Rhode Island is a small state and just when you think you’ve seen it all a new place pops up on your radar. While we can’t guarantee that all 11 spots on this list will be new discoveries, you just might find a little treasure you haven’t uncovered yet on this collection of hidden places
- Whale Rock Trail, Narragansett
Facebook/The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island Built in 2013, Whale Rock Trail is a newer addition to the Ocean State’s collection of fantastic hiking spots. Navigate your way down a boardwalk trail that opens up onto a stunning beach. Explore tide pools, enjoy a picnic, or just enjoy the sand between your toes at this lesser-known coastal gem. Get more information on this enchanting trail here.
- Big River Management Area, West Greenwich
Google Images/Joe Palumbo Many know Big River Management Area for its miles of scenic hiking trails but did you also know it is a wintertime hotspot for sledding? The sand dunes (or the Big River Desert as the locals call it) when covered with snow make for a long and speedy downhill ride. Enjoy some outdoor fun on tubes and sleds the next time it snows at this natural area. Get all of the details here.
- Hartley’s Pork Pies, Lincoln
TripAdvisor/Harry C If you’ve never tasted a Hartley’s Meat Pie then you’re missing out. This unassuming corner shop has been baking the most scrumptious individual meat pies in the state for over a century. Go early or call ahead to get your fair share of this delicious treat. Learn more about this crave-worthy dish here.
- South Kingstown Sculpture Trail, South Kingstown
Facebook/South Kingstown Land Trust Not your ordinary hiking trail, this .4-mile stroll takes you through a whimsical outdoor art installation. As you meander along the South Kingston Sculpture Trail, you’ll marvel at the inspiring art hidden away in the woods. Discover more about this secret trail here.
- Providence Zen Center, Cumberland
Facebook/Providence Zen Center The first Zen Center in the United States was created in Rhode Island and it’s tucked away on 50 acres in Cumberland. Find your inner calm by joining in meditation or a retreat at this secluded spot. Find out all the details here.
- Village Hearth Bakery Cafe, Jamestown
TripAdvisor/Alexandra R The secret to this underrated family-owned bakery is the wood-fired oven. The old-fashioned method of cooking produces some unbelievably scrumptious results at Village Hearth Bakery. From fresh bread to sweet pastries, this culinary gem is just waiting to be discovered. Learn more about this upbeat spot here.
- Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
Facebook/Norman Bird Sanctuary The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a natural oasis on Aquidneck Island. On 325 acres with over seven miles of trails, you’ll uncover new discoveries with every visit. Enjoy a solitary stroll or a family outing surrounded by nature and wildlife at this island treasure. Learn more about this protected sanctuary here.
- The Seabees Museum and Memorial Park, North Kingstown
TripAdvisor/TripAdvisor/Dean_Amy-2004 Rhode Island is full of historical spots but one that isn’t visited nearly enough is the Seabees Museum and Memorial Park. Reveal and soak in the incredible story of the unique military unit and all that they accomplished at this captivating museum. Grab all the information you need to plan a visit here.
- Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, Bristol
Facebook/Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum The Blithewold Mansion is a frequently visited spot but time it right and you can also be granted a beautiful outdoor show. In the early summer, the outdoor gardens come alive with fragrant blooms and lush foliage. It’s like spending time in your own personal fairytale! Learn more about these incredible gardens here.
- Phantom Farms, Cumberland
TripAdvisor/Emmjaie Those who have revealed all the surprises at Phantom Farms are lucky indeed. This farm has an awesome plant selection, fresh produce, seasonal activities, and our favorite part… a scrumptious bakery. Head on over to this rural gem for out-of-this-world good muffins. Get the rest of the scoop on this farm here.
- Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theatre, Charlestown
Facebook/Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theatre You might have heard of observatory but if you haven’t been to Frosty Drew for star gazing yet, you need to plan a visit. Watch as the night sky comes alive with stars and planets. There is never a shortage of sights to see at this coastal observatory. Find out all the details here.
So were at least one of these hidden places a new discovery for you? Did one of your favorite go-to spots make the list? If you love turning up new gems in the Ocean State, take a trip to one of these foodie towns, before they get too popular, to find your next favorite restaurant.
Facebook/The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island
Built in 2013, Whale Rock Trail is a newer addition to the Ocean State’s collection of fantastic hiking spots. Navigate your way down a boardwalk trail that opens up onto a stunning beach. Explore tide pools, enjoy a picnic, or just enjoy the sand between your toes at this lesser-known coastal gem. Get more information on this enchanting trail here.
Google Images/Joe Palumbo
Many know Big River Management Area for its miles of scenic hiking trails but did you also know it is a wintertime hotspot for sledding? The sand dunes (or the Big River Desert as the locals call it) when covered with snow make for a long and speedy downhill ride. Enjoy some outdoor fun on tubes and sleds the next time it snows at this natural area. Get all of the details here.
TripAdvisor/Harry C
If you’ve never tasted a Hartley’s Meat Pie then you’re missing out. This unassuming corner shop has been baking the most scrumptious individual meat pies in the state for over a century. Go early or call ahead to get your fair share of this delicious treat. Learn more about this crave-worthy dish here.
Facebook/South Kingstown Land Trust
Not your ordinary hiking trail, this .4-mile stroll takes you through a whimsical outdoor art installation. As you meander along the South Kingston Sculpture Trail, you’ll marvel at the inspiring art hidden away in the woods. Discover more about this secret trail here.
Facebook/Providence Zen Center
The first Zen Center in the United States was created in Rhode Island and it’s tucked away on 50 acres in Cumberland. Find your inner calm by joining in meditation or a retreat at this secluded spot. Find out all the details here.
TripAdvisor/Alexandra R
The secret to this underrated family-owned bakery is the wood-fired oven. The old-fashioned method of cooking produces some unbelievably scrumptious results at Village Hearth Bakery. From fresh bread to sweet pastries, this culinary gem is just waiting to be discovered. Learn more about this upbeat spot here.
Facebook/Norman Bird Sanctuary
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a natural oasis on Aquidneck Island. On 325 acres with over seven miles of trails, you’ll uncover new discoveries with every visit. Enjoy a solitary stroll or a family outing surrounded by nature and wildlife at this island treasure. Learn more about this protected sanctuary here.
TripAdvisor/TripAdvisor/Dean_Amy-2004
Rhode Island is full of historical spots but one that isn’t visited nearly enough is the Seabees Museum and Memorial Park. Reveal and soak in the incredible story of the unique military unit and all that they accomplished at this captivating museum. Grab all the information you need to plan a visit here.
Facebook/Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
The Blithewold Mansion is a frequently visited spot but time it right and you can also be granted a beautiful outdoor show. In the early summer, the outdoor gardens come alive with fragrant blooms and lush foliage. It’s like spending time in your own personal fairytale! Learn more about these incredible gardens here.
TripAdvisor/Emmjaie
Those who have revealed all the surprises at Phantom Farms are lucky indeed. This farm has an awesome plant selection, fresh produce, seasonal activities, and our favorite part… a scrumptious bakery. Head on over to this rural gem for out-of-this-world good muffins. Get the rest of the scoop on this farm here.
Facebook/Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theatre
You might have heard of observatory but if you haven’t been to Frosty Drew for star gazing yet, you need to plan a visit. Watch as the night sky comes alive with stars and planets. There is never a shortage of sights to see at this coastal observatory. Find out all the details here.
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