
Price: $45 for adults, $35 for children
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ArtTix hours Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm;Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pmArtTix's online service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.The ArtTix Ticket Office is located at 155 Westminster Street in downtown Providence, between CVS and Amenities Deli.Charge to credit cards will be to “The Arts & Business Council of Rhode Island” |
What's for Lunch?
·Potato Chips
·Bottled water
·Locally made baked good
·Seasonal fruit offering
·Condiments
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:00 a.m. Just a short ferry ride off the coast of southern Rhode Island brings you to Block Island, New England's unspoiled island paradise. Block Island is a precious gem surrounded by pristine ocean beaches and magnificent coastal bluffs that climb from the surf into a sanctuary of natural splendor. Enjoy storytelling about the island’s fishing industry, both past and present. Learn about the origins of the island and more during a tour with a local guide. The island's distinctive Victorian architecture and small town personality will refresh your spirit. Rolling meadows bordered by centuries-old stone walls line the winding country lanes that will bring you to magical destinations such as Old Harbor, where you will enjoy browsing through specialty shops, boutiques, galleries and museums, all surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery. You’ll savor the views on your bus tour of the island. Stops include: Southeast Lighthouse, Mohegan Bluffs, Rodman's Hollow, North Light, the Historical Society, Smilin’ Through and more. This Tour includes 2 one hour ferry crossings.
Tour 2: Block Island Highlights
Tour 3: Block Island Highlights by Taxi
Tour 4: Block Island’s Inns of Today
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 a.m. Enjoy pastry and coffee and check out the spring selection of plants and flowers at Phantom Farms, Cumberland. Enjoy a short walk along the bikeway from Lonsdale Drive-in and discover the habitat diversity along the Blackstone River. We will view a 20-minute movie, "Hidden in the Blackstone," at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 a.m. The first stop on this the Sampler will be in Center Falls at the Cherry Tree Festival May Breakfast. Enjoy a traditional Rhode Island May breakfast along the banks of the Blackstone River among the new Cherry Tree Grove.
Next we head to the Captain Wilbur Kelly House. View a preserved section of the historic Blackstone Canal that was once used for transportation, and is now a segment of the glorious Blackstone River Bike Path. Experience the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket and learn how the contribution of French Canadian immigrants to the Blackstone Valley has left a strong Rhode Island legacy. See and hear their story. We drive through Slatersville, the first –planned Industrial community in America, toward the final stop on this tour Wright’s Dairy Farm. Visit this working dairy farm and see 120 Holsteins being milked. Fresh ice cream, milk, whipped cream and deserts are available from the farm and on-site bakery.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 a.m. Our first destination is Chepachet Farm, Chepachet for Rhode Island maple syrup with pancakes and a beverage, a farm tour and a wagon ride. Experience this one-of-a-kind farm & carriage works.The tour will then drive-by the Ruben Mason Home in Glocester, which during the Dorr Rebellion in 1842, was designated as a field hospitality by the state militia. Next, is the Brown and Hopkins Country Store in Glocester, known as America’s oldest continuously operated country store and other antique shops in this quaint New England village.
For lunch, we will stop at Burrillville's Spring Lake Arcade where folks can play vintage arcade games. The group will then head to Woonsocket for a tour of the Museum of Work & Culture. See and hear the story of the French Canadian immigrants contribution to the Blackstone Valley. Wright’s Dairy Farm in North Smithfield is the final stop. Visit this working dairy farm and see 120 Holsteins being milked. Fresh ice cream, milk, whipped cream and deserts are available from the farm and on-site bakery.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 a.m. Arts and Culture play an important role in South County. From art galleries, theatres and mansions to the landscaping and architecture, South County has long been recognized as a cultural center of the state. Abundant in history, buildings from the seventeenth century and beyond still stand and tell the stories of South County’s Narragansett Indians, war heroes, America’s founding fathers and many others.
The last stop on the tour will bring us to the South County Museum in Narragansett. The museum is located in a 174-acre town park that was the 19th century estate of Rhode Island’s Civil War era governor and post-war senator, William Sprague. Those touring will be able to visit the seven exhibit buildings portraying blacksmithing, carpentry, printing, textiles, and early transportation. The farm and grounds are also home to several types of gardens, farm animals and the official home of the Rhode Island Red. While touring the beautiful grounds and captivating exhibits, those touring will become engulfed in historical times as the museums “Bridge to the Past” event will be taking place. The museum and all of its exhibits will come to life with live enactments within every corner of the museum. Take caution, however, as we are told there may be some pirates looking to capture unsuspecting tourists!
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 a.m. South County encompasses miles of pristine coastline, thousands of acres of woodlands and nature preserves, ocean beaches, freshwater ponds, pristine, meandering rivers and forested wetlands. From scenic coastal communities along Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to pastoral villages, inland forests and farmlands, South County is truly a nature lover’s dream. Behind its landscape lies an incredible amount of history, tradition and culture.
Located in Wickford, surrounded by Mill Cove and the Cocumscussoc Brook, is the last stop on our tour, Smith’s Castle. Providing an up-close look at four centuries of Rhode Island history, watch a reenactment of encampment as pirates and docents dressed in costumes parade the grounds. Take a guided tour of the castle, a trading post owned by Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island which was sold in 1661 to Richard Smith. As you learn about the transformation of the plantation, you’ll see why it still remains a treasure to Rhode Island today.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 a.m. It is through the trials and tribulations experienced throughout time that greatness is allowed to shine forth. Our county, repeatedly challenged in times of war, financial hardship and natural disaster, has been able to establish itself with a greatness that stems from its ability to address, and, with time, overcome each new obstacle that presents itself. South County due to its access to not only land, but to air and sea as well, has been a treasure to the United States and the government for ages. From being the first home to such historically significant groups as the Seabees, who are still one of the first national groups to respond to such crises as Hurricane Katrina, to the lighthouses that have been built and today still aid the Coast Guard as active navigation aids, South County provides the country with the means through which to effectively meet every type of challenge. Its coasts not only provide such government organizations as the U.S. Air National Guard with an efficient and functional home, but also to any who choose to visit a serene, pleasant and breathtaking experience.
The third stop, right next to the Air National Guard, further adds to the air portion of the tour. The Quonset Air Museum holds as its mission to preserve, interpret, and present Rhode Island’s aviation history through their collections, research, education, and exhibits. Founded in 1992 with the assistance of then Governor Bruce Sundlun, the air museum will aid in educating those participating on the state's rich aviation legacy and display to them the collections that document the contributions of Rhode Island to the growth and development of aviation and space exploration. The museum is housed on 3 acres in an original Naval Air Station Quonset Point (NASQP) hangar built in 1945 as the point building for the Overhaul and Repair (O&R) facility. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the historical artifacts and parts and walk through some of the 28 aircrafts currently on display or under restoration, dating from 1944 to 1983.
After learning about the use of land and sea in the history of Rhode Island, the opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery, and have lunch will take place at the Compass Rose Beach, one of the most beautiful and serene beaches overlooking Quonset Point. Have a seat on the sandy beach or on one of the many picnic tables and unwind before setting sail on the sea portion of the tour.
The final adventure of the journey will take place aboard the Rhode Island Bay Lighthouse Cruise boat. This 90-minute cruise showcases some of Rhode Island’s most beautiful and historical Lighthouses. Its captain will take you throughout Narragansett Bay bringing you up close and personal to these historic landmarks on this one-of-a-kind cruise that you will remember forever. Some of the lighthouses still remain active aids in navigation to the Coast Guard today. A few of the lighthouses to be toured will be the Whale Rock Lighthouse, Newport Harbor Lighthouse, and the Rose Island Lighthouse. Though you’ll be brought out to sea to complete the day’s touring, we promise will bring you back to land to return home for some rest!
For lunch you’ll visit the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University, often referred to as “The Smithsonian of Food.” This renowned museum has a remarkable and invaluable collection representing the preservation of five millenniums of food and cooking development, traditions, and anecdotes. Don’t miss seeing the life-size diner! Bert Gallery was founded in 1985 and celebrates over twenty years in business promoting regional American artists from the late nineteenth century to present day. From Johnson & Wales University, travel to Scialo Brothers Bakery for a behind the scenes tour of the this Federal Hill Landmark. All this leading up to the finale, "Arts on the Hill," where you'll experience the many art galleries on Atwells Avenue amidst the wonderful aromas of Federal Hill.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:30 a.m. Providence seamlessly blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town. Experience the best of the city on this fun-filled tour. Your day will include an eclectic mix of history, art, food, wine and fun! Be sure to wear your walking shoes, as Providence is known for its accessibility as a walking city.
Your day begins at the John Brown House, a fascinating mansion built in 1788. Enter the John Brown House and step into the world of 18th century wealth and power. The museum features meticulously restored rooms containing nationally significant treasures. Then you will stop over at the First Baptist Church of America, founded by Roger Williams in 1638. After a driving tour of Providence, we'll stop for lunch at the Culinary Arts Museum, at Johnson & Wales University, often referred to as “The Smithsonian of Food.” This renowned museum has a remarkable and invaluable collection representing the preservation of five millenniums of food and cooking development, traditions, and anecdotes. Don’t miss seeing the life-size diner!
No Providence festival would be complete without the wild puppet creations from The Big Nazo Lab. We will get to peek inside the lab, which serves as an exhibition space and a creature-building workshop. From here we will head to College Hill. The RISD Museum displays one of the most diverse art collections in the nation. This classic, but trendy museum houses more than 80,000 pieces from around the world, featuring everything from Monet to a larger-than-life Buddha sculpture. The day ends with a wine tasting class. Learn about the characteristics of wine and how to pair wines with food.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:30 a.m. The day begins with a visit to the Maxwell House which offers an authentic view of Colonial America. The 1752 cc gable house is where 18th century crafts are demonstrated to expand the understanding of what life was like 250 years ago
Later this morning experience the exquisite architecture and unique hand carved moldings at Linden Place, the home of the DeWolf family, which founded the Uniroyal Rubber Company, a banking empire, and is more infamously known for their participation in the triangle slavery trade Time for lunch and a special stop at Mount Hope Farm, a magnificent site that includes healthy farmlands, wetlands, rocky coastline and historic farm buildings. View more than 200 acres of pristine natural beauty that include ponds, spillways and trails
Enjoy Herreshoff Marine Museum, located at the site of the world-famous Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, whose products dominated the Golden Age of Yachting. Explore the unique collection of 60 classic sailing and power yachts built from 1859 to 1945, steam engines, fittings, photographs and memorabilia. Don’t miss the America's Cup Hall of Fame. Our last stop of the day is at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum which captures all your senses as you meander through the gorgeous gardens and marvel at the forty-five room main house.
Later this morning, experience the exquisite architecture and unique hand carved moldings at Linden Place, the home of the DeWolf family, which founded the Uniroyal Rubber Company, a banking empire, and is more infamously known for their participation in the triangle trade. Before leaving the estate enjoy a delicious boxed lunch. Then it's time to discover Coggshall Farm, an early 18th century farm that is still operated with traditional tools.
A special stop will be made at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum which captures all your senses as you meander through the gorgeous gardens and marvel at the forty-five room main house.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:30 a.m. Taste, touch and smell your way through history on this walking tour of the Lower Thames Street neighborhood. Chocolate, spices, and rum flavored old Newport's kitchens and commerce. Explore the wharves where these goods were made and traded, while hearing lively stories about sailors & boat builders, smugglers & merchants, and working women & immigrant families. The tour includes a short visit inside the kitchen of the Federal-period Whitehorne House.
Tour the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The museum chronicles the entire history of the sport through fascinating galleries while portraying the game’s greatest champions. Housed in the Historic Newport Casino, a National Historic Landmark, discover this great sports museum and experience the grandeur of a Victorian-era social club.
Visit the Newport Visitor Information Center located at 23 America’s Cup Avenue. Here you will find one stop shopping for attraction and recreational tickets, information on events and activities, shopping, dining, and a whole lot more. All aboard! Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise on board of the Majestic, one of Newport’s newest tour boats. Learn about fascinating points of interest in the ‘City by the Sea.’ A gourmet Rhode Island box lunch will be provided.
Board the bus for your Newport Mansions experience! Enjoy an audio tour of The Breakers. The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. It is a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Today, the house is designated a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a scenic coach tour of Ocean Drive before departing for CCRI in Warwick.
Onward to Greenvale Vineyards, nestled in the town of Portsmouth. Explore the vineyard’s idyllic setting and beautifully restored Victorian Gothic stable/tasting room. Taste and savor delicious award-winning wines produced from 100% estate grown grapes that have been nurtured by the Parker family’s historic farm. Board the bus to Rhode Island’s largest and oldest winery Sakonnet Vineyards & Winery. One of the most elegant farms in Little Compton, some 50 acres of grape vines in this unique microclimate produce the vineyard’s award-winning wines. You will enjoy a tour of the winery and a special wine tasting exclusively for members of this tour. Enjoy your Rhode Island gourmet box lunch on the scenic grounds of Greenvale Vineyards!
Board the bus for the last stop on the Newport County Winery tour, Newport Vineyards, where you will enjoy an informative tour of the world-class wine making facilities and vineyard, ending with a sampling of the fruits of their labor at their winery tasting bar! Enjoy shopping in the wonderful gift shop before catching the bus to return to CCRI in Warwick.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 am. Fort Adams, the largest coastal fortification in the United States, built in 1799, stands at the entrance to Newport Harbor. This morning you’ll visit this engineering and architectural masterpiece to see where the soldiers lived, enter the casemates, explore the tunnel system, and climb the bastions for breathtaking views. Later, a guided tour along Ocean Drive includes the legendary landscapes and rugged coastal views that draw millions of visitors to Newport annually.
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 am. Our first stop this morning is at the infamous DeWolf family’s estate Linden Place. This 1810 Federal-style mansion is located in the center of the Bristol Historic Waterfront District. It was the residence of the Dewolf/Colt Family for 177 years. Family members included Col. S. P. Colt, founder of the U.S. Rubber Co. and the Industrial Trust Co. (forerunner of Fleet Bank). The mansion and historic outbuildings are surrounded by rose gardens and nineteenth-century sculpture
Departs from CCRI in Warwick at 8:15 am. Rhode Island has been a favored destination for film companies since before Hollywood was Hollywood. We'll be exploring some of that history with stops at the Providence studios of Rhode Island PBS for a behind-the scenes tour; Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, home of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, where we'll speak with festival director George Marshall; Aldrich House, home of the Rhode Island Historical Society, where we'll view a couple of short silent films and talk about film restoration and the very early days of film in Rhode Island; Star Diner in East Providence, the setting for scenes from the Showtime series "Brotherhood," the short film "Manifest Breakfast," and the recent feature film Atomic Beach Party; and Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, a featured location in the films The Great Gatsby, The Betsy, True Lies, Amistad, Evening, and 27 Dresses. Along the way we'll point out some other locations that you may have spotted on the big screen or on your TV screen, have fun with film and television trivia, and enjoy some audio-visual exhibits.
Depart CCRI, Warwick. Cherry Tree Festival May Breakfast – Modern M Condominium Central Falls. Blackstone Valley's first Annual Cherry Tree Festival. St Ann’s Arts and Cultural Center, Woonsocket, RI. “A treasure to be seen and saved”, view the finest fresco paintings found in North America, “America’s Sistine Chapel.” Museum of Work & Culture, Woonsocket. The contribution of French Canadian immigrants to the Blackstone valley has left a strong Rhode Island legacy. See and hear their story. Lunch will follow at River Island Park behind the Museum. Capt Wilbur Kelly House Museum. View a preserved section of the historic Blackstone Canal that was once used for transportation and today a segment of the Blackstone River Bike Path. Slater Mill Historic Site, Pawtucket . Tour three historical buildings, with a costumed interpreter, that were the seeds of the American Industrial Revolution. Return CCRI, Warwick.
Tour well known haunted sites throughout the state of Rhode Island with paranormal investigator/author Thomas D’Agostino. From Pawtucket to Middletown and Glocester to North Kingstown, Tom and his wife will give insight to Haunted Rhode Island with stories, and accounts of haunted places across Rhode Island. D’Agostino has investigated the paranormal for over twenty-five years and has written accounts of haunted places throughout New England. His books include “Haunted Rhode Island,” “A Guide to Haunted New England” and “Abandoned Villages and Ghost Towns of New England”.
8:30 am Depart CCRI
9:30 am Cherry Tree Festival May Breakfast – Modern M Condominium Central Falls
Other sites will include The Monastery and Nine Men’s Misery, Tavern on Main in Glocester, Ramtail in Foster, Devil Foot’s Walk in North Kingstown, Brenton Point in Newport and Purgatory Chasm in Middletown. Some walking is required and comfortable shoes should be worn.
4:30 pm Return to CCRI in Warwick
