Rhode Island - 60 Great Things to Do in Rhode Island

Ten Great Things to Do in East Bay Rhode Island

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Industrial Revolution in America Born Here

Historic Site

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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, visitors are surrounded by vintage textile machinery. With commentary from costumed interpreters, visitors 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. Phone: 401-725-8638

Museum Honors Blackstone Mill History
and the Lives of the Workers

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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. 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. Phone: 401-769-WORK.

Primitive Country Furnishings and
a Warm Welcome

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Brown & Hopkins Country Store on Putnam Pike in Chepachet defines itself as “purveyors of fine primitive country wares, period lighting & reproduction furniture [with] everything from penny candy to primitive cupboards.” The store, in business since 1809, sells primitive country home accessories, curtains, furniture, lighting, quilts, framed prints, fabric by the yard, candles, florals, garlands, primitive dolls gourmet specialties and, of course, penny candy. The shopkeeper, Liz McIntyre, promises: “Stop in soon... old fashioned hospitality awaits you!” Open daily. Phone: 401-568-4830

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, at 175 Main Street, is the place to start your exploration. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.Phone: 800-454-2882

Twice the Gambling Fun at the Twin

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The Twin River casino in the town of Lincoln offers 300,000 square feet of gaming space, 4,700 slot machines, virtual blackjack and roulette tables. 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 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and concerts by national headliners. Open daily,9 a.m. to 3 a.m., and 24 hours on weekends. Phone: 877-82-RIVER

Village Smithy on the Job

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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 and the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop. At the blacksmith’s shop, visitors can experience the ring of the anvil and the odor of coal and hot steel as blacksmiths forge pieces of the metal into hinges, nails, and other household items. Open to the public for classes and demonstrations year-round, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon. Phone: 401-724-1522.

Art on Display Even in Winter

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Block Island tends to roll up the sidewalks in the winter, but make no mistake: if you are properly outfitted for the weather, strolling the streets, beaches, and woodlands of Block Island in cold weather brings marvelous rewards of powerful vistas and seascapes. For man-made art, a gallery that stays open most of the year is the Malcolm Greenaway Gallery on Water Street in the center of town, adjacent to the Empire Theater. The gallery is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Christmas, and, during the rest of the winter, Greenaway will come over and open up for pop-in visitors. Come see Greenaway’s wonderful photos of Block and other gorgeous places. Phone: 401-466-5331.

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. Phone: 401-783-7996

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. Phone: 401-466-3200.

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.

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.

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. Phone 401-949-5454.

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).

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.

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 2010 are "Comic Potential," "The Voysey Inheritance," and "The Underpants." 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. Phone: 401-843-8687.

Breakers Mansion Welcomes Families and Kids

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A new family audio tour will debut June 26, 2010, at The Breakers , the historic Vanderbilt summer cottage at 44 Ochre Point Avenue in Newport. The new family experience allows youngsters and parents to imagine themselves personally witnessing the history made in this great Gilded Age chateau. Visitors on the tour will meet Vanderbilt family members and staff, as well as fanciful creatures like the friendly dolphin hiding under the grand staircase, the lions of the Music Room and the dragons in the Dining Room. Spend a summer day in the life of one of the Vanderbilt children and meet the masters of the kitchen, Monsieur Le Chef and his colleague, The Butler. Take an imaginary slide down the grand stairs on a silver serving tray, listen as imaginary acrobats pile 50 feet high to measure the Great Hall, and learn all the rules the children had to live by at The Breakers. Information: 401-847-1000

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.

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.

Discover Newport’s Tumultuous History
from the Sidewalk

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Learn about Newport’s fascinating Colonial history in the best way possible: by walking the streets of this old city in the company of an expert. Newport History Tours conducts several walking tours from spring through fall. The flagship tour, “Discover Colonial Newport,” tells stories of revolution and ruin and struggles for liberty and entrepreneurship among Newport’s people. “Pirates and Scoundrels” explores where scoundrels lived and where pirates profited. “Old House ABCs” explores Newport’s architecture, including the mansions of Bellevue Avenue. During “Newport’s Buried History” tour, listen to stories about Newport’s people of color. “Tastes of the Working Waterfront” invites guests to taste their way through history. On the “Rum and Revolution” tour, hear stories of taverns, distillers, rum runners and more. Tours depart from 127 Thames Street, Newport. Phone: 401-841-8770.

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

Fort Adams Is a Window Into Colonial Warfare

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For a tour of a beautifully preserved Revolutionary War fort, make a trip to Fort Adams on Harrison Avenue in Newport. During this tour, visitors may see the officers’ quarters; visit a scenic overlook of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay; stroll the six-acre parade field and the complex outerworks; enter one of the listening tunnels beneath the walls of the fort, and learn about more than 180 years of American history, military culture, architecture, and engineering. Tours given late May through Columbus Day, daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 401-841-0707

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.

Gothic Art Returns to Marble House in May

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Starting May 8, 2010, and for the first time since 1927, Alva Vanderbilt's collection of more than 300 medieval and Renaissance art objects has been re-assembled for display at Marble House, in the Gothic Room that was designed for them in 1892. Gothic Art in the Gilded Age is made up of more than 300 paintings, sculptures, and works of decorative art including metalwork, furniture and ceramics created across Europe between 1100 and 1550. This group of objects belonged to three owners: Paris collector Emile Gavet, Newport society hostess Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, and circus impresario John Ringling. Exhibit on display May 8 through October 31, Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 401-847-1000.

Smooth Living at Rough Point

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Rough Point at 680 Bellevue Avenue in Newport was the home of Doris Duke (1912-1993), an heiress, philanthropist and art collector. This oceanfront estate provides an opportunity for visitors to see French furniture, European art, Chinese porcelains, and Turkish carpets collected from around the world. Rough Point provides a sweeping ocean view and expansive grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Tours of Rough Point are led by a knowledgeable guide in small groups. Tours includes Duke's bedroom and exhibition galleries, including Doris Duke's Extraordinary Vision: Saving 18th Century Newport, which explores her passion for preservation. Open April through November; hours vary. Phone: 401- 847-8344.

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.

Breathtaking Art of Many Ages and Cultures

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To see a wide variety of spectacular artwork from many cultures and ages, visit the Rhode Island School of Design Museum on Benefit Street in Providence. The RISD Museum houses over 80,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculpture to French Impressionist paintings, from Chinese stone and terracotta sculpture to contemporary art in every medium, including textiles, ceramics, glass and furniture. It also serves the general public with a full schedule of special exhibitions, lectures, tours, concerts and other programs. Phone: 401-454-6500.

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. Phone: 401-273-5437.

Galloping Dinner

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A very cool and unusual experience for visitors to the capital city of Providence is a chauffeured tasting tour of a half-dozen Providence restaurants over the course of an evening. The Providence Chauffeured Dine Around is a service of All Occasion Transportation. You and your guests may choose six restaurants from a list of more than 15 premier eateries and enjoy featured menu tastings all evening long. One friend reported “...the restaurants rocked; and we felt really special.” Phone: 401-312-0945 ext. 131.

Hockey, Ice Sking, Live Music and More

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For indoor entertainment and high-energy sporting action, keep an eye on the activities at the Dunkin' Donuts Center on LaSalle Square in the heart of downtown Providence. For sports fans, the center hosts continuous hockey action with the Providence Bruins throughout the winter. For others, the Dunk brings in a variety of entertainment, such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Smuckers Stars on Ice, Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, Alice in Chains, Tony Carreira and more. Phone: 401-331-6700.

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, and azaleas. 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.

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.

Accent on “Ocean” for Beaches

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Rhode Island is the Ocean State, and the South County ocean beaches, in towns such as Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Matunuck, Misquamicut, Watch Hill, and Westerly, are the reason. The state counts 21 beaches in South County. Here are just a few of the highlights.
Wheeler State Beach at 100 Sand Hill Cove Road in Narragansett is known locally as Sand Hill Cove Beach. Popular beach for young children, fully-protected by breakwater. Swing set and picnicking facilities. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (401-789-8374).
Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett Is a half-mile-long public beach right in the middle of town with pavilions, lifeguards, food concessions, restrooms, first aid. Handicap accessible. Good spot for surfing novices. Rental cabanas, picnic areas, changing rooms, boardwalk. Recreational programs. This is a town beach. Parking is $8 weekdays and $10 weekends. Beach admission is $5. (401-789-1044 ext. 658).
Charlestown Town Beach at 557 Charlestown Beach Road in Charlestown, California-style beach with surfing, tanning, and volleyball as well as great waves and swimming. Parking, $10. 401-364-1208 ext. 364.
Misquamicut State Beach at 257 Atlantic Avenue in Westerly is one of the state's most popular beaches with over a half mile of beach front. Many attractions for children. Pavilion, outside showers, toilets. This beach fills to capacity during sunny summer weekends. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (401-596-9097).
Scarborough North and South State Beaches at 870 and 970 Ocean Road in Narragansett Scarborough has a long stretch of smooth white sand, two pavilions, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, boardwalk with gazebos and observation tower, concessions. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (401-789-2324).
East Matunuck State Beach at 950 Succotash Road in South Kingston is a pretty and friendly stretch of sand. This is a state beach. Parking is $6-$14, depending on residency and day of week. No additional admission fee. Open weekends May 1 through Memorial Day; open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Watch Hill Beach in Westerly is calm and beautiful, with antique carousel, private bathhouses and nearby shops. Parking, $10. 401-348-6007

Avenger, Tomcat, Skyhawk, MIG: See ‘Em Here

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Located in the only brick hangar on the East coast, the Quonset Aviation Museum on Ecclecston Avenue in North Kingstown hosts a growing collection of aircraft and Rhode Island Aviation memorabilia. Aircraft such as a Russian MIG-17, an F-14 Tomcat Jet Fighter, TBM Avenger, A-4 Skyhawk, A6 Intruder and SH3 Seaking are on display and under restoration. Rhode Island aviation exhibits focus on both commercial and military history, with a total of 30 aircraft. Hours: Daily, October-April, Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; May-September, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 401-294-9540.

Blues of Legendary Musicians Wails at the Knickerbocker

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The Knickerbocker Café , a longstanding club serving up primo blues, jazz, and R&B, reopened in 2009 on Railroad Avenue in downtown Westerlyafter having been shuttered for a number of years. As if to make up for lost time, the places howls every weekend with excellent live music in a small, relaxed club atmosphere with tables wrapped around a little but hard-used dance floor. Groups that appear and re-appear at the reincarnated Knickerbocker include Soul Shot, The Shiny Lapel Trio, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, The Commander Cody Band, Johnny and the East Coast Rockers, Roomful of Blues … you get it. Got it? Phone: 401-596-4225.

Boss Is the Place to Get Onto the Ice

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For a little exercise and a whole lot of fun head over to the Boss Ice Arena at the University of Rhode Island athletic complex off Route 138 in Kingstson. When the University of Rhode Island Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Teams are on the ice the rink is open for public skating, adult skating, and open figure skating sessions. Public skating programs are available for all types of skaters. Times vary but public skating sessions are available every day, all year long. General admission is $6 with an additional fee charged for skate rentals.Phone: 401-874-5480.

Collegiate – and Classy -- Theater

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For good and not overpriced theatrical entertainment, do not overlook the theater department of the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. The Fine Art Center on Upper College Road, in the heart of this very beautiful rural campus, hosts several professional-caliber productions yearly. Coming up in 2010 are productions of “A Flea in Her Ear,” and “Unbound.” Do not be surprised at the high quality of these performances. Phone: 401-874-5843.

Greek Revival Church Houses Lively Theater

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The Granite Theatre at 1 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. The Granite Theatre is a handsomely restored Greek Revival Church that sits at the foot of Granite Street in downtown Westerly. Coming up in 2010: “On Golden Pond,” “The Ladies Man,” “The Tyranny of Love,” “The Golden State,” “No Sex Please, We’re British,” “The Dixie Swim Club,” “Here on the Flight Path” and more. Phone: 401-596-2341.

Intimate Shopping in a Small Downtown

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Established in 1709, Wickford Village is a collection of picturesque waterfront streets lined with one-of-a-kind shops featuring jewelry, house wares, clothing and more. You'll also find galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants nestled amongst beautifully maintained churches, Colonial homes and gardens. Have a boat? Tie up to the town dock while you explore the village. Even your dog will enjoy a refreshing drink of water outside the many shops and restaurants in this pet-friendly village. Phone: 877-295-7200.

Lots of Fantastic; Umbrellas on the Side

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Fantastic Umbrella Factory at 4820 Old Post Road in Charlestown is a very personalized collection of shops and gardens. The place was established in 1968 by Robert Palmer Bankel, who had a mission to provide South County with good Karma, a fun atmosphere, eclectic shops, and an interesting staff of artisans and locals. The property consists of extensive gardens, shops, and resident animals. Bring a sense of exploration and adventure. The shops include Umbrella Factory Main Store, Small Axe Productions, Umbrella Factory Gardens, Cheap Frills, and Vintage Eyewear. Open year-round but hours vary seasonally. Phone: 401-364-9199.

Run With the Alpacas

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Shadow Pines Farm on Purgatory Road in Exeter is a small, family-run operation of people who love to raise and show alpacas. The owners visited alpaca farms and became enamored with alpacas while traveling to watch their daughters compete in college sports. They welcome opportunities to show the herd to visitors. Alpaca fleece products for sale. Hours: Year-round Saturdays and Sundays. Phone: 401-295-7859.

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.