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Relax Indoors & Out

If you’re coming to Rhode Island this April hoping to relax and get some fresh air, you’re in luck. There’s plenty to do in the Ocean State whether you’re looking for full-on outdoorsy fun or more of a shopping stroll kind of experience.

flowers and trees with Blithewold in back
Blithewold

Bristol County

Start in Bristol at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum for their Daffodil Days event and explore tens of thousands of blooms for a total spring spectacle. You can fuel up at The Beehive Cafe for a traditional breakfast before heading there. Once you’ve tiptoed through the daffodils, depending on the day, you could take a Wednesday Morning Bird Walk (Wednesdays, naturally) or browse the Mount Hope Farmers Market (Saturdays). You can visit the Audubon Society Nature Center & Aquarium located in Bristol on the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge for an educational and scenic tour – or scrap the outdoors and go for some pampering at Alayne White Spa.

Newport County

You can then head over the Mount Hope Bridge to Newport and celebrate Newport Daffodil Days! If you’re peckish you can have a wonderful lunch with a side of great views at 22 Bowens Wine Bar & Grill or try Pour Judgement, which is equal parts “little hole-in-the-wall neighborhood bar” and excellent lunch, dinner, brunch, and late-night restaurant. Another great brunch spot in the area is Caleb & Broad, which has a decidedly funky vibe. While in Newport, you’ll definitely want to stroll a bit (or all) of the Cliff Walk for some amazing views of the rugged coastline on one side and swanky mansions on the other. Then tour Marble House, one of those swanky (aka Gilded Age) mansions, because you really have to see the out-of-this-world lavishness to believe it. For a very Vanderbilt way to see all the City by the Sea has to offer, book an outing with Classic Car Tours or experience Newport with Experience Rhode Island Tours. Or take a “healing journey” at Spa Fjor at Hotel Viking for some out-of-this-world and globally inspired spa services. Complete your day in Newport with an upscale dining experience at The Grill at Forty 1 North, where dockside harbor views and locally sourced dishes are on the menu.

 

South County

From Newport, you can reach South County in roughly forty minutes, and it’s worth the trip. Explore charming Wickford Village on your own or on a historic walking tour and grab some fantastic fish tacos at Wickford on the Water. South County is full of relaxing and scenic outdoor spaces from beaches, management areas to nature preserves and wildlife refuges. If you’re into hiking or nature walking, try the 2.5-mile loop trail at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and count on wildflowers and great birdwatching. If you’re looking to shop, check out the eclectic offerings at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory in Charlestown (and spend a zen moment in the bamboo forest). On the weekends in Charlestown, you can also browse the General's Market Field of Artisans for some fabulous finds. If you want to continue south, you can check out downtown Westerly and stop by Ella's Food & Drink for some unique Asian-French cuisine in an elegant space (or sit outside on the patio if you prefer). After your fine dining stop by some of the shops along charming Hight Street or take a stroll in the historic Wilcox Park. For you wine lovers how about a visit to Langworthy Farm Winery?  For an amazing (and romantic!) culinary experience in South County, you’ll love Coast Guard House. Delicious food, water views and you can enjoy candlelight dining.

Block Island

If you have the time during your stay, make your way to Block Island. It has panoramic ocean views, the quaint seaside town of New Shoreham, trails, lighthouses, bluffs, and beaches. You can take a bicycle tour or just stroll around looking for a glass float to take home. When you’re ready to eat, whether it’s lunch or dinner, head to Mohegan Restaurant and Bar. They’ve got awesome lobster rolls and delish burgers and so much more in a cozy dining room with great views of Old Harbor.