Rhode Island is not an island, butits 400 miles (640 kilometers) of coastline have earned it the nickname of theOcean State. Enjoy beaches and biking and learn about the nation’s past atnumerous historical sites.
In the state capital of Providence, view the grand State House.Tour inside to see a replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and an originalportrait of George Washington. Look for the Governor Stephen Hopkins House, a1707 building occupied by this 10-time governor and signer of the Declarationof Independence. Go to the 1891 Ladd Observatory, part of Brown University, to appreciate its striking architecture orobserve the skies.
Visit the RISD Museum to browseits works from ancient Greek and Egyptian to modern contemporary art. It isaffiliated with the renowned RhodeIsland School of Design. For art of a different sort, explore the CulinaryArts Museum of Johnson and WalesUniversity. Here you’ll find information about the heritage of cooking andthe hospitality industry.
Just a 30-minute drive south, Newport is often called the sailingcapital of the world. Charter a sail on an America’s Cup boat. See historic GildedAge mansions, including the palatial Breakers,once the home of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Newport has museums for art, artillery,history and Irish history.
Enjoy a calm day on the beach andwaterfront of Narragansett Bay withits breakwater protection. Listen to the pounding surf at other beaches on the AtlanticOcean. Throughout the year at numerous seafood festivals, sample the fruit ofthe sea, the state’s famous oysters, from over 50 underwater farms.
You’ll find excellent restaurantsand shopping across the state. Further inland, follow over 100 miles (160kilometers) of bike and hiking trails.
Rhode Island was a colony for 40years and the first to declare independence from the British in 1776. Although this is the smallest U.S. state, itsname is the longest: The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Makea long visit to this small state.
