East Bay

The East Bay area is sprinkled with typical New England harbor towns, places of historic interest and grand 18th and 19th century homes and mansions. Bristol, the main town, began with a farming tradition and grew into mercantile and shipbuilding trades. Bristol also hosts the oldest 4th of July parade in America. Also, the area is the nation's oldest Arbortorium. Museums, historic landmarks, antique shopping, biking, and sailing will keep one occupied. Things to See and Do Attractions Blithewold Mansion and Gardens in Bristol; a 33 acre estate on the bay. A 1908 mansion consisting of 45 rooms with original furniture and furnishings. Manicured landscape with rare trees, numerous gardens showing current and century-old plants. Crescent Park Looff Carousel in East Providence is the finest surviving carousel of its type in America, designed by Charles Looff. Historic Sites Linden Place in Bristol; historic Federal style mansion in Bristol's Historic Waterfront District. Noted for its rose gardens and sculptures. Mount Hope Farm in Bristol; reflecting Bristol's farming past dating back to 1680. Over 200 acres of pastures, wooded areas, ponds, streams and trails. The oldest original structure on the farm is the Governor Bradford House, c.1745. The farm is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours. Museums Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology in Bristol; features interesting nature artifacts from America, Africa, Asia, and Pacific people. The four galleries provide authentic settings in which to learn of these people and their culture. Herreshoff Marine & America's Cup Museum in Bristol; dedicated to Herreshoff who is reputed to be the most accomplished yacht designer in the sport's history. Exhibiting over 50 yachts from 1859 to 1947. Outdoor Activities Bay Queen Cruises out of Warren. Cruise Narragansett Bay aboard the cruise ship Vista Jubilee and enjoy good food and grand views. East Bay Bike Path in East Providence; a 15 mile long path for bikers, skaters, and hikers. From Providence to Bristol, it is the state's most popular such path. Provides eye-pleasing views of Providence Harbor and Upper Narragansett Bay. Science & Nature Related Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Environmental Education Center in Bristol; a 28 acre wildlife refuge and Nature Center and Aquarium on Narragansett Bay shore exhibits Rhode Island's native birds and aquatic life. Boardwalk to the shore. Gift shop.

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