I received a complimentary overnight stay to facilitate my review.
Have you ever visited Rhode Island? Rhode Island is an ideal summer weekend getaway. The weather this time of year is usually gorgeous, and the state offers a variety of sites for travelers who are eager to explore. We visited not too long ago and enjoyed our stay as there was so much to see and do there.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Residence Inn Providence Coventry. This family-friendly hotel is centrally located and is not too far away from both Providence and Newport, which is an ideal location to be in during a short summer weekend getaway. We stayed in a one bedroom Suite which was large and clean with a king bed in the bedroom and a pullout bed in the living/sitting area. This room can accommodate up to five people. Our room had a fully equipped kitchen complete with a refrigerator, stove, microwave oven and dishwasher. We also had a fireplace. Z.E.N was obsessed with the fireplace and insisted that we try it out even though it was summer.
This hotel had a lot of great amenities. Here is a list of some of their amenities:
- A full American free hot breakfast.
- An indoor pool.
- A basketball court.
- A fitness room.
- A picnic area.
- It is pet-friendly.
- They offer free high-speed internet.
- Free evening social event held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
I highly recommend this hotel!
Places to See in Newport
For those who love architecture and history, the Newport Mansions will be a favorite. We spent most of our weekend exploring the mansions. These elegant homes once housed some of American's most prominent families, and continue to epitomize the grandeur and exquisite taste that has been preserved with painstaking detail. Each one is open daily, offering various tour options from guided audio tours to roaming the grounds with a map.
We also spent some time at the Newport Harbor Waterfront.
There were lots of cute little shops in the area as well as sophisticated eateries. We ventured into Kilwin's while we were there. Kilwins is a candy shop. If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you will not be disappointed. They have all sorts of confections at this store. We were there for the ice cream though, and it was delicious!
Places to See in Providence
Barnaby Evans’ award-winning sculpture called Waterfire graces the three rivers of downtown Providence, symbolizing the glory of the Providence Renaissance. Full lighting of it occurs at designated times throughout the year. Luckily or us, there was a full lighting the weekend we visited.
Once the sculpture is fully sparked, one hundred bonfires light up the three rivers, captivating the city with fiery brilliance and aromatic wood flames. The surrounding area is called Waterplace Park. It's open year round and offers concerts as well as gondola rides. It's also great to walk the park while munching on a lobster roll! Union Station Brewery is nearby. It's Rhode Island's oldest continually operating pub, and the kitchen makes everything from scratch.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is a fun spot to spend the afternoon. It features 957 animals representing 156 species and also offers a playground as well as a children's farmyard. The zoo spans forty acres and is one of the oldest in the country. The zoo also offers a themed Zoo Overnight program. It includes adventure activities, close encounters with education animals and guided tours of the Zoo, all after dark!
It's also possible to catch a show at The Providence Performing Arts Center. This arts center features live music concerts, plays, and famous stand-up comedians. Pollster rated this 3100 seat masterpiece as one of the Top Venues in the world. The stunning architecture and decor must be seen to be believed.
Perfect Weekend
Rhode Island is the perfect summer weekend getaway destination. Between Newport and Providence, the state provides fun for the whole family. Start packing today!