Things To Do
Newport
Newport is one of Rhode Island's most popular tourist destinations. Here you can take a tour of one of the historic mansions (see link), or visit one of the many museums in the area: National Museum of American Illustration, Newport Art Museum, International Tennis Hall of Fame, National Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame, and Audrain's Auto Museum. Free activities include the famous 10-mile-long scenic "Ocean Drive", the 3.5-mile "Cliff Walk" which hugs the rocky coast and provides stunning views of the mansions and the ocean, as well as beaches such as "Second Beach" and "Easton's Beach" to name a few. Downtown Newport boasts blocks and blocks of shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and quaint little wharfs. During our wedding weekend will be the Newport International Boat Show. You can access Newport by car or by taking the ferry from Providence (India Point Park).
Providence: Downtown & East Side
Take an architectural boat tour downtown (Providence Riverboat Company), or an intimate cruise (La Gondola). Stroll along the river walk and over the "Pedestrian Bridge," where you'll find a beer garden, ice cream truck, musicians and artisans. The "East Side" houses Brown University & RI School of Design, where the RISD museum is free on Sundays. Just south of College Hill is "Fox Point"/Wickenden St. (shops, cafes, restaurants), and India Point Park, an ideal spot to relax and watch the sunset. Our fave East Side spots: Al Forno (creative Ital./Amer., $$$), Hemenways (seafood, $$$), Aguardente (Mex./Guat./Port., $$), Palo (seasonal tapas, $$), Chomp (BEST burgers, $), Fellini (pizza, $), Geoff's (sandwiches, $), Aleppo Sweets (Syrian, $), and Ceremony (tea+coffee, $). DownCity is home to many more shops, cafes, & restaurants like Figidini (pizza, $$). Little ones? Try the Providence Children's Museum. At night you can catch live music, jazz, & comedy (George Speakeasy).
Providence: West End
The West End is home to Federal Hill (Atwells Ave is our version of Little Italy, you can enjoy an italian meal outside by the fountain at DePasquale Square and feel like you're in Europe!) and all sorts of hidden gems to the south of that area, especially cafes, bars, and breweries. Check out the farmers market at Farm Fresh RI on Sims Ave, open Saturday 9am-1pm.
Roger Williams Park
Roger Williams Park is an excellent place to spend a day for all ages. Some of the features of the park include RWP Zoo (it's small so not too exhausting!), the RWP Botanical Center, The RWP Museum of Natural History, Swan Boat Rides, a Carousel, and miles of paths, trains, and grassy plains to walk, bike, play, and picnic. The south end of the park has some great fishing spots and a much larger loop trail, as well as a kayak/canoe launch. Every Friday from 5-8:30, dozens of food trucks convene near the Carousel. Check out the website for maps, hours and costs, events, and more!
The Farmer's Daughter
This is a fall girl's absolute paradise, it's insane. They have pick-your-own flowers which will be at peak season in September, tons of pumpkins / gourds / decor to buy, fresh produce and farm goods like maple syrup, they have lots of fall festivities for kids, food/coffee trucks, and even workshops you can sign up for in advance. Best thing, it's not far at all from the wedding venue!
Bristol
Over the bridge from Providence there is "East Providence" not to be confused with the "East Side" mentioned above. There's a 13 mile bike path from East Providence that goes all the way down thru Barrington and Warren to the historical town of Bristol (or you can drive, or take the 60 bus from downtown Providence). Bristol is home to some outdoor attractions like Colt State Park and the Audubon Society. It also has a really cute downtown with great shops and eateries, and on Sunday 9/14 they have their annual Porchfest (linked) where people play music on their front porches and you just walk around and enjoy!
Tomaquag Museum
Open Saturday 10am-2pm: "Tomaquag Museum stands as Rhode Island's sole Indigenous museum, committed to showcasing the rich tapestry of our culture, arts, and history through a personal lens."
Fantastic Umbrella Factory
Great for the whole family. There's nothing like it really... as their website describes, "A 19th century farmyard shopperʼs paradise and international bazaar. A Rhode Island landmark and National Treasure in Charlestown, Rhode Island since 1968. Open year round."
Topgolf Rhode Island
William C. O'Neill Bike Path
This path goes from the Kingston Rail Station parking lot all the way out to Narragansett (8 miles), great for biking and skating. Along the way is the Whaler's Brewery in Peacedale, and the village of Wakefield (shops and restaurants). Narragansett has one of the best beaches in Rhode Island.
Rail Explorers: Rhode Island Division
This is a fun and active family activity not too far from Newport! Book ahead.
Block Island (day trip)
If you have an entire day to kill, a fun idea is to take a day trip out to Block Island. You'll want to take the Block Island Ferry out of Point Judith, check the schedules in advance because it'll be off-season. On the island there are a slew of boutiques, restaurants, and bars; you might be able to rent mopeds or bikes to ride around the whole island. There is a lighthouse you can visit at the north tip, and plenty of beaches to enjoy.