Travel Information for Rhode Island
Posted By:
Travel Commune Staff
on 5 February, 2007
Rhode Island is a unique state with a culture all its own. Folk arts and traditions play a large part in the state's culture, as do historic sites. Many of the attractions in the state focus on these points, history, folk art, and tradition. The dozens of museums, theme parks, and historic sites make Rhode Island a joy to visit for all ages.
Smith's Castle is a wonderful example of how Rhode Islanders have kept history and tradition alive. The home is one of America's oldest plantation house and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Anthropologists and historians have been able to use the artifacts in and around the home to construct an idea of how farm life operated in the early 1600s in the area. After the original Castle was burnt to the ground in 1676, the current Smith's Castle was built in 1678. The house has stood for four centuries and been through many remodeling and restoration projects. Visiting the house and accompanying museum will give visitors a look at what life has been like in this part of the country for over 400 years.
A less historically significant, but no less exciting spot in Rhode Island is the Atlantic Beach Park. Found on the south shore of Rhode Island this park is chock full of family activities. There are amusement parks, water slides, beachside shops, diners, and much more. Swimming in the ocean may be enough for some people, but at the Atlantic Beach Park your family will be able to experience much, much more.
Moving on to the famous Block Island, we have the Block Island Lighthouses. There are two of them, a southeast lighthouse and a north lighthouse. The Southeast Lighthouse was built in 1875 and was in operation until 1990. The brick lighthouse stands 52 feet high, without the focal plane. A keeper's cottage, several outbuildings, and a museum can be found on the grounds as well. The North Lighthouse was built in 1868 and operated until 1973.This granite structure stands 61 feet tall. While the tower is not open to the public there is an informative museum located on the first floor of the lighthouse.
The Blackstone River Theater is well known for its display of cultural and folk arts. With weekly acoustic concerts, attending a show while you are visiting Rhode Island is a distinct possiblilty. There are dozens of different performers each year. These performers range from internationally known singers to local bands. The theater strives to uphold the traditions of the Blackstone River Valley and admirably succeeds.
These are just a few of the many, many things to do while in Rhode Island. You can visit museums, go to theme parks, enjoy fine dining, and learn about the area's cultural history. With some of the best parks and beaches along the Atlantic, Rhode Island is a wonderful family vacation destination.
Beta Version 0.30 Please check back for exciting upgrades. Your TravelCommune Team.