USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “NORTHEAST” RHODE ISLAND

RHODE ISLAND: THE OCEAN STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

It doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Welcome to the City of Warwick!Conveniently located in the heart of the Ocean State, Warwick is surrounded by all the wonders of Southern New England. Our unique blend of breathtaking vistas, miles of retail stores, comfortable lodging, premier golf courses, and first-class dining helps to make Warwick a vibrant, popular destination. With more marinas and moorings than any Rhode Island community, 39 miles of spectacular shoreline, and fresh and salt-water beaches, Warwick also offers a relaxing seaside getaway.

ALDRICH MANSION
836 Warwick Neck Ave.
(401) 739-6850
www.aldrichmansion.com

Aldrich Mansion is situated on a majestic seventy-five acre estate on scenic Narragansett Bay. It was built during the "Golden Years" of Senator Nelson W. Aldrich, a Rhode Island native born to poverty but destined for greatness. The estate once held a Teahouse, since destroyed by fire. It was here that Abby Aldrich, one of the Senator¹s eight children, wed John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (father of Nelson A. Rockefeller, formerly Governor of New York and later Vice President of the United States).

Today, the elegant and charming atmosphere of Aldrich Mansion serves as the perfect site for wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers, birthday and anniversary parties. With its panoramic view of the Bay, the Mansion also serves especially well as a serene location for conferences, meetings and seminars. In the summer of 1997, Aldrich Mansion played host to the filming of a major motion picture, Meet Joe Black, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt. The film was released in November of 1998.

ASPRAY BOAT HOUSE
Now a community center and meeting hall, this building used to be a
boathouse. This is the headquarters for the Gaspee Days Committee, the Pawtuxet Village Association and Pawtuxet Land Trust.

THE BANK CAFE
Located at 40 Post Road, the Bank Cafe was built in 1815 by the Rhodes family in the Federal style. A two and a half story structure, the Bank Cafe was originally the first bank in the area. The top floor was once a finishing school for girls, but since 1874, when James Tinker assumed ownership, the building has been used almost exclusively as a dining establishment. The bank's original vault was used as a wine cellar. Currently a private dwelling.

DRUM ROCK
Drum Rock Road off of Rte. 117, near Rte. 95

Legend has it that this rock once created a deep, booming sound, like a drum. The common story is that Indians once used Drum Rock for sending messages. We do know that this was once a great gathering place for tribes converging near the Pequot Trail.

The rock itself was delicately balanced on two points and could be easily moved by hand, or rocked by the wind, and with that rocking, it created the distinctive sound.

At one time, the rock was the symbol of Apponaug, its image replicated for parades. Today, Drum Rock is silent, having been moved from it¹s original position because it made too much noise for nearby neighbors.

Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum
4157 Post Road
(401) 884-4550
www.cloudshill.org

Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum is a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation operating an historic Victorian home located in Warwick, Rhode Island as a museum for the public.

The house is an important part of the history of the City of Warwick and the State of Rhode Island. It was built in 1872 by William Smith Slater for his daughter, Elizabeth Ives Slater, on her marriage to Alfred Augustus Reed, Jr. It has remained in the family since it was built, passing from female to female until reaching the current owner.

WARWICK CITY HALL
3275 Post Rd.
(401) 738-2000
www.warwickri.gov

Built in 1893-94, this building features a six-story clock tower which is visible for miles around. Designed by the architectural firm of William R. Walker & Son, City Hall cost $75,000 to erect and was built to replace the Town House, clerk's office and stables which had stood on this spot for the previous sixty years. On the second floor is the Town Scale and Council Chambers, while the remainders of what once were the city's jail cells are in the basement. Tours of the building are available.

WARWICK CITY PARK
40 Asylum Road
A 126-acre park, located down Asylum Road. Salt water beach, plus bathhouse and kiddie play area. There's also hiking, bike paths, and ball fields. Legend has it that the first clam bakes took place here in the late 1800's.

GEORGE B. SALTER MEMORIAL GROVE
Narragansett Parkway
This small park on Narragansett Parkway overlooks the Bay and hosts many of the events for Gaspee Days. Recently renovated by the City of Warwick, Salter Grove is a beautiful place to spend the day.

WARWICK MUSEUM OF ART
3259 Post Rd. (401) 737-0010
warwickmuseum.org
Admission:
General admission is free, except for certain events.
The Warwick Museum of Art, located next to City Hall in Apponaug, continues to bring qualitative, significant, and culturally relevant works of art to the city of Warwick. Group and solo exhibitions are hosted in two galleries, the Main Gallery and the new Small Works Gallery on the first floor. Our poetry series, The Mad Poets Cafe: An Evening of Spoken Word Performances takes place every fourth Saturday of each month. Poets from Rhode Island, Boston, New York, and elsewhere read original works. Live theatre and independent film is also part of our commitment to artistic excellence. WMOA is proud to host the improvisational comedy group Unexpected Company, whose standing-room only performances each and every Sunday evening have delighted hundreds.


REFERENCE SITES
http://www.visitwarwickri.com

http://www.warwickri.gov/

 “I’ve been in Rhode Island a lot…Man, Rhode Island's a good place. 
It's a really good place." 
- Taylor Swift 

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!