The old saying “good things come in small packages” can certainly be applied to the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island offers plenty of charm, culture and a wealth of both natural and historical sites for travelers. Understanding the state better is very important before visiting.
Rhode Island is located within the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts and Connecticut and has access to the Atlantic Ocean. Travel by car is the best mode of transportation, though Amtrak does make several stops through the state.
Rhode Island has four distinct seasons which can vary wildly depending on when you’re visiting. English is the dominant language in the state but don’t be surprised to hear others, especially Spanish and Portuguese. Lastly, Rhode Island is culturally part of the New England region.
Providence
Providence, the state’s capital and largest city, boasts a number of attractions and sites of interest.
Providence plays host to a number of museums and theaters. They include the Roger Williams National Memorial, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium at Roger Williams Park, the Providence Children’s Museum, the John Brown House, the Providence Performing Arts Center, the Trinity Repertory Company, and AS220.
Providence also offers plenty of places to relax as well. Roger Williams Park is the flagship park in the city and serves up plenty to do. Here, visitors will find the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Roger Williams Botanical Center and the Roger Williams Carousel Village in addition to the park’s 427 acres of walking trails and greenery. Other great parks within Providence are Waterplace Park and the Riverwalk which offer excellent waterside views and areas to relax and socialize.
For shopping and dining, check out the Providence Place Mall, the top notch Italian restaurants in the Federal Hill neighborhood and the city’s many bars and pubs.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is home to some of the most stunning architecture in the United States. This gorgeous seaside city, located on Aquidneck Island, boasts numerous mansions as well as great shopping and dining opportunities.
The city of Newport is best known for its beautiful mansions, many of which were built in the 19th century by America’s elite. The largest mansion is The Breakers, a stunning enclave of wealth and luxury built by the famed Vanderbilt family.
Other stunning mansions in Newport include Belcourt Castle, Astor’s Beechwood Mansion, Chateau-sur-Mer, the Elms, Kingscote, Marble House, Rosecliff and even more.
Other attractions in Newport include the Museum of Yachting, the Newport Art Museum, the Naval War College Museum, the Newport Cliff Walk and Fort Adams. And don’t forget to pay a visit to Newport’s many restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.
Block Island
Located 12 miles off the shore of Rhode Island, Block Island is a charming and beautiful place to visit.
With its picturesque New England seaside feel, Block Island offers pristine and stunning beaches and breathtaking views. Be sure to visit the North Light, Mohegan Bluffs, the Block Island Historical Society and the South East Lighthouse.
Visitors can also go swimming, fishing, boating, bird watching and hiking.
The best of the rest
Other great Rhode Island hotspots include the excellent beaches of Narragansett, historic East Greenwich, the many parks and historic sites of Pawtucket and the charming fishing village of Port of Galilee.
Despite its small size, Rhode Island offers plenty to please even the most jaded traveler. From the excellent parks and museum of Providence to the beautiful mansions of Newport to the stunning beaches of Block Island, a visit to Rhode Island truly is a pleasure.
Steve Longo - I am a writer and filmmaker living in New York City. My interests include film, politics, world affairs, sports and government issues.
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