Rhode Island - 60 Great Things to Do in Rhode Island in Blackstone Valley

Hand-Made Crafts Shine at the Country Store

See Map

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. Open daily except Mondays. Phone: 401-647-7555

Industrial Revolution in America Born Here

See Map

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. Ghost tours offered in the fall. Phone: 401-725-8638

Museum Honors Blackstone Mill History
and the Lives of the Workers

See Map

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.

Sophisticated Jazz Sounds
Make Chan’s a Legend

See Map

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.

The River Where American Industry Began

See Map

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

Theater Presents Entertainment
for Every Taste

See Map

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 and includes classic plays, comedy, and music. Forthcoming shows include Loretta LaRoche, “A Christmas Carol,” “Scrooge, The Musical,” Cirque Le Masque, “Hair,” tributes to the Rolling Stones and the Rat Pack, Hit Men of Comedy, and “Julius Caesar.” Phone: 401-762-4545.

Tour the Blackstone Valley, Bite By Bite

See Map

The Blackstone Valley of Rhode Island 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 Senegalese are featured on the tour each Wednesday. 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.

Twice the Gambling Fun at the Twin

See Map

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

Village Smithy on the Job

See Map

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. Rangers from the National Park Service provide interpretive talks about the history of the Blackstone Valley at the Blacksmith Shop. The balcksmith shop is open to the public for classes and demonstrations on Saturday mornings, 8 a.m.-noon, year-round. Phone: 401- 724-1522.

Watercolor Masters Flaunt Their Colors

See Map

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.