04/2018 The Newport…read moreMansions in Rhode Island are magnificent pieces of history that are an absolute Must-see! I toured several of these amazing mansions during my first trip to Rhode Island. The architecture & furnishings are opulent & so beautiful. The self-guided audio tours, filled with history, personal stories & tragedies of these mansions & the Gilded Age, allow for meandering at your own pace. The Bellevue Avenue area feels safe & clean. Of the spots I visited, parking is easy & free. Staff members were very nice. You can purchase individual mansion tickets or I'd suggest a package as they are unique & worth seeing. Currently, I'd say my favorite is the Marble House. I highly recommend the Newport Mansions tours & look forward to exploring more on future trips and taking the Cliff Walk, weather providing!

Stunning & majestic grandeur at 360 degrees for these historic mansions. Amazed and grateful that…read morethese have been restored for us to view this piece of lavish history. We joined the Historic society for the well worth is discount and toured 3 homes in a day, which is just the right amount. A must in the self guided audio tour via the mansions phone app. It really adds to the history of the mansion and gives great insight to the families and their world. Please explore these fabulous gems when in the area. Can't wait to see the rest!

Delightful little historical stop and worth a look at this 230-year old structure from the state's…read moreearly days. Hard to believe this windmill's been around since shortly after the War of Independence - and it looks great for its age! The windmill's got 3 levels (which you wouldn't have guessed from the outside) and you're able to climb up to the very top bonnet where the windmill blades connect with a big gear to run the millstones. Very nice displays on each level as well. Beautiful views of the Newport bridge too! The hours are limited though - so need to check its schedule - and manned by a volunteer docent. The windmill is put into full operation a couple of times a year, demonstrating the corn grinding - per the docent, the next demonstration will be July 21, 2018! Free to the public. Just a note: no restrooms or running water on site.

The past points to…read more the future Windmills are cool, both the old ones and the new ones. Windmill Day is a chance to learn and check out a very old one. The smock windmill on North Road on the island of Jamestown was built way back in 1787 and was constructed to replace the one destroyed by the British in the war of Rhode Island. It operated grinding up corn until 1895 and is now owned by the Jamestown Historical Society. Everyone that visits the island sees the windmill sitting peacefully on it's little hill but once a year the Historical Society has a celebration and puts out the sails and gives lectures about the venerable structure. You get to actually go in the thing and learn about exactly how it operated. Cool stuff, the people in the Historical Society know everything about the windmill and the history of the island and gave some fascinating information about the archeology and geology of the area. Sure it's dark and the stairs are steep. I bonked my head several times climbing up and then wonked it again once I was on top but it was worth it. The views from the top are spectacular and the smell and feel takes you back in time. Rhode Island is a windy place, Narragansett Bay has a nice breeze blowing virtually all the time. The state has erected several modern wind turbines in the last few years and has many more planned in the near future to generate electricity and reduce the state's dependence on oil. Great stuff. This windmill shows that the folks way back in the 18th century knew how to take advantage of the environment. Things the people in the 21st century are just starting to learn. The past points to the future

This is a nice state park located at the southern tip of Jamestown island. As you drive in, there…read moreare a few parking lots located on the right side of the road....there are about 3-4, so if the first ones are full, keep driving and hopefully you can find a spot in the farther ones. It does not matter if you park in the farther lots, you can still walk around the edge of the park and enjoy the nice ocean views and rocky scenery. There are areas for picnics, there is a small museum and there's the lighthouse as well. We have come many times and we have seen many people taking pictures with the beautiful background for weddings, quinceañeras, engagements, graduation, and more. Free parking, free to get in.

Stopped in on a summer week day with out of state family. The kids had a great time exploring the…read morewaterside. Be careful areound thise rocks! The paths down are steep. The lighthouse museum was open as was their little one room aquarium. We picniced in the lawn and as with all State parks it's "carry-in, carry out" so be sure you bring your own trash bags. Same for your pup. Furry friends are welcime as long as you carry their droppings out. Four parking areas are available at no cost. A number of trails dot the area. Most of the area is uneven grass and dirt paths although there are handicapped spots closest to the lighthouse and a paved path leading in that direction. The lighthouse museum is not wheel chair accessible. Composting toilet buildings are located in a field between parking and lighthouse. These are water free and have hand sanitizer available. If you are a forager this location may interest you. Be sure you have a license to enjoy fishing off the rocks.

Historic lighthouse with red light dating back to revolutionary war. Refurbished. At the west end…read moreof Narragansett bay, between saunderstown and jamestown.

Wickford is a cute little village in the North Kingstown section...about 30 min south of Providence…read moredowntown. Wickford Village offers a number of unique shopping and dining options. Shop in any of the locally owned boutiques, home décor stores, personal care/gift shops, or even a bookstore and pet supply store....dine at one of the many locally owned restaurants, many on the water or with water view. Wickford is also home to several art galleries that are open to the public daily...if you are into active life.....you can rent a kayak for a portion of the day and get out in the harbor, or you can rent an electric bike and cruise around the village. If you want to just stroll and take it easy, the town is charming and cute....the shops are great, but the location of the village itself is ideal for picnics and walks. The village has a large parking lot that leads to benches and docks. The views are amazing and the benches offer the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack. No seaside village is complete without a beach. Of course, Wickford doesn't disappoint. Roughly a mile from the main village is the town beach. Now, keep this one quiet because it is small and nestled in the heart of an established Wickford neighborhood. During the season (traditionally Memorial Day to Labor Day), only North Kingstown residents can procure a beach pass at town hall that will cost roughly $10. However, you can still visit if you are not a town resident. If you were to go out of season, near dawn, or after dusk, you can enter the beach for free. The beach is on the small side, but it is perfect for families with children. The beach offers a playground, which was recently renovated, public restrooms, and outdoor showers. Also perfect for young children is the fact that the beach has little or no waves because it is tucked in the harbor. No waves means no undertow. On select Fridays throughout the spring and summer, the harbor is set alight and you can enjoy food, drink, carriage rides, and more. All of the stores remain open later and food trucks from all around the state come and park in town. If you happen to find yourself in Wickford on a Friday night, make sure to check this special event out. Overall, a nice charming town where you can spend a whole day in a beautiful setting.

Lovely village that's walking friendly. Lots of little shops...everything from antiques, home…read moredecor, clothing boutiques and restaurants. Historic area with lots of antique homes and lovely gardens. We spent a couple hours walking around and stopping in shops. All the shops we visited were taking precautions to keep everyone safe from covid, from limiting the amount of people in the stores to providing hand sanitizer. I'm looking forward to visiting again post covid and experiencing the different seasons there.

Good. Had a good time looking at the old buildings and seeing the tools that they used.read more

Ready for an adventure kiddies? Then come to Fall River and see the aging ruins of the Old Fall…read moreRiver Ice House. But please, be discreet. Signs around the entryway state that fishing, boating, swimming and camping are strictly prohibited. But ever since I was a child I always wondered what the old Medieval looking ruin had to offer the not so faint of heart. Now as an adult literalist, I interpret the absence of a no trespassing order as something akin to an invitation. One side of the structure can be seen on the right while driving north on Route 24 coming from 195. Take exit 5 and follow Eastern Avenue then take a left onto New Boston Road. At the end, turn left onto Willow Street which turns into Ruth Street (over the freeway) and then Meridian Street (in a very short distance). Park on Hannah Street or Bergeron Street and then walk back toward whence you drove and go around the left of the fence across the road. What awaits you on the other side is a lonesome path long neglected over time. Weeds and trees flourish between cracks in the crumbling asphalt. Once past the noise from the street, an eerie quiet sets in. A short walk will lead you to the northern shores of the pond. Continue along and watch for the ruins on the right. Inside you will find excellent photo opportunities and a remarkable example of structural decay and a forest gradually reclaiming lost ground. Vines ensnare the surrounding trees and creep alongside the walls of the massive building. The colossal inner chambers are full of trees and enormous stones that have given way to time. Interesting exterior brickwork nestled among stones can be seen as one moves along the southern edge of the building closer to the shore. One wall bears the scar of what may have been a large lightning strike. Most of the walls have soaring vacancies in the stonework that may have once held windows or doors. Sadly, there is some graffiti, but it's a minor distraction in such an exciting place. After you've had your fill of the ruins, continue along the path and feel the eyes of the forest upon you. Low walls of stone accompany you throughout most of your journey and it would be difficult to get lost. Bear left when the path splits about a half mile after you've gone over the causeway (it can be difficult to discern) and you will eventually return to Meridian Street. Do NOT forget your camera!

We took a self-guided tour of this farm on a beautiful day recently. When we arrived we were…read moregreeted by the farm's border collies. The dogs are friendly and very playful. I got the impression that we could throw sticks all day and they wouldn't tire of the game. They accompanied us for most of our walk around the property. In the barn we met a very friendly guide who told me a little about the farm and game me a map along with a detailed description of what to look for. The farm is part of Historic New England along with a couple other properties in Rhode Island and many in Massachusetts. The admission is $4 for adults, $2 for kids and $3 for seniors. We headed out for a walk through the pastures. We saw the cows and sheep that live on the farm, a cool windmill they use to water the livestock and the most amazing views of the bay and the Jamestown bridge. When we got to the rocky beach the dogs were waiting for us to throw rocks into the water. We collected shells and sea glass before we followed the dogs back to the barnyard. There is a shop with grass-fed lamb and beef as well as restrooms which we didn't use so I can't comment on the cleanliness. The farm is beautiful and the views alone are worth the price of admission.

Really awesome walking trails. It reminds me of the English or Irish country side. If your out in…read morethe Newport area check this little farm out! You might even catch the sheep sheering season!

No tolls, almost unobstructed views-an almost MUST if you are traveling to Newport. Perfection!read more

A cool bridge with…read moregreat views I love going over bridges, especially really big bridges. I realize that some people think reviewing a bridge is stupid but real cool ones deserve to be reviewed. Here I am actually reviewing two bridges, the old Jamestown Bridge and its replacement the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge. Everyone calls the new one the Jamestown Bridge, just like the older one. The first bridge was built in 1940 and was the very first bridge to Conanicut Island. This opened things up for people living there because they didn't have to rely on just ferries any more. There were plans to keep the old bridge open for bikes and pedestrians but the old bridge was found to be in such lousy condition that they were afraid it would fall and end up killing people. So they finally got around to blowing it in April, 2006. The new bridge was completed and opened in 1992 and is much wider and higher than the previous one. Great fun to drive over and look at down at Plum Beach Lighthouse, Dutch Island, ships and the water. It's such a great view that it's difficult to keep my eyes on the road, so I frequently weave around a bit. Scares the hell out of my wife which is always cool. Unlike the Newport Bridge (Pell), there is no toll to cross the Jamestown Bridge. Unfortunately bikes and people are not allowed on the new bridge which is to bad because it would be a great place for a walk. It can get a bit feisty in the winter, especially during snow or ice storms, but the highway guys do a good job of keeping it passable so there really aren't that many fatal accidents. I've been over both bridges a zillion times and still love it. Crossing into Jamestown over the bridge is something I'll never get tired of. Here's a cool video of the demolition of the old bridge. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2nGtVURPlE

Passed this beautiful cove while driving around Ocean boulevard looking at mansions…read more What an Understated beauty! Looking at the waterviews & the mansion at a distance is so calming. We happen to be in the area at sunset & it was breath taking! We saw some cars stop briefly to appreciate the view. Our tour guide during the bus tour also stopped by to let us soak in the peaceful vibe of this beautiful spot. Highly recommended if you are in Newport.

I've only visited Newport a couple of times. Whenever I am here, I always seem to find myself…read moredriving Ocean Drive. I love the coastal views, beautiful homes, and the cool sea breeze. I recommend adding Ocean Drive to your itinerary if you are looking to admire the scenery or join the crowd gathering for sunset.

Great drive to see Ocean, rocks mansions, Parks, hotels and nature. Easy drive and fun.read more