Rhode Island, as the smallest state in the United States, exudes a charm and atmosphere that larger geographical areas lust after. If you’re planning a trip to Rhode Island and want to spend some time getting to know the Ocean State, here are some things you should know.
Rhode Island, dubbed “Old Rhody,” is a nice mix of cosmopolitan and suburban. There is a lot of history packed into the state’s 48-mile length and 37-mile width. There is something for everyone in Rhode Island, from the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to the music festivals in Newport.
When planning a trip to Rhode Island, keep an eye out for upcoming social and cultural events throughout the state. There is never a time of year when there isn’t something happening that will pique the tourist’s interest. The city of Newport, for example, is known for hosting several annual music festivals. The Newport Folk Festival, which has been held annually since 1959, is perhaps the most well-known of them all. According to legend, early in the Folk Festival’s history, established Joan Baez dragged newcomer Bob Dylan onto the stage, launching an international career that has spanned several decades.
In addition to the Folk Festival, Newport hosts a Jazz Festival every year. For this three-day festival in Rhode Island, the world’s leading jazz musicians, as well as a number of up-and-coming musicians, gather. The Festival offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary jazz performances, as well as a wide selection of recordings for purchase.
Newport, Rhode Island is home to more than just music. The International Boat Show, billed as the largest in the Northeast, spans fourteen acres and features both power and sailboats. Boat and accessory exhibits, as well as boat rides up and down the Rhode Island coast, dot the landscape.
Providence not only serves as the state capital, but also as the focal point for the state’s preservation efforts. Every December, the annual Holiday Festival and Benefit Street Stroll raises both awareness and funds for the historic buildings that line Benefit Street. Period costumes and elegant holiday decorations turn the entire street into a wonderland that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Civil War reenactments at the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations are another fun event to attend in Rhode Island. People can see recreations of hand-to-hand combat, regiment skirmishes, and examples of the types of warfare used during this critical period of US history, complete with period costuming and plenty of artifacts from the era. The Civil War re-enactments, which take place in the summer, attract large crowds from neighboring states as well as Civil War enthusiasts from all over the country.