Benefit Street is a nice little walk and The Shunned House is a sweet little surprise. What I like…read moreabout The Shunned House is that you would have NO CLUE that this house was significant amongst the others in the surrounding areas. The armory down the street stands out a lot more than the lil house that HPLovecraft wrote about. Still it's a great side trip that will only take seconds out of your day if you are in or around the colleges in the area. This is obviously a residence and they have since named the house after someone but you can see the wall that used to be used as the front of the house and the descriptions stand strong in Lovecraft's writing. No big deal but I liked being there and seeing it.

I was going to write about this curiousity, but I realized I couldn't do any better than what…read morebrought me in the first place: "The house was--and for that matter still is--of a kind to attract the attention of the curious. Originally a farm or semi-farm building, it followed the average New England colonial lines of the middle eighteenth century--the prosperous peaked-roof sort, with two stories and dormerless attic, and with the Georgian doorway and interior panelling dictated by the progress of taste at that time. It faced south, with one gable end buried to the lower windows in the eastward rising hill, and the other exposed to the foundations toward the street. Its construction, over a century and a half ago, had followed the grading and straightening of the road in that especial vicinity; for Benefit Street--at first called Back Street--was laid out as a lane winding amongst the graveyards of the first settlers, and straightened only when the removal of the bodies to the North Burial Ground made it decently possible to cut through the old family plots. "At the start, the western wall had lain some twenty feet up a precipitous lawn from the roadway; but a widening of the street at about the time of the Revolution sheared off most of the intervening space, exposing the foundations so that a brick basement wall had to be made, giving the deep cellar a street frontage with door and two windows above ground, close to the new line of public travel. When the sidewalk was laid out a century ago the last of the intervening space was removed; and Poe in his walks must have seen only a sheer ascent of dull grey brick flush with the sidewalk and surmounted at a height of ten feet by the antique shingled bulk of the house proper. "The farm-like grounds extended back very deeply up the hill, almost to Wheaton Street. The space south of the house, abutting on Benefit Street, was of course greatly above the existing sidewalk level, forming a terrace bounded by a high bank wall of damp, mossy stone pierced by a steep flight of narrow steps which led inward between canyon-like surfaces to the upper region of mangy lawn, rheumy brick walls, and neglected gardens whose dismantled cement urns, rusted kettles fallen from tripods of knotty sticks, and similar paraphernalia set off the weather-beaten front door with its broken fanlight, rotting Ionic pilasters, and wormy triangular pediment. "What I heard in my youth about the shunned house was merely that people died there in alarmingly great numbers. That, I was told, was why the original owners had moved out some twenty years after building the place. It was plainly unhealthy, perhaps because of the dampness and fungous growth in the cellar, the general sickish smell, the draughts of the hallways, or the quality of the well and pump water. These things were bad enough, and these were all that gained belief among the persons whom I knew. Only the notebooks of my antiquarian uncle, Dr. Elihu Whipple, revealed to me at length the darker, vaguer surmises which formed an undercurrent of folklore among old-time servants and humble folk; surmises which never travelled far, and which were largely forgotten when Providence grew to be a metropolis with a shifting modern population." H.P. Lovecraft, The Shunned House Be mindful that this is a private residence. Please be respectful.

A local treasure of history and culture. On levels with so many historic homes in New Englsnd and…read moreyet to say you know Bristol or even RI history without visiting here you have cheated yourself. Be challenged and be awed by beauty, architecture, and history. And do not miss it!

I have been to Linden Place many times and I thought it was about time to write a review of this…read morebeautiful colonial home and museum. Linden Place was built in 1810 by George DeWolf. When the sea was America's highway, the DeWolf family ruled along with the Browns of Providence, and as with the Brown family, the DeWolfs made their money in trading slaves. George's family and descendants occupied the house for 177 years until the Friends of Linden Place, a non-profit group, assumed ownership in 1988. Perhaps the most famous occupant was Colonel Samuel Pomeroy Colt, George's grandson. He started Industrial Trust Bank which later became Fleet and he formed U.S. Rubber which became today's Uniroyal Tires. This house is considered the "architectural crown jewel" of Bristol and it is important to the social history of the town as well. Walking around the house with a guided tour, you can hear and learn about the history of the house and the town, bright time and dark times. Learning about the slave trade is important because it was a part of our history, even though it was a sad one. The decor is exquisite, with the furniture, chandeliers, artwork and interior design set the same way it was in the 19th century. We have also enjoyed the outside grounds during wedding receptions, concerts, special events. The grounds are always immaculate so the events outdoors always shine. A beauty of Colonial architecture in Bristol.

This park marks the historic landing site of Roger Williams. It is located at the corner of Gano…read moreSt. and Power St. The plaques on the monument commemorating Roger Williams were recently refurbished with support from the Fox Point Neighborhood Association. The sculpture of Roger Williams was made out of Westerly Granite, which is the base for many sculptures in Providence. Unlike other types of granite, it is exceptionally smooth and uniform. I have taking walks and strolls around this area and there's a Dunkin' almost across the street for those who need a snack or pick me up drink.

We had planned a visit today with a small group of friends and family members and to be honest, we…read moredidn't really know what to expect. We were immediately impressed with how beautiful the grounds were, there were lots of beautiful flowers, magnificent water views, and abundant charm. We had an amazing time touring the house and grounds. Our guide, Maggie, was excellent, she shared interesting details and told the story of the Smith-Appleby family with humor and pride. We were most impressed at the sustainability of the homestead and how it has served this family for nearly 300 years. It was an absolute privilege to spend time here and we felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the morning touring the buildings and grounds, including a visit to the family cemetery at the front on the property. Tours cost $5 per person and a yearly membership is only $20.

I've always seen the sign on the highway, so last weekend I just happened to look up what their…read morehours were... sure enough, the next tour being held was the next day... Sunday. They give tours the third Sunday of the month from 1 - 4 , so plan accordingly! It was a beautiful day... I have to say the grounds are lovely. What a great place to just enjoy a short stroll. My son enjoyed picking up sticks and poking around the small stream that runs down from the road. We also took a look at the graveyard with all the old stones. The house itself is very interesting with a few things I'd never seen before. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Everyone there was very welcoming and we just had a really nice afternoon... my son ,who is 7, really enjoyed it as well. A great local place to visit, especially on a nice day. I'll be back to check out some of the events that they hold periodically.

Many times my husband and I have walked around the Quad at Brown University, and we have noticed…read morethis poignant sculpture in the middle of the green grass. It is a Slavery Memorial. The Slavery Memorial recognizes Brown University's connection to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the work of Africans and African-Americans, enslaved and free, who helped build the university, Rhode Island, and the nation. In 2003, under the direction of President Ruth Simmons, Brown University undertook an unprecedented study of the university's relationship to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The findings of the three-year study were clear, if discomforting. Slavery and the slave trade were pervasive throughout Rhode Island; Rhode Island dominated the North American share of the African slave trade; the economy of the state was dependent on slavery; and Brown University was a beneficiary of this trade. The Slavery and Justice Committee set out a number of recommendations for future actions, one of which was the creation of a permanent memorial to recognize Brown and Rhode Island's relationship to the transatlantic slave trade: "a living site of memory, inviting reflection and fresh discovery without provoking paralysis or shame." Following the Committee's charge, preeminent sculptor and National Medal of Arts recipient Martin Puryear created a powerful and elegantly simple object of remembrance. The two-part memorial includes a sculpture and stone plinth with engraved text. A massive ductile-iron chain rises up from a dome measuring eight feet in diameter. The links of the chain are broken at eye level and the surface is mirrored in silver to reflect the sky above. Reminiscent of a ball and chain, the dome also represents the weight of history still half buried, while the reflected sky symbolizes hope for the future. Through his characteristic economy of means Puryear has transformed a recognizable symbol of enslavement into a statement of recognition and hope. The memorial is sited on the front campus near University Hall, the oldest building on campus. Constructed in 1770, records show that some benefactors contributed their slaves' labor to assist in the construction. For the many viewers who may be unaware of Rhode Island's connection with the slave trade, the memorial text serves as public acknowledgment. It reads: This memorial recognizes Brown University's connection to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the work of Africans and African-Americans, enslaved and free, who helped build our university, Rhode Island, and the nation. In 2003 Brown President Ruth J. Simmons initiated a study of this aspect of the university's history. In the eighteenth century slavery permeated every aspect of social and economic life in Rhode Island. Rhode Islanders dominated the North American share of the African slave trade, launching over a thousand slaving voyages in the century before the abolition of the trade in 1808, and scores of illegal voyages thereafter. We hope that many people see and think about the significance of this artwork, for the betterment of humanity.

Months before the American Revolution started, colonists destroyed British tea in protest. You know…read moreabout that, right? Well maybe not. Because this plaque doesn't commemorate the 1773 protest known as the Boston Tea Party, when Massachusetts colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor. Instead, it refers to a later incident in Providence, RI, when its colonists burned the British stash of the "Needless Herb" in protest against the Crown. This happened on March 2, 1775. It's an inspirational story of patriotism, defiance, and solidarity. Based on the urgings of the Continental Congress, Rhode Islanders overwhelmingly agreed to show support against British tyranny. They did so by lighting a bonfire on Market Square, and after speech making and the ringing of bells, hundreds of pounds of British tea were tossed into the fire. One month later, things had reached their breaking point with the killings at Lexington and Concord. The Revolution was under way. The plaque's inscription reads: Near this spot the men and women of Providence showed their resistance to the unfair taxation by burning British Taxed tea in the night March 2nd 1775 Erected 1894 by Rhode Island Societies of Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution. Too bad the plaque is in such tough shape, how awesome would it be if this treasure of American history could be restored?

Historical marker at the spot in a building where Tea from England was protested and burned in the…read moreyear 1775. Call it the Providence Tea Party! A revolution that started, against burdensome taxation. Traffic cones and trash in front. Plaque is in need of more attention and paint, barely legible.. The building itself looks like an old custom clerks office. Needs much better management. Rebel review: 4

While visiting family in Massachusetts this summer, my wife and I took a detour to search for the…read moreDambo trolls in RI. Our first stop was in East Providence, to see Mrs Skipper. A fun installation watching over the waterfront. She was can be a bit difficult to find. The address we found online brough us to the parking lot for a medical center, but instead, we needed to pull into a driveway before this locations, and go down the hill towards the water front and greenway. She's a little off the beaten path, but a fun design, holding an actual steel boat over her head as she heads to the water. Worth checking out if you're in the area. Though, there is signage saying you're not supposed to walk down on the rocks in front of her, though that is where the actual signage for her is located. I think it's more of a liability thing, there is no one there policing where you do and don't go, just proceed with caution.

I enjoy the Thomas Dambo's recycled sculptures and they are now on my list of things to see when…read moretraveling! Mrs. Skipper is on a small rocky peninsula near a boardwalk over the bay. You are not supposed to walk out on said rocky outcrop and a sign at the entrance says the area is off limits. Still, plenty of intrepid adventurers were out there getting a closer look. There is plenty of parking for the Urban Coastal Greenway behind a huge Orthopedic building. Follow the paved trail down to the main trail, turn left and then take your first right. This part of the path is in a bit of disrepair, but I did see a couple of strollers on the path here so it's passable. Once on the boardwalk, you can look off to the south and see Mrs. Skipper perched on her rock. I am sad it's not easily accessible to the little one's. The details though are all there and it's Mrs. Skipper seems to be enjoying her perch.

The hurricane of '38 wiped this lighthouse out, killing the gatekeeper in the process. As our tour…read moreguide said tongue-in-cheek, that's why you don't come in on your day off. This is a lighthouse on the lighthouse tour offered by RI Bay Cruises, although it is really only a small foundation now. The location is actually Narragansett Bay, too, not Manville.

A broken lighthouse…read more Rhode Island doesn't get a lot of hurricanes but has had some whoppers. The monsters in 1938 and 1954 changed the coastline and caused literally billions of dollars in damage. The one in 1938 even managed to break in half a nearly indestructible cast iron light called Whale Rock Light. Whale Rock is a treacherous reef that was responsible for the destruction of many ships over the years. Laying right in the middle of the west passage of Narragansett Bay it was difficult to avoid and miss in bad weather so in 1882 the authorities finally decided to mark this deadly spot with a sturdy and stout cast iron "spark plug" light. This design was popular in severe areas because it was thought to be able to withstand anything nature could throw at it. Of course people underestimated the fury of exactly what nature was capable of. The light serve well until 1938 when an unprecedented and unbelievably powerful cat 3 hurricane slammed into the bay without warning. Sustained winds of over 120 miles per hour and gusts of almost 200 miles per hour literally shook the ocean and hurled it toward the shore. They didn't give official names for hurricanes back then but the colossus of 38 has been called The Yankee Clipper, The Long Island Express, The Great Hurricane or simply The Beast. Over 600 people died in New England and probably another hundred or so in other states. A 25 feet storm surge hit in places like a giant tidal wave and parts of Providence were under 35 feet of water. Millions of trees were destroyed and thousands of houses and buildings were laid waste. The destruction was sudden, complete and unimaginable. The intrepid and faithful lighthouse keeper was the 40 year old Walter Eberle, a father of 6 who was no stranger to the sea. He was off duty but knew a big one was brewing and bravely went out to the lighthouse to relieve his less experienced assistant who went back to shore. Walter stayed at his duty at the light as the waves and winds grew. He probably had to go up to the top of the structure but might have believed that nothing could actually destroy this lighthouse. Unfortunately he was wrong. The next morning the lighthouse was gone and Walter's body was never found. Over the years the the remains of the lighthouse were examined to determine why it failed. No reason was every found except for the fact that the storm was just so incredibly powerful that nothing could stand in it's way. Just a short distance north of Whale Rock five more people died in Prudence Island Lighthouse and the entire island was completely wiped out. Today a new hurricane called Irene is taking aim at Narragansett Bay. I have heard some of my neightbors along the water say that they aren't worried or scared because it will probably "only" be a cat one when it hits. Sometimes it is wise to be afraid, sometimes very afraid, it what keeps you alive. Perhaps people forget exactly what the ocean and wind is capable of but what remains of Whale Rock can be seen out in Narragansett Bay if anyone needs to be reminded. Perhaps this storm will turn out to be nothing more than just the usual histrionics of the modern media. But the again perhaps Irene will decided to get nasty and unleash the fury of her some of her predecessors. Perhaps people along the coast have nothing to worry about or perhaps now is the time to be very worried. We shall see.