Liz Lee - Moon Rhode Island

a seaside sculpture made from washed up logs and fishing rope.

Contrary to what Rhode Island locals might tell you, nothing within the states boundaries is actually far away from anything else. Rhode Island comprises only about 1,500 square miles (over 500 of which are in territorial waters), and one can easily drive from one end of the state to the other in about an hour. But despite the relative ease with which one might cross a state line, there is something about Rhode Island that makes it difficult to leave. In fact, this tendency of Rhode Islanders to stay put has become something of a joke over the years; local gift shops have taken to selling bumper stickers and T-shirts depicting an anchor chained to the phrase I never leave Rhode Island.

The anchor, of course, is part of the states official insignia, a symbol representing steadfastness and hope. And like so much of Rhode Islands history, culture, people, and landscape, it also represents an inextricable link to the sea.

The ocean permeates everything in Rhode Island, from the sandy beaches and inland farms to city streets where seagulls can still be heard crying overhead and salty breezes blow in from the bay. In Rhode Island, the ocean creates jobs, supplies, food, and provides recreation and respite from the daily grind. Its where the state gets its official name (after all, an island cant exist without the sea), and its where it gets its nickname as wellthe Ocean State.

RISD Museum of Art

Sakonnet Light at sunset

Waterplace Park and Riverwalk at dusk

Perhaps this is why Rhode Islanders live for summer, when rising tempera-tures and sunny skies make the coast that much more appealing. But as with all New England states, Rhode Island has appeal in every season. Autumn means brilliant bright-orange and red foliage, and apple picking and hayrides at family-run orchards. Spring is an excuse to seek out the diaphanous pink blooms of the cherry blossom trees at one of more than over two-dozen state parks. Even in the coldest winter months, visitors can enjoy the ineffable beauty of the Atlantic from behind the windowpanes of cozy seaside B&Bs or simply find warmth in the diversity and vibrancy of Providence or Newporttwo of the nations most historic cities.

And the best thing about Rhode Island? Everything is a day tripwhich sort of makes it difficult to leave.

thousands of daffodils along the Clay Head Trail in spring

grapevines at Sakonnet Vineyards

a colorful doorway in Warren.

Wander the

Visit the : Newports wealthy elite was so overcome with their own opulence that they gave their sprawling estates names like Rosecliff, The Breakers, and Chateau sur Mer. Once you see them, youll understand why.

Enjoy

Get Artistic: Providence is called the because of art experiences like the impressive pyrotechnic installation WaterFire, but there are fantastic galleries and museums throughout the state.

Cycle the State: Admire the scenic and popular on two wheels.

Drink and Dine: Mouthwatering Italian dishes in Providence, brews are just some of the tasty delights to enjoy.

Where to Go

In terms of tourism, little Rhode Island is a land of separate communities. You dont so much vacation in Rhode Island as you do in Providence, Newport, South County, or Block Island. That being said, if you spend time in any one part of Rhode Island, youll find it quite simple to venture over to any other town in the state, which are all just a short drive away.

Providence and Vicinity

Providence somehow manages to feel like the cool college town it is while maintaining a very genuine blue-collar vibe at the same time. It also offers a culinary experience you may expect of a city several times its size, some beautifully preserved colonial and 19th-century architecture, and a youthful, unconventional, and thriving music, art, and club scene, largely due to the presence of