Rhode Island: Things to Do and See

1. Newport Mansions: Monuments to turn-of-the-20th-century excess, the spectacular seaside mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, provide a glimpse of the unimaginable wealth enjoyed by Captains of Industry with names like Morgan, Astor and Vanderbilt. Remarkably... these architectural gems were occupied only for a brief summer stint each year. You'll have trouble choosing which palatial homes to tour. Choose from The Elms,  The Breakers, Chateau-Sur-Mer, Vernon Court, Marble House & Rosecliff. website 
2. Newport Cliff Walk: is a great way to appreciate the Newport Mansions themselves and the mansion owners' view. You can even spend a night in a Newport mansion: The Chanler at Cliff Walk has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel. website
3. Chepstow: While not as grand as its neighbors the Newport Mansions, Chepstow, is a charming Italianate-style cottage designed by Newport architect George Champlin Mason. Today it reflects the mid-20th century style of its last owner, Alletta Morris McBean, a descendant of Lewis Morris III, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. website
4. Hunter House: Pass through the front door of Hunter House and you step back into Newport’s 18th century Golden Age, the era before the American Revolution. It was the home of a merchant, ship owner and colonial deputy, and later became the Revolutionary War headquarters of the French Navy. website
5. Isaac Bell House: is a masterpiece of the American Shingle-Style featuring Arts and Crafts interiors, Japanese-inspired columns, and a sweeping open floor plan. website
6. Kingscote: Built in 1841 for Georgia plantation owner George Noble Jones and rebuilt for the King family in 1881, Kingscote still possesses original rooms from each era. At the center is one of America’s greatest dining rooms, with Tiffany glass and a unique cork ceiling. website
7. Vernon Court: Another one of Newport's guilded mansions this one today serves as home to the National Museum of American Illustration. website
8. Block Island: Rhode Island's offshore isle was christened one of the "Last Great Places on Earth" by the Nature Conservancy. It's a laidback hideaway mired in its Victorian heyday with oodles of quirky charms. Whether you venture to Block Island for a day or make it your home for a week, be sure to see the iconic Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Light
9. Water Fire: Held on select summer and fall evenings, WaterFire is an attraction you must experience for yourself to truly understand its impact. The musical score changes each time the event is held, and no two WaterFires are alike.
10. Roger Williams Park Zoo: America's third oldest zoo is one of New England's finest places to observe and learn about the diverse life on our planet. The acclaimed and always evolving zoo has been a family favorite since 1872! After dark in the fall, Roger Williams Park Zoo is also the place to see the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, one of Rhode Island's best Halloween attractions. website
11. Watch Hill & the Flying Horse Carousel: Watch Hill's Flying Horse Carousel. This 12-and-under-only ride, built in 1883, was abandoned on the Rhode Island shore by traveling gypsies.  
12. Newport Vineyards: is a family owned winery, founded in 1978. Paul and John Nunes, whose local roots date back to 1917, purchased the winery in 1995. Since that time, the winery has grown to 50 acres of varietal and hybrid grapes. These include a tour in the vineyards, a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process and a tasting of five wines. website
13. Escobar’s Highland Farm: Get lost in their eight-acre corn maze. The farm provides an entire day of fun; once you have unraveled the maze and emerged, other entertainments include picnic tables, farm food, hay rides, hay play area. website
14. Salisbury Farm: Home of the first maze of its kind in New England. The Corn Maze at Salisbury Farm has challenged peoples memory, team work, and sense of direction for more than 15 years. Thousands of people entered the maze last year, most of them got out. website
15. Beavertail State Park & Lighthouse: at the southern tip of Jamestown Island, is a refreshingly beautiful place starting with the fact that the commercial footprint is very light. The tip of the park has the neat Beavertail Lighthouse. Every side of this peninsula tip has great views of life on Narragansett Bay. website
16. Bannister’s Wharf: a historic wharf on Newport’s harbor front, off America’s Cup Avenue -- is hub of Newport activities, including a pier and views of the Bay; access to boat cruises; docking for boats; good dining and shopping; live music and dancing. The wharf has 20 stores, galleries and restaurants, featuring Rhode Island maritime merchandise and cuisine. website
17. Fort Adams State Park: For a tour of a beautifully preserved Revolutionary War fort, make a trip to Fort Adams on Harrison Avenue in Newport. During this tour, visitors may see the officers’ quarters and tunnels under the fort; visit a scenic overlook for views of Newport Harbor; and stroll the six-acre parade field and the complex outerworks; and learn bout more than 180 years of American history, military culture, architecture, and engineering. website
18. Green Animals Topiary Garden: This small country estate in Portsmouth is decorated with more than 80 pieces of topiary throughout the gardens, including animals and birds, geometric figures and ornamental designs, sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood. Green Animals is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States. website
19. White Horse Tavern: Embrace RI’s vibrant food scene with the very best artisan cheeses, honeys, prime cuts of beef and local fish right off the boat – all in a Colonial tavern that’s been serving America for over 350 years. Enjoy a taste of 21st century Rhode Island in our 17th century White Horse. website
20. Smith Castle: is the site of a circa 1638 trading post run by Rhode Island founder Roger Williams and Trader Richard Smith. website
21. Gilbert Stuart Birthplace
22. Rhode Island Red Monument
23. Rhode Island School of Design:
24. Trinity Repertory Theatre:
25. Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC):
26. John Brown House:
27. Naval War College Museum:
28. Rocky Point Amusement Park: