TOURS
TOURS
Unique and curious places to visit in Rhode Island
Bristol and Warren
Blithwold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
Thirty three acres of lawns, gardens, specimen trees, and historic stone structures - bring a picnic.
Check out their ever changing and wonderfully curated exhibits.
A Wunderkammer of gorgeous wooden boats.
Visit the Charles Whipple Greene Museum hidden upstairs - open only on Wednesday afternoons.
Delekta's Pharmacy and Malt Shop
Edible Cabinets!
Located in coolest little building in town - be sure and make arrangements ahead of time so you're sure they'll be open.
Old school dinner with the best burgers in the East (or any other) Bay (for under 5 bucks!).
Hipster Micro Movie Lounge with great local music and traveling acts - now serving beer and eats!
Chillax with art, good books, light snacks, drinks and live performances. This is a special place especially for the local creative community.
A gorgeous-enormous industrial space decorated with your grandmother's furniture - AND they have some of the best craft beers around! Our favorite place to bring a picnic. (EDIT - According to their website picnickers are no longer welcome if a food truck is visiting so check their social media or just visit Ragged Island 5 minutes away - see below)
Delicious and lovingly crafted plant based comfort food right next door to Pivotal.
Very sophisticated yet low key place for an evening meal. Their bakery (open 8 till 3 Thursday- Monday) makes best bread in the East Bay, hands down.
Yep, this is THE PLACE to have an authentic Rhode Island clam cake.
Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Little Compton
Explore Rhode Island’s fascinating horological mystery. A MUST SEE! - Visit Jim Egan's web site and make arrangements for a tour NOW!!!
Time your visit so you can climb the stone tower.
Touristy yes, but you must go. Be sure to save time to wander Newport's labyrinth of twisty streets - hidden architectural gems abound in this historically intact city by the sea.
This is the best way to experience Newport Harbor (on the cheep), plus some of the guides will share a bit of curious Newport History if you ask them. Buy one ticket and ride all day - 6 stops around the harbor.
Spring, Summer and early Fall - A National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District. Do it!
Pssst! You Don't need to spend fifty dollars a plate for dinner to enjoy THE most spectacular view in the state. Just pull up a chair on The Lawn and order an Arnold Palmer, Ice Tea or Lemonade - all are less than 5 bucks. Then go for a walk to the lighthouse and explore the coast up-close and finish your visit with a peek at the cozy parlor in the main house. (EDIT - POST COVID - you must reserve a place)
Bowen's Wharf and Banisters Wharf
Go at night and at least have a drink at The Candy Store if you can - its magical.
The owners really should charge admission. A WONDERFUL and uniquely Newport antique shop.
Patrons can be a little snooty, but you gotta take a peek.
Sure the gardens are amazing - but see if you can find the hidden toy museum.
An enormous wonder-room of rolling mechanical sculptures. This place is really worth seeing. Be sure and try the simulators at the end of your visit.
This place brings new meaning to the idea of a "Beer Garden". They sport an excellent selection of craft beers and seltzers served in a beautifully appointed greenhouse full of lovingly cared for succulent plants. But that's not all! They also have a spacious deck with views of the bay, a grassy lawn with comfy chairs and picnic tables, live music 4 nights a week PLUS 37 acres of farmland and woods to explore. Picnickers are always welcome here.
A truly authentic Rhode Island clam shack that is NOT not to be missed. 2 locations - Portsmouth Island park has picnic tables, a few high top tables and a view, less than 10 minutes away. Their Middletown location is less than 30 minutes but offers indoor seating. Quick service, strictly fresh seafood and a great view. It's a memory you'll appreciate. Tip - get one order of fried clams with bellies for everyone to try. Chowder and clam-cakes are a necessity!
Little Compton Historic Society
The Wilbor House Museum is a pleasure palace for the reconstructive archaeologist. Travel through room after room of reimagined history. The surrounding outbuildings are also filled with curious delights. A must see in summer months.
Tours of Fort Adams Tours, Newport
From the top of the Fort walls to the depths of the underground listening tunnels this is a fascinating place to explore. You get the same view as Castle hill.
Great views of the bay + perfect picnic spot + scary underground tunnels + Lil Rhody's secret graffiti park. There are also lots of great restaurants to check out in downtown Jamestown
Providence and Beyond
Opened 1891. Public telescope viewings on Tuesday evenings, weather permitting.
Make arrangements way ahead of time – or get to know a RISD alum.
One of the most unique and magical places in Rhode Island - besides Musée Patamécanique of course. Open to the public - all are welcome to peruse the collections.
Necronomicon Providence and the Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Bookstore
So you're also a fan of H.P. Lovecraft? Well then you must visit this bookshop - which is also the home-base for The Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council
Cozy bookstore offering rare titles, events & Wi-Fi, with a bar for espresso, beer & cocktails.
The best and quirkiest place on the East Side for breakfast and lunch.
Wonders of the Wurlitzer at the PPAC
Organ concerts on specific Mondays and Wednesdays in the spring and fall. All concerts are free and open to the public.
Feminist art space founded in 2000 in an abandoned library building in the Olneyville neighborhood of Providence. Check out the changing window gallery.
If you’re looking for an eagle eye perspective on the city, don't miss sweet little park.
The dome is the fourth largest, self-supported marble dome in the world.
Ya eva had a gagga?
Roger William’s Park Museum of Natural History
Be sure to visit the Victorian parlor and taxidermy exhibits upstairs.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
A small but sweet retreat on a midwinter afternoon.
You can wander for hours through this labyrinth of history, art and design.
One of our Favorite Bookstores in Providence.
See a show, catch a performance, take a class. AS220 envisions a just world where all people can realize their full creative potential.
Providence's longest-running and funniest sketch & variety show. It happens on the first Sunday every month at 8:PM and its a MUST SEE!
Check their calendar and see one of their shows.
The New England Wireless and Steam Museum
Don’t Miss the Steam-Up!
Of course they're not all penny games. Bring some nickels, dimes, and quarters as well!
The Fantastic Umbrella Factory
Quirky, fun and super Rhode-Islandy.
Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown
Open every Friday night (weather permitting) for viewing of celestial objects.
Know of another unique and curious place to visit in Rhode Island? DO TELL!