and 2-hour parking available along most streets, and a municipal parking lot on Thames.
Bristol was named one of the Distinctive Destinations in the U.S. by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which called it a “quintessential New England waterfront town” with an “unwavering commitment” to preservation. Also cited by the Trust are town attractions Blithewold Mansion, Coggeswell Farm Museum, Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame, and Colt State Park, all listed below.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum HISTORIC HOME This 45-room waterfront estate was built in 1907 as a summer home to Augustus Van Wickle. Featuring beautiful gardens and landscaping, it’s now a museum that feels like a rural English manor. Open for tours, the estate is preserved much as it was in the early 1900s. The gardens bordering the water are a particular treat, and in mid- to late April, thousands of blooming daffodils provide a magnificent scene.
101 Ferry Rd. (Rte. 114). www.blithewold.org. 401/253-2707. $15 adults, $14 seniors, $11 military and full-time students, $6 children 6–17, children 5 and under free. House open mid-Apr to mid-Oct only, Tues–Sun 10am–4pm. Gardens open daily 10am–4pm year-round.
Coggeshall Farm Museum LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM Set on 50 acres abutting Colt State Park (see p. 441), this museum is worth a visit even if just to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of centuries-old farmland. In its 1790s farmhouse and several small antique farm buildings, costumed staff answer questions and demonstrate farm life of the 18th century.
Off Poppasquash Rd. (turn off Rte./Hope St. and follow signs). www.coggeshallfarm.org. 401/253-9062. Weekdays $5 adults, $3 seniors and children; weekends $7 adults, $5 seniors and children. Tues–Sun 10am–4pm; closed some holidays.
Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame MUSEUM This maritime museum highlights the history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, a boat builder of everything from U.S. Navy torpedo boats to championship America’s Cup yachts; it was once the centerpiece of industry in Bristol. The facility houses the America’s Cup Hall of Fame and features a collection of 35 boats, including the famous “America3,” winner of the 1992 America’s Cup race.
1 Burnside St. (off Hope St./Rte. 114). www.herreshoff.org. 401/253-5000. Admission $3. Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm.
Outdoor Activities
Once the estate of Samuel Colt, of the same family as the famous firearms manufacturer, Colt State Park (www.riparks.com; 401/253-7482) encompasses 464 acres of land bordering Narragansett Bay. Open year-round sunrise to sunset, it offers stunning views over the water, especially at sunset. There are trails for biking, walking, jogging, or cycling, and bridle paths for horseback riding. In warmer months, families come for the day to barbecue, play volleyball, and otherwise enjoy the bucolic atmosphere. You’ll also find anglers casting lines and kayakers paddling on the bay. Entry and parking are free, but there is a $2 charge for picnic tables and grills.
The East Bay Bike Path (www.dot.ri.gov/community/bikeri/eastbay.php) is a 14.5-mile paved trail running between Bristol and Providence, built atop a converted train track. After passing through Colt State Park, it spends much of the trip skimming Narragansett Bay. The trail is used by runners, skaters, and walkers as well as bikers. Access to the path is free.
Shopping in Bristol
The most interesting shopping in Bristol is in the historic downtown area. The highest concentration of shops is along Hope Street (Route 114), with more on Thames Street and the short side streets between them. Jesse/James Antiques, 44 State St. (www.jessejamesantiques.wordpress.com; 401/253-2240), open since 1992, has notable pieces of china, glassware, and period furniture. Harbor Bath & Body, 251 Thames St. ( 401/396-9170), offers a variety of natural and organic bath products, many of which are made in New England. Epilogues, 274 Hope St. ( 401/254-8958), mixes antiques and vintage finds with handcrafted works.
Where to Stay in Bristol
There are a handful of inns and bed-and-breakfasts in Bristol, but no large hotels, so plan to pay slightly more for a room here than you would at a major hotel chain. Summer months are busy, so book a room well in advance at the end of May—when Roger Williams University holds commencement ceremonies—and around the July 4th holiday.
Bristol Harbor Inn Situated at the newly renovated Thames Street Landing complex along the waterfront, the Bristol Harbor Inn has a range of options, from standard rooms to waterfront rooms to plush suites with gas fireplaces. The least expensive units are no-frills but perfectly agreeable, while the pricier suites are more finely adorned. This is not a destination hotel but rather a good, basic, affordable alternative to higher-priced B&Bs nearby.
259 Thames St. www.bristolharborinn.com. 866/254-1444 or 401/254-1444. 40 units. Apr–Oct $135–$249 double; Nov–Mar $95–$135 double. Rates include continental breakfast. 2-night minimum weekends Apr–Oct. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; pub; spa; Internet (free).
William’s Grant Inn In the center of town, five impeccably furnished guest rooms welcome guests to an historic Federal-style clapboard home built in 1808 by William Bradford III, the third generation of one of the original settler families. Three rooms have gas fireplaces and all have private baths; rooms are bright and airy, decorated in a cozy country style with bed quilts and antiques but also up-to-date features like air-conditioning.
154 High St. www.williamsgrantinn.com. 800/596-4222 or 401/253-4222. 5 rooms. June–Sept $214–$327, Oct–May $180–$282. Rates include full breakfast. Free parking. 2- or 3-night minimum stay some holiday weekends. Amenities: Guest barbeque area; Wi-Fi (free).
After Dark in Bristol
If you’re spending the night in Bristol, less than 5 miles north in Warren is The Galactic Theater (508 Main St.; www.galactictheatre.com; 401/555-5555), a fun entertainment venue run by the lead singer of a local rockabilly band. There’s something going on there most nights, from vintage film screenings to open-mic nights where aspiring musicians make their bid for stardom.
Where to Eat in Bristol
Once strictly home to family restaurants, sub shops,
