Rhode Island Travel Guide

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States of America, tucked between Massachusetts and Connecticut in New England. Nonetheless, it has over 400 miles of coastline, courtesy of Narragansett Bay and islands such as Aquidneck Island, home to the city of Newport, the "City by the Sea ".

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Regions

There are five counties in Rhode Island:

* Bristol County
* Kent County
* Newport County
* Providence County
* South County, the familiar name for Washington County.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Cities

There are 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. Some of the major ones are:

* Newport - Located on Aquidneck Island and once the darling city of the American elite. Famous for yachting, mansions, and jazz.
* Providence - The largest city in the state and the main commercial center.
* Pawtucket - Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution
* Central Falls - One of the most densely populated cities in the world.
* Woonsocket - Once known as "Little Quebec", it used to have the largest French-speaking population in Rhode Island. Today, French is rarely heard, replaced by English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
* Warwick - home of TF Green Airport, Rhode Island Mall, and "Gaspee Days"
* Narragansett - Best beaches in New England.
* Block Island - Island off southern coast of RI.
* South Kingstown, including the villages of Kingston, West Kingston, Matunuck, Peacedale and Wakefield.
* Middletown
* Exeter

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Understand

The state's full name is "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations". Despite east coast urban sprawl, there is still both gently-developed oceanside territory and farmland here. The name (pronounced "road island") is probably derived from the name Roode Eylandt given to it by Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, because of its red clay. The state's population is just over a million, so even though it's the smallest state in the U.S., it is only ranked 43rd in population.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Talk

Rhode Islanders talk with a distinctly eastern-New-England accent, similar to Boston's famous broad a and dropped r.

Natives also have names for certain landmarks, sometimes with a historical aspect with it. For instance, the Henderson Bridge, which is a mini-freeway/bridge in the Providence area, is affectionately known as the "little red bridge" because before the present bridge was built, a red wooden bridge stood there. Central Falls and East Providence will be known, especially in newspapers, as CF and EP respectively. Barrington will sometimes be called Borington because there are no liquor stores there (it is prohibited by a town ordinance).

Rhode Island's national pastime is politics, which can gets very emotional here. Rhode Island has the only surviving parliamentary democracy in the US. Combine that with an "everybody knows everybody" state of mind and you've got Rhode Island politics in a nutshell.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Getting There

By air

* Theodore Francis Green State Airport (PVD), Warwick. T.F. Green is serviced by many major US airlines, either non-stop or from a spoke. From Canada, offers service to Green Airport from Toronto Airport.
* Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) is much larger and is generally used for most international flights.

By train

* Amtrak, 800-USA-RAIL, has three train Rhode Island stations - Providence (downtown), Kingston (located in the town of South Kingstown and close to the beaches of Narragansett, and Westerly, the westernmost town in Rhode Island, at the Connecticut border). Providence is also on Amtrak's Acela and Regional routes continuing to the south and west to Washington and Virginia, but from the north Boston it is most economical to take the MBTA. Service is rather frequent and unlike the MBTA, operates on weekends. The Acela train takes just under 3 hours to arrive at New York's Penn Station on the way to points further south.

* From Boston, the MBTA, 617-222-5000, goes to Providence via the T's Attleboro/Stoughton commuter rail line from South Station and ends at the Providence AMTRAK station at 100 Gaspee St. However, it does not run on weekends. Only Amtrak travels to Providence on weekends.

By bus

* R.I.P.T.A., Phone: 401-781-9400. Services across all of Rhode Island with a central hub in Providence at Kennedy Plaza.
* Bonanza Bus Lines.
* Greyhound Bus.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Getting Around

Rental cars are available in downcity Providence, at T.F. Green Airport, and other places around the state.

Amtrak runs trains through the state, stopping in Providence, West Kingston, a village of South Kingstown (a few miles from the University of Rhode Island), and Westerly.

Bus travel within the state is coordinated by the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA). $1.50 will get you from one end of the state to the other, and if you need a transfer, it's $.10. Buses run from Providence to Newport, Kingston village in South Kingstown, and other points.

RIPTA also runs a ferry to Newport from mid-May to mid-October, while a separate company, Block Island Ferry, runs ferries to the Block Island.

Vineyard Fast Ferry, Phone: 401-295-4040, info@vineyardfastferry.com. Between North Kingstown (Quonset Point), and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard island.

If you're in Providence, you may want to forgo a car and walk. There is no on-street overnight parking in the city (although this is changing for some neighborhoods under a pilot program). Federal Hill, Downcity, and most of the East Side are quite walkable, and a number of bus routes serve the area. Use common sense when walking alone or at night, as you should in any city.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Things To See

International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino in Newport Features the only professional tennis events played on grass in North America and the largest collection of tennis memorabilia in the world.

Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. The zoo features a park, a dinosaur exhibit, and blends history and culture with the animals each area house.

WaterFire in Providence. A piece of environmental art, it consists of up to 100 bonfires which float on the rivers which flow through the city accompanied by ambient music.

Bristol 4th of July Parade, Bristol The oldest Independence Day celebration in the country, the parade attracts marching bands from all across the nation.

Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket - The exhibits recreate the unique Woonsocket labor story of the rise of the Independent Textile Union which grew to dominate every aspect of city life.

Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting in Newport.

Bright Night Providence - Dec. 31. Providence. Features hundreds of the best local sings, actors, dancers, acrobats, musicians, magicians and clowns.

Jamestown Penguin Plunge - Jan. 1. Jamestown. Hundreds of tuxedo-clad swimmers take the frozen plunge into the water to raise money for charity.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Newport, is the place to be for St. Patrick’s Day.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Things To Do

Autumnfest Held every Columbus Day Weekend (October) in Woonsocket, this 5-mapleleaf festival in one of New England's "Little Canadas " attracts a varied crowd of locals and out-of-towners.

Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre Renowned for its acoustics, intimacy, and artwork, Stadium Theatre has been a center for performing arts since 1926.

Newport Jazz Festival - Held every August in Newport, this festival attracts some of the biggest names in jazz. Highly recommended for any music lover.

Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. A multipurpose facility available for almost any event, from dog shows to trade shows.

Providence Place Mall located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island’s premier shopping center.

Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence “The Dunk” is the home of the Providence Bruins and Providence College Friars and is host to several different attractions including Stars on Ice, Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, and boxing matches featuring “Contender” finalist Peter Manfredo Jr.

Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, McCoy Stadium is a popular summer site for families looking for an inexpensive night of fun.

The Ryan Center in South Kingstown, University of Rhode Island sports, concerts and events.

Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence. A world-class facility hosting first-class Broadway touring shows, plays, contemporary acts, concerts, and much more.

Rustic Tri-View Drive-In in North Smithfield. Outdoor movies just like the good old days!

Slater Mill Historic Site in Pawtucket. A museum complex displaying interpretation of the American industrial heritage.

Blackstone River Theater in Cumberland Continuing Blackstone River Valley folk traditions.

Blackstone Valley Polar Express in Cumberland. A live story presentation of “The Polar Express,” based on the children’s book by noted Rhode Island author Chris van Allsburg.

Christmas at the Newport Mansions and Newport Winter Festival in Newport.

Block Island late-night Christmas Shopping - Dec. 20.

Mardi Gras Ball in Cranston. New England’s only authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras celebration.

Crescent Park Carousel in East Providence.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Eat

There are many different types of culinary delights available from diners to theme based establishments, to the most formal dining around.

Fire and Ice - Located in the Providence Place Mall, Providence. It is an eclectic eatery that consists of a buffet of delights to create your own meal. This meal is then prepared on an open grill right in from of you. On Sunday mornings, they offer a delicious version of the above with breakfast and lunch (brunch) offerings. The decor is very unique and resembles a 70's type of decor. A full bar is offered.

Pastiche Fine Desserts - 92 Spruce St., Providence. (401)-861-5190 Serves coffee and Californian style cuisine; most famous for their excellent desserts. For a cheap way to sweeten up that sweet tooth visit Pastiche Fine Desserts.

Puerini - 24 Memorial Blvd., Newport. (401)-847-5506 Italian cuisine served fresh daily. Wine is always a must “When in Rome”. Great staff and setting for a delicious meal.

Aunt Carrie’s Restaurant - 1240 Ocean Rd., Narragansett. (401)-783-7930 The locally run seafood service that serves the best fried seafood platter in Rhode Island. With a location right by the beach you can enjoy the great food and the great scenery.

Trattoria Simpatico - 13 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown. (401)-423-3731 A great selection of Italian cuisine. Always come hungry and leave stuffed. At a reasonable price you can get a full meal and desert, and leave with a happy mate.

Crazy Burger Café & Juice Bar - 144 Boon St., Narragansett. (401)-783-1810 A great selection of American style food. From hamburgers to pasta and more the Crazy Burger Café has something for everyone to be happy with.

Mews Tavern - 456 Main St., WakeField. (401)-783-9370 It has been proclaimed the “college students haven” serving wood fired pizza and beer. It is a safe and enjoyable environment with great taste and great beer.

Dels Lemonade - Headquarters: 1260 Oaklawn Avenue. Cranston, RI 02920. Telephone: 401-463-6190. Fax: 1-401-463-7931. Dels Lemonade can be found all over the state of Rhode Island. A summer day is not complete without a cup of refreshing classic lemon or any of the other 6 flavors; Lite Del’s Soft Frozen Lemonade, Watermelon, Peach Mango, Cherry Lemon Burst, Kiwi, and Blueberry. There are 28 convenient locations in the Ocean State alone, as well as franchises in 8 other states.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Drink

Rhode Island is home to quite a few great bars, a few brewpubs, a couple of vineyards, and one or two breweries. Rhode Island's must-drink establishments include:

Trinity Brewhouse (Providence): Good brew pub. Hang out in the atmospheric cellar and go for the IPA.

The Coast Guard House (Narragansett): Great summer beach spot on the roof of this establishment.

The Mews Tavern (Wakefield): The Mews boasts 69 draft beers including many microbrews, one made especially by Magic Hat Brewery for the Mews alone, along with three different bar atmospheres, including a Martini Lounge. It is an eclectic dining and drinking excperience for family and friends.

Aidan's (Newport): A classic Irish pub featuring Irish food, great desserts, and awesome Guinness. Newport is also the home of the Newport Storm brewery. Try the excellent local brew in many places across RI.

Eddies (Warwick): The best dive bar in RI. Bonnie, the proprietor, will serve up cheap drafts and the best Flaming Dr. Pepper's around while drinking with the local crowd (a strange mix on any night).

Wickenden Pub (Providence): Over 99 different beers and trivia on Thursdays with prizes.

The Wild Colonial Tavern (Providence): Great tavern atmosphere with a varied beer selection.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Sleep

Providence Biltmore Hotel - 11 Dorrance Street Providence, RI 02903. 401-421-0700. A proud member of Historic Hotels of America centrally located in Down City Providence within walking distance of all the city has to offer. A Visitor Information Center and car rental agency lie adjacent to help you navigate your way to Newport which is less than an hour away. $139 and up per night.

Hotel Viking Newport - One Bellevue Avenue Newport, Rhode Island, RI 02840. Hotel Direct (Tel) 401-847-3300 (Fax) 401-849-0749 Reservations 800-556-7126 Recognized among the prestigious Historic Hotels of America, Hotel Viking located in Newport’s Historic Hill neighborhood offers the luxury and refinement of old New England $109 and up per night.

The Westin Providence - One West Exchange Street Providence, RI 02903 401-598-8000. Connected to the RI Convention Center and the Providence Place Mall by a sky bridge, and located only a short walk away from all Down City Providence has to offer. $219 and up per night.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Landmarks

The state capitol building is made of white Georgian marble. On top is the world's fourth largest self-supported marble dome. It houses the Rhode Island Charter of 1663 and other state treasures.

Providence is home to the First Baptist Church in America, the oldest Baptist church in the Americas, which was founded by Roger Williams in 1638.

The seaside city of Newport is home to many famous mansions, including The Breakers, Marble House and Belcourt Castle. It is also home to the Touro Synagogue, the oldest lasting synagogue within the United States. The synagogue showcases the religious freedoms that were established by Roger Williams as well as impressive architecture in a mix of the classic colonial and Sephardic style. The Newport Casino is a National Historic Landmark building complex that presently houses the International Tennis Hall of Fame and features an active grass-court tennis club.

Rhode Island is home to the famous roadside attraction Nibbles Woodaway, the Big Blue Bug, the world's largest termite.

Fort Adams, on Narragansett Bay, was the setting for the finish of Eco-Challenge 1995.

Rhode Island Travel Guide - Stay Safe

Rhode Island is generally safe in most neighborhoods you would intentionally go to. The most dangerous part is probably driving as the locals are prone to run red lights and shift lanes with no warning.

Providence is relatively safe, but be careful while walking around the capital city at night. Areas to avoid, unless you know where you are going, are the Mount Hope neighborhood on the East Side, South Providence, and the Olneyville section of Providence (generally places where you would not go unless you were lost).

Article Source: Wikipedia