Rhode Island
Known as the Ocean State for its hundreds of miles of shoreline, Rhode Island is famous for its Gilded Age mansions, beaches and sailing community.
The smallest US state Rhode Island has been attracting wealthy New Englanders to its beaches for centuries, and many of them stayed to construct extravagant mansions. Along Newport's Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive, some 11 historic mansions from the Gilded Age are open to the public. The most impressive include the 70-room Breakers and Marble House, both built by the Vanderbilts, and French-inspired Rosecliff and The Elms.
A breathtaking alternative to touring the mansion interiors is the 3.5-mile Newport Cliff Walk with panoramic ocean views past many of the most opulent properties, while the 10-mile Ocean Drive is equally spectacular by car or bike.
Rhode Island has dozens of beautiful beaches such as Narragansett on the mainland and Easton’s in Newport. The state also has a proud sailing history and remains one of the USA’s yachting centres. A popular excursion is a boat tour of the island’s many lighthouses.
Another highlight of Newport is Fort Adams, the largest coastal fortification in the USA. Explore the tunnels and the officers’ quarters before taking in sweeping views over the harbour and Narragansett Bay. Newport is also renowned for its music festivals – Bob Dylan famously and controversially went electric here in 1965, and the summer folk and jazz festivals have been attracting the world’s top musicians for decades.
The state capital Providence is Rhode Island’s biggest city with a busy cultural scene and the famous Waterfire display – nearly 100 bonfires light up the three rivers Downtown in the evenings.
Things to do in Rhode Island
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Places to Stay in Rhode Island
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