James Mitchell Varnum was one of George Washington’s generals. His mansion was built in 1773, and visitors can enjoy the Colonial garden, the paneled walls, and period furnishings.
Hours: June-August, Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Donation suggested.

Governor Stephen Hopkins House
15 Hopkins St.
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-751-1008 401 751-1758

See Map

Stephen Hopkins, one of two signers of the Declaration of Independence from Rhode Island, purchased this house in 1743. He attached his own two-story house, built with a central hallway and two chimneys. The handsome shell cupboard over the fireplace and the overdoor panels are similar to other pre-Revolutionary houses.
April to December 1, Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Other hours by appointment.

Green Animals Topiary Gardens
Cory's Lane off Route 114
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: 401-847-1000

Hours: May 24 – October 12, 2008, open daily at 10 a.m.; last tour admission at 5 p.m.; close at 6 p.m. Schedule is subject to change; call 401-847-1000 for more information.

See Map

The gardens have more than six dozen trees and shrubs, immaculately groomed and sculpted, some in the shape of animals. Also features fruit trees, flower beds, and a rose arbor. The gardens are the site of a Victorian toy museum

Hunter House
54 Washington Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-847-1000 401-847-7516

A decadent Mansion in historic Newport

See Map

Hunter House is one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture from Newport's "golden age" in the mid-18th century. The French admiral Charles Louis d’Arsac de Ternay used this 1748 home as his Revolutionary War headquarters. The carved pineapple over the doorway was a symbol of welcome throughout Colonial America. The elliptical arch in the central hall is a typical Newport detail. Call 401-847-1000 information and tour schedule.

I-P top of listings

Linden Place
500 Hope St. / Route 114
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-0390

New England history, from barns to ballrooms

See Map

The mansion was built in 1810 in the historic district of Bristol. The property includes the mansion, a ballroom built in 1906, a barn built in the 19th century, and an 18th century summer house. The grounds include historic sculpture and gardens.
Hours: Mansion and museum store, May 1 through Columbus Day, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; office open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

A-C top of listings

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
101 Ferry Road / Route 114
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-2707

"An American garden treasure - come and be inspired"

See Map

This 45-room mansion was built in 1908 as the summer home of coal magnate Augustus Van Wickle. The property features gardens, and arboretum on 33 acres overlooking Narragansett Bay.
Hours: The mansion and gardens are open April 16 through Columbus Day for self-guided tours, Wednesday through Sunday (and most Monday holidays) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The grounds and gardens are open year-round, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fee charged.

Colt State Park
Route 14
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-7482

Enjoy the Ocean State

See Map

Enjoy this 464-acre state park on the shore of the sparkling Narragansett Bay, with four miles of hiking and biking trails, gardens, 10 playing fields and 6 picnic groves. Fishing, concerts and naturalist programs are available in season.
Hours: Year-round. Free.

R-Z top of listings

Roger Williams Park
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907

"The Jewel of Providence"

See Map

Roger Williams Park Casino 785-9450 ext. 240; Museum and Planetarium 785-9450 ext. 221; Zoo 785-3510.

Roger Williams Park is a 430-acre Victorian park with something for everyone, including a zoo, a museum of natural history and planetarium, a carousel, a casino, landscaped grounds, and historic buildings.

Rosecliff
Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-847-1000

See Map

This house was completed in 1902 and modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles. Rosecliff was the setting for many spectacular Newport parties and the setting for several Hollywood movies, including “The Great Gatsby,” “True Lies,” and “Amistad.”
Hours: November 17, 2007 – January 1, 2008, open daily at 10 a.m.; last tour at 4 p.m.; close at 5 p.m.; last tour on Christmas Eve at 3 pm. Closed Christmas Day. January 2-April 4, 2008, open Saturday, Sundays, holidays, and daily during Winter Festival (February 19-22); open at 10 a.m.; last tour at 4 p.m.; close at 5 p.m. April 5-May 23, open daily at 10 a.m. last tour admission at 5 p.m.; close at 6 p.m. May 24 – October 12, open at 10 a.m.; last tour at 5 p.m., close at 6 p.m.; October 13 – November 14, open at 10 a.m.; last tour at 4 p.m., close at 5 p.m. November 15 – January 4, 2009, open daily at 10 a.m.; last tour at 4 p.m.; close at 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Samuel Whitehorne House
416 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-849-7300

See Map

Built in the 18th century, the house is now home to exhibits of hand-made silver, pewter, and furniture created by Newport artisans of the period. Features a traditional Colonial manor garden.

Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House
17 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-846-0813

See Map

The oldest restored home in Newport, built in 1675. The house is the site of the Stamp Act Riot of 1765 and was home to Colonial governors, justices, and patriots. Property also contains a Colonial herb garden.
Hours: Open during the summer or by appointment. Call for times.

Wilcox Park
71 1/2 High Street, Downtown Westerly
Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-596-2877 ext. 334
Toll-Free: 866-460-2877 ext. 334

See Map

This Victorian strolling park has unique species of trees, a dwarf conifer collection, and perennial and annual flower beds. Annual events include the Garden Market Fair, Summer Pops Concert, and Shakespeare in the Park. The Westerly Band performs in the 100-year-old bandstand.
Hours: Open year-round.