7 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Rhode Island
While it may be the smallest U.S. state by area, Rhode Island boasts amazing sights and activities. With one of the most scenic coastlines in America, this state in New England is the perfect vacation spot. It has charming people, amazing state parks, and a positive vibe that is sure to make any weekend enjoyable. Moreover, with plenty of amazing tourist towns spread throughout the state, there is no shortage of places to visit for a 3-day weekend.
Narragansett
For tourists looking for Rhode Island’s coastal beauty, Narragansett should be at the top of those weekend destinations lists. This town of 14,500 is always filled with tourists along one of the many waterside attractions. One of the most popular sites is Narragansett Town Beach. This beach is centrally located and with beautiful white sand, is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and surfing! Alternatively, spend the day at Roger W. Wheeler State Beach which offers picnic spots for an enjoyable family experience. For those uninterested in getting wet but still want to take in the coastal sights, take a stroll along Black Point Trail. This hiking trail spans more than 2 miles with amazing panoramic views of the rocky coastline.
While the coastal sights are endless, Narragansett also has a rich history. As it has been a tourist town for many decades with a plethora of historic sites throughout town. Some of the most popular are Point Judith Lighthouse, Gilbert Stuart Birthplace Museum, and the towers. Built in 1857, Point Judith Lighthouse showcases the importance of coastal safety and also provides scenic views of the ocean. Moving in from the shore, Gilbert Stuart Birthplace Museum is a testament to local history as the house was constructed more than 2 centuries ago in 1755. Since then, it housed a famous American portraitist and was later made into a museum. Combining waterside beauty with intriguing history, Narragansett is the perfect place for a 3-day weekend.
Providence
Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island with a bustling population of 190,000 people. To this end, the city is an urban metropolis with an endless array of enjoyable attractions, people, and sights. Surprisingly, even for such a jam-packed city, Providence has many natural areas, such as Roger Williams Park, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy. Covering an area of 400 acres, Roger Williams Park is a great place to unwind on your weekend trip. It has greenhouses, boathouses, ponds, and more for a relaxing time outdoors. If looking to meet some furry friends, check out the Roger Williams Park Zoo which has been open for more than a century. This zoo houses a wide range of animals such as zebras, frogs, fish, turtles, toucans, and many more for an amazing experience. Here tourists will find plenty of nature to appreciate within Providence!
That being said, the city truly comes to life when looking into Providence's history and culture. Settled in 1636, Providence has a long-spanning and interesting past. Testament to this, the city boasts some amazing establishments such as the Providence Performing Arts Center. This royal building is from 1928 and has since been the go-to place for movies, plays, music, and more. With luxurious red seats, hanging chandeliers, and an air of class, this is the place to be for an authentic experience. However, no matter where visitors decide to go during the day, there is one place that ought to only be visited at night...This is the Providence Ghost Tour, a unique tour that covers interesting landmarks such as the local cemetery with a side of ghost tales. With all this and move, Providence is sure to be a fun vacation spot for all!
Arcadia Management Area
Situated near Exeter, Rhode Island, Arcadia Management Area is the largest recreational area in the state. With an area of 14,000 acres, the protected area consists of various natural biomes, formations, and wildlife making it an ideal spot for any nature lover to visit. To take in the natural beauty, embark on a lovely hike on one of Arcadia’s many graveled and marked trails. For example, Mount Tom Trail is a scenic 6.5-mile trail that covers an upward route through the stunning mountain. Alternatively, for a less challenging experience, walk down Stepstone Falls via Ben Utter, a short route that follows along the Wood River!
Alongside hiking, Arcadia Management Area boasts a wide range of activities such as mountain biking horseback riding, picnicking, and more. Spend a few days out in the sun with friends and family. If these land activities get boring, spend the third vacation day at Breakheart Pond. Here, tourists can enjoy boating and fishing for a relaxing time along the water. With its amazing natural beauty and enjoyable activities, Arcadia Management Area is the nature lover’s ideal weekend destination.
Smithfield
Smithfield is a quaint town located in Providence County, Rhode Island. The town houses a population of 22,000 and has a myriad of relaxing activities for the perfect urban retreat. For those who want away from skyscrapers and buildings, check out one of the many natural areas in Smithfield. For example, Mowry Conservation Area offers great forest scenery and a secluded environment that is perfect for hiking with friends and family. Furthermore, visitors can also visit Power Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife refuge boasts a wide range of animals such as red foxes, painted turtles, deer, green frogs, and more! Lucky visitors will hopefully catch a glimpse of some of these.
Walk back into town and there are many relaxing attractions and places ideal for a weekend trip. Jaswell’s Farm is one such site that has been active since 1899. It is the oldest apple orchard in the town offering amazing apples, self-picking tours --- a great spot to visit with kids for some fun in the sun. Similar to this, the town also boasts many amazing stores and establishments like Antiques Alley. This store is a must-visit for some unique souvenirs as it offers all sorts of intriguing antiquities. Pick up something to remember the beautiful 3-day trip to Smithfield
Warren
Nestled along Rhode Island’s eastern peninsula, Warren is a charming town full of history. Settled more than three centuries ago in 1680, this town has seen everything from political events to the Revolutionary War. Thus, there is no shortage of interesting historical sites and attractions in town. If this sparks interest, check out the Warren United Methodist Church and Parsonage. Started in 1789, this church showcases stunning Greek Revival architecture coupled with an intriguing past. For history buffs who want to delve deeper into the past, walk over to the Warren Waterfront Historic District. Listed on the NRHP, this district boasts a plethora of historical sites from Warren’s past as a shipbuilding town.
Along with the stunning old structures, Warren’s past has also imbued the town with an amazing culture. No matter where visitors go there lies a fun store to visit or a friendly person to speak to. Take advantage of this by walking through the downtown area which is riddled with shops, galleries, eateries, and beaches. No matter the visitors' tastes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. After spending the day out, grab a bite at Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront. This amazing restaurant offers delicious seafood and a waterside location for the perfect dinner vibe!
Cumberland
Another town in Providence County, Cumberland is one of the best historic destinations in the state. The town does a perfect job at combining its 350+ year history with stunning natural sights for a complete package. When it comes to the town’s history, visitors will find dozens of amazing sites to see such as the Arnold Mills Historic District. This area houses a 19th-century mill village with many unique buildings like the Arnold Mills United Methodist Church. Similarly, tourists can check out the Ballou-Weatherhead House which is located nearby. Constructed in the 1750s, this house is one of the oldest in the region and showcases a unique asymmetrical entry style. If curiosity is nott quenched by these sights, Berkeley Mill Village and John Cole Farm are great spots to see.
For ourdoor enthusiasts, there is no need to fret as Cumberland has a load of fun things you can enjoy. Grab a bike and take a ride along the scenic Blackstone River Bikeway. This is the second-longest bike path in the state with a length of 18.2 miles showcasing rivers, bridges, hills, and more. If you’re looking for something more laid back, Phantom Farms is a fun place to visit. The farm offers apple picking for visitors throughout their large orchards. Moreover, if you get hungry, grab a bite here as they serve pies, muffins, and coffee!
Bristol
Want to take in the coastal scenery and outdoor beauty of Rhode Island? Well then, Bristol is a lovely seaport that you need to visit. Nestled along the eastern shore of Rhode Island, this town is perfect for a 3-day weekend filled with positive vibes and fun activities. Stroll on over to Colt State Park for some of the most fun to be had under the sun. This amazing state park spans 464 acres of coastal land with hiking trails, boat ramps, and even a skate park for an amazing outdoor experience. Another beautiful sight along Narragansett Bay is the stunning Blithewold. This estate houses a plethora of gorgeous gardens filled with vibrant flowers that can lift anyone’s mood!
The waterside influence of Bristol is not only limited to its natural attractions but is also prevalent in the culture and food. For example, the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame is a stunning maritime museum filled with dozens of artifacts. Here, folks can spend the day learning about the America’s Cup, boating, designs, and more. However, for individuals looking for something to eat, there is no shortage of delicious seafood on offer. Visit Jacky's Galaxie and Sushi Bar to enjoy some of the best sushi in America with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and other specialties available! All in all, if it is coastal charm tourists are after,, there is no better weekend destination than Bristol.
Conclusion
Making the most of its unique history and scenic coastal location, these destinations in Rhode Island are perfect for a weekend trip. No matter what types of amenities and attractions are desired, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Beach lovers can spend their time relaxing in Narragansett while history enthusiasts can visit Warren for a lesson in Rhode Island’s past. Get ready and plan out a dream destination for a fun 3-day weekend in the state!
