by ELIZABETH HOLE
TRAVELER
There are many sights to see near our resorts and in surrounding towns. Explore the possibilities for shopping, dining, entertainment and more.
390 Summit Rd., Exeter, RI; tomaquagmuseum.org
babcocksmithhouse.org
Mashantucket Pequot Museum
Celebrating the Mashantucket Pequot tribe and its history, this museum and research center features 85,000 square feet of exhibitions, dioramas and films. 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT; pequotmuseum.org
Mystic Museum of Art
Above: Shop at OMO Jewels for clothing, accessories and gifts, and admire art on the gallery side at Avondale
CULTURE & HISTORY Historic Destinations
PHOTOGRAPHY: CONTRIBUTED
Benefit Street’s “Mile of History” Lined with preserved colonial homes and museums, Benefit Street is perfect for history buffs and day trippers seeking out “the most haunted street in Rhode Island.” Book a guided walking tour or pick from self-guided options. Benefit St., Providence, RI; visitrhodeisland.com
Newport Mansions Experience the extravagance of the Gilded Age. From the chateau-inspired Elms mansion to the Vanderbilt’s
“summer cottage,” there is no shortage of opulent architecture. For an updated list of mansions offering tours, visit the website. Newport, RI; newportmansions.org
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge One of five wildlife refuges in the state, this 858-acre property has more than 250 species of birds and a diverse landscape. Take a scenic hike among the grasslands, swamps and the largest coastal salt pond in Rhode Island. 50 Bend Rd., Charlestown, RI; fws.gov
Wickford Village Step back in time while visiting this charming seaside gem. One of the nation’s oldest preserved
colonial villages, Wickford is a walking history lesson. There are plenty of modern shops and restaurants too. In December, the village hosts a Festival of Lights celebration. 55 Brown St., North Kingstown, RI; histwick.org
Museums Babcock-Smith Museum This 18th-century Georgian mansion was occupied by several generations until it became a museum in 1972. Built in 1734, it showcases both Colonial and Victorian periods. The museum hosts a festive holiday boutique each December. 124 Granite St., Westerly, RI;
LOCAL GUIDE
Watch Hill Lighthouse & Museum Accessible only by foot, visitors can enjoy a beautiful walk to this historic lighthouse built in the 1800s. The museum is open just for the summer months, but there’s plenty to see and do in the off-season. 14 Lighthouse Rd., Westerly, RI;
A Mystic institution, the museum has a mission to “deliver transformative experiences with art to a broader community.” In addition to curated exhibits, visitors can admire the work of painters from Mystic’s former artist colony as well as scenic river views from the Water Street location. 9 Water St., Mystic, CT; mysticmuseumofart.org
Mystic Seaport Museum Learn about maritime history at this seafaring museum, and then do some stargazing at the planetarium. Set on 19 acres along the Mystic River, it has over 500 historic vessels in its collection. 75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT; mysticseaport.org
Tomaquag Indian Museum Sharing the culture of tribal communities from Southern New England, this museum displays indigenous artifacts and offers educational services and events. Plans are underway to open a new museum in 2023 on 18 acres of land owned by the University of Rhode Island.
OHMCOLLECTION.COM
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