Alex and I will be going to Rhode Island in 2 weeks for a family wedding in Newport. We will be staying at Bonnet Shores on Narragansett for a week, then to Boston for a few days staying here.
This will be our first time to both places. Any suggestions for things that we must see, places where we must eat, things we must do?

There have been several discussions here about things to do around Boston. Have you searched the forum?

One of my favorite excursions this time of year is the Boston Harbor Islands. The NY Times just had an article about that. If you do that, make sure you take plenty of water with you as most of the islands (part of a national park) do not have concession stands.

- Roz

Yes, I have read some posts re: Boston. Not too many about Rhode Island. Teachick, are you there?

gloria

Hi Gloria,

When are you going? And what kinds of things are you interested in seeing and doing? I'm swamped right now as I'm getting ready for a trip, but will post some suggestions as soon as I can.

You'll definitely want to head into Providence and Newport to eat and play. That's a given!

Here is one quick link to get you started. It even gives you dates of when things are taking place in Rhode Island. I think it's really helpful.

Thanks Kathy!

Gloria, here are few of my picks for Rhode Island:

Federal Hill in Providence is a must do for any visiting Italophile. The food, the small Italian specialty shops and the scene itself is just fabulous. Spend a while walking Atwells Avenue and then have dinner at one of many wonderful restaurants. You might really enjoy Mediterraneo. It's famous!

My personal favorite place to eat now in Providence is Julian's on Broadway near the Armory. The food is heavenly, they have a nice wine list and a hefty selection of beers on draft, and it has real local flavor. The salad with smoked tofu, fresh buffalo mozzarella and warm broccoli is out of this world!

Wickford is my favorite little historic town in Rhode Island. We used to own a weekend place there on the water. It is charming, has sweet little places to eat, great little shops and is picturesque and great for feeding the ducks and geese. I always try to head down to Wickford when I'm home. It makes me feel good.

Newport is the place to see the "weekend cottages" of the rich and famous from back in the day and I highly recommend taking one or more of the tours of these incredible mansions . The Breakers mansion is the former weekend retreat of the Vanderbilt's. It is utterly breathtaking and you really learn a lot about life at a time when people really celebrated society soirees and lavish balls.

While in Newport you might like to treat yourself to a lovely afternoon tea. I do this whenever I can. The cliffside Inn, which is one of the Inns listed in the link I've provided, is very well known for their tea service.

Head over to Galilee and enjoy a meal at George's, an old family staple. They serve a lobster tail in butter that is just so damn tasty and it really is an old school no fuss kind of place. The chowder is yummy too.

And as you're staying in Rhode Island I would be remiss not to tell you about the serious clam love that takes place there. You just can't beat New England clam chowder and clam cakes! In fact, here is an article about the clam shacks in Rhode Island by the Washington Post.


Enjoy!

Kathy,

Great suggestions!

Thanks so much,
Gloria

I just noticed that the same issue of the NY Times has an article, 134 Miles of Yankee Charm, which also has several Rhode Island suggestions.

- Roz

Ah, Encore B&B! The neighborhood around there is just perfect. The owners provide lots of neighborhood menus and suggestions, so I would definitely check those out. As for the rest of Boston, I like the North End. We went to a tiny little place to eat and I'm sorry that I can't remember the name or location now...but just walk around, look at the menus, peek in. I guess it's considered touristy, but Mike's Pastry is delicious! Also touristy are the Duck Tours, but we had a lot of fun on ours. Be sure to book online in advance! I'd skip Fanueil Hall - boring! I also think Harvard Square is a little boring, but I guess you could walk around the campus, which is beautiful. What else...the MFA is supposed to be excellent, if you are into those things. If you like shopping and people watching, check out Newbury Street. Hope you have fun!

Courtney

Courtney,
Have you stayed at Encore B&B? It looked great on the webpage and when I called with my reservation, Reinhold was very nice.
I'll write a review when I get back.

gloria

Yes, we stayed there in May! I reviewed it for Slow Trav - it is here somewhere... http://www.slowtrav.com/usa/hotels/review.asp?n=encore+b%26b&s=boston