Rhode Island | Fun and Funky Things to Do

Belcourt Castle

This amazing example of Rhode Island history and architecture is a fantastic destination for all visitors. Located in Newport, this mansion was built in the 1890s by architect Richard Morris Hunt in the Louis XIII style. Visitors can enjoy the amazing architecture, gardens and collection of arts and antiques from around the world. Today, visitors can also take ghost tours of the castle.

Mercy Brown Grave

The town of Exeter has a great vampire story for those visitors interested in vampire folklore. In the 1890s, Exeter resident Mercy Brown died of consumption after her mother and sister. After her death it was believed that she was a vampire, killing her brother, who also had consumption. Mercy Brown was exhumed and when the town discovered blood in her heart, they determined that she must be a vampire and burnt her heart on a rock. The ashes of her heart were fead to her brother, however, destroying the vampire and eating the ashes did not save her brother. Today visitors can learn about her story and visit her grave in the town of Exeter.

Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival

Held each October in Newport, this film festival is devoted to playing horror films from around the world. Each year's selection of films cover all sorts of eerie topics from vampires to zombies. Visitors to Newport in October should be sure to catch one of these fantastic horror films.

WaterFire

WaterFire is an amazing artistic installation in Providence. The three rivers in downtown Providence have over eighty bonfires that are lit on certain nights during the summer and fall months. Paired with the beautiful fires on the river is music from around the world. Visitors to downtown Providence should be sure to visit during a time when the installation is lit, in order to see one of the most amazing art installations in the city.

World's Largest Bug

Providence, Rhode Island is home to the World's Largest Bug, which is a giant blue termite. The 58 foot bug weighs over two tons and is a great funky site in the state of Rhode Island. Built by New England Pest Control the attraction is often called the "Big Blue Bug," but the bug was named "Nibbles Woodaway" a few years ago. Visitors can even stop at the nearby store, New England Pest Control, which sometimes has souvenirs of the giant termite.