walk in from the entry on the south side of Cooneymus Road near West Side Road intersection. Phone: 401-949-5454

Ferry for Fun

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A big part of the fun of Block Island is simply getting there. The Block Island Ferry departs from Point Judith – nosing its way out of a cluster of commercial fishing boats -- and the 30-minute ride is a mellow outdoor adventure. The ferry can accommodate cars and bikes, and bicycles and mopeds are available for rent on the island.

Shad in Bloom

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Rodman's Hollow, a 230-acre glacial basin, offers several miles of criss-crossing walking trails and spectacular views of the ocean. The hollow explodes with large, white flowers in late May when the shadbush (Amelanchier Canadensis) blooms. The hollow is located near the Atlantic flyway, so fall and spring bring large populations of migrating birds and avid bird-watchers.

Start Digging

How could you not walk want to explore a jewelry story named Golddiggers , which happens to be on Chapel Street on Block Island. The name alone is refreshingly blunt, like “come and get me.” Block Island is a dream for shopping in the off-season: on a bright day the ferry ride is brisk and beautiful; on the island the crowds have thinned out and left the local people, who may be more relaxed than in the hot months. For people who love jewelry (of who have close personal friends who love jewelry), Golddiggers is a good place to start browsing.

Sunset To Remember

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Sunset at North Light is simply not to be missed. North Light, one of the island’s two lighthouses, is at Sandy Point at the north end the island. Prepare to walk a few hundred yards across rocky beach to reach the lighthouse.

Take a Llook at the Llamas

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Abrams Animal Farm on Spring Street offers an outdoor zoo inhabited by exotic animals from around the world, like llamas, Sicilian donkeys, fainting goats, a zebu, Indian runner ducks, emus, an immense Scottish Highland steer, and a camel.

The Other Bluffs

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The full moon over the ocean is spectacular from the legendary Mohegan Bluffs, a high escarpment off of Mohegan Trail that drops 150 feet to the sandy beach and crashing surf below. But local people say a better place to watch the moon rise is from Second Bluffs, about a quarter-mile down the road from Mohegan Bluffs. There is a little off-street parking area at Second Bluffs, but no sign to indicate you are there, so you will have to ask.

1790s on a New England Farm

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Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol portrays the work and lifestyles of a 1790s coastal farm on 39 acres. See rare breeds of livestock similar to those found on a farm in the 1790s and heirloom varieties of vegetables and herbs. Outdoor buildings include barn, spring house, cooling house, blacksmith shop and privy. Special weekend events such as maple sugaring, sheep shearing, and demonstrations of eighteenth and early nineteenth century skills, crafts, and farm work using materials and methods of the period are demonstrated throughout the year. Open year-round; call for hours.

4 Corners, But Definitely Not Square

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Tucked away in the southeast corner of Rhode Island you’ll find the Tiverton Four Corners, an historic village turned cultural hub. It’s easy to spend an entire day here strolling around the quaint streets and enjoying some great antique shopping, fine art, 18th century buildings, and tasty little indulgences. Check out the gorgeous ceramic tile and tableware at Roseberry-Winn Pottery for instance, wander through the sculpture park at the Four Corners Arts Center, or hunt for treasure at Peter’s Attic Antiques. Artisanal cheeses and specialty foods can be found at Milk & Honey Bazaar, and Provender can provide hungry shoppers with yummy baked goods and gourmet food to go.

Artful Silver from Far and Wide
Awaits at This Jewelry Store

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Established in 1990, Green River Silver Co. is one of Rhode Island's largest importers of fine sterling jewelry from around the world. Owner John Goldman started out traveling to the mountains of Southern Mexico buying handcrafted sterling jewelry direct from the artisans and selling at craft shows, music festivals and corporate events throughout New England, eventually doing up to 90 shows a year. In 1999, Goldman and his younger brother Dan opened their first retail store on Hope Street in Providence. Another shop followed on Hope Street in Bristol. Goldman travels extensively in the United States and around the world to bring back unique, handcrafted original jewelry. Green River buys pieces directly from artisans in the southwestern United States, Mexico, India, Bali and Thailand several times a year. Phone: 401-253-5005.

Birds, Whales, Tides

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For a close look at Rhode Island’s natural environment, one of the top resources is the Audubon Environmental Education Center in Bristol. This natural history museum and aquarium allows visitors to look inside a life-size model of a Right Whale, observe marine life in a tide-pool tank, and explore a cornfield at night. Walking trails lead from the center across the McIntosh Wildlife Refuge along a quarter-mile boardwalk.

By Foot or by Bike -- Just Keep Rolling

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Smooth, flat, bicycling riding through salt-tinged air with bay views. The East Bay Bike path from Providence to Bristol is a 14.5-mile ribbon of asphalt along Narragansett Bay that provides safe, unobstructed cycling. Path travels by coves and marshes, over bridges, and through state parks. Access from Colt State Park, Haines Memorial State Park, or Veteran's Memorial Parkway (exit 4 off 195 east).

Easy Listening

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The folks at In Your Ear! on Main Street in Warren have a genuine appreciation for music in all of it’s various forms. Drop by this independently owned record store and lose track of time while you browse its extensive collection of used and new records, CDs, DVDs, posters, and other music-related merchandise. Instrument supplies such as strings, picks, tuners, instructional books and sheet music are also offered, and you can even learn how to play a song or two, as the store offers lessons in guitar, drums, bass and piano. Phone: 401-245-9840.

Got Gardens??

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Which is more beautiful, the house or the gardens? Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum on Ferry Road in Bristol is a turn-of-the-century mansion on 33 acres of landscaped grounds overlooking Narragansett Bay. The gardens offer 50,000 flowering bulbs, a Japanese water garden, and an exotic bamboo stand. Lots of special gardening events take place throughout the year. In 2009, the mansion and gardens are open through October 13; the gardens and grounds are open year-round. Phone: 401-253-2707.

Green, Blue, and Frosty All Over

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The entire western border of Colt State Park in Bristol is an open panorama onto Narragansett Bay. The park offers four miles of walking, jogging, and cross-country skiing trails trails passing along the Bay and through 464 acres of trees, bushes, and open vistas. For a moment of peace, stop in the park’s Chapel-By-the-Sea.

Stony on the Outside; Delicious Inside

The DeWolf Tavern in Bristol is beautifully situated in a historical stone warehouse. In warm weather, breezes off Narragansett Bay cool the patio; in the cold months, the place to be is by the fireplace upstairs with a bottle of fine wine. Chef Sai has created a cuisine for DeWolf that interprets contemporary American cuisine through the flavorful prism of Indian cooking. Drawing on the warehouse's early role in the Triangle Trade in the early 1800s, The DeWolf Tavern offers a fine collection of rum from the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

Theater With Attitude

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The 2nd Story Theatre on Market Street in Warren has been garnering respectful reviews with its productions of American and British classics and its Short Attention Span Theatre series. “If there is more gripping, dead-on theatre to be found on a local stage right now, I'd like to know about it," one reviewer has written of this small, inspired company. Onstage in 2009, “Dark At the Top of the Stairs,” “A Streetcar named Desire,” and the summertime comedy, “You Can’t Take It With You.” Phone: 401-247-4200

Airborne Thrills

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If you think Newport is spectacularly beautiful, just wait: the view from directly overhead offers a new and thrilling dimension. Bird’s Eye View Helicopters , a business based at the Newport State Airport in Newport, offers helicopter rides above the city and harbor. Check out Bellevue Avenue's world renowned mansions by air. Other points of interest that are easily visible from the helicopter include Ocean Drive, along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country; the majestic Castle Hill and Rose Island light houses; Jacqueline Kennedy's summer home, Hammersmith Farm; and the aircraft carriers USS Forrestal and USS Saratoga. Options include the mansion tour, lighthouse tour, island tour and the sunset tour. Newport’s beauty and majesty is well-known, but a view from the air magnifies the effect, sending visitors home with fabulous photos and lifelong memories. Phone: 401-843-8687.

Bannister’s Wharf Could Take Your Whole Day

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The marvelous and luxurious Clarke Cooke House on Bannister’s Wharf in Newport, a legendary spot for Newporters and visitors to meet and greet, is renowned for its innovative cuisine. In this 18th-century building visitors can dine in romantic elegance on The Porch, high above the assembled yachts, or casually relax at harbor level in The Candy Store. For the smart set there are intimate cocktails at The SkyBar. When winter settles upon us, the fireplace warms and The Bistro is cozy with dark wood and leather. The temperature is always high on the dance floor of The Boom Boom Room. Pick a pleasure.

Blink Here

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Blink Gallery on Thames Street in Newport exhibits new photography of Newport and world travel images by award-winning adventure travel photographer Alexander Nesbitt. Nesbitt who took the great interior character and practical location of his studio space into the public as a formal gallery space offering an on-going series of work by other artists. The gallery also shows stylish home accessories by woodworker Jeff Soderbergh of Reflect Art and unique, high-tech carbon fiber jewelry by Diana Hall. This three-artist gallery space is very much worth a visit for people willing to take a pause from the outdoor beauties of Newport. Phone: 401-847-4255

Breakers Revealed

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The Preservation Society of Newport County is offering a new tour of The Breakers -- the historic Vanderbilt summer "cottage" -- that offers an updated interpretation of its place in American architectural, social and cultural history. The focus of the tour is on the visual beauty of the building, followed by stories of the Vanderbilt family and servants. It captures the spirit of a bygone era that is part of America's heritage. The new tour will take visitors into several previously unseen areas. Visitors will for the first time have an opportunity to see the house from multiple points of view, experiencing it the way different people did in its heyday...as a family member, a servant, or a guest. Phone: 401-847-1000.

Charter a Day of Seagoing Fun

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During warm-weather season in Newport, it is hard to imagine any activity more restful and scenic than a chartered cruise in Newport Harbor or out to Block Island. Double Trouble Boat Charters, based at Goat Island Marina, operates a 48-foot Hatteras Sport Fish that is available for corporate charters, harbor cruises and private charters. Great for family reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, a company gathering, bachelor parties, or simply for fun, no occasion necessary. Capacity of two to six guests. One of the best ways to see the beautiful colonial-era port of Newport is on a private yacht charter with your very own captain. Phone: 508-735-4565.

Cliffside Views Are Out of This World

The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile elevated, winding path along Newport’s shoreline with breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and the rocky coves below. The walk runs from Bailey's Beach to First Beach, with public access points at Bellevue Avenue, Ledge Road, Marine Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Ruggles Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Webster Street, and Narragansett Avenue. The walk skirts the edges of some of the city’s mansions, including Beechwood, Rosecliff, Marble House, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Rough Point. The latter half of the cliff walk has unpaved sections and rugged paths. All manner of people, from little children to oldsters, stroll the walk at their own pace, some enjoying the view from the heights, some clambering down to the rocky shoreline below.

Colonial Classic

White Horse Tavern in Newport is historically a 17th century tavern, but that word doesn’t convey the present-day tone of this classiest of Newport dining establishments. The décor is sumptuous and the menu is first-class. It is the place to impress a visitor or Newport. The building itself is a classic of colonial Newport construction with its giant interior beams, small stairway hard against chimney, tiny front hall, and cavernous fireplaces. Great for formal or romantic occasions.

Distinctive Wines in a Island Setting

Newport Vineyards in Middletown provides an example of excellent wines and hospitable vineyard operators to be found in the Northeast. This is a family owned winery, founded in 1978. Since that time, the winery has grown to 50 acres of varietal and hybrid grapes. Visitors are offered public tours at 1 and 3 pm, seven days a week. These include a tour in the vineyards, a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process and a tasting of five wines. The winery features an art gallery and retail shop with wine accessories and signature clothing. Private tours are available. The winery hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. year around. Phone: 401-848-5161.

Farm Life, Preserved

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Jamestown Island is such a beautiful place to walk, bicycle, or drive, you almost don’t need to do anything while you are there; just being there is enough. But people who are fascinated with traditional farm life should stop at Watson Farm on North Road in Jamestown. This beautiful 265-acre working farm, managed by preservationist group Historic New England, welcomes visitors to its two-mile walking trail and special farm events. Phone: 401-423-0005

Gilded to the Rooftops

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Visit any of the mansions that grace Newport’s rocky shoreline and stately avenues. Built as summer cottages by the plutocrats of the Gilded Age, the mansions – the Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff, and more -- are impressive artifacts of American social history in spectacular natural settings.

Polo and Picnic Baskets in Portsmouth

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Believe it or not, polo and tailgating parties do, indeed, go together. The Newport International Polo Series is conducted at Glen Farms on East Main Road in Portsmouth every Saturday evening in the summer. Play starts at about 5 p.m. Guests should arrive early, park along the field, and have sandwiches and Thermoses at hand when the action begins. As part of the ritual, spectators even get to walk out on the field and stomp down the divots during time-outs. It is really a lot of fun, whether or not you know the first thing about the sport. Phone: 401- 847-7090.

Watch the Windsock

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Whether it is made of newspaper and rags or titanium and mylar, your kite is welcome to join the crowd at Brenton Point State Park, a gorgeous bayside park on Ocean Drive in Newport, where kite enthusiasts gather almost daily to enjoy this breezy hobby. Set your calendar for July and try to be on the scene for the annual Newport Kite Festival.

Another Schlitz, Please.

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Tucked away on a tiny street in Providence’s Jewelry District, you’ll the find the unobtrusive exterior of The Red Fez . Just look for the inconspicuous sign with the funny little red hat on it and you’ll know you’ve arrived at this favorite amongst Providence locals. The interior décor of the restaurant is warm and eclectic, with lots of great original art and a smattering of fabulously kitschy Americana (think taxidermal wall mounts). The menu changes often but always offers forth some delicious options, like the Fez’s famous Mac n’ Cheese and the Fez bowl, a steaming bowl of Asian noodles and vegetables. Upstairs at the bar, a $2 can of Schlitz is the perfect compliment to a game or two of pinball, and everyone looks divine thanks to some shabby-chic lighting. Phone: 401-272-1212.

Athenaeum Provides Plenty of
Engagement for the Intellect

Providence Athenaeum on Benefit Street in Providence is one of America's oldest libraries (1753) and cultural centers, housed in a granite Greek Revival structure designed by William Strickland of Philadelphia. Stephen Hopkins, Moses Brown, and Silas Downer (who served as a librarian) were all active in the library in the 18th century. Legend has it that in the 19th century, Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Whitman carried on their courtship in the stacks. Changing exhibitions of rare books and local artists’ works are on display in the Charles and Deborah Philbrick Rare Book Library. Cultural programmings, lectures, readings, theatrical presentations, musical performances and more. Phone: 401-421-6970

Beneficial to the Senses

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A walk along Benefit Street, carved high into a ridge along Providence’s East Side overlooking downtown, is a memorable walk among beautiful and immaculately preserved Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian-style houses. The Providence Preservation Society distributes maps with self-guided tours and the Rhode Island Historical Society conducts walks in the summer.

CDs to Belly-Dancing Costumes
Are All Part of the Fun at Spectrum

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Spectrum India Retail Store at 252 Thayer Street in Providence is a fun shopping excursion in the heart of the Brown University neighborhood, itself a stimulating scene for people-watching. Spectrum is a fun store where guests receive superb service as they shop for clothing, accessories, books, CDs, candles and gifts. Spectrum carries women's, unisex and ethnic-inspired children's clothing, and emphasizes natural fiber fabrics and eco-friendly brands. Items recently highlighted on its website include flowing Bohemian and tie-dyed skirts, Indian kurta tops, exotic wrap skirts, Brazilian-cut jeans, the Goddess dress and even belly-dancing outfits. The store has been in operation at this location for 38 years, so you know it is filling a shopping niche with style and staying power. Phone: 401-421-1010

Children's Garden Is a Delight
for the Small Fry

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It’s a delightful garden, and it is just for the kids. Surrounded by Rhode Island’s native trees, shrubs and flowers, kids and grownups who visit the Children’s Garden at the Providence Children’s Museum on South Street in Providence will discover how the delicate cinnamon fern got its name, smell fragrant blossoms, and dabble their fingers in the fieldstone fountain. The centerpiece of this urban oasis is a huge, colorful play-on map of Rhode Island that designates the environmental regions of the state, such as beach areas, wetlands and forests. Kids and grown-ups have active outdoor fun as they jam on the JunkMusic PlayStation, explore a cave and discover a host of colorful, hands-on toys, blow bubbles, fly kites, investigate slime and get acquainted with a different work vehicle every Wednesday in July and August. Phone: 401-273-5437.

Come By and See Flutterby

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At Flutterby, an exhibit that is open for its second and final season at Roger Williams Park Zoo on 1000 Elmwood Avenue in Providence, is a wonderful immersion in a world of butterflies. Visitors may wander through a greenhouse filled with hundreds of butterfly species. Striking flowers and nectar plants cover the ground, an enticement to bring these “flowers in flight” close enough to land right on you. In the midst of this whimsical setting, you can learn some surprising butterfly fun facts, like why they “taste” with their feet and how they use mimicry to survive; see a caterpillar food garden, and learn how you can set up a butterfly garden in your back yard. Exhibit open through September 5, 2009. Zoo is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 401-785-3510

Family Farm Preserves a Slice
of State's Rural History

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Dame Farm on Brown Avenue in Johnston is a working farm run by several generations of the Dame Family, but there is even more to this farm’s story. The farm buildings have been restored to the period in which they were built (1760s through 1925). The farm is a living museum, open to the public and dedicated to the preservation of the rural way of life. The state Department of Environmental Management has developed educational displays, and natural trails have been provided. The barn, sheds, and dwelling form a compact nucleus surrounded by fields. Dame Farm recalls a moderate-sized Rhode Island family farm, owned and worked by generations of old-line Yankee farmers that provided food for the stateduring the 19th and 20th centuries. Phone: 401-222-2632

Hearty Appetites Welcome Here

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For lunch or dinner on a pretty little cove with an active pleasure-boating fleet, wander a little south of Providence to the city of Warwick and bring a good appetite to the Remington House Inn on Post Road. Located in a restored Colonial-era building in historic Apponaug Village, the Remington House Inn offers a casual, upscale dining experience. Specializing in sauteed pastas and grilled meats. On Mondays, with the purchase of any two pasta or entree dinners, receive a free bottle of wine.

It's a Nice Place to be Alive, Too

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The paths and gardens of Swan Point Cemetery make for one of the most peaceful and interesting walks in all of Providence. Within the Cemetery’s gates lie 200 acres of pristinely manicured lawns that flank the Seekonk River, replete with laurel, rhododendrons, azaleas and other flowering shrubs. Aside from just being scenic, a walk through Swan Point is always educational; the grounds are home to an abundance of rare and beautiful trees with plaques for easy identification, and the gravestones are pieces of artwork in and of themselves. Here you’ll find the final resting places of everyone from Civil War officers and early state politicians, to the famous science-fiction pioneer H.P. Lovecraft.

Pass the Parmesan

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Bring your appetite to Rhode Island’s authentic Italian restaurants on Providence’s Federal Hill. There are more Italian restaurants on this mile-long stretch than in Manhattan’s Little Italy. When you are filled to the groaning point, stroll along the neighborhood’s sidewalks and mellow outdoor piazzas.

Talk to the Animals

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A trip to Providence must include a day at Roger Williams Park, a 430-acre Victorian-era park comprised of ponds, walks, gardens, greenhouses, paddle boats and bumper boats, playgrounds, pony rides, a Carousel Village, and the Museum of Natural History and Cormack Planetarium. The park's crown jewel, Roger Williams Park Zoo, is home to more than 1,500 animals of 150 species.

When is a Mall Not Like a Mall?

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The Providence Place Mall, smack in the heart of downtown, is a three-story, full-carpeted retail palace with wonderful views of the river and the city below. With 170 upscale stores, eight restaurants, video arcade, and IMAX theater, a visit to this mall is a great and lively indoor activity any time of the year.

Broadway Plays with Zest

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The Granite Theatre on Granite Street in Westerly puts on community theater productions year-round with a degree of verve and zest that could move mountains of, well, granite. Home-based in a handsomely restored Greek Revival Church that sits at the foot of Granite Street in downtown Westerly, the Granite Theatre stages various forms of entertainment, Broadway plays, children's plays, holiday shows, lecture programs, cabaret acts, and more.Shows in the 2009 season include "Moonlight and Magnolias," "Lullabye Of Broadway," "Twentieth Century,""Don’t Dress for Dinner,"Self Help," and "Chicago." Phone: 401-596-2341.

Coastal Beauty and History Too

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Like so many places in Rhode Island, Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown offers stunning ocean views and fantastic coastal walking trails. But this scenic park also includes a former military fort with a history dating back over two centuries. Situated upon 100 foot high granite cliffs overlooking the water, the site was first used as by the colonists as a defense battery during the Revolutionary War and subsequently as a military training camp and coastal battery before being permanently abandoned after World War II. Now park visitors can explore the labyrinth of empty concrete gun emplacements set into the side of the hill. It’s a military ghost town, but it’s loads of fun to climb all over the abandoned forts and take in some breathtaking views of Newport Harbor. And don’t forget your scuba gear; this spot is a favorite amongst divers.

Creatures of the Deep,
Explained by the Experts

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University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute Visitor Center on South Ferry Road in Narrangansett welcomes the public to take a look at the work of the world-class marine biologists of the university. The Coastal Institute Visitor Center features an interactive science exhibit, bookstore and educational offerings for schools, teachers, tour groups, tourists and the general public. While on campus, stop by the Coastal Institute Bookstore for a wide selection of marine-oriented books, field guides, toys, games, gifts, jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Featuring a unique selection of marine and environmental books and field guides, educational resources for teachers and educators, educational games and toys, and marine jewelry, art, and clothing, the Coastal Institute Bookstore is located just inside the entrance of the Coastal Institute Visitor Center. Phone: 401-874-6211

Elegance in Stone

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Visit the Towers on Ocean Street in the center of downtown Narragansett. You know you are there when you spot a pair of massive, medieval-looking cylindrical stone towers straddling Route 1A like a moat leading to a castle. The towers are open for live music and ballroom dancing lessons every Wednesday evening all year long as well as concerts and other public events.Phone: 401-782-2597

Galaxies Aloft

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Astronomy buffs may be delighted to learn that the town of Charlestown is home to an observatory where the public is welcome to come and star-gaze every Friday night, provided the skies are clear. Visitors to the Frosty Drew Observatory on Park Lane in Ninigret Park in Charlestown sometimes are surprised to learn that it is a collection of telescopes and associated equipment – it is not a planetarium. The staff has enthusiastic and knowledgeable astronomy buffs who like nothing better than to point out the stars, galaxies, and planets to interested visitors. The observatory opens just after sunset when the days are long and at 6:30 on winter nights. If the skies are clear, come down and look up.

Intimate Shopping in a Small Downtown

Wickford Village, in the town of North Kingstown, is an intimate village center with serene Colonial architecture and rows of wonderful and unusual shops. The village’s 1700s historic homes, churches, gardens and picturesque harbor offer a glimpse of our nation's early history. Shops include Different Drummer, Askham & Telham, Villa Bella, Blue Hydrangea, Beauty and the Bath, Herb Wyfe, and JW Graham/Yes Gallery, Absolutely perfect for holiday gift shopping. WhEN your feet give out, don’t fail to stop at Wickford Gourmet for a meal or a snack. Phone: 877-295-7200

Know Your Ecosystem

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People who are fascinated by Rhode Island’s complex coastal ecology should high-tail it to the Kettle Pond Visitor Center on Bend Road in Charlestown, the local habitat of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Located on the north side of U.S. 1 between Burlingame State Park and Ninigret Park, the center offers an interactive gallery of dioramas, murals, and giant photos of sandy beaches, rocky shores, and other Ocean State ecosystems. Hiking trails and gift shop. Phone: 401-364-9124

Right Down by the Beach

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An experience on the Amalfi coast of Italy is replicated on the deck of Amalfi Restaurant located on Beach Street in Narragansett . Beautiful views of Narragansett beach and the Rhode Island coast captivate their audience. Come sit on the Amalfi deck to soak up the sun and sip a cool beverage. Dine on exquisite fare including local raw bar items, cedar plank pizzas, and seafood specials. Located in Narragansett Pier the Almalfi deck is the perfect location to rest a spell while visiting local shops, or to spend the afternoon with friends. Opens daily at 11:30 a.m. Phone: 401-792-3999.

The Great Outdoors

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Arcadia Management Area, located on Arcadia Road in the towns of Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton, and West Greenwich, is 14,000 forested acres for fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. Hikers have miles of gravel roads and trails; for swimming, fishing, and boating, there is Beach Pond, Browning Mill Pond Recreation Area, Breakheart Pond, and the trout-stocked Wood River. Horseback riders can camp at the Reynold’s Horseman Area, and walk-in camping is available at the Backpack Area. Phone: 539-2356

Victorian Stroll

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Westerly’s historic downtown on the edge of the Pawcatuck River is a pretty place for an old-fashioned walk, especially when it leads to Wilcox Park, a Victorian-era beauty with a koi pond, dwarf conifers, a daylily collection, perennial borders, and winding trails. The Chorus of Westerly presents a pops concert here in June, complete with Grucci fireworks, and the park also hosts performances of Shakespearean plays.