by ELIZABETH HOLE
TRAVELER
Experience the sights, shopping, dining and entertainment nearby and in neighboring towns. There’s a little something for everyone.
culture of the Mashantucket Pequot tribe. With 85,000 square feet of exhibitions, dioramas and films, there’s plenty to see. 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT; pequotmuseum.org
Mystic Museum of Art Serving the community for more than 100 years, this Water Street institution features curated exhibits as well as works by the painters of Mystic’s former artist colony. The museum aims to “deliver transformative experiences with art to a broader community.” 9 Water St., Mystic, CT; mysticmuseumofart.org
Mystic Seaport Museum Above: Next to the gallery at Avondale Arts, OMO Jewels carries clothing, accessories and gifts.
CULTURE & HISTORY Historic Destinations
PHOTOGRAPHY BY OMO JEWELS
Benefit Street’s “Mile of History” Take in haunts and history on Benefit Street, known as “the most haunted street in Rhode Island.” Stroll by the preserved colonial homes and consider an after-dark ghost tour—if you dare. Benefit St., Providence, RI; visitrhodeisland.com
Newport Mansions Visit the lavish “summer cottages” of Newport, built by captains of industry during the Gilded Age. From the Vanderbilt’s extravagant Breakers home
to the chateau-inspired Elms mansion, there is grandeur around every corner. Visit the website for the tour schedule. Newport, RI; newportmansions.org
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Commune with nature while you hike in this wildlife refuge, which is only one of five in the state. The diverse landscape sits on an 858-acre property with swamps, grasslands and a coastal salt pond. Birdwatchers can observe over 250 species of birds. 50 Bend Rd., Charlestown, RI; fws.gov
Wickford Village Between the preserved colonial village and oldest
wooden lighthouse, Wickford is a walking history lesson. Admire the seaside locale while taking advantage of the modern shops and restaurants as well. 55 Brown St., North Kingstown, RI; histwick.org
Museums Babcock-Smith Museum Built in 1734, this Georgian mansion became a museum in 1972. Today, this Westerly landmark hosts historical lectures and seasonal boutiques throughout the year. 124 Granite St., Westerly, RI; babcocksmithhouse.org
Mashantucket Pequot Museum This museum and research center shares the history and
LOCAL GUIDE
This maritime museum, which has more than 500 historical vessels, is appropriately situated on 19 acres along the Mystic River. There’s also a planetarium for visitors to stargaze and learn how the skies once guided sailors. 75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT; mysticseaport.org
Tomaquag Indian Museum Celebrating tribal communities from Southern New England, the museum has plans to open a new facility in 2023. The expanded space will be located on 18 acres of land owned by the University of Rhode Island. 390 Summit Rd., Exeter, RI; tomaquagmuseum.org
Watch Hill Lighthouse & Museum This historic lighthouse was built in the early 1800s after the first one was destroyed by a storm. Today, it’s protected by the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk to the property and explore the museum. 14 Lighthouse Rd., Westerly, RI; watchhilllighthousekeepers. org
Theater & Music Chorus of Westerly One of the state’s leading orchestral and music performing arts centers, The Chorus of Westerly has performed major works for the community and beyond for more than 60 years. Wilcox Park, Westerly, RI; chorusofwesterly.org
Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Since 1964, this theater has produced influential musicals and plays. Known as the “Launchpad of American Theater,” the center has received two Tony awards and a National Medal of Arts from President Obama. 305 Great Neck Rd., Waterford, CT; theoneill.org
Goodspeed Opera House The magnificent opera house’s main stage is in East Haddam, with a second stage in Chester that comprises Goodspeed’s campus. Since 1963, it has produced over 250 musicals, 70 world premieres and
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