Why Rhode Island
We all know that itch, that yearning for undiscovered horizons, the constant whisper of “somewhere new.” But sometimes, the most breathtaking adventures lie closer than we think, waiting to surprise us with their quiet charms. That’s exactly what happened to us on our recent escape to Rhode Island.
Yes, Rhode Island. This tiny New England gem, often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, had been a blank spot on our family travel map. We live in New Jersey, so extensive research felt unnecessary. We wanted to be swept away by its own unique beauty, unburdened by expectations. And boy, did Rhode Island deliver!
Here’s a glimpse into our whirlwind 3-day, 2-night adventure.
Day 1: Providence Pleasure
The Omni Hotel Providence, buzzing with city life in the heart of the city, was our welcoming haven after a long drive. Eager to trade car seats for cobblestones, we stepped out, the immediate serenity a balm to our travel-weary souls. Our feet, guided by curiosity, led us to the enchanting Water Fire Providence, a mesmerizing spectacle that danced across the river, promising a future visit in May (a note scribbled in our mental calendar). With bellies rumbling and legs content, we meandered back through the Providence Mall, a convenient tunnel leading us back to our cozy nest.
Waterfire Providence
Fortunate enough to capture the breathtaking beauty of a sunset while making our way back to the hotel.
Day 2: DIY Breakfasts and Cultural Exploration
Fueling for adventure with a budget-friendly twist, we transformed our hotel room into a breakfast nook, our trusty griddle sizzling with pancakes and laughter. This self-sufficiency set the stage for a day brimming with delightful discoveries, proving that sometimes the simplest moments can be the most memorable.
First stop: the RISD Museum, a treasure trove of creativity and culture.
Then, the pièce de résistance – the Breakers. This magnificent mansion transported me to a bygone era, igniting thoughts about the lives of the affluent from days of yore.
Day 3: Coastal Drives and Culinary Delights
Instead of pounding the pavement on Cliff Walk, we opted for a coastal cruise on wheels, letting the wind whip through our hair and the sun paint the rugged cliffs in shades of gold. As the day dipped its toes into evening, we navigated our way to the Red Parrot Restaurant, ready for a feast fit for kings (or at least our travel-weary crew). The journey out was a bonus in itself, a front-row seat to the sun’s fiery farewell over the ocean. Now, with bellies full and hearts content, we were ready to turn the page on this chapter of our East Coast adventure, the memories of Rhode Island and Boston forever etched in our travel journals.
Bonus Stop: Boston Bound
Before heading home, we made a detour to Boston, Massachusetts. First stop: Thinking Cup, our haven of caffeine and cozy vibes. Refueled by the perfect latte, we wandered through a park, stumbling upon the picture-perfect Acorn Street, a quintessential New England snapshot. Finally, we indulged in a souvenir spree at Faneuil Hall, filling our bags with trinkets and memories to carry home. This Boston bonus felt like the perfect coda to our East Coast adventure, leaving us with a bittersweet smile and a heart full of wanderlust for the next escapade.
Final thoughts
As we kissed Rhode Island goodbye, its whispers of tranquility, bursts of culture, and endless stretches of coastal beauty clung to us like salty souvenirs. The tapestry of memories we wove in those three days – sunrise breakfasts cooked on our humble griddle, awe-struck gazes at Gilded Age mansions, giggles echoing through RISD’s halls – is forever stitched into the fabric of our family’s travel chronicles. Until the next adventure unfurls its map, we’ll carry the spirit of discovery close to our hearts, fueled by the anticipation of hitting the road once more, ready to paint new stories onto our travel canvas.