Heading to Connecticut or Rhode Island this summer? Be sure to check these places out!
- Newport Equestrian Academy, Middletown, Rhode Island: If you like horseback riding then this place is for you. They’ve been open 30+ years and been teaching kids to ride and host camps in the summer. However it’s their tours along the coast where you can see St. Georges Cathedral in the Distance that vacationers really love. Not only did Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis love to ride here – you can to. Learn more here.
- Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island: This place is called America’s first resort with good reason. On the waterfront there are lots of things to see and do. When you get hungry pop into the Famous Black Pearl Restaurant, where they have been serving up good food and world famous clam chowder for more than 50 years. Click here to learn more about the restaurant. The Schooner Madeleine is great for getting out on the water in Newport. Visitors can board the 72-foot schooner and cruise around Newport Harbor and Narraganset Bay while breathing in the fresh salty air. Click here to learn more.
- Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island: It's Rhode Islands most visited attraction and it’s free to the public. Walk, run or ride along the three and half mile paths that hug the stunning Newport coastline. Crashing waves and magnificent Mansions are a sight not to be missed. Click here to learn more.
- Mansion Tours, Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island: The Mansion’s are a sight in Newport you’ll want to see. Here, some of America’s wealthiest families flocked to the city by the sea and built fabulous summer homes. Tour the homes one by one or get a package and see a few in an afternoon. We recommend The Breakers, and Rose cliff. Click here for more.
- Castle Hill Inn, Newport, Rhode Island: One of New England’s most stunning Relais & Chateaux properties located out on the western tip of Newport is a romantic spot for honeymooners or guests who want to relax like royalty. Grab lunch or a cocktail out on the Lawn and be sure to visit The Grace Kelly Beach. Click here to learn more.
- PaddleSurf RI, Westerly, Rhode Island: Want to learn to Surf, hit Misquamicut State Beach and enroll in Surf School. Here they teach beginners to pros and even have a Mom Surf program beginning mid July. They supply all the equipment and promises everyone who wants to learn ... can! Click here to learn more.
- Ocean House, Westerly, Rhode Island: Not only a five star luxury hotel but also a cooking school. Downstairs located in the Culinary Art center they hold a la cart classes to those looking to learn. Not a guest at the hotel no problem, you can still take the classes. Click here to learn more.
- U.S. Submarine Force Museum, Groton, Connecticut: Here at the museum you can tour a real nuclear powered sub. Inside the USS Nautilus you will see the torpedo room, captain’s quarters and even view the attack center where all the important decisions were made. There’s even a museum where visitors can touch actual weapons and see escape chambers that traveled way deep into the ocean to save downed submariners. Free to the public. Click here to learn more.
- Black Hall Outfitters, Old Lyme, Connecticut: This place located in the Great Island Estuary is a serene spot to kayak, paddle board or fish. But if you are looking for something to keep you on your toes – how about taking a paddle yoga class? They supply the board and anchor you just need to bring your balance and strength. Click here for more.
- Griswold Inn, Essex Connecticut: Its one on New England’s most charming and oldest Inn’s dating back to 1776 - located in the quaint historic seaport village of Essex. Here the Inn has a stunning taproom and wine bar; a slew of cozy dining rooms decorated with museum-quality antiques, and 32 newly redecorated guest rooms for patrons to enjoy. Sunday Hunt Breakfast served from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. is a feast not to be missed. And the Taproom hosts entertainment seven nights a week. Click here for more.
- Shoreline Segway, Guilford, Connecticut: Looking for a new way to tour around? Hop on one of these two-wheeled people movers and roll around Guilford's historic village and admire the old homes hugging the town green. The tour’s owner says riding one is super easy, all you have to do is relax and lean into where you want to go. The one hour guided tours cost $70 per person and include helmets. Learn more.
- Madison Beach Hotel, Madison, Connecticut: If you’re looking for a hotel right on the sand look no further because this place is Connecticut’s only Beachfront resort. Its wrap around porch is perfect for year round al fresco dining, and the rooms all have unobstructed water views of long island sound. If you have a dog – he can come too – because the inn is pet friendly. All summer long they have free concerts out on the lawn on Wednesday nights, which are open to the public. Click here for more.
- The Volsunga IV, Thimble Island Tours, Branford, Connecticut: This cruise is a great affordable way to spend the afternoon on the water touring Connecticut’s thimble islands. Captain Ann narrates the tour pointing out all kinds of historical facts, including some pirate lore about Captain Kidd. Tours go out daily except Mondays. Weather permitting. Learn more here.
- Stony Creek Brewery, Branford, Connecticut: How does a brewery located on the water sound? Stony Creek is just that -- in fact, their motto is Aggressively Laid Back, which sums up the place. Come try the Cranky series of beers, which is their most popular, and grab a seat out on the patio where you can play a board game or just enjoy the view of the river. Weekends get crowed, so come early to get a good spot. Click here for more.
