When Shae and I were planning last year which states to visit during 2019, it was looking like we’d be visiting 9 different states.
(See: Year 2 Of Our 5 Year Road Trip Is Taking Shape – Here’s What We’re Thinking.)
Those plans have mostly remained the same, although there have been a few changes along the way. For example, we’d planned to explore Washington D.C. for a couple of weeks in February/March. Despite staying just outside of D.C. for 10 days, Shae and I both felt burned out. As a result, we just stuck around the hotel for most of that time and didn’t actually make it in to D.C.
We’d also originally been planning to visit three states in the northeast from mid-May to the end of July. However, when planning things out recently, it looked like we’d only have time to visit Vermont and Connecticut.
The thing is, that meant we’d only be visiting 7 states this year:
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Vermont
- Connecticut
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
We’re trying to visit an average of 10 states per year, so 7 falls far short of that. Even worse, we spent a week in Vermont last year, so really we were only due to visit 6 new states this year.
That encouraged me to find a way to fit in another state this year. It would need to be a small state on the east coast, so that reduced our options to New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Delaware.
Rhode Island is the smallest of all 50 states, so that made the most sense. Even better, it’s right next to Connecticut which is where we’ll already be visiting.
Shae and I therefore decided to shorten our time a little in Vermont and Connecticut to fit in 10 days in Rhode Island. We’ve booked a hotel on the south side of Providence which puts us within a 30 minute drive of pretty much everywhere in the state – that’s how small it is.
10 days in Rhode Island should be a good amount of time to see as much of the state as possible. Having said that, I took a look on Groupon a couple of nights ago and came across several activities and restaurants that looked interesting; I’m therefore hoping 10 days doesn’t prove to be too short. If it is, I guess we can always swing back by when visiting Massachusetts in the future.
Question
Despite already finding some things to do in Rhode Island, do you have any suggestions of can’t-miss places? Please let us know in the comments below and we’ll add them to our list.
I spend a week each summer in Rhode Island growing up. Look at Point Judith Light House. Try Aunt Carrie’s for seafood. Try a clam cake. It might change your life. Never been but Waterfire in Providence is suppose to be cool. Look at Italian food on Federal Hill in Providence. If you go to Newport walk the cliff walk. The houses are great but for a day trip pick one or two. There are lots of public beaches in Rhode Island. We always went to Galilee as it was close to my Great Aunt and Uncle’s beach house. The waves are limited there as there is are breakers so the fishing boats can get in and out of port. Block Island is kind of interesting. I don’t know if the ferry is dog friendly. If you want to cheat I would recommend the Lizzie Borden house in Fall River, MA. or save it for you true visit to MA. If you don’t know who Lizzie is look her up.
Thanks so much for all those suggestions – they’re great! I’d seen that WaterFire is due to be happening while we’re there, so I’m excited about that. Thanks as well for the tip about the homes – I’d seen a five home ticket package and thought about doing that, but I guess we might just do Breakers and one other.
I’ve added the Lizzie Borden house to our list of things to do in MA. I knew I recognized the name, but I had to Google to remember what she was known for!
We are full time RVing and Newport is one of my favorite cities we have visited in the U.S. Here are some things I really enjoyed there and definitely recommend: The Cliff Walk is a must! One of the most beautiful walks I have done and you can access it at a few different places, we started at First Beach. I did the Newport Trolley Tour which was a great overview of the town and also included two of the mansions – Marble House and Breakers. They are both quite different and just gorgeous! I really enjoyed a sailing tour on the Aquidneck Ship, although there are several other companies that do sails on the Bay. Sailing on the Bay is a must do – you get to see all the fancy yachts and sail boats plus great scenery. Brenton Point State Park is a very nice spot to enjoy the ocean and also fly a kite which we did. We bought a kite from a kite company’s van parked there but would be cheaper to buy elsewhere I am sure. Del’s Lemonade is well known in Rhode Island and they were at the park also. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in neighboring Middletown is a great place to take a little hike along the Bay with very beautiful ocean views. Plus, one of the best spots for a sunset! If you enjoy visiting forts, Fort Adams in Newport is interesting and they give a tour. The views from on top of the Fort of the Bay are worth the trip. Going through the Fort’s tunnels were fun too. Hope you have a great time in Rhode Island!
Wow – thanks so much for all your suggestions. I get the feeling like 10 days in RI isn’t going to be enough – we might have to return in the future to fit everything in!
Go to Watch Hill to see the oldest continuous flying carousel.
The oldest carousel in America in continuous public operation is located in the village of Watch Hill, Rhode Island.
Thanks for the suggestion – I’ve added it to our list.
I’d recommend a day trip over to Block Island if the weather is right. it would be great to get that island feeling. I’m sure they allow dogs on the ferry. or you could save it and go to Martha’s Vineyard when you are in MA, –it may be more crowded in July and August than Block Island.
Good luck!
Excellent, we’ll have to make sure we visit there 🙂