Trip to Rhode Island in July

Looking for a clean affordable motel in cranston - any ideas?

We will be spendin a few days in Newport area - is there another area any one can suggest - I am not very familar with Rhode Island and need advice - like history and nature.

Trip to Rhode Island in July

Why Cranston? Just Curious...its not really anything more than a uninteresting suburb of Providence.

There is plenty to do and see over a 3 day period, especially if you have a car. Rhode island is kinda like one big interactive history book. Once you get there, go to the tourist office in Newport and check it out - great resource. As far as sidetrips/nature, check out my reply to the ';Week in Newport'; thread a few down from this one. A day on Block Island is one of the PREMIER scenery/nature outings on the east coast in my opinion:

http://www.blockislandferry.com/

If you like nature DO NOT COME TO RI WITHOUT a trip to BI!! Rodmans Hollow on B.I. is a Nature lovers paradise

Check out the town of Wickford on the west bay, just across the bridge - cute little new england town, shopping, etc. There is the Gilbert Stewart Museum near Narragansett (another fun little town on the west bay). Route 1A down the coast on the west bay (across both bridges) is a fun and scenic drive.

Beaches? Park at Black Point (small parking lot) off Route 1A a few miles south of narragansett hike down to the BEAUTIFUL rock beach, then 1/4 mile down to Scarborough beach. Great hike and you dont have to pay for parking to the beach. There are some decent beaches near Newport also.

Roger Williams Park south of providence has a ZOO and is a plendid park overall...Rhode Island counter to Central Park in NY.

I like this website: http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/daytrip/

Trip to Rhode Island in July

found this top 10 list of newport area things to do - most are very good options for 1st time visitors:

1) Visit the Mansions

Experience the opulence of the gilded age, visit the Breakers, RoseCliff, Marble House and many others. www.newportmansions.org

2) Stroll the Cliff Walk

Walk the world famous public access walk that combines the natural beauty of the Newport shore line with the architectural history of Newport’s gilded age. www.cliffwalk.com

3) Sail Newport Harbor

Feel the ocean breeze out on Narragansett Bay, take a harbor tour on either a sail or power boat and observe the luxury yachts of Newport’s summer guests. Kayaking and rentals are also available. www.cruisenewport.com

4) A Day at the Beach

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of several area public beaches. 1st Beach has a carousel, 2nd Beach is the longest and 3rd Beach is best for Children and Windsurfing. On ocean drive you can find the more secluded Gooseberry or Bailey’s Beach.

5) Tour the Vineyards

Several vineyards are close by that offer tours and wine tasting. The Newport Vineyard supplies our own custom bottling. www.newportvineyards.com

6) Play a set at the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Located on Bellevue Avenue, you can play tennis indoors or outdoors on the only competition grass courts open to the public. www.tennisfame.com

7) Explore Fort Adams State Park

Swim, fish, or have a picnic. At the site of the music festivals you can see where the soldier’s lived, explore the tunnel system or climb the bastions for breathtaking views www.fortadams.org

8) Observe the wildlife at Norman Bird Sanctuary

This 300 acre wildlife refuge has over 7 miles of nature trails. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the woods or hike to the top of hanging rock. Bird and nature lovers also enjoy the adjacent Sachuest Point wildlife refuge with its beautiful rocky coastline. www.normanbirdsanctuary.org

9) Go Fly a Kite - Brenton Point State Park

Located where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic on Ocean Drive. Enjoy picnics, hiking or fishing. A favorite pastime is watching the colorful kites, novices are welcome.

10) Relive History

Step into the famous Touro synagogue, Redwood Library, Trinity Church, Colony House and many more... www.newporthistorical.org