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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

You’ll Love This One Awesome Activity In Rhode Island And It Won’t Cost You A Cent

Published Apr 7, 2017

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

They say that the best things in life are free...and in some cases, we definitely have to agree. Here's an activity that's fun for the whole family, and it's absolutely free. Pack yourself a picnic and plan to spend all day at this beautiful spot.

The Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful, quiet place that's home to many birds and animals.

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The refuge was established in 1970 and encompasses 858 acres of upland and wetland habitat.

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Stop by the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, which has interactive displays and aquariums.

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Kettle Pond Visitor Center/Facebook

The Visitor Center is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

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Get an up-close view of the bird species here from the viewing tower.

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Take a stroll along one of the four hiking trails here. The refuge offers more than four miles of hiking trails.

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Click here for a trail map.

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Find a quiet spot to sit and relax, and view wildlife. As many as 250 bird species are found here.

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The Piping Plover is one bird species that is federally threatened. Keep your eyes open for this little guy during your visit.

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You'll also see herons...

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...Cormorants and many more bird species.

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Mammals such as white tailed deer and cottontail also live here.

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Is there anything cuter than a cottontail bunny?

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Watch for butterflies, too. They're everywhere here!

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You can easily spend an entire day at this beautiful wildlife refuge.

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And the best part? It's totally free!

You can probably even pry the kids away from their video games for awhile.

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Kettle Pond Visitor Center/Facebook

You'll find the Ningret National Wildlife Refuge at 50 Bend Road in Charlestown.

Have you visited Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge? Tell us about your trip!

Ready to explore more of the Ocean State? Here are 11 free attractions in Rhode Island to get you started.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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

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Emus, camels, llamas, and...

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

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

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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.

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Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

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

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

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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.

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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...

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

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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.

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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.

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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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