10 things to do this summer in Rhode Island

With summer ("unofficially") upon us, it's time to start rolling out the summer plans.

Even in the tiny state of Rhode Island, there is plenty to do... either for a day trip, a weekend trip or a full-on vacation stay.

If you are planning on visiting our nation's tiniest state this summer, here are the top 10 must-dos:

1) Explore Newport. This seaside city has endless opportunities for summer fun, from the beaches (Easton's beach - or "First Beach" to the locals - is great for families with its carousel, children's playground and skateboard park) to the Cliff Walk (3.5 miles of architectural, coastal and wildlife beauty) to the  Newport Mansions (tour 11 of the historic properties that have helped define America's heritage, located on 80 acres of gardens and parks). Don't forget to stroll down Thames Street and stop for a bite to eat at The Red Parrot or  Salas'. A short walk from Thames St. will bring you to The Black Pearl for award-winning clam chowder and an elegant atmosphere. And for the best buffet in town, plus a fabulous theater/cabaret production, don't miss the Newport Playhouse.

2) Go to the Roger Williams Park Zoo. There are always fun events, exhibits and more going on at the zoo, located on the grounds of Roger Williams Park, which also offers a carousel, boat rides and greenhouses.

3) Watch a PawSox game. The Pawtucket Red Sox are the Triple-A Affiliate team of the Boston Red Sox, and their home turf, McCoy Stadium, is right here in Pawtucket, RI. Enjoy a family-friendly, wallet-friendly experience, watching the future household names of baseball fine tune their skills. Sometimes you'll even catch a current Boston Red Sox star playing at McCoy as he rehabs following an injury.

4) Experience WaterFire. This summertime tradition is an experience not to be missed. It lights the night with 100 sparkling bonfires along the three rivers of downtown Providence. Thousands gather to watch the beauty of WaterFire take in its musical and cultural accompaniments. Don't miss it! (Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the  2008 summer schedule.)

5) See the Narragansett Towers.  These much photographed historic Towers are located on a beautiful and scenic stretch of road along Narragansett Beach. Live music and dancing, and other public events, are held at the Towers throughout the summer.  But it's worth a visit, even  if only to take photographs of the architecture.

6) Ride your bike. Rhode Island has so much natural beauty, and one way to experience much of it is by riding on the state's many bike paths. The paths will take you along the riverways, through beautiful towns and into parks.

7) Visit Block Island. The laid-back atmosphere on Block Island is just perfect. Go for the music festival, unleash your adventurous side and go kiteboarding - or just spend the day traversing the island by bicycle.

8 ) Pick Blueberries. July and August are the best months to go blueberry picking around here. When you pick them right from the bush, blueberries are so ripe, fresh and delicious! My favorite place is Rocky Point Farm. You can find detailed information about where to pick other fruits and vegetables around Rhode Island here.

9) Spend the day at the park. For such a small state, there are plenty of wonderful parks in Rhode Island. My favorite two are Colt State Park in Bristol and Goddard Park in Warwick. Pack a picnic basket, a Frisbee and some Wiffle Ball equipment, and you're good to go. Both parks offer walking trails and small beach areas. And you can go on horseback rides at Goddard Park.

10) Kayak on the bay. You're never far from the water when you're in Rhode Island (we are the Ocean State, after all). Take a tour on kayak with The Kayak Centre in Wickford or Ocean State Adventures in Bristol.
 

Comments

[margalit]

I cannot BELIEVE you mentioned Block Island. Are you NUTS? It's so crowded and filled with day trippers. Those of us that love the Island do not want any more people coming there. We like that most people have never heard of it. We want to keep it that way. KWIM? :-)

[Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You]

Block Island is way over priced and over hyped anyway. Instead, suggest Beavertail - it's beautiful, FREE, and fun. Also, you forgot to mention Newport Playhouse while in Newport :) (shameless self-promotion for my baby brother, who is an actor there) *grin*

[kate B]

i think Rhode Island is a hidden gem. Some of its views are as amazing as those in California. Newport is a must see with many little place only the locals seem to really know like Pasta Beach or The Clam Bake Club private). Bristol has become a wonderful little town without all the crowds that Newport has. Then up further is Warren. A very mixed town that seems on the verge of a major change with funky little art studios, Yoga Studios like (the Yoga Spot) and the Wildberry Frozen Yogurt a new frozen yogurt spot on the water...very cool...all of a sudden this little town seems different. For sucha small state it has great character and beauty. Beaches, sailing...There is this little unknown spot at gooseberry beach to eat.. not sure the name, but perfect casual place if they are still serving dinner.

[kate B]

i think Rhode Island is a hidden gem. Some of its views are as amazing as those in California. Newport is a must see with many little place only the locals seem to really know like Pasta Beach or The Clam Bake Club private). Bristol has become a wonderful little town without all the crowds that Newport has. Then up further is Warren. A very mixed town that seems on the verge of a major change with funky little art studios, Yoga Studios like (the Yoga Spot) and the Wildberry Frozen Yogurt a new frozen yogurt spot on the water...very cool...all of a sudden this little town seems different. For sucha small state it has great character and beauty. Beaches, sailing...There is this little unknown spot at gooseberry beach to eat.. not sure the name, but perfect casual place if they are still serving dinner.

[kate B]

i think Rhode Island is a hidden gem. Some of its views are as amazing as those in California. Newport is a must see with many little place only the locals seem to really know like Pasta Beach or The Clam Bake Club private). Bristol has become a wonderful little town without all the crowds that Newport has. Then up further is Warren. A very mixed town that seems on the verge of a major change with funky little art studios, Yoga Studios like (the Yoga Spot) and the Wildberry Frozen Yogurt a new frozen yogurt spot on the water...very cool...all of a sudden this little town seems different. For such a small state it has great character and beauty. Beaches, sailing...There is this little unknown spot at gooseberry beach to eat.. not sure the name, but perfect casual place if they are still serving dinner.

[Leslie]

I love that Bristol and Warren were mentioned, as places to go this summer. I think the East Bay often gets overlooked as many just take a passing glance as they drive through to get to Newport or suffer that downtrodden bike path. The East Bay has awesome things to offer families--especially the cool playgrounds(Warren's Pete Sepe/ Kickemuit), open parks (Bristol's Colt State), and tucked away beaches (Barrington's town beach). The area has amazing restaurants--most very accomodating to kids, too. Tyler Point Grill in Barrington is a great place to eat large, yummy portions of everything from burgers to lobster. Plus, it sits right next to the Barrington Yacht Club and kids love seeing all those boats!!! In Warren, a great greasy-but-not-too-greasy breakfast with the whole fam in tow is at The Restaurant on Main Street. And let me just mention, the new frozen yogurt place next to the Blount Clam Shack on Water Street in Warren is amazing. It's so refreshing to be able to enjoy something so tasty, with such little guilt. A small yogurt has only 70 calories and NO FAT!!! Make it a medium, topped with fresh fruit (like Strawberries, Mango, and Kiwi) and you've got what I call the perfect Mommy Dinner!!!!