8 Affordable Destinations In Rhode Island For Budget Travelers
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the US, is only small in landmass and population. With the Atlantic Ocean on its south, plenty of small seaside towns and wooded, historic attractions, plus a bustling New England cultural landscape, the state is quite big in touristy allure. In addition, it boasts at least eight affordable destinations in for budget travelers. That means a number of affordable destinations for travelers looking to cut costs on their explorations without losing the thrill and forgoing memorable experiences. Here are eight lovely and affordable destinations to visit in Rhode Island.
Coventry
Coventry is a magnificent town in Kent County with an affordable cost of living. For history buffs, there are many attractions on the National Register of Historic Places to explore as well. These include the Nathanael Greene Homestead (built in 1770), Paine House Museum (1691), Interlaken Mill Bridge (built in 1885), and the historic Hopkins Hollow Village, among others. The Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge is the perfect spot for nature lovers, featuring many habitats like ponds, forests, and streams, including wildlife like deer, coyote, and fox. Also, kayak and canoe rentals are available to explore the lake in the area. Meanwhile, budget travelers can always lodge at one of the lakefront cottages to cut costs on accommodation and enjoy seamless access to the refuge's nature trails.
Woonsocket
Woonsocket, one of the most populated cities in the state, is also one of the cheapest destinations to live in, explore quaint attractions, and enjoy affordable accommodations. Visitors here will appreciate the Museum of Work & Culture, a foremost historic attraction on South Main Street. The museum features exhibits and a changing gallery that detail the story of immigrants who came to seek better lives in the mill towns along the Blackstone River. The Veteran’s Memorial Museum is another historic draw to this town, hosting diverse artifacts ranging from weapons and medals to uniforms and everyday items reflecting life in various wars. On the outdoors, Cold Spring Park has many walking paths that weave through its greenery and a boat launch to explore the Blackstone River, one of the state's longest rivers. For a luxury stay in town at an affordable price, lodge at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites or Woonsocket Motor Inn.
Tiverton
Tiverton is a coastal gem town along the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay, overlooking Aquindeck Island across the Sakonnet River. With its coastal elegance, the town is a haven for adventures and vacations and quite affordable for travelers on a budget. In terms of attractions, the town is home to the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District, a crossroad and small village hosting more than a dozen 18th-century buildings, as well as some eateries and boutiques. In the area, art fans can visit the Four Corners Gallery to capture amazing paintings from various artists across the US. In the meantime, adventurers can head outdoors to explore some of the town's beaches, such as Grinnell’s and Fogland beaches to enjoy picnics, sunset views, promenades, fishing, and sandcastle building. Animal lovers can check out the West Place Animal Sanctuary to see donkeys, waterfowl, turtles, and horses. When hungry, dine at the Boat House Waterfront Dining with bay views. For budget travelers, the Cottage Moore House is an affordable accommodation in town that sleeps four and is great for pairing with other travelers.
Bristol
Bristol is a beautiful and cozy seaside town nestled on a peninsula that splits Narragansett Bay from Mount Hope Bay. Budget travelers will love it here as it is fairly budget-friendly with many free things to do and relatively affordable accommodations at several establishments like the Bristol Harbor Inn. In terms of adventures, the town's harbor is visually enticing and perfect for promenades to see hundreds of boats mooring on the docks. Mount Hope Bridge is also quite scenic, while Colt State Park features walking trails, picnic groves, boat ramps to explore the water, an open-air chapel, and an observation tower. On the side of history, the options are also abundant as the town hosts the Bristol County Courthouse (1816), Bristol County Jail (1828), and Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (1855). Art lovers can always visit the free Bristol Art Museum to browse through its stunning collection of exhibits.
North Kingstown
North Kingstown is a treasure trove of history and natural splendor in Washington County, where travelers can indulge in a plethora of tourist attractions on a budget. For starters, the town is home to the historic Wickford Village, a small seaside town that houses one of the most extensive collections of preserved 18th-century buildings in the United States. Visitors can also check out the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, home of the renowned American portraitist, or the Old Narragansett Church, reportedly the oldest Episcopal church in the Northeastern United States, first built in 1707. Other historic attractions to explore in town include Casey Farm (1725) and Smith's Castle (1678), one of the state's oldest houses. For budget outdoor adventures, Compass Rose beach beckons for recreational pursuits, like promenading, sunbathing, picnicking, and boating. Cheap accommodations in town include Hamilton Village Inn and Wickford Motor Inn.
East Providence
The city of East Providence brims with people, culture, history, adorable neighborhoods, and exciting things to do. Yet, the city remains relatively affordable. For starters, the town offers affordable accommodations, like the Extended Stay America Premier Suites. In terms of attractions, the Comedy Connection is in town and invites visitors to enjoy premium entertainment, while the HeARTspot Art Center and Gallery is a great place to appreciate artwork. Also, the outdoors comes alive in the Riverside neighborhood of East Providence, which hosts the Sabin Point Park featuring green areas for picnics, a paved walking path, and a small beach on Narragansett Bay. Crescent Park is a similar option, with picnic benches to enjoy the charming views of Narragansett Bay, a walking trail, and a music amphitheater for shows. For the history buff, the town offers many options, such as John Hunt House (built in 1750), World War I Memorial, and Philip Walker House (c. 1724), all of which offer a glimpse of the area’s iconic past.
Charlestown
Charlestown is an oceanside town in Washington County, boasting miles of secluded, charming beaches to explore alongside other attractions and parks. Thankfully, the small town is quite affordable, with free beaches like East State Beach, Ninigret State Beach, and Charlestown Breachway State Beach. At these beaches, visitors can swim, boat, fish, kayak, sunbathe, and enjoy picnics. It also has affordable accommodations like the Phil & Ann’s Sunset Motel and General Stanton Inn Hotel. Additionally, the town hosts Burlingame State Park, a 3,100-acre park centered on Watchaug Pon and offering swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, and hiking experiences. On the town's historic side, travelers can check out attractions such as Fort Ninigret (1637) and Joseph Stanton House (c. 1739), all on the National Register of Historic Places. Wildlife lovers can visit the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, home to migratory birds such as piping plovers, sandpipers, and wood ducks.
Lincoln
Lincoln, a naturally scenic town just north of Providence, is an alluring and cost-effective getaway for tourists on a shoestring budget. For travelers here, Lincoln Woods State Park is one of its highlights, with outdoor attractions and free access. This 627-acre park around Olney Pond is a recreational hot spot with a small freshwater beach for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Other experiences in the park include boulder climbing, hiking trails, fishing, picnicking, and sightseeing. Blackstone River State Park is another outdoor haven to explore, with walking trails, fishing and canoeing activities, and some sites of historical interest. Visitors can also embark on a historical and scenic walking tour along the Canal Towpath from 1828 and visit the Captain Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum. Here, visitors will find more insights into the town's history, including railroad and canal exhibits. In the meantime, Bally's Twin River Lincoln, a casino and hotel that provides affordable lodging accommodation that budget travelers can enjoy.
Conclusion
Rhode Island is the perfect destination for all types of travelers, even those on a tight budget. The state is filled with small oceanside and forested towns providing many cost-effective and free natural and historic attractions to explore. Some of its beaches and riverfront attractions are also free to access, and accommodations are relatively cost-friendly in these towns. These eight affordable destinations in Rhode Island for budget travelers should entice you to visit the Ocean State, especially since there are so many incredibly affordable destinations to choose from.
