Rhode Island, affectionately
known as "Little Rhodie" is the smallest state in the United States.
Located in the heart of New England, Rhode Island offers urban excitement, rural
tranquility and of course 400 miles of winding coastline. With so much
coastline it is no wonder that Rhode Island has been nicknamed 'The Ocean State'
and that its main attraction is the more than 100 private and public beaches.
Some of the finest beaches are in South County along the state's southwestern
shore where you will find vacation destinations such as Misquamicut, Weekapaug
and Quonochontaug.
Perhaps one of the nation's
wealthiest repositories of historical attractions, Rhode Island boasts one of
the highest concentration of the country's National Historic Landmarks.
Newport, with its palatial 19th century mansions and colonial history, is
located on a small island also called Rhode Island. Both the state and
this island might have been named in honour of the Greek Island of Rhodes,
possibly because of the shape of the island. Newport, a favourite vacation
spot, is the home of the International Tennis Hall of fame and Tennis museum, as
well as offering more colonial era inns, and bed and breakfast establishments
than any town in America.
Providence, the capital city,
is another favourite spot for vacation rentals in Rhode Island and is unmatched
for its culture and history, ambience and charm. Vacation rentals in
Providence include vacation homes, condos, cottages, lodges, resorts, hotels and
bed and breakfast.
Block Island offers the
vacationer simple relaxation in a most startlingly beautiful setting. This
11 square mile island retreat is famous for its miles of public beaches, a
myriad of outdoor seaside activities, fantastic dining opportunities, as well as
unique shopping and numerous galleries. Block Island vacation rentals
include large homes, cottages, beach houses and condominium rentals.
The month of May is officially
celebrated as Heritage Month in Rhode Island, commemorating that it was the
first colony to declare independence from British rule on May 4, 1776. On
May 1 or thereabouts, May Day Breakfasts are held in honour of Rhode Island's
patriotic heritage. Other events and festivals include the Newport Music
Festival each July which brings well-known artists to the resort, Block Island
Race Week in late June, featuring boat races and parties, Newport Folk Festival
and Jazz Festival in August. For kids, the 1883 Carousel in Watch Hill, is
one of the oldest merry-go-rounds in the nation.
