We Invite You to Experience the Beauty of Rhode Island in Spring
Here in the Ocean State, there’s something to love about every season of the year. Not to toot our own horn, but our natural beauty, exciting events, and historic sites are always captivating. But once spring comes around, there’s just something in the air that makes you want to be nowhere else but here in this incredible place. After you visit, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
Across the state, flowers of every imaginable color are in bloom while local farmers’ markets come to life with the flavors of locally sourced foods. Festival season also kicks into high gear with celebrations of art, music, and flavors you won’t find anywhere else. And when you add in our iconic beaches, gorgeous wineries, and miles of nature trails, the possibilities for immersing yourself in Rhode Island's unmistakable character become endless.
Rhode Island’s Really Great Outdoors
Rhode Island is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you’re up for a miles-long trail hike or a casual amble through a manicured garden, you’ll find a springtime outdoor adventure that’s just your speed.
A walk along the Newport Cliff Walk is a must for any visitor. This 3.5-mile trail offers breathtaking views of the stately Gilded Age Newport Mansions on one side and the stunning Atlantic Ocean on the other. Along the path, you’ll also be dazzled by the colorful display of blooming wildflowers and daffodils. This world-renowned attraction is both family-friendly and free of charge!
Another unforgettable outdoor experience awaits at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, open all year in Providence. Spread across 40 acres, the zoo brings you up close with incredible wildlife amidst spring blossoms. You’ll see zebras grazing, elephants playfully splashing water, and flamingos dancing up a storm. People of all ages will also love the zoo’s interactive exhibits as well as the events and activities that only happen in spring.
Travel to the East Bay for the Sakonnet Garden. Located in Little Compton this garden is an astounding botanical marvel and great for a photo op for sure. The garden is open to the public from early May until October and reservations are recommended. This hidden gem houses 15 unique garden "rooms", each boasting diverse plant species, vivid flowering plants, and shrubs that create a burst of color, turning your visit into an enchanting stroll through nature's artistry.
Discovering Rhode Island's Cultural and Historical Gems
At the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum, you'll find yourself immersed in a diverse collection that brings art from various periods to life. As you wander through the halls, you'll encounter over 86,000 works of fine art, spanning centuries from ancient Greek sculptures to contemporary paintings. Each piece tells a unique story, unraveling the tapestry of the creative human spirit.
Next, take a step into the past on Benefit Street’s “Mile of History.” This living testament to Rhode Island's history is more than just a street – it's a monument to the state's architectural heritage. As you stroll down this mile-long stretch, you'll feel the echoes of the past. The John Brown House is featured here and is open for tours on Saturdays. Each colonial home, with its beautifully preserved facade, offers a glimpse into bygone eras, making it a must-visit for anyone with a love for history.
Vineyards and Local Crafts
Rhode Island boasts claim to many vineyards/wineries (bring home a flavor of RI with you) and spectacular artisan markets. Shop, learn, explore and eat!
Providence Flea Market
The Providence Flea Market transforms into a bustling haven for local artisans and food vendors each spring. Picture yourself weaving through stalls adorned with handcrafted goods from jewelry to vintage items. And while your eyes enjoy the artistic displays, your taste buds can indulge in Rhode Island's favorite dishes served by local food trucks. Whether it's well-known dishes like calamari and clam chowder or local favorites like johnnycakes served up by food trucks at the market, the flavor profiles are as varied as the crafts on sale.
Flea and Farmers' Markets
Picture yourself weaving through stalls in over a 60,000-square-foot facility adorned with handcrafted goods from jewelry and vintage items to culinary delights (and so much more), that is what you will find at the Farm Fresh Providence Farmers Market, which is open year-round on Saturdays and while your eyes enjoy the displays, your taste buds can indulge in Rhode Island's favorite dishes served by local food trucks.
Support Rhode Island's local farms by visiting one of the many Farmer's markets (several are open year-round) throughout the state. On Fridays, the Pawtucket Farmers Market has indoor and outdoor shopping spaces selling crafts and food. If you are in the Bristol area on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm stop by the Mount Hope Farmers Market offering produce, bakery items, meat, and fish - just to name a few.
Newport Vineyards
The mild spring weather in Rhode Island creates ideal conditions for vineyard exploration, with Newport Vineyards being a must-visit. Grab a light sweater and participate in a wine-tasting session or a vineyard tour that offers insight into the art of winemaking You can stroll amidst flourishing grapevines, learn about the craftsmanship behind each bottle, and sample the vineyard's finest wines. It's a blend of Rhode Island's rural charm and the sophistication of its local wine industry.
Taproot Brewery, which is part of the vineyard, features a James Beard nominated Chef and an incredible menu to go along with great beer. Pair the Bad Mother Clucker or the Beer Batter Haddock with a Johnnycake Red Irish Lager or a Naughty Double IPA to get a taste of Rhode Island unlike any other.
Rhode Island Festivals and Events
Here in Rhode Island, we love our festivals. While we have them all year long, when spring comes around, things really get exciting. Every April, the Newport Daffodil Days Festival lets both locals and visitors know loud and clear that spring has officially sprung with a dazzling display of millions of bright yellow daffodils. In addition to the breathtakingly vibrant blooms, spectators can participate in daffodil-themed garden parties as well as fun parades. It's truly an unforgettable tribute to the beauty of spring.
The springtime celebrations also cross over to Bristol at the beautiful Blithewold Mansion. This historic summer estate is located on 33 magnificent acres, with gorgeous gardens, a bamboo forest, and sweeping views of Narragansett Bay; you can even have a picnic on the lawn if the mood should strike. If you’re looking to have a tea party, check out Blithewold’s popular tea service–it's a charming way to spend a couple of hours and immerse yourself in the beauty.
Over in Providence, the springtime colors come in a different shade with the bright blazing orange of WaterFire’s dramatic braziers. This unique attraction, part art installation, part urban spectacle, is an award-winning work created by Barnaby Evans which ignites downtown Providence's three rivers with over eighty shimmering bonfires. Beginning mid- to late-April each year and running through November, this attraction enchants attendees with music and performers along with food and shopping vendors making it an illuminating night out for all ages.
For those who want to get up close and personal, you can reserve a ride on a gondola through Providence River Boat Company boat ride tours and really feel part of this beautiful experience. You can start your night off with a cocktail on a hidden gem Rooftop Bar with stunning views of the city or stop by the Bayberry Garden a cheerful destination serving tapas, seafood, desserts & delicious cocktails.
Scenic Drives and Relaxing Retreats
Block Island is an ideal spring getaway for those yearning for peace, relaxation, and connecting with nature. This tranquil sanctuary is just a short ferry ride from Point Judith in Narragansett. Block Island provides miles of unpaved paths perfect for serene walks and cycling adventures. Block Island by Bike offers both bike or e-bike tours or rent your own at the Old Harbor Bike Shop (mopeds too). Experience the majestic shorelines, beacon towers, and wildlife sanctuaries such as the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, all while enjoying the sights and scents of wildflowers and the sounds of singing birds - did you know Block Island is a wonderful Fall birding spot too?
Now picture yourself embarking on a picturesque voyage, with the vast sea to one side and opulent estates adorning the other side. That's what Ocean Drive in Newport provides. This 10-mile expanse, renowned for its breathtaking sceneries and historical sites, offers a visual delight. Allow the briny ocean wind to permeate your vehicle as you lower the glass panes. Not only will you enjoy the sites and sounds of nature on this drive but you will also feel like you have stepped back in time driving by the magnificent mansions of the Gilded Age. At the end of your drive be sure to stop at the famous Brenton Point State Park, absorb the sweeping sights of the Atlantic, try kite-flying, have a delightful picnic, or grab a book all while having the relaxing sounds of the ocean- around you.
Prepare Yourself for a Spring You’ll Never Forget
We’ve just given you a taste of what you can expect here in Rhode Island during the spring season. The Ocean State is the perfect destination for anyone looking to pack their travel schedule with a variety of incredible experiences. And thanks to our compact size, you can get anywhere in the state within a short drive, so nothing is out of reach!
Whether you're into nature, food, history, or just chilling out, we’ve got you covered. It's a great place to visit, offering both the charm of a small state and the bustling energy of bigger urban centers. We look forward to seeing you here this spring!
