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Experiences|Tours

The Unique River Tour In Central Falls Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Rhode Island

Explore Rhode Island uniquely with a family-friendly river tour on the Blackstone River.

Published Feb 28, 2023

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

It's probably safe to say that hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore Rhode Island. With the many trails that wander through the state, we're able to experience and see things in nature we normally wouldn't. However, hiking's not the only way to see Rhode Island in a whole new way. We've got some pretty unique ways to explore, too - from pedaling on a rail bike to watching the landscape pass by on a trolley. Or, for a one-of-a-kind adventure, relax on this river tour in Rhode Island.

Get a unique view of the Blackstone River, the longest river in Rhode Island, on a tour with Explorer River Tours in Central Falls.

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Facebook/Explorer River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals

A family-friendly activity, the Explorer seats up to 40 adventurers on the one-of-a-kind boat tour of the Blackstone River Valley.

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A seasoned guide will give you insight into the river and the area on the 50-minute tour.

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Facebook/Explorer River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals

While you'll definitely want to bring your camera, make sure you use the provided binoculars to scope out local wildlife.

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Facebook/Explorer River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals

In addition to regularly offering Nature Tours, Explorer River Tours hosts special tours, including twilight and food tours.

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Facebook/Explorer River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals

If a boat tour simply isn't enough time on the water, consider renting a kayak or a canoe. The adventure outfitter also offers private charters.

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Facebook/Explorer River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals

River boat tours are seasonal.

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Facebook/Explorer River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals

Learn more and book your tour on the Explore River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals. Or, stop by its

Facebook page.

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Facebook/Explorer River Tours & Expeditions Kayak Rentals

Have you been on this river tour in Rhode Island? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know that Central Falls is one of the most walkable towns in Rhode Island (and America)? After your boat tour, how about checking out the downtown area?

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Experiences|Attractions

The Rhode Island Christmas Display That’s Been Named Among the Most Beautiful in the World

Newport Mansions in Rhode Island offer a spectacular Christmas lights display, featuring lavish decorations and guided tours.

Updated Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

It's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season here in Rhode Island. There are plenty of magical traditions we love to indulge in during this time of year, most notably the Christmastime tours of our elegant Newport Mansions in Rhode Island. The seasonal decor is more dazzling than ever, and for that, we are thankful. Read on to learn more about the best Christmas displays in RI!

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Every November, we watch as three of the most magnificent Newport mansions — The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House — are decorated from the inside out.

Here we have Christmas at The Breakers!

A beautifully decorated room featuring a Christmas tree and ornate wall decorations, with figurines displayed on a table.
The opulence of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas during the Holidays at the Newport Mansions.

We love seeing The Marble House, The Breakers, and The Elms shine bright during the cold winter season.

The mansions are decorated lavishly with hundreds of poinsettias, numerous ornamented evergreens, wreaths, fresh flowers, table settings, mantle decor, and more. The Newport Mansions at Christmas are absolutely stunning. At The Breakers, for example, there's typically a 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree that's a local favorite and a color-coordinated theme chosen for each room, and the results are spectacular.

Of course, no expense is spared when it comes to decking these halls. Over the years, Christmas at the Newport Mansions has received plenty of national attention. People come from all over New England to take guided tours during the holiday season.

Did you know that the Newport mansions Christmas decorations are considered some of the best in the world? RI Christmas displays are becoming more popular over the years.

One thing is for certain — Christmas at the Newport Mansions is the most wonderful time of the year.

A large golden frame surrounds decorated Christmas trees and poinsettias in a festive indoor setting.
A golden frame surrounding christmas trees within the historic elms mansion in newport rhode island.

Reservations aren't required to visit the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island, but reserving tickets online is always a good idea. That way you are guaranteed to see one of the best Christmas lights displays in Rhode Island! This year's Holidays at the Newport Mansions event will be held from Nov. 22, 2024 through Jan. 1, 2025.

Will you be exploring the Newport Mansions during Christmas to see the best holiday lights display in Rhode Island? Get your tickets on the Newport Mansions’ website. You can also view the mansions virtually.

Bundle up this year with your favorite gear from North Face.

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Experiences|Tours

It’s An Epic Adventure Cruising The Bay In Rhode Island

Published May 25, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

A few hours on the water is always time well spent, whether we're floating in a tube or paddling along in a kayak. However, very little can compare to a scenic boat tour when we're craving a low-key adventure on the water. We can sit back, breathe in the fresh bay air, and admire the quintessential New England shoreline on this bay cruise in Rhode Island.

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Rediscover the beauty of the Rhode Island coast aboard a scenic boat tour with Coastal Queen Cruises in Newport. Tours sail between the beginning of May and early November annually.

A marina with a sign for Bowen's Wharf, featuring boats, a ticket booth, and clear blue skies.
Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

If you're having out-of-town or out-of-state visitors, you won't find a more charming way to introduce them to Rhode Island.

The scenic bay cruise, one of several offered by Coastal Queen Cruises, boards at 5 Bowen's Landing on Bowen's Wharf, making it an idyllic stop if you're spending the day in Newport.

A blue and white boat named "Coastal Queen" docked at a marina on a sunny day.
Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

Settle into one of the cozy seats that offers a front-row view of the water. The main deck is wheelchair accessible.

People sitting on a boat, enjoying drinks and the view, with sunlight streaming in and flags visible in the background.
Google/Coastal Queen Cruises

If you're using a wheelchair, call 401-423-9900 before your cruise for assistance in boarding the boat. Coastal Queen Cruises also offers boat tours that leave from the East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown; that location has an ADA-accessible boat ramp.

As you watch the shoreline pass by as the boat sails from Newport Harbor to Jamestown, a seasoned tour guide will provide a lively narrative about the history of the area.

A boat named "Coastal Queen" sails past a lighthouse on a calm waterway, with trees in the background.
Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

You may want to bring a jacket on chilly days; however, the boat also has heat to help warm you up.

Grab a drink from the bar (there are bathrooms onboard).

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A blue bridge spans across a calm body of water under a cloudy sky.
Google/Allison Olivadoti

Keep an eye out for seals frolicking in the water or sunbathing on rocks as the boat meanders along the bay.

Arrive between 20 minutes and half an hour before the cruise's departure. Cruises leave on time and do not accommodate late arrivals.

View from a lighthouse with a glass lantern, overlooking a sunset on the water and a boat in the distance.
Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

Coastal Queen Cruises also hosts a variety of other cruises, including a lighthouse and mimosa tour, an evening cocktail cruise, and a seal and harbor tour.

A sunset over calm waters viewed from a boat, with a lifebuoy and seating visible on the deck.
Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

See a full list of cruises on the official website of Coastal Queen Cruises. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this boat tour agency in Newport, Rhode Island.

Have you been on this bay cruise in Rhode Island? Did you opt for the scenic cruise or another one? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! After your cruise, stroll around Brick Market Place in Newport, where you can grab a bite to eat or explore the shops.

If you're visiting from out-of-town or feel like a staycation, turn that day trip into an overnight getaway by booking a charming Vrbo.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/rhode-island/year-round-day-trip-destination-ri/

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