By Debi Lander
mail@floridanewsline.com
Although “island” is in its name, Rhode Island is a land-bound state with deep ties to the water. Every Rhode Islander lives within 30 minutes of the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay. And the Narragansett Bay stretches into the state’s eastern half, adding to the expansive 400-mile coastline.
No wonder the state is known for its beaches, sailing, seafood, and cute coastal towns. Rhode Island is one of the 13 original colonies with a deep colonial history. The city retains its historic colonial-era charm with steeply pitched gabled roofs on clapboard-sided homes.
If a trip to New England hovers in your future, consider visiting Providence. The capital city thrives with a population of just fewer than 200,000, and it is home to eight college/university campuses, including Ivy League Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), a famed art institute. Providence is just an hour from Boston, making it a more affordable alternative to Boston or NYC. The city’s compact size means you can walk to restaurants and other attractions.
WaterFire originated in 1994 and was such a hit that it remains Providence’s premier cultural and civic event. The evening experience is a must; I truly loved it. WaterFire features more than 80 floating braziers set along the Providence River, which are lit to create a mesmerizing effect. The fires are accompanied by carefully curated music, street performances, art installations, and sometimes interactive exhibits. As the flames illuminate the downtown rivers, the event transforms the heart of Providence into a magical, ambient space that invites reflection. Reserve a gondola ride during WaterFire to create an even more marvelous memory.
The Capitol’s massive dome, visible throughout the city, spans approximately 50 feet across and rises to 278 feet. It is one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world and is topped by the Independent Man, a symbol of Rhode Islanders’ independent spirit. A tour of the State House includes historic murals, and flags, the original state seal, the state chambers, and an 1802 Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. History buffs and art enthusiasts will enjoy a tour of the Stephen Hopkins House Museum and the RSID Museum.
New Englanders favor lobster, seafood, chowder, baked beans, wild-grown blueberries, and beer. Providence, nicknamed the Culinary Capital of New England, is home to the prestigious Johnson & Wales University. The school has produced top chefs nationwide, many of whom stay to work in the area.
No trip to Rhode Island is complete without a visit to the nearby opulent mansions of Newport, just a 45-minute drive from Providence. The Gilded Age mansions, built between the 1850s and 1900s, provide a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles of wealthy industrialist families like the Vanderbilts and the Astors. These “summer cottages” are timeless architectural masterpieces, blending European-inspired design with luxurious interiors.
Among the highlights is The Breakers, the most famous mansion built by the Vanderbilt family, featuring a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style house with a 45-foot high central Great Hall. This mansion sits on a 13-acre estate overlooking a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Elms is known for its French Château-style design and impressive gardens. Marble House, another Vanderbilt estate, was completed in 1892 for $11 million. It contains 500,000 cubic feet of American, Italian, and African marbles, gold-leafed rooms, and a Chinese Tea House on the grounds. (Make reservations to dine in the teahouse through their website.)
If time permits, stroll along the three-and-a-half-mile scenic Cliff Walk for dramatic panoramic ocean vistas with waves crashing against the rocks below, or explore the Museum of Yachting and the famous International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
The Breakers in Newport.
