East Bay

 

East Providence and the Bristol County towns of Barrington, Warren and Bristol are home to the 14-mile East Bay Bike Path, which offers an unparalleled view of Narragansett Bay to cyclists, walkers, joggers and rollerbladers.

Home of the oldest Fourth of July Parade in the United States, bands from across the country are drawn to Bristol for the opportunity to march in this spectacular and historic parade. Bristol County is also noteworthy for its historic Bristol Harbor, delightful colonial inns and bed & breakfasts, and miles of ancient stone fences.

A focal point of Bristol County's appeal is Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, a 33-acre waterfront estate boasting a 45-room manor house and some of the most beautiful gardens in eastern United States. Other attractions include Linden Place (a federal period mansion), Coggeshall Farm Museum, Herreshoff Marine Museum (where six successful America's Cup defenders were built), the Antique Center in Warren and waterfront Colt State Park in Bristol.

Like Bristol, Warren also has a long history as a seaport village. The 1755 Maxwell House was the home of prominent ship builders. The town is a major antique center and home of the superbly restored Nathaniel Porter Inn. Sightseeing cruises of Narragansett bay leave regularly from Blount Marina.

Children love the superbly restored Looff Carousel at Crescent Park in East Providence, which is one of the finest antique carousels still in operation -- complete with brass ring.