Local Labor Day Getaways
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
We know you love your backyard and your favorite beach. Want a few more ideas for great getaways for this holiday weekend? Here's a fresh handful.
Romantic Island Getaway
Jamestown
Everyone thinks Block Island (and with lots of great reasons) for weekend getaways, but one of Rhode Island's gems is right in the middle of Narragansett Bay. Small-town charm and fantastic views make a getaway to Jamestown a true vacation.
Eat: Trattoria Simpatico, for the twinkly-light ambience. If you were considering proposing marriage, you just might.
If you can overnight: The Bay Voyage. Under the Wyndham, things have been freshened up and there remains few better views of Narragansett Bay, the Newport Bridge, and Aquidneck. Bring a couple bottles of wine.
The morning after: Take your time. Then stroll arm-in-arm to Slice of Heaven around the corner for dark roast coffee and fresh baked goods.
History Buff Getaway
Great Road, Lincoln
Some of RI's most historic, and least known, historic buildings line this beautiful stretch of road in the Blackstone Valley. Take a day to meander, visit, and photograph the homes, farms, and mills that retain much of the area's early 19th-century rural character.
Must sees: The c1687 Eleazer Arnold House is in the oldest house in Lincoln, and the finest examples of stone-enders.
Get ideas: The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor headquarters are in Woonsocket's Depot Square. Stop there first for brochures and guidance.
Stay for dinner: River Falls Restaurant on South Main Street in Woonsocket is famous for Ma Glockner's famous roasted chicken with salad and fries (there are more spots than Wright's), and you can't beat the cinnamon rolls.
Shopping Getaway
Warren waterfront
There is no better spot for grabbing out-of-the-way finds than the small antique shops that fill up one of RI's most beautiful as well as historic waterfront towns. The prices are lower than Bristol, Providence, and Newport, and there's no shortage of treasures. Smart antiquers hit Warren. Throw in fashionable boutiques like Dish, and the whole day gets even more fun.
Eat: Fortify midday with the fantastic flavors at Federal Hill Pizza. The name might be geographically misleading, but the red sauce is as fresh as what we love on Atwells.
Art Lovers Getaway
Newport's hidden treasures
They go for the mansions and the yachts, but some of the best art is off the beaten path in Newport. Make it a visual expedition and let everyone else worry about the sunscreen.
Treasure spots: The Redwood Library & Athenaeum has so much history within its lovely walls, but one of the lesser known treasures is its art. Take a peaceful tour and be amazed. Further, don't miss William Vareika Fine Arts for some of Newport's top pieces. Bill Vareika is a specialist in 19th century American Art and a visit to his gallery is like going to a museum. And speaking of museums, the National Museum of American Illustration is a remarkable treasure. The regular season ends on Labor Day, so go now.
