Once upon a time, Sunday afternoons meant long, leisurely drives. Sometimes we had a specific destination in mind; other times we'd just drive where the road took us. Celebrate that old-fashioned tradition with a drive - any day of the week, any time of the year - along Scenic Route 102 in Rhode Island.
Drink in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Ocean State as you meander along scenic Route 102 in RI.
Beginning in North Smithfield, this Rhode Island scenic drive travels 44 miles, just the right mileage for a morning or an afternoon out. You might want to stop at one of the charming towns along the way, too.
One of the first towns you'll pass after setting off from North Smithfield, Burrillville's brimming with natural beauty. The town is dotted with historic sites, a seasonal farmers market, and the oldest penny arcade in the United States.
For a unique view of Burrillville, bring your bike along and explore the small town's bike path.
Keep driving along the winding road that also passes Glocester. The darling town appeals to both history buffs and nature lovers. Plan a stop at Brown & Hopkins Country Store, the oldest general store in the United States.
Scenic Route 102 also winds through Foster, although you'll have to take a bit of a detour if you want to see the only covered bridge in Rhode Island. Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge sits along Central Pike.
The route ends in the adorable village of Wickford, a must-visit any time of the year. Go on a historic walking tour, or visit one of the charming shops. It's also an oasis for food lovers as well as one of the most scenic drives in Rhode Island!
Have you driven along Scenic Route 102 in Rhode Island? What was your favorite part of the trip? Let us know in the comments! For a drive of a different kind, follow the most haunted road in Rhode Island.
Do you love the Ocean State as much as I do? Show off your Rhode Island pride with some apparel and accessories from our friends at Wear Your Roots!
Rhode Island is a unique and magical little state with so many exciting attractions. The combination of its rich history and creative residents has ensured that some places are simply one of a kind. Here are 10 unique places to visit in Rhode Island.
Amazing one-of-a-kind attractions abound in Newport. From guided tours by the Newport Historical Society, to beautiful old buildings, and great local shops and restaurants, Newport is unlike anywhere else. You can see why it's one of the top places to visit in Rhode Island.
The stunning Gilded Age mansions found in Newport are each unique in their own way, but one thing they do have in common is extravagance. They are among the most popular attractions in Rhode Island. Tours are given year-round through the Newport Preservation Society.
Tennis lovers come from all over the world to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. Wonderful exhibits and beautiful grounds make this a fun experience.
The historic arcade in Downcity Providence is unlike anywhere else. The beautiful architecture and eclectic array of independently owned stores create a unique experience.
Combine acres of historic coastal artillery with beautiful seaside cliffs, and you have Fort Wetherill in Jamestown. Add on a lovely park perfect for picnics and soaking in the sun, and this place becomes a wonderful place to visit in Rhode Island.
Block Island is full of unique Rhode Island experiences. From the Mohegan Bluffs to nature reserves, and lighthouses, there are just too many attractions to list. This is one of those special Rhode Island places you'll want to return to again and again.
This historic member-supported library has a dynamic history and has been referenced in a number of classic novels across the ages. It is also famous for being a frequently visited destination of Edgar Allen Poe and poet Sarah Helen Whitman.
Horror novelist and Rhode Island-born H.P. Lovecraft gained much inspiration for his books based on Providence sites. There are several unique attractions honoring his work and life throughout Rhode Island, but the house museum in his former residence is the most extensive.
Amazing old lighthouses scatter Rhode Island's coast and Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett just might be the most breathtaking. It's also an ideal place for classic Rhody pictures.
The series of historic textile mills at Slater Mill Historic Site allows visitors to experience the Industrial Revolution all over again. Attractions include live reenactments, ghost tours, and a beautiful old dam on the river.
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All of these sites are unique places to visit in Rhode Island and we're all happy to have them! Can you think of any other places that are only found in Little Rhody? Tell us in the comments!
If you have Ocean State pride, check out the Rhode Island apparel and accessories from our friends at Wear Your Roots!
Living in the smallest state isn't always easy. Without much space, Little Rhody has become one of the most densely populated places in the nation. This gets even more true during the summer months when thousands of tourists flock to our tiny state to visit our stunning coast. If you're the type who needs to find some places to find a little peace and quiet from time to time, you'll need to do a little research to get by in the Ocean State. Here are 11 uncrowded places in Rhode Island that promise a tranquil escape.
Found at the southernmost point in the charming town of Little Compton, Sakonnet Point is a remote place with gorgeous views. Read more about this natural wonder in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
Located in the capital city of Providence, this urban park creates a much-needed escape into nature. Meadows, fields and forest and an amazing view of the city skyline make this an unforgettable place to visit. One of the best ways to experience the Rhode Island park is to set off on its scenic hiking trail. The easy trail tallies just 1.7 miles and leads to those gorgeous views of the Providence skyline. Learn more about this scenic trail in Providence, Rhode Island in our previous article.
The 61.5 acres of Fort Wetherill State Park comprises a former coastal defense battery, stunning views, trails, and picnic space. Fair warning, the tunnels inside the fort are exciting to explore, but also terrifying and dark so bring a flashlight. Bring a camera, so you can snap photos from the 100-foot bluffs. Visit the abandoned ruins, and follow the easy one-mile trail through the park. Though it may be tiny, this Rhode Island state park offers plenty to do. Learn more about the smallest state park in Rhode Island in our previous article.
As the state's largest and most magnificent recreational area, the hiking trails are not only diverse but also magical and perfect for finding some alone time. The whopping 14,000 forested acres have dozens of trail options. I suggest exploring them all. While you're visiting, stop by one of the most beautiful ponds in Rhode Island.
Looking for a great place to camp in Rhode Island and get away from it all? Look no further. Burlingame holds over 3,000 acres of New England wilderness with ponds full of amazing fishing, fire pits, and its very own beach. Even if you don't stay overnight, this beautiful state park in Charlestown, Rhode Island, is worthy of a day trip. Learn more about the largest state park in Rhode Island in our previous article.
Prudence Island is part of the town of Portsmouth and is the third largest island in Narraganset Bay. Prudence Island is quite possibly the most remote place in the state with few ways to get onto the island and homes just a few summer colonies. Read more about the most remote spot in Rhode Island in our previous article.
Located in Blackstone Valley is the beautiful park known as Lincoln Woods. Equestrian and hiking trails, a freshwater beach, and even outdoor ice skating in the winter make this a park worth visiting. Spend hot summer days swimming, and visit for a bit of leaf peeping in the fall. Learn more about this fairy-tale state park in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
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Go on an aerial tour of Lincoln Woods State Park, shared by YouTube User Ur With Goodfellas.
This park boasts 464 acres of beautiful land in Bristol. The scenic views are unmatched and the hiking trails and unforgettable. Considered by most the gem of the state parks in Rhode Island, Colt State Park is one you'll visit again and again. Bring a kite on a windy day, or just go for a stroll along the water. Did you know that Colt State Park is also home to the most haunted hike in Rhode Island?
Ninigret Wildlife Refuge consists of hundreds of beautiful acres of uplands and wetlands. If you want to see incredibly diverse wildlife, this is the perfect place to visit in Rhode Island. Explore some of the five miles of trails at this wildlife refuge in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
This popular metropolitan park is one of the best in the state for its diverse wildlife and landscape. There are dozens of varieties of deciduous and evergreen trees, trails along the beach and ponds, hundreds of picnic tables, equestrian rides, and even a golf course. Learn more about this family-friendly park in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Hiking trails are scattered across this 860-acre property. Explore amazing old forest land, rock cairns, and dazzling brooks at Parker Woodlands. Read more about this natural wonder in Coventry, Rhode Island.
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Have you been to any of these uncrowded places in Rhode Island? Which are your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to look at our road trip essentials packing list if you plan on traveling to any of these places. When you're up for some more exploring, consider a day trip or a weekend getaway to one of these darling small towns in Rhode Island:
