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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Rhode Island Wildlife Refuge Worth Driving Across The State To Explore

Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island offers a serene nature escape with a short hiking trail and abundant wildlife.

Updated Apr 26, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Unlike some states where driving from one side to the other can take hours, Rhode Island's small enough that we can get wherever we want pretty quickly. That means we can head out on an adventure on the other side of the state and sleep snuggly in our own bed at night. For a chill adventure that will help you reconnect with nature, head to Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge.

Spend some time breathing in the fresh air and reconnecting with nature at Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island.

Signpost in a wooded area with notices for hikers, including a map and rules from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
All Trails/Sally Parente

Although it's rather compact at just 40 acres, the wildlife refuge promises an abundance of natural beauty, from wildflowers to a waterfall.

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A dense forest with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a serene natural atmosphere.
All Trails/Brian Platt

The best way to get acquainted with this natural attraction is to head out on the single hiking trail. While it's kid-friendly, dogs aren't allowed on the trail or at this Rhode Island wildlife refuge.

Lush green vegetation surrounds a tranquil pond, reflecting trees and a bright blue sky.
Google/Andrew DeWolfe

Don't worry, though, because you'll have plenty of opportunities to see local wildlife - beavers, otters, and foxes, for example.

A small waterfall cascades over a concrete barrier into a dark, flowing stream surrounded by trees and vegetation.
Brian Platt/AllTrails

Turn your eyes to the sky, too, because you'll likely spot a variety of birds, among them Baltimore orioles and yellow warblers. You might even see a duck or two on the ground at Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge.

A cluster of ghostly white mushrooms growing among fallen leaves in a lush green forest.
All Trails/Arin Drew

The lone hiking trail is just over a half mile. It's short, sweet, and generally pretty quiet. You likely won't run into other adventurers on the path.

A serene river reflects fluffy clouds and lush greenery under a blue sky.
All Trails/Brian Platt

While it's an easy trail, keep an eye out for downed trees and roots jutting out of the ground.

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A sunlit forest scene with bare trees, a wooden bench, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Google/Joel Pol Hurcas

After a leisurely hike at Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island, consider going kayaking or canoeing on the Hunt River for unique views of the area.

A person kayaking on a calm river surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and clear blue skies.
All Trails/Brian Platt

Learn more and find a trail map on the official website for Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge.

Have you been to the Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge? Do you have any other favorite Rhode Island wildlife refuges? Let us know in the comments!

Ready to get out there and explore even more? Sign up for AllTrails Plus.

After exploring the wildlife refuge, head over to Clementine's for some of the best homemade ice cream in Rhode Island.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/rhode-island/food-so-good-it-sells-out-ri/

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The One Rhode Island Farm Where You Can Snap Photos Of Kangaroos, Lemurs, And Camels

Published Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Give me a chance to spend time, even just a few minutes, around animals, and I'm in, even if it means going off the beaten path a bit. Even catching a glimpse of an animal - a deer standing on the side of a rural road as I drive by, for example - is enough to make the day that much better. Next time you're on Block Island, head over to Abrams Animal Farm. You won't need a whole lot of time at this animal farm in Rhode Island, but there's a pretty good chance you'll have a ton of fun, smile the whole time, and make memories. You might even make a new four-legged friend or two.

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A trip to New Shoreham on Block Island wouldn't be complete, at least for animal lovers, without a quick stop at Abrams Animal Farm, which sits across from the 1661 Inn.

A coastal gray house with a flag, surrounded by greenery and flowers, near the ocean under a clear blue sky.
Facebook/The 1661 Inn

If you're coming to Block Island by ferry, you'll arrive at Old Harbor. The dock is less than half a mile from the farm, promising an easy, enjoyable walk.

An alpaca playfully splashes in a water trough on a sunny day, with other animals grazing in the background.
Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Home to a variety of animals from kangaroos to lemurs, the free-admission animal farm earns glowing reviews from visitors, who describe it as "wonderful" and a "must-stop."

Two kangaroos in a grassy area near a wooden fence, one with a joey peeking out from its pouch.
Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Spend as much time as you want wandering through the farm, past beautiful gardens, and other residents, including a grazing tortoise...

A tortoise walking through tall grass near a wooden fence on a sunny day.
Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Emus, camels, llamas, and...

An emu with a textured neck and bright eye peeks through a wire fence, with a farm background visible.
Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Goats. You'll likely meet a few animals, like the alpacas and donkeys, who eagerly await pets.

A goat with curved horns leans over a wooden fence in a sunny, grassy farmyard.
Facebook/The 1661 Inn

As you explore, take time to read the placards that offer information about the farm's animals. Snap photos as a kangaroo and...

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A cartoon kangaroo holds a sign promoting composting next to a red compost bin and an informational board.
Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Next to the statue of a tortoise. Abrams Farm welcomes visitors, during the day, all year round.

A large, bronze turtle sculpture with a raised head, set in a grassy area with wooden fences and buildings in the background.
Google/Joe Kimmel

Find more information about Abrams Farm on the official website of 1661 Inn, or stop by the Facebook page of this inn and animal farm in Rhode Island.

Have you been to Abrams Animal Farm in New Shoreham? What did you think? What animal(s) did you like most? Let us know in the comments! If you want to keep the animal theme going while you're on the island, head over to Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

With all there is to do on Block Island, you might want to plan to stay overnight or for a few nights by booking a local Vrbo.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/rhode-island/underrated-park-unique-features-ri/

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

It’s Time For Apple Picking (And Apple Donuts) At Pippin Orchard In Rhode Island

Pippin Apple Orchard in Cranston, Rhode Island, offers a variety of fall activities including apple picking, pumpkin picking, and enjoying fresh apple donuts.

Updated Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Fall is in the air, and we couldn't be happier. And while some of our autumn traditions might look a bit different this year, we are pleased to report that the beloved Pippin Apple Orchard, one of the best apple orchards in Rhode Island, is open for business and ready to host you. Apple picking in Rhode Island is a fun, family-friendly activity -- and for the record, so is apple donut-eating. Why not enjoy fall in Rhode Island? It is, after all, perhaps the best state in New England, especially during autumn.

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Pippin Orchard is located in Cranston, where it has been a New England landmark for decades.

A quaint building with a large apple sign, set against a vibrant orange sunset sky.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

Since 1964, this 20-acre farm has attracted thousands of visitors.

A row of apple trees laden with ripe red apples, set against a cloudy sky and grassy ground.
Victor Brunko/Google Reviews

While some of the produce grown here is available all year, the peak season is definitely fall.

Families picking apples in an orchard, with crates of apples and trees in a lush green landscape.
James O'Connor / Google

The apple picking, farm store, pumpkin patch, and freshly made donuts are irresistible on a beautiful autumn day.

The apple orchard spans 17 acres, and you'll find Macintosh, Empire, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Jonagold, and Red Delicious apples hanging in the trees. With such impressive variety, it's truly one of the best apple orchards in Rhode Island.

Wooden crates filled with red and green apples, stacked neatly in a market setting.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

Apple picking costs $25 per bag. But if you'd rather not do it yourself, you can always purchase them onsite or schedule a curbside pickup.

We highly recommend visiting in person so you can enjoy the scent of the piping hot fresh apple donuts...

Freshly fried donuts cooling on a rack, showcasing a variety of golden-brown colors and textures.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

... or better yet, buy some to try yourself.

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Two golden-brown, round pastries resting on a piece of parchment paper.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

This was actually the first orchard in Rhode Island to attempt the apple cider donut, and clearly it was wildly successful.

While you're here, don't forget to pick up your pumpkins for carving and decorating.

A greenhouse filled with various pumpkins and gourds, featuring a sign that says "Welcome Great Pumpkin."
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

You'll also want to purchase some farm fresh eggs and greenhouse-grown produce.

There's nothing like a Rhode island fall, and a trip to Pippin Orchard always makes it even better. It's one of the best things to do in fall in Rhode Island.

A pumpkin patch with numerous pumpkins and a cartoon character of a farmer beside a large pumpkin.
Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

And luckily, that's a tradition that can continue this year. Check out our road trip packing list to help plan your adventure.

Have you ever been apple picking at Pippin Orchard? You can stay up to date on the farm's schedule by checking out the Pippin Orchard Facebook page.

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