{"id":4963,"date":"2017-01-15T13:55:36","date_gmt":"2017-01-15T13:55:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=4963"},"modified":"2017-01-26T15:00:37","modified_gmt":"2017-01-26T15:00:37","slug":"101-things-to-do-in-rhode-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/winter-2017\/101-things-to-do-in-rhode-island\/","title":{"rendered":"101 Things to Do in Rhode Island"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Gary Sikorski<\/p><\/p>\n

B<\/span>eing in the restaurant industry since, well, since disco was popular, I\u2019ve spent a good deal of time traveling and working mainly in prominent seasonal areas oversaturated with tourists. This usually meant I was working in the north in the summer and in the south in the winter. Not only did I go where the money was, but it allowed me to live and work in places where most people were spending their vacations.<\/p>\n

So I traveled a lot, and had the chance to spend extended periods of time getting to know a lot places very intimately. This has positioned me nicely to act as your guide and attempt to bring you these fabulous destinations through my photography. And I did just that in my first book, 101 Things to Do in Martha\u2019s Vineyard<\/em>.<\/p>\n

So I then looked back in my past to determine the next place to which I could return and continue my \u201c101 things to do\u201d concept. It would need to be a popular vacation spot. A place where I knew the lay of the land. A place where I\u2019ve experienced the major attractions as well as those off-the-beaten-trail places that I love telling my friends and family about.<\/p>\n

\"sailboatMy Own Backyard<\/h4>\n

I soon realized, with the help of my friend Collette, that that place was right in front of me! The beautiful state in which I currently reside\u2014Rhode Island<\/a>! Today, it\u2019s remarkable how many people are visiting our state. Thanks to our 400 miles of coastline, the many historic sites, and the resurgence of the city of Providence, this is the place!<\/p>\n

So I went about revisiting some of my old haunts and uncovering some new ones, and in the process, compiled 101 of the best things to do to in Rhode Island.<\/p>\n

\"104Waterfront Gems to Quaint Towns and Villages<\/h4>\n

Imagine sailing aboard a luxurious sunset cruise out on the Atlantic, sipping champagne in the backyard of a lavish Great Gatsby-era mansion, rummaging around centuries-old antiques shops, or ripping into a succulent two-pound lobster fresh off the boat.<\/p>\n

Rhode Island, although just forty-eight miles from north to south and thirty-seven miles from east to west, is blessed with a parade of beautiful sandy beaches, an array of sheltered coves, a plethora of boat-filled harbors, and a host of spectacular cliffs and rocky bluffs. It all adds up to an astonishing 400 miles of coastline!<\/p>\n

The Ocean State combines this remarkable waterfront beauty with quaint towns and villages, an Ivy League university, world-class arts and theaters, and historic sites dating back 350 years in time, all within a short drive of each other.<\/p>\n

Today, Rhode Island is alive with that independent spirit, which can be felt all the way from Woonsocket to Watch Hill. 101 Things to Do in Rhode Island<\/em> will guide you down meandering country roads and seaside highways and take you on an informative, photographic journey where you will learn about the preeminent sight-seeing destinations, the local favorites, and exciting activities you might have not known existed even if you live here. I have included interesting tips and helpful suggestions that will aid you in making the most of your visit.<\/p>\n

Here are two not-to-miss stops on this complete voyage of the entire state, from dairy farms and quaint fishing villages to the magnificent mansions of America\u2019s Gilded Age, from fields filled with juicy blueberry bushes to world-class art galleries, and from colorful neighborhood bars and restaurants to the raging coast of the Atlantic.<\/p>\n

\"038Where to Buy Fresh Lobsters Out of the Pot<\/h4>\n

Buy freshly caught lobsters right from the boat at End-O-Main Lobster<\/a> on Wickford Town Dock.\u00a0You can\u2019t really find lobsters much fresher or affordable than this! Captain Trip Whilden has been a commercial fisherman for twenty-eight years, and he traps \u2019em right here in Rhode Island and sells \u2019em from a large tank right on his fishing boat. Just drive to the dock at the end of Main Street in the quaint village of Wickford, jump on the boat, and then pick \u2019em live, clean \u2019em and cook \u2019em. Not only will you have a lot of fun, but you\u2019ll be supporting the hard-working local fishing industry. So go get \u2019em!<\/p>\n

\"272Penny Candy That Still Costs A Penny<\/h4>\n

The village of Chepachet in northwestern Rhode Island is well revered for its outstanding antique shops, but the grand dame amongst the assemblage is the Brown & Hopkins Country Store<\/a>.<\/p>\n

America\u2019s oldest general store in continuous operation, Brown & Hopkins opened in 1809 and, believe it or not, still sells penny candy for a penny! The enchanting shop is spread out over two charmingly creaky floors and is packed full of country goods, antique furnishings, quilts, candles, florals, gourmet specialties, and candy. Lots and lots of candy!<\/p>\n

Sunset Cruise<\/h4>\n

Jump on an elegant, turn-of-the-century sailboat and head out for an unforgettable sunset cruise, like Sightsailing of Newport<\/a>. This self-described \u201cmerry bunch who love what we do and are lucky enough to do it in one of the prettiest places in the world\u201d offer regularly scheduled sails and private charters to the public.<\/p>\n

\"105Connect with Indian Heritage<\/h4>\n

Attend a festival or pow wow presented by Rhode Island’s original inhabitants, the Narragansett Indian Tribe<\/a>. Check their website for the next upcoming event.<\/p>\n

Renew Your Vows on Venetian Gondola Ride<\/h4>\n

Take a romantic ride through the heart of Providence on an authentic Venetian gondola.<\/p>\n

La Gondola\u00a0Providence<\/a>\u00a0offers a variety of BYO gondola trips complete with wine glasses, wine biscuits, Italian music and singing gondoliers. Try their Viaggio dei Sogni, or “Trip of Dreams,” trip. For 40-minutes, enjoy spectacular views of the Providence riverfront, passing historical landmarks, through public parks and under picturesque bridges aboard one of their authentic Venetian gondolas rowed by a singing gondolier.<\/p>\n

Go Fly A Kite<\/h4>\n

Grab a kite and some string and take advantage of the ocean breeze at\u00a0Brenton Point State Park<\/a>. This park with sweeping\u00a0views of the ocean is located on the most southerly point of Aquidneck Island, Newport and where the Atlantic Ocean joins Narragansett Bay.<\/p>\n

Pick Your Own Blueberries<\/h4>\n

Pick your own blueberries right off the bush at Macomber’s Blueberry Farm<\/a>.\u00a0This 2-acre farm located in Coventry, RI has been in business since 1985 and is owned and operated by John Macomber and his family. This 2-acre farm located in Coventry, RI has been in business since 1985 and is owned and operated by John Macomber and his family. Stop by their blueberry patch also for garlic, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, butternut squash and more.<\/p>\n

And so …<\/h4>\n

It was a real treat this past year traveling around this great state compiling 101 Things to Do in Rhode Island<\/em>. I traveled with my camera by my side and was able to revisit some of my favorite places and discover some wonderful, new adventures. But keep in mind even with 101 suggestions, there is still so much more to be discovered in this beautiful state. So get out and explore. And don\u2019t forget to try a coffee milk!<\/p>\n

Excerpt Used With Permission from Schiffer Publishing. <\/em>101 Things to Do in Rhode Island, by Gary Sikorski, published by Schiffer Publishing. Copyright \u00a9 2016. Hardcover. Photos: Gary Sikorski<\/em><\/h5>\n

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