Off The Beaten Path | Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a state filled with exciting attractions. In addition to the many miles of excellent coastline, Rhode Island is filled with historical sites. Visitors to the state can enjoy beach activities, nature hikes, biking and much more. Here are few excellent destinations for visitors to enjoy in Rhode Island.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

This National Heritage Corridor preserves the Blackstone River corridor, which stretches from Worcester, Massachusetts to Providence, Rhode Island. This area is rich in history, and visitors to the National Heritage corridor have the opportunity to learn all about the influence this region had on the Industrial Revolution, the first successful textile mill and more. Visitors to this area can explore Pawtucket and the original Slater Mill, Cumberland/Lincoln, Woonsocket, Uxbridge, Northbridge, Whitinsville and the Whitin Machine Company, Worcester and many attractions throughout the area.

Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs

Block Island is just a short ferry ride away from the coast of Rhode Island. The island features amazing bluffs, beautiful hills and plenty of opportunities for recreation. Located on the southern end of Block Island, the Mohegan Bluffs are coastal cliffs, which drop about 200 feet into the ocean. Visitors to Block Island can explore the trail system on the island, the beaches and much more.

Coggeshell Farm Museum

Visitors to Rhode Island that want to experience the agrarian past of the state can take a trip to the Coggeshell Farm Museum. This living historical farm has interpreters dressed in reproduction clothing, historic buildings, and plants and animals like those from the late 1700s and early 1800s.  Visitors to the farm have the opportunity to experience the past in a hands on and more experiential way than at many other types of museum.

Cliff Walk

Located on the Eastern shore of Newport, the Cliff Walk is a great way to experience nature and historic Newport. The Cliff Walk travel through a National Historic District and is designated as a National Recreation Trail. Travelers on this trail will see abrupt cliffs, rough trail, seashore and much more.

Roger Williams National Memorial

This park and and memorial commemorates the importance and contributions Roger Williams made to Rhode Island and the cause of religious freedom. The park is located in Providence and is a great jumpy off point to explore the city. Visitors will find exhibits, a short film and a park. Within the park, visitors will be exploring the site of the first European settlement in Providence as well as a fresh-water spring. There are also a many nearby attractions, including the Touro Synagogue and Smith's Castle

Warwick Heritage Trail

The Warwick Heritage Trail provides visitors an excellent opportunity to explore the Warwick and West Bay region, stretching from upper Narragansett Bay to western hills and countryside of Rhode Island. This trail features a wide range of historical destinations. The John Waterman Arnold House, the Governor Sprague Mansion, and the Clouds Hill Farm are all destinations visitors can explore on this Heritage Trail.

Watch Hill

This little town is an excellent family destination, with plenty of fun family oriented activities, as well as a beautiful sandy beach.  One great attraction in Watch Hill is the Flying Horse Carousel. This carousel is the oldest of its kind in the country. The carousel's horses are not attached to the floor, instead they are attached from a frame in the center allowing them to fly when the carousel moves.