{"id":38536,"date":"2013-06-11T17:06:48","date_gmt":"2013-06-11T21:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=38536"},"modified":"2025-09-01T22:32:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T02:32:09","slug":"things-to-do-in-bristol-rhode-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/38536\/things-to-do-in-bristol-rhode-island\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Things to Do in Bristol, Rhode Island"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Bristol, Rhode Island is a New England town that is made for car-free coastal exploration. It is situated on the tip of the East Bay Bike Path, so cyclists can enjoy pastoral seascapes as they pedal all the way to Providence.<\/p>\n<p>This Mayberry-by-the-Sea exudes Americana and has everything those seeking a refined respite from the concrete of the big city are craving. Nautical beauty, gardens, history, art, great dining and welcoming locals make it a fine, easy-to-reach weekend escape.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Bike Bristol<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38587\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38587\" style=\"width: 350px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9022842632_c9a6642694_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38587 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9022842632_c9a6642694_z.jpg\" alt=\"East Bay Bike Path\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38587\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38587 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9022842632_c9a6642694_z.jpg\" alt=\"East Bay Bike Path\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9022842632_c9a6642694_z.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9022842632_c9a6642694_z-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9022842632_c9a6642694_z-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9022842632_c9a6642694_z-25x25.jpg 25w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> East Bay Bike Path<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Bring your bike to Providence and you can pedal the 14.5-mile <b>East Bay Bike Path<\/b> to Bristol. Alternately, hop on the Bristol-bound RIPTA bus and rent a bike at <b>Thames Street Landing<\/b>, next to the Bristol Harbor Inn. The bike path is a former rail corridor, so it is flat except near Providence, where a few hills will require modest expenditure of energy. Bristol\u2019s section of the path meanders through the plush meadows of <b>Colt State Park<\/b>, where you\u2019ll view some of the areas best clam digging spots. <b>Bristol Town Beach<\/b> is located here, so don\u2019t forget to bring your bathing suit to test the calm waters. You\u2019ll bike through the Audubon Society of Rhode Island\u2019s pristine 28-acre <b>wildlife refuge<\/b>, where the trail winds by fresh and saltwater marshes, culminating with majestic views of the Narragansett Bay.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Boating<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re itching to get out to sea, hang out at the <b>yacht club<\/b> and see if you\u2019re bold enough to hitch a ride with a friendly local captain on one of the hundreds of sailboats that are clustered in the harbor. You can bring your bike on the ferry to rustic <a href=\"http:\/\/www.prudenceferry.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Prudence Island<\/b><\/a>. The journey only takes 25 minutes, but this summer colony has a remote quality, and seems miles away from the 21<sup>st<\/sup> Century. Alternatively, content yourself with the power of the paddle and <b>rent a kayak<\/b> at Thames Street Landing.<\/p>\n<h3><b>History<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38592\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38592\" style=\"width: 351px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9023075398_3d207d8081_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38592 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9023075398_3d207d8081_z.jpg\" alt=\"Bristol History\" width=\"351\" height=\"351\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38592\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38592 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9023075398_3d207d8081_z.jpg\" alt=\"Bristol History\" width=\"351\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9023075398_3d207d8081_z.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9023075398_3d207d8081_z-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9023075398_3d207d8081_z-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9023075398_3d207d8081_z-25x25.jpg 25w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Bristol History<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A visit to the <b>Herreshoff Marine Museum<\/b> and <b>America\u2019s Cup Hall of Fame<\/b> is on every sailing enthusiasts bucket list. It is a shrine to yacht racing and is located on the site where eight consecutive America\u2019s Cup defenders were built. The museum houses dozens of sailing yachts, some that you can climb aboard.<\/p>\n<p><b>Linden Place Museum<\/b> is an 1810 Federal-style mansion with a stunning spiral staircase and a Hollywood twist. Stage and screen star Ethel Barrymore summered here, and this historic house displays lots of her movie memorabilia. Scenes from the 1974 version of \u201cThe Great Gatsby\u201d were shot here, with the exterior used as Daisy Buchanan\u2019s parents home. Rent it on Netflix and judge for yourself who makes a better Gatsby, Robert Redford or Leonardo DiCaprio.<\/p>\n<p><b>Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum<\/b> is located just outside of downtown. The 45-room mansion was once a golden age summer home and touring it provides a fascinating window into how wealthy industrialists once lived. Blithewold is now thankfully shared with the general public who can be heard audibly gasping when they behold the unobstructed bay views. The 33-acres of gardens and lawns are immaculately curated. There is a full program of outdoor concerts in summer, with everyone encouraged to <b>bring a picnic<\/b> and enjoy the live music <i>en plein air<\/i>. If you\u2019re more suited to active pursuits, try a <b>morning yoga class<\/b> in the shady Nut Grove.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Dining<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38589\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38589\" style=\"width: 350px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020763253_5840b774f2_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38589 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020763253_5840b774f2_z.jpg\" alt=\"Dine out in Bristol\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38589\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38589 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020763253_5840b774f2_z.jpg\" alt=\"Dine out in Bristol\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020763253_5840b774f2_z.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020763253_5840b774f2_z-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020763253_5840b774f2_z-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020763253_5840b774f2_z-25x25.jpg 25w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Dine out in Bristol<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Diminutive Bristol gives Rhode Island culinary big shots Providence and Newport a run for the money. The town is loaded with restaurants, from those serving menus with subtle finesse to classic clam bars. <b>Persimmon<\/b> is an intimate dining room with an ambitious American menu. Chef is a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist, which will not surprise you when you take your first bite. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lobsterpotri.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>The Lobster Pot<\/b><\/a> has been family owned for generations. Locals gather for sunset cocktails on the outdoor patio, as this portside location is known to have the best viewpoint in town. The menu features delectable lobster, clams, mussels and oysters, a culinary redundancy of the best sort. Desserts don\u2019t disappoint with no-nonsense traditional favorites like cheesecake, Indian pudding and fruit cobblers. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dewolftavern.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>DeWolf Tavern<\/b><\/a> is located in a traditional stone building at the harbor.\u00a0 The menu is casual American with a fragrant Indian infusion, a nod to the Chef\u2019s heritage. Think sandwiches filled with tandoori roasted chicken served on warm naan bread. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.quitosrestaurant.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Quito\u2019s<\/b><\/a> is a local institution. It\u2019s a casual fish shack serving clam cakes and lobster rolls to a devoted clientele. The waterfront setting screams summer. Breakfast is a no-brainer when you have an eatery like the <a href=\"http:\/\/thebeehivecafe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Beehive Caf\u00e9<\/b><\/a> in town. If you are a practitioner of caffeine tourism, the freshly brewed fair-trade coffee alone is worth the trip. Home-baked muffins, breads and scones are perfect for a grab-and-go bite. Or try a more leisurely meal on the terrace and savor gluten-free lemon cornmeal pancakes. The menu relies on products sourced from local farms and is 100% seasonal.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38590\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38590\" style=\"width: 350px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020802181_40e488a976_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38590 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020802181_40e488a976_z.jpg\" alt=\"Shops of Bristol\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38590\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38590 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020802181_40e488a976_z.jpg\" alt=\"Shops of Bristol\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020802181_40e488a976_z.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020802181_40e488a976_z-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020802181_40e488a976_z-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020802181_40e488a976_z-25x25.jpg 25w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> Shops of Bristol<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b>Shopping<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Shoppers strolling the compact downtown are treated to an eclectic mix of architecture that include some detail-rich Federal and Greek revival homes. Shops are mostly independently owned. If you\u2019re looking for beach chic accessories, <b>Therapy<\/b> carries a small but nearly perfect collection of breezy summer togs. Nautical-inspired housewares fill the shelves at the <b>Knotty Dog<\/b>, many made from reclaimed materials. <b>Harbor Bath &amp; Body<\/b> carries house-made soaps, lotions and potions that come in flavors so delicious, you might think you\u2019re at a candy counter.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Art<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Artistic sides shine in Bristol and neighboring Warren on the last Thursday of the month at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.artnightbristolwarren.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Art Nights<\/strong><\/a> from 5-9 p.m. Local galleries and studios are open and welcome visitors of all ages. Music and art-inspired conversation fill the towns with a festive flavor. A free retro-style trolley transports guests between the two towns. Shops and eateries are open late, offering special incentives.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Fourth of July<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38591\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38591\" style=\"width: 351px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020847901_4c1490eb40_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38591 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020847901_4c1490eb40_z.jpg\" alt=\"July 4th Festivities and Brstiol hotels\" width=\"351\" height=\"351\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38591\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38591 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020847901_4c1490eb40_z.jpg\" alt=\"July 4th Festivities and Brstiol hotels\" width=\"351\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020847901_4c1490eb40_z.jpg 640w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020847901_4c1490eb40_z-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020847901_4c1490eb40_z-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/9020847901_4c1490eb40_z-25x25.jpg 25w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a> July 4th Festivities and Bristol hotels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Bristol boasts the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/july4thbristolri.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oldest Fourth of July<\/a> celebration in the United States<\/strong>, held continuously since 1785. In a year-round display of patriotism, the main road through town is permanently painted with red, white and blue traffic lines. The annual event is a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Concerts, parades and fireworks are scheduled. Arrive early morning for the parade and expect a festive crowd.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Where to Stay<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bristolharborinn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Bristol Harbor Inn<\/b><\/a> is a boutique property offering 40 comfortable rooms that enjoy a prime location in the heart of the village. If you are looking for a splurge, <b>Point Pleasant Inn<\/b> is perfect. Guests are spoiled with understated luxury including an open bar, decadent breakfast and over-the-top swimming pool. The six suite-style rooms and waterfront grounds are stunning, the service impeccable. You\u2019ll need to ride your bike a few minutes to get into town, if you are able to drag yourself away from all the pampering.<\/p>\n<p><b>How to get here: <\/b>See <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/manhattan-to-providence-public-transportation-advisor\/\" target=\"_blank\">oM\u2019s Providence Transportation Guide<\/a>. Bristol is located a speedy 30 minute ride on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ripta.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RIPTA<\/a> number 60 bus from Providence, and it stops right at the\u00a0<a title=\"Megabus homepage\" href=\"http:\/\/us.megabus.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Megabus<\/a> drop-off. If you\u2019re riding <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amtrak.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amtrak<\/a> into town, it is about a seven-minute walk to the bus stop. For helpful trip planning information, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.explorebristolri.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore Bristol<\/a>. If you&#8217;d like to drive and explore beyond Bristol, consult oM&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/2008\/02\/13\/renting-hybrid-cars-in-manhattan\/\" target=\"_blank\">guide to renting Hybrids in NYC. <\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Photos: Explore Bristol, Allison Tibaldi, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/simeon_klimasewski\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simeon.Klimasewski<\/a>, Pers<em>immon, <em>Beehive Cafe, DeWolf Tavern<\/em><\/em>, Therapy, Knotty Dog, <em> Pleasant Point Inn, Bristol Harbor Inn, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/juliancolton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Juliancolton2<\/a><br \/>\n<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Situated on the tip of the East Bay Bike Path, Bristol is made for car-free coastal exploration. Nautical beauty, history, art, great dining and welcoming locals make it a fine, easy-to-reach weekend escape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":54307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1508,224,759,785,761,750,817,749,786,854,1179,747,758,1869,776,777,769,841,788,1057,781,778,774,353,794,780,849,827,748,316,782,857],"tags":[40,21,381,48,436,183,282,84],"class_list":{"0":"post-38536","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-amtrak-getaways","8":"category-arts","9":"category-bar-activity-2","10":"category-beaches-adventure-activity-2","11":"category-beer-activity-2","12":"category-bike-2","13":"category-biking-adventure-activity-2","14":"category-boat-2","15":"category-boating-adventure-activity-2","16":"category-boutiques-shopping-2","17":"category-bristol","18":"category-bus-2","19":"category-cafe-activity-2","20":"category-editors-picks","21":"category-farms-food-drink","22":"category-fine-dining","23":"category-historic-sites-culture","24":"category-holidays-culture-2","25":"category-kayaking-adventure-activity-2","26":"category-museums-culture-2","27":"category-outdoor-dining","28":"category-picnic-food-drink","29":"category-restaurants-food-drink","30":"category-rhode-island","31":"category-sailing-adventure-activity-2","32":"category-seafood-food-drink","33":"category-shopping-2","34":"category-swimming-sports-2","35":"category-train-2","36":"category-weekend-getaways","37":"category-wine-food-drink","38":"category-yoga-health-2","39":"tag-art","40":"tag-beach","41":"tag-biking","42":"tag-historical-site","43":"tag-kayaking","44":"tag-parade","45":"tag-romantic","46":"tag-shopping"},"acf":[],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":54307,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/BristolHarborBristolRI-1-of-1-350x198.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38536","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38536"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38536\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38536"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38536"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38536"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}