slides: James Clayton Sattel’s RI Views: Bristol

Colt State Park

Entering Bristol from "the mainland" means passing by the entrance to Colt State Park, a sprawling green refuge on the water.

We enjoy this beautiful park because of Samuel P. Colt's1905 purchase and consolidation of the Chase, Church and Van Wickle farms. The marble gates of the main entrance, modeled after the approach to the Petit Trianon at Versailles and unveiled in 1913, bear an inscription: "Colt Farm, Private Property, Public Welcome." A pair of life size bull statues, named Conrad and Pomeroy, guard the gate.

Colt Park II

Just one of the many incredible vistas in Colt State Park, and fall brings some of the most fiery settings for strolling (and photography!).

Coggeshall Farm

Originally part of the Colt estate purchased by the state, this historic set of buildings was saved and is now maintained by an independent private non-profit. The working Colonial farm is a glorious educational property and one of my favorite places to visit in the Fall.

Coggeshall II

The reenactment of Colonial life on the Rhode Island shore is a seamless part of the landscape at Coggeshall Farm.

Life on the Water

The vistas from Coggeshall reveal the autumn colors and how vibrantly they stand in contrast with the bright blue of Narragansett Bay.

Blithewold

On the far side of Bristol's town center sits one of Rhode Island's most gracious mansions: Blithewold. The house and its grounds were built by Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle in the 1890s as their summer retreat. Today's grounds, still beautiful to tour any season (but famous for daffodils) are primarily the design of John DeWolf, and date between 1896 and 1913.

Blithewold II

Sometimes overlooked by mansion-lovers who flock to nearby Newport, Blithewold is a gorgeous property, and the gardens and arboretum on the grounds are both great bonuses for visitors. The property is home to more than 300 species of woody plants.

Herreshoff Marine Museum

Speaking of Newport, the undisputed yachting capital of the world, once again Bristol competes in ways that few acknowledge. The wonderful Herreshoff Marine Museum is dedicated to the history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, yachting, and the America's Cup. Bristol's Herreshoff Manufacturing Company (1878-1945) was most notable for producing sailing yachts, including eight America's Cup defenders, and steam-powered vessels.

The museum has a collection of over 60 boats, hosts symposia related to yacht design and operates a sailing school.

Mount Hope Farm

Another Bristol treasure that many visitors miss is Mount Hope Farm. In its 325 plus years of history, there have been only a dozen owners of Mount Hope Farm, including Isaac Royall, the State of Rhode Island, William Bradford, John Bradford, Rudolph F. Haffenreffer II and Rudolph F. Haffenreffer III, the Haffenreffer family and the Mount Hope Trust in Bristol. This is Cove Cabin, one of the colorful outbuildings on the property. Psst: you can stay here in the Inn!

Soldiers & Sailors

There are few prettier Main Streets than in Bristol... it seems as every storefront, church, and home is more picturesque than the next. I love this spot particularly, with the Soldiers & Sailors monument, in honor of the Bristol Veterans of the Civil War. It sits on the lawn of Burnside Memorial Building, which in itself is a monument to a Civil War general, and governor of RI and US senator, Ambrose E. Burnside.

Linden Place

You can't walk (or drive!) past Linden Place in the center of Bristol's main thoroughfare without pausing for breath. The elegant mansion with graceful statuary is just breathtaking!

Bristol's 'Great House' has been the home for generations of seafaring DeWolfs, Colts, and Barrymores who entertained presidents and politicos. Now, Linden Place hosts galas, weddings, and a sumptuous Fourth of July picnic.

Bristol Harbor

Since its earliest days in the Colony, Bristol's harbor has seen maritime life of all stripes. It remains a lively part of town life, as evidenced by this view.

Ferries

There may be bridges spanning Narragansett Bay in most directions, but Rhode Island ports used to be connected by ferries. What a treat to keep the Prudence Island ferries afloat, which ply a route from Bristol Harbor to the small Narragansett Bay island.

Bristol time

Clocks add old fashioned charm to any streetscape, and Bristol is no exception.

Fourth of July

Is there any more patriotic spot on July 4th than the flag-bedecked streets of Bristol? Home to the oldest continuously running Independence Day Parade, Bristol turns out in her red, white, and bluest finery every summer.

The stripe

If you do not recognize this, you better not call yourself a Rhode Islander!