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Rhode Island
The Ocean State
With the Sailing Capital of the World
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
The smallest state in the US packs a big punch. With 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island is a lovely place to visit, especially in the summer. It allows visitors to step back into the Gilded Age in its preserved mansions, sail in the Sailing Capital of the World, enjoy polo and tennis, along with 'Gansetts and stuffies, among loads more.
When
How
The largest airport in Rhode Island is the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, a 10 min drive from Providence and a 30+ min drive from Newport.
Summer is the best time to visit Rhode Island with pleasant temperatures of average highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s-60s F. It's also prime time to enjoy time on the water and at the beach.
There are direct flights to PVD from major cities in the Midwest, East Coast and SE. Reaching Block Island is accessible by ferry from the main terminal in Point Judith (30 min high-speed, 1 hour traditional) and Newport (1 hour high-speed). The schedule and ability to buy tickets is accessible here.
Where
to stay...
1) Hotel Viking - Newport, RI - I typically stay at Hotel Viking when in Newport for a fairly centrally located hotel within walking distance to the wharf. The hotel is one of a few nicer full-service options in the area that offers a refundable and book now, pay later booking option typically at a relatively reasonable price point. The hotel is a Historic Hotel of America colonial revival building built in and operational since 1926. The hotel was last renovated in 2016 and has a restaurant, spa, fitness center, pool, and outdoor dining on the ground level and rooftop with live music Thurs-Sat. Rooms are a decent size, however the bathroom can be very small. For more information and the ability to book, click here.
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2) Cliffside Inn - Newport, RI - For a smaller inn option, head to the Cliffside Inn located in the Historic District near Easton Bay and the Cliff Walk. Part of Lark Hotels, this Victorian mansion dating back to 1876 is beautifully designed with 16 rooms each individually decorated with modern versions of classic decor. Stays at the inn include breakfast and afternoon wine to enjoy in the gorgeous parlor and library or outdoors on the beautiful grounds or porch. More information and the ability to book is accessible here.
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3) Wayfinder Hotel - Newport, RI - For a less expensive, trendy option, check out the Wayfinder in North Newport, a short drive from central Newport. Dovetail Co. did a great job of repositioning an old select-service hotel into a well decorated, low cost, trendy hotel option. The lower cost is reflective of the less appealing location near the highway that's offset by the quality of the design found with a Dovetail Hotel. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and a massive restaurant, bar & cafe with hints of a 50's diner to eat, drink, and hang. The rooms are large, bright and airy. For more details and the ability to book, click here.
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4) Block Island Beach House - New Shoreham, RI - Another Lark Hotels creation, the Block Island Beach House is a beautiful reincarnation of a home turned inn built in 1873. The beachfront hotel is conveniently located down the block from the ferry terminal and the center of town with lots of shops, restaurants & bars. The beach house has a boho chic beach design with surf board accents. There's beachfront space, an outdoor pool, beachfront restaurant, bar & cafe, and a wrap-around porch. Rooms are compact, but comfortable with the same chic design carried throughout. For details and the ability to book, click here.
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5) Shepherd's Run - South Kingstown, RI - Opened by a local couple in the hospitality industry in the Summer of 2021, Shepherd's Run is an inn, winery, and event space all-in-one. Shepherd's Inn transports visitors to the English countryside with its Norman Romanesque architecture style featuring a stone façade built in 1933. The property has a beautiful, airy vibe that flows through to the grounds. Rooms are spacious and nicely decorated with a simple, classic decor. For more information and the ability to book, click here. ​
What
Do
to...
1) Explore Newport - Step back in time to the Gilded Age by touring the ornate historic mansions dating back to the late 1800's. The mansions can be reached from the 3.5 mile Cliff Walk or by taking a trolley. Rhode Island's Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has a (free - May 26-Oct 31, 2023) trolley/bus service operating every 20 minutes from the Newport Transportation Center to Bellevue & Ledge to take to the historic mansions (Route 67).
Tickets to tour the historic mansions & gardens can be purchased through The Newport Preservation Society here. Alternatively, guided trolley tours are available providing information of the area and sights here, including admission to The Breakers mansion here. The Breakers summer home of the Vanderbilt's is arguably the most famous and grand, as is The Marble House on a slightly smaller scale. The Elms is also a sight to see, particularly the extensive grounds with enormous trees and manicured gardens.
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After exploring the mansions, enjoy a drink in the garden at The Chandler or Top of Newport rooftop at the Hotel Viking with live music Thurs-Sat. Take in a polo match at Newport Polo on Saturdays from June to September late afternoon. Wander around Bowen's Wharf and enjoy oysters at the Clark Cooke House. Dine at the oldest tavern in America at the White Horse Tavern dating back to 1673.
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2) Get on the Water - Enjoy Rhode Island from the water on a sightseeing cruise through the Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Learn about the area through a narrated tour as you pass landmarks like Fort Adams and the Newport Bridge. The cruise lasts 75-90 min with departure times throughout the day, including in the morning with mimosas here and afternoon with Del's lemonade and a cash bar here.
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3) Enjoy Block Island - If you haven't heard of Block Island, you're in for a treat. Block Island is to Rhode Island what Nantucket is to Massachusetts, only far less known. It is referred to as one of the last great places by The Nature Conservancy for its abundance of rare plants and animals and the community’s support for conservation. Nearly half the 7 mile long x 3 mile wide island is permanently protected for conservation.
Reaching Block Island is accessible by ferry from the main terminal in Point Judith and Newport. The high-speed ferry takes 30 min from Point Judith and 1 hour from Newport. There are several departure times each day providing the ability to visit Block Island for the day or longer. The ferry terminal is in the heart of town making it very easy to get around on foot.
Exploring the entire island though is best accomplished by driving or biking. Island Moped has a value deal to rent a moped that holds 2 people for 2 hours and 2 bikes for 24 hours for $65 starting at 9am. While exploring the island, stop by the Farmer's Markets at Legion Park, if visiting on a Wed or Sat 9-11:30am and the Mohegan Bluffs. Also, check out Ballard's Beach for beachfront fun filled with tiki bars, lounge chairs & cabanas, all day dining, and live music starting at 2pm.
Eat
Stuffed quahogs or stuffies, which are local clams baked and served on the half shell typically with a mixture of celery, onions, breadcrumbs and seasonings. Beyond quahog clams, Rhode Island catches over 100 species of seafood with the most commonly eaten being squid, scallops and lobster.
Drink
While Coffee Milk (coffee syrup with milk) is the official drink of Rhode Island, I'm partial to Del's Frozen Lemonade dating back to the 1940's. For one heck of a summer shandy, try a Narragansett Del's Shandy made with RI based Narragansett lager for a refreshing summer adult beverage.
*If of legal drinking age to drink responsibly
Wear
New England Coastal
Watch
The Great Gatsby 1974 version by
Jack Clayton
Listen
"Sail Away"
by lovelytheband
Gift
Click here for Gift ideas