Bristol
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this stunning 45-room mansion and sprawling gardens are nestled on 33 acres of land overlooking glorious Narragansett Bay. Built in 1908 by Pennsylvania coal baron Augustus van Wickle, the site is superbly maintained and offers special options for group tours, including gourmet box lunches or a clambake on site. The mansion is open for self-guided tours from April to October.
Minimum Time Required: 1-2 hours
Mount Hope Farm
This 200-acre site features a wide variety of group interests, including historic farm buildings, wetlands, rocky coastline, farmlands and much more. Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Mount Hope farm provides the perfect backdrop for your group’s tour, event or activity, all of which can be scheduled by appointment. On-site catering is available.
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
This fascinating museum is truly a treasure trail of historic artifacts of native peoples from the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. It is owned by Brown University and guided tours are available by appointment. Learn about the traditional customs of other cultures, their peoples and ways of life, and see how people are culturally different yet humanly similar.
Minimum Time Required: 1 hour
Audubon Environmental Education Center
Part of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, the Environmental Education Center is the state’s largest aquarium, situated on the 28-acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge on Narragansett Bay. This year-round center features a life-size model of a right whale, tide pool tank, marine and freshwater aquarium exhibits, a brand new seal harbor display and a fantastic gift shop. Visitors can also take the short boardwalk right out to the Narragansett Bay shoreline.
Minimum Time Required: 1-2 hours
Linden Place
Commissioned in 1810 by General George DeWolf, Linden Place was designed by architect Russel Warren and became the centerpiece for the town of Bristol. The imposing mansion brought to life DeWolf’s vision. Today visitors can tour the historic mansion between May and October, or by appointment. There is a gift shop featuring Linden Place and Rhode Island made items for that perfect souvenir.
Minimum Time Required: 1 hour
Herreshoff Marine Museum & America’s Cup Hall of Fame
During the “Golden Age of Yachting” the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company (1863-1945) was one of the greatest designers and builders in America. Today visitors can tour the awe-inspiring museum dedicated to preserving the Herreshoff heritage. View over 60 original Herreshoff boats, steam engines, photographs and artifacts on display, and enjoy the on-site museum store, sailing school, and changing programs.
Minimum Time Required: 1.5 hours
Bristol’s Civic, Military and Fireman’s Parade
Established in 1785 this is the nation’s oldest Fourth of July parade. Attracting thousands of visitors, marchers, dozens of floats, bands and military units, it is a must for your group. There are plenty of Fourth of July celebrations taking place in Bristol to continue honoring the nations independence including a Carnival, Cultural Night, Old Fashioned Day and spectacular fireworks over Bristol Harbor.
Coggeshall Farm Living History Museum
Coggeshall Farm is a living historical farm set on 40 acres that has been cultivated by Europeans since the late 17th century, and even earlier by Native Americans. The farm grounds can be visited for a quiet walk, to attend a workshop, or as a part of a school or adult tour group. Special weekend events such as maple sugaring, sheep shearing, and demonstrations of eighteenth and early nineteenth century skills, crafts, and farm work using materials and methods of the period are demonstrated throughout the year.
Minimum Time Required: 1 hour
