This Rhode Island Downtown Is Made For Strolling

Rhode Island is one of the storied 13 colonies that formed the original United States and was originally an offshoot of the Massachusetts Colony. Established along the Atlantic Ocean, Rhode Island encompasses numerous waterways, including Narragansett Bay, which makes for a lovely backdrop to the cityscape. The towns surrounding these waterways capitalize on their location along the ocean and smaller bays, boasting incredible beauty. This beauty is what makes it so wonderful to take a walk through these towns, and few are better to walk through than Bristol, which is packed with things to do all within a small downtown area. The walkable, pedestrian-friendly downtown in Bristol, Rhode island make for some of the best strolling in the state.

Where To Stay

If you want to be in the heart of all the most popular downtown spots, then you will enjoy time at the Bristol Harbor Inn. The Inn sits right alongside the water, offering guests easy access to the bay and stunning views of the surrounding marina. Of course, the rooms are well-appointed and exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a luxurious experience during your stay in the area. When guests awaken, they are treated to the sights of ships dotting the water before heading out to enjoy the sights of the surrounding town.

Dining and Drinks

From the Inn, you can head just steps toward the bay and find the Thams Waterside Bar and Grill. This lovely location offers not only delicious dishes but also incredible views of the water. Guests can anticipate meals accompanied by cocktails that include some New England classics, such as clam chowder, or indulge in a plate of garlic salmon or a New York strip. This restaurant is a fantastic choice for those who want to lounge outside and enjoy the sights of ships sailing by during the day. If you are looking for a perfect brunch location, head east along State Street and then north along Hope Street to the Bristol Sunset Café. Within minutes, you can enjoy a noontime brunch featuring eggs, cornbread, salmon, steak, and other delectable options. The cozy interior is perfect for chats before heading out to enjoy the rest of your day.

If you prefer a casual day at the pub, you can walk south on Hope and head west on John Street until you find Aidan's Pub. This neighborhood fixture serves up over 60 beers on tap for guests who want to sit outside in the sun or enjoy time inside the pub. If you are saddling up at the bar, you can crowd around the TVs for a cold brew while catching an afternoon game, then head back out to enjoy the rest of your day.

Culture

Returning to Hope Street, you can head back north. Just across from the Bristol Sunset Café, you will find the Linden Place. This Bristol landmark, first built in 1810, features tours of the grounds. The mansion is considered an amazing example of Federal architecture, showcasing Palladian windows and Corinthian columns that make it an unmissable spot in town.

Around the corner along Wardwell Street, you will find the Bristol Art Museum. The museum was founded in 1963 and continues its mission to promote art appreciation today. As part of this mission, it features a diverse array of themed exhibits that are typically on rotation. These exhibits explore multiple topics, including the creative power of women and the beauty of the sea. Visitors can expect to see art in a variety of media, such as paintings, sculptures, photography, printmaking, and more. If you are in town for a while, this is also a destination for art classes in various forms, such as acrylic painting and illustration.

Towns Nearby

If you are in the area and want to explore similar towns to visit, consider heading north for about 20 minutes to Barrington. The town of Barrington encompasses Hundred Acre Lake and sits north of Narragansett Bay. Visitors here can enjoy a visit to the Barrington Public Library and Town Hall, a historic structure first built in 1888 that has a unique, medieval look, making it an iconic part of the town. Those interested in staying along the shores of the Bay can instead head to Barrington Town Beach for some fun in the sun and time on the water.

If you decide to skip Barrington, you can continue north and reach the state capital of Providence within 40 minutes. The city of Providence boasts many homes along College Hill that have been preserved since the 18th and 19th centuries. Furthermore, with its location along the Providence River, there are numerous waterside spots where guests can take a walk. India Point Park, situated where the Seekonk River meets the Providence River, is ideal for peaceful afternoons along the water.

Strolling Along Bristol Harbor

There is so much packed into such a small area whenever you visit Bristol. Drinks with friends at Aidan's Pub happen just steps away from the shore, and good food, like that at the Sunset Café, can be found up and down Hope Street. Cultural destinations like Linden Place contribute to the area's even greater variety. If you are looking for your next place to visit, then come take a stroll through downtown Bristol.