101 Ferry Road / Route 114
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-2707
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.
Route 14
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-7482
Enjoy the Ocean State
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.
500 Hope St. / Route 114
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-0390
New England history, from barns to ballrooms
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.
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.
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
416 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-849-7300
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.
17 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-846-0813
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.
15 Hopkins St.
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-751-1008
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.
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
57 Peirce Street
East Greenwich, RI 02818
Phone: 401-884-1776
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.
71 1/2 High Street, Downtown Westerly
Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-596-2877 ext. 334
Toll-Free: 866-460-2877 ext. 334
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.
