6 Days, 6 States – Rhode Island

Travel New England This Summer with Our Unique Guide: If you’re still trying to make summer vacation plans, or just want to visit someplace new, we’ve got great getaway ideas for families and couples in all six New England states.

Explore the mansions   Newport, R.I.
A tour of the Newport mansions is a great way to indulge summer dreams of grandeur. A mix of audio and docent-led tours through the different mansions lets you imagine the personal histories and daily lives of both the servants and the property owners, while gawking at the architecture, interior decors and landscapes. Some houses offer special children’s tours, and there’s a self-guided tour of the Green Animals Topiary Garden. Who wouldn’t love that? (Top photo: Newport Coastline: Photo by Onne van der Wal for Discover Newport)
NewportMansions.org
(401) 847-1000

WaterFire Providence   Providence, R.I.
Who doesn’t want to see a river set on fire at least once in their lives? WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization, is dedicated to bringing you that experience.  Year-round, WaterFire sets Providence’s rivers alight. You can see the spectacle four times this summer from July 1 through Labor Day.
WaterFire.org
(401) 273-1155

The Rhode Island Brew Bus   North Smithfield, R.I.
Imagine yourself and all your brew-enthusiast buddies in a bright blue bus, sampling all that Rhode Island has to offer in craft beers and microbrews. Brewery tours throughout Rhode Island are available for private parties on summer weekends.
TheRhodeIslandBrewBus.com
(401) 585-0303

Adventureland   Narragansett, R.I.
This family-friendly park is open all day throughout the summer. Jump into a crazy bumper boat and crash into friends and strangers while spraying them with pool water. There’s also a go-kart track, a carousel, mini golf and an arcade pavilion where kids and adults can get competitive over retro games.
AdventurelandRI.com
(401) 789-0030

Birds from Down Under   Providence, R.I.
Cockatiels, parrots and more fly overhead as you stroll through the immersive display at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Learn about the conservation challenges facing their natural habitats and feed the birds. There are more than 450 native Australian birds in the aviary, all of them eager to greet you and snack on your complimentary seed stick. This seasonal exhibit is open during the day through Sept. 5.
RWPZoo.org
(401) 785-3510

Rhode Island Bay Cruises   North Kingstown, R.I.
See Narragansett Bay onboard the luxurious catamaran The Millennium. This 30-mile narrated cruise takes you past lighthouses, around 10 beautiful islands and near waterfront mansions. Sit back, relax and soak up some history, beautiful views and, of course, some sun.
RhodeIslandBayCruises.com
(401) 295-4040

For our complete Summer Travel Guide, pick up the July/Aug issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine on newsstands now.