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The home of the Newport Art Museum, the Griswold House, is a superb example of mid 19th century large private housing that was copied across the country over the next 50 years. It is here that the administration and restoration rooms can be found along with a shop. Adjacent to this are the buildings that house the Cushing Memorial Collection which is a collection of works of various American renaissance painters.

Located just off the town of Newport is the delightfully restored Rose Island Lighthouse, that was originally built in 1869 and brought back to its original condition in 1984. The lighthouse is once again a working lighthouse guiding ships in to Newport’s harbour and tours to the island and round the lighthouse are available from 1st July through to Labour Day. The island is a great place to take a picnic and sit on the grass or sand, whilst just relaxing and taking in the sunshine.

Newport has a number of impressive structures, but none can surpass the elegance of Belfort Castle, which looks like it has been lifted straight from Versailles in France, with its magnificent building and gardens. Completed in 1894 it was at that time one of the most expensive private homes in the country, and was home to Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, a bachelor at that time. The building was restored in the mid 20th century using 13 century stained glass and renaissance furniture and paintings from Europe.

Located on the coast of Rhode Island, Fort Adams has been an important part of the defence of the United States since its completion in 1824. Much of the original fort is still standing and you can walk around the battlements where soldiers stood guard. You can also explore the dungeons where prisoners were held. The fort is still the country’s largest coastal fortification and a great place to visit for a day out.

The Touro Synagogue in Newport has been standing for over 200 years and is testament to the country’s belief in religious freedom. The outside of the synagogue is typical of the design of the time but its interior is very different with beautiful marble and wrought iron. Tours are available on Sundays to Fridays between midday and 2pm, lasting about half an hour.

The Old Stone Mill in Newport has in recent years been subject as to much speculation as to its origins. Originally thought to have been built as the base for a windmill that was never completed back in the 17th century, recent excavations and carbon dating have passed doubt on this and some believe it could be much older, predating Columbus’s arrival in the New World, and that it could even be Norse in origins. Whatever its origins, it is a spectacular edifice and worth the time to visit.

Walking in to Slater’s Mill in Pawtucket is like stepping back over 200 years, to a time when the whole family had to work hard, just to survive. The mill is a working museum that also hosts a number of artisans producing high quality products. Take time to talk to the period dressed characters about their life and the hardships they go through before walking through the gardens, which are still planted with some of the plants and trees of 200 years ago.

Founded 340 years ago, the city of Pawtucket has seen many changes in its history. You can learn about many of these at the Elizabeth J. Johnson Pawtucket History Research Center, named after its founder back in 1991. The center has an extensive collection of manuscripts, letters and photographs that are available for viewing at Joseph Spaulding House. This is a suitable, interesting place for people interested in learning more about the history of the region.

The city of Warwick has long been a meeting point but under a different name as hundreds of years ago travelling tribes would gather at a noticeable point on the Pequot Trail to trade and arrange marriages. Here a large rock was somehow balanced on two points and each time it moved, it made a booming sound. The rock can still be seen but it has been moved from its original position and is now silent.

Set in 75 acres of perfectly laid out gardens on Narragansett Bay, is set the simply spectacular Aldrich Mansion. It looks like a chateau, lifted straight out of central France. Taking 16 years to finish the 70 room, private home was completed in 1912 and was the location chosen by John D. Rockefeller Jr for his marriage to Abby Aldrich. The extensive use of marble in the interior and its magnificent terrace overlooking the bay, makes it an ideal place for a wedding reception or special birthday celebration.