Three days in Rhode Island--where to go? (Providence, Coventry: real estate, rentals)

[doglover29]

Hi,

My husband and I are going to Rhode Island for a family event this summer. We will be in Providence for a few days, but we have three extra free days that we'd like to spend seeing the sights in RI. So besides Providence, what are some interesting and fun cities/towns/attractions to see? We have never been to RI before. I've heard Block Island is very interesting, so we were thinking about that.

All ideas welcome!

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by doglover29

My husband and I are going to Rhode Island for a family event this summer. We will be in Providence for a few days, but we have three extra free days that we'd like to spend seeing the sights in RI. So besides Providence, what are some interesting and fun cities/towns/attractions to see? We have never been to RI before. I've heard Block Island is very interesting, so we were thinking about that.

You should check out Bristol, RI: a charming little town on a harbor, close to Providence. Bristol is walkable, quite picturesque. It's real New England/Rhode Island and picture-postcard cute. Nothing earth shattering, but a very pleasant place to spend some time and get a feel for seaside New England. See: Discover Bristol

Newport is, of course, quite famous and worth a day trip, too. You could take the Providence-to-Newport ferry if it's running.

And if you're feeling *REAL* adventurous (and know what you're doing) you might think about renting a boat for a day from a local marina and cruising on Narragansett Bay.

[ontheroad]

professorsenator's suggestions are terrific.

Block Island would be a memorable one day trip. Here's some info on tickets, etc.

Some other towns I think are special are: Wickford (South County); Jamestown (off Newport) and a leisurely drive through Barrington to Tiverton, stopping at Bristol and Portsmouth.

[ProvGuy]

Hopefully the weekend you come will be a waterfire weekend, in which case you can walk around downtown Providence and enjoy the festivities. I would also recommend hopping on the ferry to Newport for a day (presuming they don't cancel the service by then). It's a great ride with great views of the bay and it's only like $7 each way. Or I'd drive to Fort Wetherill in Jamestown and climb the cliffs and enjoy the scenery.

[leighland]

Isn't there an awesome walk along first beach in Newport?

[ProvGuy]

Originally Posted by leighland

Isn't there an awesome walk along first beach in Newport?

There's the cliff walk which I believe starts at First Beach. Definitely worthwhile to check out, it has amazing views.

[rockfisherman]

Originally Posted by doglover29

Hi,

My husband and I are going to Rhode Island for a family event this summer. We will be in Providence for a few days, but we have three extra free days that we'd like to spend seeing the sights in RI. So besides Providence, what are some interesting and fun cities/towns/attractions to see? We have never been to RI before. I've heard Block Island is very interesting, so we were thinking about that.

All ideas welcome!

Check out the tourist website for RI:

Visit Rhode Island :: Welcome :: VisitRhodeIsland.com

Block Island is beautiful...certainly worth a day trip.

I would definitely visit Newport. Take in a couple of Mansion tours. The Breakers and Marble House are two that visitors seem to favor, but The Astor's Beechwood is nice because they have guides in period costume.

If you like Tennis at all, don't miss the Tennis Hall of Fame, also in Newport.

If historic buildings interest you, there's General Nathaniel Greene's homestead in Coventry, Gilbert Stuart's birthplace in North Kingstown, The Towers in Narragansett, Smith's Castle in North Kingstown.

[Rhonda410]

These are the places I think you'll love here:

Definitely check out the Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, RI -

Beavertail Lighthouse and Park - Jamestown RI

Just gorgeous and VERY romantic at sunset ~

I highly recommend this restaurant in Jamestown ~

Trattoria Simpatico
Dining and Catering
13 Narragansett Ave
Jamestown, RI
(401) 423-3731

Dining in Jamestown RI

DEFINITELY see the WaterFires in Providence since you'll be here in the summertime ~ hopefully your 3 days will fall

on a day that it's scheduled ~

WaterFire
So romantic ~ has such a medieval feel and words just don't do it justice.
A great night out and free too! You won't be sorry!


East Greenwich is fantastic also ~

Lots of quaint little shops right on Main St...and if you're into history, East Greenwich was established in 1677 and has

tons of gorgeous historic houses to see.

East Greenwich Rhode Island

Also...there are many wonderful restaurants & cafes all within walking distance of each other....there's a little art

gallery, and a fantastic wine shop on Main st. too. "Coffee on Main St" - (GORGEOUS coffee shop with a lovely fire going in

the back room & the BEST coffees....and they even have an attached "martini bar" ~ just fantastic)

Restaurants in East Greenwich: Grill on Main, Cafe Fresco, Trattoria Del Corso, Post Office Cafe ~ all on Main St.

For great summer nightlife, East Greenwich has "Twenty Water St", and "Table 28" situated right on the harborside.

(East Greenwich is along an inlet of Narragansett Bay) These two restaurants/lounges are located just a 5 minute walk from Main St. ~ just ask the locals!!!

If you make it to East Greenwich, check out Wickford also ~ only about a 10 min. drive away ~

Wickford Village Rhode Island - Shopping & Business - Home Page


Beaches - Daytripper's Guide: Narragansett


Now, have you ever been to Martha's Vineyard? (sorry to recommend a non-Rhode Island place, but if you haven't been to this area before you shouldn't miss out) You can actually catch a ferry (called the Fast Ferry) from
N. Kingstown, RI to Martha's Vineyard. Block Island is okay but Martha's Vineyard blows it away!!

The ferry is VERY fast and a lot of fun ~
Vineyard Fast Ferry - Martha’s Vineyard Ferry

More on Martha's Vineyard ~ Martha's Vineyard Hotels, Accommodations, Real Estate, Travel, Restaurants, Inns, B&B, Bed and Breakfast, Rentals, Properties, Vacation Rentals - Home - Martha's Vineyard Online - The Official Site of Martha's Vineyard

...and if you come back on the ferry when the sun is setting, it's just glorious!

If you make it to the eastern part of the state, Colt State Park in Bristol is very nice. Unfortunately, if it's crowded,

it's not very peaceful when people are allowed to blast the music in their cars etc...but really gorgeous views:

Rhode Island's Best State Parks

I hope this helps. I've tried to point out some of the romantic spots you might miss if you simply spend your time

checking out "Newport Mansions" which seems to be all people do when they come here!

Also, if at all possible ~ See a play at the Trinity Playhouse in downtown Providence. Absolutely fantastic actors ~

you'll get to see the historic theatre too ~ so pretty ~ and you can even grab a few beers at the Trinity Brewhouse next

door.

Trinity Repertory Company - William Damkoehler


~~Rhonda

[mr2448]

[quote=Rhonda410;2964304]These are the places I think you'll love here:


Now, have you ever been to Martha's Vineyard? (sorry to recommend a non-Rhode Island place, but if you haven't been to this area before you shouldn't miss out) You can actually catch a ferry (called the Fast Ferry) from
N. Kingstown, RI to Martha's Vineyard. Block Island is okay but Martha's Vineyard blows it away!!

Actually, Block Island blows MV away. Block Ilsand is considered one of the eighth wonders of the Americas. It has natural beauty not found anywhere else. It abounds in nature and most of the island has been kept pristine. It has its beaches and restaurants, but not to the number of the Massachusett islands . If you are looking for quiet, nature and beauty then Block Island is the place. Otherwise go to MV or Nantucket and knock yourself out with the hoards of crowds looking for a good restaurant and/or drinking spot, shopping and the crowded beaches. Most travelers to BI are day trippers because there are few hotels or shopping areas. It is the Catalina of the east.

[rockfisherman]

I have to agree...I'll take Block Island over MV. Tho admittedly, MV is very nice and the ferry ride is cool. I like the ferry ride to BI better. And the Nature Conservancy named Block Island one of twelve of "The Last Great Places" in the Western Hemisphere

projo.com, the Web site of The Providence Journal | Saving Block Island: How Rob Lewis led the way

Rhonda's post reminded me about Theater by the Sea, a Rhode Island institution that recently reopened after being closed a few years.

Theatre by the Sea - Home