27 Ways for the Family to Have the Best Time in Rhode Island
Intro
I grew up in northern New Jersey. Jersey gets a lot of flack, but some great points about it are the gardens and nature but also the ability to see some amazing sights in the northeast within a few hours of driving. By the time I was a few years old I had already been to over 10 states, one of them being Rhode Island. I have been to Rhode Island several times. Twice in recent days to Providence while visiting a friend at Johnson & Wales and a road trip to Newport for a girls weekend of relaxation and seeing all of the tourist attractions. Two vastly different cities in the smallest state in the US, but both packed with rich history, historic architecture, and fun things to do. This state hugs along the Atlantic Ocean in the northeastern most region of the United States. Little Rhody might be a small state but it also has the longest ratio of coastline to overall square mileage in the US.
My heart skips a beat for Rhode Island
Why to this day, my heart skips a beat for Rhode Island is I got to explore much of the state in my formative years between childhood and adulthood. Providence isn't as overwhelming as NYC or DC but has a lot to keep you entertained (if you are thinking of taking a road trip in the region, be sure to check out my post on New York and DC. Newport on the other hand is a quaint, upscale coastal town filled with history and nature. From a tour of the Vanderbilt Mansion to a stroll along the cliff walk. Even with the cold weather, neither of these cities disappoint even in the colder months. Our girls trip to Newport was over the first weekend in November, ramping up for the colder season but nothing an extra layer and some sunshine can't fix.
Providence
I am going to start my blog off with Providence, Rhode Island. Providence is the capital of Rhode Island, the most populated city in the state, and one of the oldest cities in New England. And the city is not at a shortage of sights and attractions either. If you do eventually run out of things to do in Providence, there is Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont all under an hour and a half away.
WaterFire
One of the most unique things I remember from Providence, all these years later was watching the WaterFire during the summer months, while hearing live music pipe through the streets. WaterFire is these containers filled with wood on the river through Providence, that are set ablaze. It takes place weekly June through July but then just a few times thereafter until November. It is an entertaining way to spent your evening before checking out the local vendors, shops, and restaurants. I would say WaterFire maybe one of the best things to do while in Providence. You get to explore the city, spend time outdoors, engage with local vendors, and entertainment for the whole family. The best time to see the WaterFire would be late Spring or early Fall for optimal weather. Also, in mid to late fall, the foliage in New England will be gorgeous.
Art Lovers Paradise
Providence is home to several major universities including Brown University, Johnson & Wales, and Providence College. Just outside the city, if you are feeling like outdoor activities and love animals, check out the Roger Williams Park Zoo. If architecture is what gets your goat, the Rhode Island State House and the John Brown House Museum are not too far from Brown and will give you a chance to walk around and see the sights. For the art lovers or even just someone looking for indoor activities, there is the Providence Children's Museum, RISD Museum of Art, and the Providence Performing Arts Center are all known for being a popular spot around the city. The lucky folks in the city on the 3rd Thursday of the month between March through November can partake in Gallery Night.
Cruising Down Narragansett Bay
Some other fun things to do in Providence are taking a boat tour or cruising down Narragansett Bay to Newport. This is also a convenient way to commute between each location, that will allow you to not have to worry about traffic or for the best parking areas, as well as enjoy stunning views. If your group is filled with nature lovers, Rhode Island is the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay. Given Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State, it is not surprising to learn that Providence has the Rhode Island Seafood Festival every September. The foodies will sure want to make a pitstop in Little Italy, also known as Federal Hill for some window shopping or a cannoli. If you're anything like me you would be planning your Providence trip around that event. For the tough people out there, make sure to include a Providence Ghost Tour around the city after the sun goes down.
Providence Sights & Attractions
Newport
Where to begin with Newport, Rhode Island. Why pick here out of all of North America? If it was good enough for the Vanderbilt's to setup roots in the east coast beach town, it must be worth a visit. Take a stroll down Ocean Drive and check out the Newport Cliff Walk to see a truly great place with an amazing view around the 3.5 mile stroll. For some truly beautiful beaches and views of the water, check out Easton's Beach, Brenton Point State Park, and Fort Adams State Park. But the main attraction for history buffs in Newport is taking a stroll around Narragansett Avenue to check out the Newport Mansions.
Gilded Age Mansions
There are quite a few mansions in Newport when I took a tour in 2014. We did the tour of 6 of the homes, which by the end was a bit too much. You see one Gilded Age mansion, you have seen them all. If choosing to only go to one or two, I would check out the Marble House as the ideal place to start, as the family name Vanderbilt is most well known to this day and still has prominent figures in society like Anderson Cooper (son of Gloria Vanderbilt).
Calling All Art Lovers
If you are a fan of the arts, check out Newport's music scene at the Newport Folk Festival or the Newport Jazz Festival. They also have the Newport Art Museum and RISD Museum for the art aficionado’s. For a tinier city, there are also a bunch of art galleries, including Seaside Art Gallery and the Sheldon Fine Art Gallery. For the car lovers out there, don't forget to visit the Audrain Auto Museum or the Newport Car Museum.
Newport Sights & Attractions
Summation
Moral of the story, if you are anywhere near New England, be sure to check out Rhode Island. Whether that’s culture and sights in Providence or history and nature in Newport. You’re sure to be entertained by the Firewater or the Providence Performing Arts Center or driving down to stroll along the Cliff Walk while gazing at the Vanderbilt Mansion, the Breaker’s; there is never be at a shortage of activities for the whole family to enjoy, learn, and grow from.
