15 Rhode Island Spots You Need to Visit This Winter
It's a great time of year to visit the state without having to fight the summer crowds
By Victoria Dutra ••
Narragansett Rune Stone, Wickford: The Narragansett Rune Stone is believed to have been carved by Nordic Explorers about 800 years ago. After a controversial stay, it is now housed at Wickford’s Old Library Park. Stop by and take a shot at translating two rows of runic symbols written in the ancient northern European Alphabet.
Yawgoo Valley, North Kingstown: As Rhode Island’s only ski area, this is the go to place for day and night skiing in the ocean state. It provides 12 trails, three lifts, rentals and lessons. This is the perfect place for night owls who like to go night skiing, as well as anyone else looking for a new place to try out.
Biomes Marine Biology Center, North Kingstown: With the largest collection of New England marine life in the world, this is a must see for marine biology lovers. From hermit crabs to dogfish sharks, there are plenty of touch tanks for whatever size excitement you are looking for.
Fort Adams, Newport: For a history lesson with a view, you might want to visit the largest and most complex coastal fort in the United States. Walk through the same grounds that Civil War soldiers and Presidents Pierce and Eisenhower walked on many years ago. Stop by Fort Adams to learn about these training grounds that prepared many troops throughout American history.
Servant Life Tour, Newport: Live out your Downton Abbey fantasy by participating in the "Back of the House" tour at the Newport Mansions. Usually staffed by 40 servants, these houses were taken care of year round. Sometimes they even had to serve about 400 people who attended the lavish events held at the mansions. With this tour you’ll learn all the behind-the-scenes that allowed these mansions to run so well.
Dining in Newport: The Red Parrot offers an affordable selection of eclectic American cuisine and seafood with a Caribbean flair. For locally farmed and fished menu items, stop by smaller restaurants Stoneacre Pantry and Tallulah. All three of these, along with many more restaurants, can be found by walking down Thames Street.
Coastal Extreme Brewing Company, Newport: Coastal Extreme Brewing is the place to go for locally brewed beers in Newport. You can try their staple brew, Storm Beer, or indulge in their attempts to revive rum production with their own Thomas Tew Rum. Stop by for a tour, a tasting or just a good old cold beer.
Benefit Street, Providence: Take a stroll down Benefit Street for a mile of history. The Rhode Island School of Design Museum, The Athenaeum and several historic places of worship line the sidewalks of this street. So bundle up and start walking alongside this mix of architecture aging as old as the 1700’s.
Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence: While on your walk of Benefit Street, stop by the Rhode Island School of Design Museum to see an eclectic mix of art ranging from Monet pieces to Buddha statues to a mummy! With six floors to visit, there is something for everyone. This the perfect free activity to get you inspired.
Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts Museum, Providence: If you’re a foodie, we have the perfect activity for you! You can feast your eyes on food artifacts from all over the world, the evolution of kitchen appliances, and even experience an old fashioned diner. This place is sure to fill your appetite for culinary history.
Alex and Ani City Center, Providence: The perfect group activity for anyone in the winter is ice skating. So why not check out a rink that is twice the size of the famous Rockefeller Center ice rink? Whether you rent or bring your own skates, stop by Alex and Ani City Center for some quality skating time.
Providence Bruins: Are you a hockey fan but don’t want to sit in traffic or pay for expensive game seats? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new team to root for. Check out the Providence Bruins! With 40 games a year and player events, come cheer on future NHL stars.
Food Tours, Providence: For a true Italian cuisine experience outside of Italy, look no further than Providence’s very own Federal Hill. If food is your thing, then this tour was made for you. Put on those stretchy pants and embark on this food expedition.
Shopping in Providence: Escape the cold for a bit and head inside for some shopping at the Providence Place Mall, a centerpiece in the revitalization of downtown. Or visit the country’s oldest indoor shopping mall that is still set up as it was originally built, The Arcade.
Big Nazo Lab:Ready to feel like a kid again? Walk into Big Nazo Lab, where you’ll be met with larger than life characters. Stop by for a free show by world traveling performers. You can even try on the costumes! It’s time to show your kids how much of a big kid you really are.
