Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and take an island vacation. The solitude of being on a small island is unmatched and there is always something fun to see or do. The problem is that sometimes it's not so easy to take a week off of work to sip cocktails on the beach in the Caribbean, but that doesn't mean you can't have your own little island staycation right here in Little Rhody!
Prudence Island is a well kept secret among the locals, and it's no surprise as to why.
This tiny island is under six square miles, has a population of less than 300, and features only one store.
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Yup, you heard us right, Prudence Island has no shops, or restaurants, or hotels.
You'll want to make sure you pack a hearty lunch for your trip.
But the lack of businesses and small population doesn't mean this is any less of a great spot to spend the day. The appeal of the island is the wonderful sense of peace and quiet it offers.
With over 13 miles worth of trails to explore and quiet roads perfect for walking and biking, you will feel like you've escaped to your own private little world.
With the population so small, it's likely you can go a whole day without seeing another person, and we think that's pretty cool!
So what are you waiting for, hop on your boat, or the Prudence Island ferry, and spend a day relaxing and exploring this lovely little island.
How excited are you to spend the day on this gorgeous little slice of paradise? The Prudence Island ferry runs year round and you can book your tickets here.
With all the great things to do in Rhode Island, sometimes it's easy to forget our old favorites for family fun. Our very own Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of those gems that you should be coming back to again and again. There is so much wildlife to see it is almost impossible to get it all done in one day. This is one Wildlife Park that you need to bring your family to, or if it's been a while, to check it out again! It's one of the best day trips in RI you can take.
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Roger Williams Park Zoo RI is a beloved 40-acre wild animal park in Providence. It's also one of the best places for family day trips in RI.
Throughout the zoo, there are numerous exhibits that will take you through some of the major ecosystems, habitats, and animals of the world. From Africa to Asia, the Americas, and beyond, there are over 150 animal species that call this zoo home.
Pictured here are gorgeous Cheetahs that are part of the "Fabric of Africa" exhibit.
You can see the elephants enjoying a bath in the waterhole and interacting with each other at the Ivory Ella Elephant Yard.
Elephants are amazing creatures and my kids love watching them as much as I do!
The "Fabric of Africa" exhibit is a way to go on safari right here in Rhode Island and see beautiful animals like this Masai giraffe.
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There are Plains Zebra here as well. Also native to Africa, each one's stripes is as unique as a human fingerprint.
Find a variety of exotic birds such as this striking West African Crowned Crane.
On "Marco Polo's Adventure Trek" kids can see the animals the explorer might have encountered on his journey.
This beautiful Red Panda can also be spotted on the Adventure Trek.
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If you're lucky, you may even spot the super secretive Snow Leopard.
In the "North America" exhibit, you can observe the magnificent creatures that call our continent home, like this Red Wolf.
A playful North American River Otter may come out to say hello.
Did you know the Copperhead Snake's geographical region is the Florida Panhandle, north to Massachusetts, and west to Nebraska?? You can certainly learn a lot from the interpretive signs around the zoo while you're here.
This adorable Gibbon will greet you at the "World of Adaptations" exhibit, where visitors learn what it really takes for animals to survive in the wild.
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You can even check out a Komodo Dragon without leaving the state! This is one of the animals I look forward to seeing the most whenever I visit. Absolutely fascinating!
One of our favorite parts of the zoo is the Alex & Ani Farmyard where visitors can interact with a variety of barnyard animals including goats, sheep, and alpacas.
(Picture here is my daughter getting ready to groom a goat in the farmyard. She had a blast and so will you!)
Roger Williams Park Zoo is open year-round though hours vary depending on the season. Active and retired military receive 50% off the ticket price, and you can become a member and visit the zoo for free all year. The first Saturday of the month is free to Providence residents with proof of residency as a "thank you" for their tax dollars which go to support the zoo.
When visiting the 40-acre zoo, make sure you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes on. Trust me, you'll need them at this huge zoo!
Autumn in New England is simply magical, boasting the most breathtaking fall foliage in the country. As we welcome the most colorful season of the year, we start building a bucket list that’s sure to keep us busy all autumn long. When you’re deciding what to do and where to go this fall, add a trip to the small town of Middletown, Rhode Island, an idyllic destination for a daytrip or a weekend getaway.
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If fall means spending time outdoors, marveling at the colorful trees, and savoring the sound of the leaves crunching beneath your feet, you’ll quickly discover Middletown is the place to be.
Slip on a sweater and a pair of comfy shoes because Middletown is brimming with delightful outdoor destinations that take on a magical aura when painted in fall’s colors. Start your visit at Norman Bird Sanctuary.
An idyllic spot for leaf peeping, the sanctuary offers seven miles of hiking trails, including wheelchair-accessible paths. Admire the fall foliage and get a glimpse of local wildlife.
There is an admission fee, unless you’re a member of the sanctuary, to use the trails.
Plan a visit to the nature reserve during its annual Harvest Fair, a fall favorite Norman Bird Sanctuary has hosted for nearly five decades. The two-day festival features family-friendly activities, food, and competitions.
For more outdoor fun, spend some time exploring Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Follow one of the three trails that promises plenty of scenic beauty all year long.
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Add a stop at Sweet Berry Farm, too, where you can pick pumpkins from late September through October. Grab a bite at the on-site café, or stock up on fresh produce at the market.
Middletown is also known for its eclectic selection of shops and restaurants. Whether you’re craving classic seafood dishes or old-fashioned comfort food, you’ll find a restaurant that fits the bill in Middletown.
Have you been to the small town of Middletown, Rhode Island during the fall? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! A day in town is sure to leave you relaxed, but take it to the next level with a visit to Island Wellness Center, a salt cave in Middletown, Rhode Island.
A day in Middletown simply isn’t enough to experience all it has to offer. How about staying for a night or two? Just book a charming Vrbo.