Rhode Island's beauty is often described as otherworldly, but our state has a few spots that really do look like they belong on another planet. Ballard Park in Newport has an especially surreal quality, being surrounded by rocks on three sides. This hidden gem is full of surprises.
Although it's located in the middle of Newport, it's often overlooked.
However, this picturesque park is highly underrated.
The land was donated to the city of Newport by Carol C. Ballard in 1990, and it has an interesting history.
The 13-acre park sits on the site of a former granite quarry that operated actively until the 1930s.
Walk around and enjoy the massive man-made cliffs, which are the result of many years of quarrying.
And if this is the scenery that surrounds you on all sides, it's impossible not to wonder if you've teleported to another planet.
The park is open daily from sunrise until sunset, and you'll see locals walking around in all seasons.
When Carol C. Ballard donated the land 30 years ago, she envisioned that the area would serve as an outdoor laboratory for children and a place where the locals could connect to nature.
Over the years, Friends of Ballard Park organized numerous events and attractions here, like the annual Illuminated Garden festival (pictured here).
Movies on the Rocks and the Pumpkin Tour were also big hits. Regrettably, Friends of Ballard Park closed its doors last year, but the park is still owned by the City of Newport.
As enchanting as those events were, the park doesn't have to be illuminated to look like it's a place on a foreign planet...
... all you have to do is walk around to take in the natural lush green beauty.
And with the park being open daily, you'll have plenty of opportunity to do so.
If you've never been to Ballard Park, check it out the next time you're in Newport. After all, spring is coming (we promise).
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