Activities in Rhode Island
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Cliff Walk
A narrow footpath that snakes for 3.5 miles along the eastern edge of a peninsula, the Cliff Walk provides one of the finest excuses for exercise you'll encounter. From its northernmost point, beach traffic and noise will recede behind you as you make your way south. Just steps to your left, a cliff - your faithful companion for the duration of your walk - drops dramatically to a foaming, bubbling Atlantic, which swells against rocky outcroppings.
While a short stone wall occasionally protects you from an accidental plunge, often the only barrier is grass, flowers and squat bushes dotted with orange beach plums. For much of the first half mile, a tall hedge will impede yo…
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WaterFire
Particularly during summer, much of downtown Providence transforms into a carnivalesque festival thanks to an exceedingly popular public art installation called WaterFire (401-401-272-3111; www.waterfire.com). At this event, 100 flaming braziers anchored into the city's rivers illuminate the water, viewed by thousands of pedestrians strolling on bridges and finely landscaped riverside parks.
All the gazing and making out is accompanied by live (and canned) music, outdoor stages hosting theatrical performances, public ballroom dancing (you can join in) and a few ostentatious gondolas that drift by the pyres. Even cynical readers will have to admit the spectacle is both cha…
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Providence Bicycle
The East Bay Bicycle Path winds its way for 14.5 miles south along a former railroad track. The mostly flat, paved path follows the shoreline to the pretty seaport of Bristol. Some parks along the route make good spots for picnics. Unfortunately there is no central place to rent a bike. The closest shop is Providence Bicycle. Call for directions.
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A
Scooters
Newport is a fine town for biking, with only a few gentle slopes. A scenic and satisfying ride is the 10-mile loop around Ocean Ave, which includes Bellevue Ave and its many beautiful mansions. Bike rental is available at Scooters. You can rent wheels with a baby seat for $8.50 per hour. Motor scooters cost $39/50/61/89 for one/two/three/eight hours.
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Culinary Arts Kitchen Studio
If you like nice kitchens, RISD's Culinary Arts Kitchen Studio offers classes that will not only refine your skills, but also provide plenty of opportunities to shove freshly made delights down your esophagus. These courses are held only a few times each semester, and you should enroll prior to class.
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Bicycle Trails
The Rhode Island Division of Parks & Recreation has developed a series of scenic bicycle trails that crisscross the state, often following old rail lines. These trails are free of automobile traffic. For route information and maps visit the website of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.
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Newport History Tours
- Newport, USA
- Activities › Tour
Will guide you on a walking tour of Historic Hill. Periodically, the society offers African-American and religious heritage tours, where you’ll learn why Cotton Mather called Newport ‘a sewer of religious contagion.’ Tours begin at the Museum of Newport History (127 Thames St).
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Skating Center
The outdoor Skating Center occupies prime downtown real estate. While the Biltmore and Fleet Building provide a nice architectural backdrop, you might have to skate to some seriously loud pop songs. College students skate for three bucks on Wednesday nights.
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Sail Newport
As you'd expect in the hometown of the prestigious America's Cup, the sailing in breezy Newport is phenomenal. If you can handle your own sails, Sail Newport rents sailboats ($64 to $120 three hours).
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Preservation Society of Newport County
Many of Newport's grandest mansions are managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Each mansion takes about 90 minutes to tour, and has varied off-season hours - call ahead.
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Amazing Grace Harbor Tours
Offers narrated harbor tours departing several times daily; among other sights, you’ll see Hammersmith Farm, Jacqueline Kennedy’s summer home.
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Classic Cruises of Newport
Runs excursions on the Rum Runner II, a Prohibition-era bootlegging vessel. The narrated tour will take you past mansions and former speakeasies.
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Cliff Walk
Wiping ocean spray from your glasses while standing between the roaring Atlantic and gilded-age mansions on the Cliff Walk
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Adirondack II
Hop aboard the graceful schooner Adirondack II, which sails from Bowen's Wharf five times a day.
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Easton's Beach
Easton's Beach, also known as 'First Beach' is a good option for swimming.
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