Welcome to Rhode Island

A State born out of the desire for religious freedom and tolerance, that has grown through a heritage of independent though yet common goals which is located on a land that is as diverse and wonderful as its people.

It's a State of seasons. Each unique . . . each offering different experiences. Please come with us on a tour of our lovely state as we explore its treasures throughout its seasons.

It's spring and we'll start our tour in Providence, the capital city, with a Gondola ride through a river lit with fires. We watch kayaks and canoes float by us while listening to the sounds of classical music filter under the bridges. We'll stop for dinner... the only problem in Providence is deciding where. Rhode Island has become the home of diverse people with diverse cultures and also is the home of two universally recognized culinary arts institutions. This combination brings with it a wealth of ethnic foods and restaurants as well as cutting edge nouveau cuisine.

We'll travel to the East Side - the home of our Ivy League University, Brown, and the nationally recognized school of art, the Rhode Island School of Design. We marvel at the preserved architecture going back hundreds of years and the simplicity of the neighborhood shopping areas. We take the bike trail from here, miles along the coast into Bristol and stop for steamers and quahog overlooking a quiet harbor filled with sails.

Spring turns into Summer, and Rhode Island glows with the sun. South County, Newport, Block Island, Little Compton - all homes of beaches that range from the tranquility of a quiet refuge to excitement of a theme park. It's time to catch our dinner from a pier in Jamestown or enjoy outdoor concerts in the cities and at the beaches. The Newport Jazz Festival, Folk Festival, Rhythm and Blues Festivals. Spend an afternoon at the Wickford Arts Festival, Quahog Festival in Bristol, Hot-Air Balloon races in South County, sailboat races on Block Island, and Tennis Matches in Newport.

Fall follows and the foliage is turning shades of gold and bright red. We'll take a hike on one of the numerous trails or canoe down a river while enjoying a land abundant in artifacts left by our first Native American settlers. It's also festival time. The Providence waterfront is alive with music, food, and dance, while Scituate attracts thousands to its annual antiques and art fairs. It's time too, for students to return to school. Rhode Island is rich in opportunities for education. Eleven private and state colleges and universities draw students from all over the world and prepare them for careers in medicine, business, culinary arts, law, visual and fine art design, economics, liberal arts and technology.

Winter. We'll stop indoors for an evening of theater at Trinity Repertory, or attend a first run Broadway production at the Providence Performing Arts Center. We'll view a new exhibition at the Rhode Island School of Arts museum, and sit with a hot dog and a beverage rooting for the Providence Bruins as they skate to victory.

But winter in Rhode Island is not a time to hide indoors . . . We'll downhill ski at Yawgoo Valley, cross-country ski in Pulaski Park, skate on one of the beautiful ponds in Roger Williams Park or just take a walk in the sparkling snow as it falls in the moonlight.

Thank you for taking the time to join us on this short tour of our wonderful State through its seasons, but this is only a portion of what we have to offer. So please come for a visit and experience remarkable Rhode Island . . . maybe you'll decide to stay and become a neighbor.