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Blackstone Valley

The Blackstone Valley is the largest of the Ocean State’s regions; its communities include Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, Foster, Glocester, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Smithfield. The birthplace of American industry, it is an area rich in history. Samuel Slater established the nation’s first cotton mill in 1793 and forever changed the nature of textile technology; today, the Slater Mill Historic Site stands as a handsomely restored museum. Brown & Hopkins Country Store, located in the village of Chepachet, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating country store. The Daggett House in Pawtucket, one of the earliest farmhouses in Rhode Island (1685), is furnished with an exceptional collection of antiques.

Industry has not depleted the region of its New England flavor. Some of the region’s best fall foliage displays can be found here, as well as popular events like Autumnfest in Woonsocket and the Pawtucket Festival of the Arts. This industrial and cultural heritage celebration is highlighted by Chinese Dragon Boat races which attract competitors from around the world. Taste New England fruit wines and cheeses at Diamond Hill Vineyards in Cumberland or pick apples and berries in the orchards of Smithfield.

The region is also rich in cultural attractions. The City Nights Dinner Theater in Pawtucket holds Broadway-style performance while the Cumberland Company for the Performing Arts stages plays, a May Day Celebration and a costumed masked ball. Over 10,000 people annually ride the recently restored Slater Memorial Park Carousel, one of two antique Looff productions in Rhode Island. Sports fans know the Blackstone Valley as the home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, the AAA International League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. For racing fans, Lincoln Park features dog racing year-round.

Accommodations include hotels, inns and B&Bs, including the Samuel Slater Canal Boat. A floating bed and breakfast, this authentic British canal boat was built in England expressly for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.

Block Island

Block Island, a 10-square mile seaside resort located just 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast, is an evocative page from an Americana past. Although inhabited for years by the Native Americans of Manisses, it earned its name in the 1600s from Adrian Block, an explorer who circumnavigated the island. In 1672, the name was officially changed to the Town of New Shoreham, but Block Island remains the popular choice.

The best way to tour the Island is by bicycle or moped or by simply walking around and exploring the Mohegan Bluffs, the Clayhead Nature Trail, Settlers' Rock, and historic North and Southeast Lights. The Audubon Society offers programs for both novice and experienced bird watchers.

You can spend the entire day playing or relaxing at one of the many beaches like Fred Benson Town Beach, Scotch Beach or Mansion Beach. Or rent a kayak, sailboard, or charter boat for sightseeing or deep-sea fishing. And freshwater enthusiasts will find as many as 350 rustic ponds that offer bass, perch and pickerel. Ferry service from Point Judith is available year-round while New England Airlines provides regularly scheduled 15-minute flights from the airport in Westerly.

South County

South County is the familiar name referring to Rhode Island’s southernmost towns. Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Richmond, Westerly, and West Greenwich are really a microcosm of all things New England. Along with its golf courses, beaches, and historic charm, South County is one of the country’s finest fishing and boating areas. South County boasts more than 100 miles of beautiful beaches including Ninigret State Beach in Charlestown, East Matunuck in South Kingstown, Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, and Captain Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett.

It also features 18 public golf courses challenging the skills of both accomplished and novice golfers. Point Judith Light is one of several lighthouses that dot the coastline, offering spectacular views. Local seafood tops the menus of the many fine restaurants where a wide variety of cuisines are offered. Colonial America is at its best with historic homes, museums, and reminders of a rich Indian heritage throughout the county. Following the New England Trail, visitors can see such historic sites as the Flying Horse Carousel, America’s oldest carousel in the village of Watch Hill, the Narragansett Towers, the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace Museum in Saunderstown and Smith’s Castle in Wickford.

The South County Museum in Narragansett provides a glimpse into the rural life that dominated the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. During the Christmas season, historic homes are decorated and open to the public in Wickford and Narragansett. The Country Christmas Store in Exeter is decorated year round with over fifty theme trees and beautiful ornaments while the Westerly Center for the Arts offers Christmas Pops performances. Be prepared to extend your stay in South County. Once you come, you won’t want to leave.