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!

We stopped by on a drizzly weekday morning, but unfortunately the windmill is only open…read moreFriday-Sunday from 1PM-4PM. Hopefully we will be able to time our next visit to this historic windmill to coincide with its opening.

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.

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

If you are visiting RI, Wickford is a cute seaside village. There are a couple of restaurants with…read morewater views that serve good food. Shops in town include coffee, antiques, clothes, household goods, day spa, kayak rental/tours and so on. Some of the older, long time businesses have closed in the past decade and a couple of 'big businesses' have taken over those spots. Still, it's a charming walk down tree line streets. We will often walk the town, and through the nearby neighborhood, ending at the town dock. There is a seafood market and a Seal Tour boat company near the dock with a few parking spots for customers. Information boards have been installed in the neighborhood near historic buildings, along the sidewalk. This is a nice addition. There are quite a few lovely older homes, a church and burying yard to see if you are willing to wander. Public parking is available on street and behind buildings on Brown St., on the water side. There are public restrooms in the parking area where you will find a water bottle filling station and diaper stations. The building is not signed, but is located near the Narragansett Rune Stone - A bit of local history and folklore. Walk down to the historic Hussey Bridge for water views of the marina.

We made a quick drive through parts of this historic village while on vacation. There were many…read moreinteresting shops waiting to be visited as well numerous historic houses that deserve more of our time than we had available. Perhaps a return will be made later this fall.

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!

Definitely one of the best bridges in Rhode Island. Best thing about it is no tolls! Second-best…read morething is the spectacular views of the bay. I'm old enough to remember the old Jamestown Bridge, and this one is a big improvement, with two lanes in each direction, instead of one. The old bridge also had an open grate at the apex, so you could look down at the water under your car, plus it made a lot of tire noise, which was nerve-wracking to many motorists. The current bridge took a long time to build, and it's architecturally plain looking, but since it was completed more recently than the Newport Bridge, it needs less maintenance and repair, which means no traffic restrictions. I've never been stuck in traffic on this bridge - it's always smooth sailing for me. They built this bridge next to the old bridge, and for a time, after demolishing the main bridge span, they left the ends of the old bridge up for use as a fishing pier. But, eventually, the old bridge was completely removed. The new bridge has some memories for me too. In 1991 and 1992, when I was attending URI, my mother rented a room in her house to a concrete engineer who was part of the bridge's construction crew.

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

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.

Always one of my favorite parts of Newport no matter what time of year it is or what the weather is…read morelike. This was my go to spot to take a drive on when suffering from anxiety during college or having a bad day. Blast some good tunes, roll the windows down and take a ride!

My go to "not so secret spot" in Newport. Great views of the bridge and perfect sunsets. Pack a…read morelittle picnic and go for a nice stroll. I've been coming for years and it's never crowded.

A big, old, well kept house with a big lawn inside Fort Adams State Park and between Newport Harbor…read moreand Narragansett Bay. It is marked "Eisenhower House," but I didn't see any other information posted. It's not open for tours and, peeking inside, it's pretty empty. Googling I was able to find it was built in 1873, was the home of a Civil War General and later was the Summer White House of Pres. Eisenhower, it's on the National Register of Historic Places, and can be rented for events. It would be a very pretty place for a wedding. It's a nice stop while driving around Fort Adams State Park.