When it comes to portals to the past, the smallest state in the U.S. geographically comes up big. From the opulent and iconic mansions lining Newport’s Cliff Walk to America’s oldest continuous July 4th parade in Bristol, planners are provided with a preponderance of possibilities in Rhode Island.
Its attractions, lodgings and even dining options are all bolstered by easy and accessible ways to escape into yesteryear.
Here’s a look at some of the very best historical settings and experiences in the Ocean State, beginning with its captivating capital.
Providence & Warwick
While known as “the creative capital” for its artsy side and collegiate offerings—such as Brown, Rhode Island University, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Johnson and Wales University school of hospitality—Providence also serves up 375 years of history, much of it in highly group-friendly portions.
“Providence has a rich history from its original settlement—and forward-thinking founder Roger Williams—through its role in the country’s fight for independence, to the industrial revolution, which was sparked in nearby Pawtucket by Samuel Slater and his water-powered mill, and subsequent growth into a prosperous American city,” says Brian Hodge, communications and social media manager for the Providence Warwick CVB.
One true treasure is the city’s ancient State House, where Hodge urges groups to check out a new addition—the Charter Museum, showcasing Rhode Island’s original state charter, considered one of the most important documents in U.S history. The prominent paper is the first in history to ensure religious choice without government oversight, and Hodge reports it is now showcased in a climate-controlled setting for maximum safekeeping. PageBreak
Providence also offers five famed historic attractions on the city’s “Mile of History,” a complete neighborhood on Benefit Street that is listed on the historic register. Groups of 100 or more have the option of exploring the district in a compelling way through “5 Alive on Benefit Street,” a partnership that allows groups to visit the RISD Museum of Art, the Providence Athenaeum, the John Brown House, the First Baptist Church and the Stephen Hopkins House with a single ticket. PageBreak
Planners should also give fresh eyes to a time-tested Providence site that has been given new life, the city’s handsome and historic Public Library. A major overhaul has opened up a number of spaces for memorable events that can include catering, and the venue is also now offering special architectural tours on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m.
Hodge also suggests getting a taste of the city’s bygone days—and a modern take on its top chefs—in a literal sense, via a group dine-out at one of its iconic dining spots. In particular, he recommends Spiritos Italian restaurant on Broadway, where brother David and Gregory bring more than three decades of culinary know-how to the table, and Pot a Feu on Custom House Street, housed in an 1875 edifice and serving classic French fare in an elegant setting.
For a lodging that will tastefully take groups back in time, the elegant Jacob Hill Inn has been welcoming guests since 1723 and has meeting and breakout rooms for intimate functions of up to 24.
In neighboring Warwick, a pair of elegant edifices is at the heart of the historic explorations. The Aldrich Mansion is a particular charmer, a 70-room chateau built mainly in the early 19th century that is popular for both weddings and corporate receptions. Marble staircases, detailed woodcarvings and elaborate paintings are hallmarks of the elegant interior, and the stately grounds—sprawling across 27 acres—are equally impressive.
For a low-key group excursion, consider a tour of the Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum, a private home that is open to the public and hosts tours as well as special events, workshops and exhibits. In fair weather its elegant gardens are open for occasional tours and are also the frequent site of wedding party pictures. PageBreak
Newport
Elegant and inviting Newport isn’t a place where groups need to seek out history, as attendees are enveloped in the past upon setting foot in the handsome harbor-side town.
“Newport was founded in 1639, and just walking around our city, you can explore America’s past,” says Andrea McHugh, marketing and communications manager for Discover Newport. “Buildings surviving from the 17th century include the Old Stone Mill, the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, the Great Friends Meeting House and The White Horse Tavern, one of America’s oldest taverns still in operation.”
She says other celebrated treasures include the Redwood Library and Athenæum, the nation’s oldest lending library; Touro Synagogue, America’s oldest synagogue and a national historic site; and more colonial homes in use than any other location in the U.S.
“Our legendary Newport Mansions also mark a significant period in American history: the Gilded Age, when our country’s foremost industrialists chose the City-by-the-Sea as their summertime playground,” McHugh says.
The White Horse Tavern mentioned by McHugh offers an easy way to get a “taste” of the city’s past. It was built in 1652 and still serves lunch and dinner to hungry groups. The fare is an inviting mix of old-time pub grub with elegant modern touches, and the establishment hosts its own special dining affairs as well as being rentable for groups of up to 75 that want to have their own memorable event.
For some truly “moving” history, groups can hop aboard the Rum Runner II, an authentic 58-foot speedboat constructed for mobsters during Prohibition to haul in booze from Canada. Operated by AtlanticStars out of Newport Harbor, the vessel offers a variety of outings that feature historical narration on the waterside sights. A sister ship, the schooner Madeleine, offers similar outings. Both vessels run seasonally and are shut down in winter, and each can host groups of up to 49 attendees.
For some eye-opening tours that are both entertaining and informative, planners can turn to the offerings from the Newport Restoration Foundation, with popular excursions including the chance to wander through an 1812 windmill at Prescott Farm, ogle the impressive interiors at Rough Point—home to famed philanthropist Doris Duke—and investigate the wonderful antiques filling the Whitehorne House museum. The Newport Historical Society is another solid source of such tours, with treks exploring elements of the city’s yesteryear running the gamut from the Gilded Age to Prohibition.
Newport also shows off a number of historic lodgings that serve as retreat possibilities for smaller groups. Castle Hill Inn, for example, is built around an 1874 mansion and offers staggering vistas from its classic outdoor dining spot, The Lawn. Cliffside is another elegant option, an 1876 Victorian manse with intimate meeting space that is ranked No. 1 by TripAdvisor among all Newport B&Bs and inns.
A larger but equally appealing choice is the Hotel Viking, a 1926 property with 209 guest rooms, more than 14,000 square feet of event space and the stunning Top of Newport bar on the hotel’s roof deck.PageBreak
Bristol
Cozy Bristol is yet another bastion of history, including being host to the oldest continuous 4th of July parade in America, but the old-time offerings certainly don’t end there.
For a memorable meal in a historic setting, groups should consider gathering at the DeWolf Tavern, housed inside a handsomely renovated 1818 stone warehouse adjoining the stylish Bristol Harbor Inn.
Meanwhile, one of the town’s most promising portals to the past is Linden Place, a marvelous mansion that served as one of the shooting sites for the 1974 film version of The Great Gatsby. The 1810 Federal period structure offers guided and self-guided tours May through Columbus Day on a first-come basis, and by appointment only in the off-season. The enticing edifice is also wildly popular for special events, particularly wedding receptions.
Blithewold is another exceptional escape into yesteryear, home to a 45-room mansion, a variety of distinctive garden areas and numerous changing exhibits. An 11-acre Great Lawn is popular for outdoor events, and tours can be customized for groups of eight or more to focus on the mansion, gardens and local history. Workshops and lectures are also on tap, and food options can range from boxed lunches to catered buffets.
