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Town in Rhode Island, United States
Photo: Jim Willis, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bristol is a quintessential New England waterfront town. Part of the East Bay communities along with Warren and Barrington, it is on a peninsula in Rhode Island surrounded by Narragensett and Mount Hope Bays. This coastal community has a rich 325-year history and hosts the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States. The town has plentiful year-round recreational activities, and a spectacular waterfront that provides beautiful views and many water sports. The town has not lost its historic "Main Street America" feel with many stately homes, tree-lined streets and old-town store fronts.
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An excellent piece of historic Bristol. An English-style mansion of 45 rooms, with 33 acres of lawns and vividly colorful gardens host to an impressive collection of flowers from around the world. However, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and hot walking around the gardens in the middle of the summer.
Yachting museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame. Dockage space is available at the Museum pier, reservations are recommended.
Mt. Hope Bridge was completed in 1920. It was built and owned by the Heffenreffer family. The family had plans to build and operate a horse race track across Mt. Hope Bay. The bridge was built in order for residents from Bristol to get to the racetrack, however they ran out of funds by the time the bridge was done being built.
park abutting Narragansett Bay. With attractions including trails for hikers and cyclists, picnic tables, fishing piers, and horseback riding, no two trips to the park are ever the same. No matter the season, there is always something to enjoy in this nature lover's paradise.
This 1790s salt-marsh farm opened to the public in the 1960s as a state park. Today, the park's staff recreate and depict the lives of 18th century New England farmers. Starting in 2020, this family-oriented farm is partnered with another living museum- Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. Open Spring to Fall.
This 14.5 mi asphalt path begins at Bristol's Independence Park and extends to Providence, following the serene shoreline of Narragansett Bay. The path provides spectacular waterfront views and access to state parks, coastal marshes, and downtown shops and restaurants. It is 10 ft wide and well-maintained, suitable for bikers, walkers, and in-line skaters. No motor vehicles.
Looking for an offbeat location for a romantic sunset walk, or a spooky nighttime stroll? The monuments in this cemetery may provide the ideal venue. Nearby, another cemetery on Woodlawn Avenue houses the remains of the Dewolf family, a group of 19th century slave traders and Bristol natives who were at one time among the wealthiest people in the United States.
This open farmland is perfect for a peaceful walk, bike ride, or hiking trip with the family or by yourself. The trails are lined with forests and wild flowers and a beautiful view of the Mt. Hope Bay. Wedding ceremonies can draw large crowds here- be wary in summertime. There is plenty of history that comes with the land as well, but you have to do a little exploring in order to find it.
85% of this Narragansett Bay island is an uninhabited, undeveloped nature reserve fit for explorers. In the colder months, you can take a seal tour here (register beforehand with the Audubon Society in Bristol). These tours, run by the NBNERR research center, bring you around the island to see harbor seals and other wildlife. Just don't miss the last ferry- there's no overnight accommodation!
The Beehive Café is by far the cutest little coffee shop in Bristol. Located by the water and about four feet away from Independence Park, the Beehive Café serves all sorts of organic teas, coffees, smoothies, and other caffeinated and un-caffeinated drinks. Also serving dinner now, you can attend the café for any meal of the day, or just stop by for a casual sit in alone or with company. The beehive café provides a few board games, free wifi and can also be family oriented.
Typical bagel shop that serves a number of delicious bagels made fresh daily, and a large beverage list. Small seating area, but has big windows that look onto the parade route, so it’s great for people watching.
Tucked in the back corner of the Bell Tower Plaza, this is the place to go for breakfast. Although it only serves breakfast, the options are plentiful as are the portion sizes. And to top it off it’s very inexpensive! The staff members are outgoing and the atmosphere has a very homey feel. Can get crowded over the weekend though, especially after masses are over on Sunday’s. They also only accept cash, but there are plenty of ATMs around to service you.
Hope Diner is an original, old school diner that actually resides in a parked and remodeled trailer home. A small location located down town on the 4th of July Parade route and bike path, it can be easily overlooked if not familiar with the downtown area. The diner gets stuffy with about twelve tables and bar seats but is good for small parties. The diner is almost always crowded and if seated on its right side you will often to hear bickering and even swearing coming from the cooks in the back kitchen. A good “diner experience” but not always family oriented. Look for the little white trailer near the gas station. Serves good food despite its awkward location.
A family-owned restaurant in downtown Bristol serving breakfast and lunch. They offer Portuguese specialties such as chourico. Friendly and quaint atmosphere.
Don't let the name fool you. This place doesn't just serve pizza. They have a variety of different foods as well. Appetizers are served which include selections such as Buffalo Wings, Onion Rings and Mozzarella sticks to name a few. They are also known for their grinders which include selections such as Chicken Parm, meatball, etc. This is a great spot that is an ideal place to go if you are in town.
Here is another place where the name of the restaurant can be misleading. Even though they serve fresh baked pizzas straight from the oven, they are also known for their gyro sandwiches. They deliver.
Pizza, pasta, steak, seafood.
Sandwiches, pizza, broccoli pies. A small family owned sandwich shop that serves subs and other deli goods. Don't blink, because you might miss this small sandwich shop. Don't let its size fool you. This is a great sandwich shop for all ages. Have a big event coming up such as a graduation party or sports party? Ricotti's also provides catering.
An array of different foods from Eastern Cuisine. Get your taste buds experiencing new flavors from different cultures such as Chinese, Japanese Tai, Cambodian, Vietnamese dishes. The atmosphere is contemporary and unique. Appetizers, lunch, dinners and desserts are available. If you aren't a huge sushi fan there are an array of different dinners. Great dining experience.
Lunch, dinner. Casual. Reservations suggested.
Only open seasonally, this restaurant is well known for serving some amazing seafood. There is indoor and outdoor dining with views of the Mt. Hope Bay. Plenty of options for children, so it can be a great place for the whole family.
Small, quaint restaurant serving European style cuisine and specializing in Portuguese food. Great atmosphere with friendly knowledgeable waitstaff. Can get pricey.
Reservations suggested. Located on the beautiful waterfront in downtown Bristol, this restaurant is the ideal spot to have a romantic dinner or a formal outing. It may be pricy, but once you set foot inside the restaurant you will see why. The restaurant is renovated stone house which gives guests a sophisticated, rustic feel.
Italian. Reservations suggested.
Serves indoors and outdoors. Guests are welcome to park on the street, but the restaurant/bar also has parking. After drinks, why not enjoy a stroll down to the water? The scenic waterfront view makes an ideal spot for romantics.
4 rooms. On the parade route.
Bristol Harbor Inn is on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Bristol at Thames Street Landing. The ideal spot to truly take in and be a part of all the festivities in historic downtown. Thames Street Landing's nine historic buildings now create a boardwalk of retail shops and pedestrian walkways. Nestled in heart of all the action of Bristol. Dewolf’s Tavern and restaurant are on the ground floor, with its exceptional dining experience shows at Harbor Point, nothing is too far. Amenities include a day spa, bike and kayak rentals.
This elegant, old fashioned home has been around since the mid-1700s, and still holds its charm. It has housed a number of well-to-do members in its day, including former President George Washington. The home is situated on acres of open land and has views of the water. There are four rooms, each varying in price and setup depending on ones preference.
Popular children's consignment store. Carries only top quality, gently worn children's clothing for all occasions.
Retail, women's clothing and accessories
Bristol Bikes is a gear shop for cycling. Clothing, equipment and rentals are available.
This small yet elegant jewelry store carries all real silver jewelry, so the items can be a little pricey. They have a wide variety of accessories that can be worn by any age group and a staff that is always willing to assist you.
The town isn't too big, so walking or bike riding can be one of the easiest ways to get around. Most of the shops and restaurants are located in one general area making it easily accessible by foot.
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Providence/Warwick · International · PVD
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