Photo of water view in downtown Bristol, R.I. (photo by Eric)
Bristol, R.I., hasn’t succumbed to rampant tourist commercialism. Many native New Englanders we know aren’t even familiar with this gem of a town. The downtown is simply a great representation of quintessential coastal New England with historic homes (including some splendid bed and breakfasts), and municipal buildings, beautiful tree-lined side streets, a high concentration of locally-owned restaurants, relaxing water views via paved park walkways, sidewalks, and the East Bay Bike Path (that spans 14 miles to Providence). Additionally, the 464 acre Colt State Park is beautiful with scenic panoramic Narragansett Bay views, four miles of bike paths along the bay, more than 400 picnic tables at six groves, 10 playing fields, abundant groomed fruit trees and other colorful plant life, and an open-air chapel-by-the-sea.
Perhaps for some, Bristol is too far from Providence, R.I., (only a half hour by car!) and a “stop along the way” to world-famous Newport, R.I. Bristol certainly goes way beyond just being a pass through town. We feel it’s worth an overnight or beyond!
Compare hotel prices in Bristol
Tags: Bristol, Bristol Rhode Island, downtown Bristol RI, Photo Bristol R.I. downtown, R.I., Rhode Island, scenic Bristol RI photo
