Find great and fun things to do in the Blackstone Valley

The Blackstone River Valley, from Providence, RI, to Worcester, MA, is a crucible of American industrial history. The town of Pawtucket, RI, is where the Englishman Samuel Slater built our country’s first cotton spinning mill in 1790, based on plans stolen from England. Over the next centuries, the river became an industrial zone for early mills and a magnet for immigrant workers from French Canada and elsewhere. Today, visitors can enjoy bicycling, paddling the river, tasting ethnic foods from two centuries of immigration, and tours of historic sites like Slater Mill in Woonsocket. Six visitor centers help you plan your tour. Choose a self- guided tour.

The Stadium Theatre in Monument Square in Woonsocket, listed on the National Historic Register and a fine example of the Vaudeville period in American entertainment, was built in 1926 and restored in 2001. The range and variety of performances at the Stadium is vast and includes classic plays, comedy, music, and tribute groups. There are lots of seasonal shows at holiday times and plenty of good live entertainment all year. Fans of the theater come back again and again. A sample of the shows in recent years include “Nunsense,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Show Me the Glory,” “Annie,” “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” “Cinderella,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” 401-762-4545.

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to art and relaxed fun with a group of friends. Paint and Vino at 150 Main Street, Pawtucket offers a unique ladies' night out at 7 p.m. nearly every day of the week and weekends. Practice the art of painting in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Even if you've never picked up a paintbrush before, Paint and Vino can provide you with a full evening of creative fun and wine tastings in Pawtucket’s buzzing art scene and night life. Local artists teach these group painting classes step-by-step, and New England wine will be served during the party. Reservations are required; make reservations through the website. 401-680-0856

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.

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 Twin River Casino opened in Lincoln in 2007 and it just keeps growing. Formerly the Lincoln Park greyhound track, the casino has offers 300,000 square feet of gaming space, with 4,500 video slot machines; virtual table games (including blackjack and roulette); and 80 live table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps and more. It hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country. There is live entertainment by national headliners, comedy, dining, and a cigar bar, Twin River Casino is a 10-minute drive from Providence and less than an hour from Boston. 877-82-RIVER