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.

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

Tour the Blackstone Valley, Bite By Bite

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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

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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.