Great Outings: The Blackstone Valley

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tracey Minkin, GoLocalProv Lifestyle Editor

Don't wait for those out-of-town visitors to inspire some in-state tourism. Every weekend, we'll bring you a great bunch of outings, right here. This weekend: hop on the bike, or put the top down on the convertible, and head up that historic waterway to where that whole Industrial Revolution began. And where the weekend fun begins.

Wheeling

Often playing second fiddle to the long-established East Bay Bike Path, this upstart to the north swaps that brutal headwind off the Bay for rolling shady terrain that meanders along the Blackstone Canal, past mill villages, and eventually will link Pawtucket to Worcester—all 48 miles. For now, enjoy the newest addition, a seven-mile ramble from Front Street in Pawtucket to the Blackstone State Park. Wheels of all kind are welcome, from bikes and skaters to strollers. And there's parking at both ends. For more, go to www.cycleblackstone.com.

Water Ways
It all begins with the Blackstone River, and you're missing something if you don’t see the region from the water's eye view. Check in with the wonderful Blackstone Valley Paddlers for all kinds of kayaking and canoeing events, including the best way to spend a Tuesday night... paddling a new BV waterway every week. Later this month, book passage on the Blackstone Valley Explorer for their Central Falls Wilderness Tour (running after May 31 on Sundays every hour from 1-4 pm). Reservations recommended; $10 adults, $8 seniors/kids; free last Sunday of every month on first-come, first-serve basis.

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Jewels of the Crown
One of the Blackstone Valley's least known treasures is the Great Road, a bucolic ramble that links some of the state's most historic homes. Spend a lazy afternoon out in the historic countryside, and don’t miss some time gazing at the crown jewel of the Great Road: Hearthside, perhaps the finest example of early 19th-century Federal-style architecture in Rhode Island. Celebrating its bicentennial this year, it's a lovely outing, and there's a love story involved. And May is National Preservation Month… what better time to visit this grand lady of the Great Road? 757 Great Rd, Lincoln, www.hearthsidehouse.org.
Don't miss neighboring Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, with blacksmithing demonstrations Sat and Sun mornings 8am-noon.

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It Takes a Village
This is small-town USA, and it's right up the road. Take the day to stroll, eat, and shop Chepachet. And if you've never been to Brown & Hopkins Country Store, America's oldest continuously operating country store, put this at the top of your list. From antique reproduction furniture to old-style penny candy, it's browsing for days. And shopping for more. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs til 7pm, Sun noon-5pm. 1179 Putnam Pike (Rte 44), Chepachet, 568-4820, www.brownandhopkins.com

Photos Stephanie Ewens

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