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Local Attractions:
Boston's 4th of July is the largest Independence Day party in the United States! It is free and open to the public. The Boston Pops Orchestra performs in the Hatch Shell, and the best fireworks display in the country is set off from a baahhge (barge) on the Charles River. Bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and sit on the Esplanade for the day. We'll be sure to post a location map with the best viewing areas. Find official info at the Boston 4 Celebrations website. Bristol, Rhode Island's Fourth of July Celebration The Bristol Parade is the oldest continuously running parade in the country. The parade starts at 10:30am, but you'll need to arrive by 8:00am in order to find a spot with a view. See the July 4th Bristol site for details including the parade route. For those who are feeling extra patriotic, it is possible to catch both the parade in Bristol in the morning, then drive into Boston for the concert and fireworks in the evening. Sakonnet Vineyards Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton, Rhode Island offers wine tasting and tours of the 115 acre water-view vineyards everyday from 10am to 6pm. Contact the vineyards at 1-800-91-WINES to confirm tour schedules. One of the Nunes' favorite table wines is 'Eye of the Storm' named for a hurricane that hit the area several years ago. Newport Mansions Take a tour of the famous and historic Newport Mansions. The Gilded Age tour includes The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff. Touro Synagogue Take a tour of America's oldest synagogue: Touro Synagogue. It is currently under restoration but should re-open in early 2006. George Washington visited Touro and penned his famous letter the the congregation in support of freedom of religion. It was designed by the famous architect Peter Harrison and is one of the best remaining architectural achievements of its day. Tours are held daily except Saturdays. Services are held on Friday evening and Saturday morning (Sephardi Orthodox). Blithwold Mansion, Gardens, & Arboretum One of the fines garden estates in New England, Blithewold Mansion offers fantastic views of Bristol Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Blithwold is not as well known as the Newport Mansions, but it is every bit as fine. Don't miss the bamboo garden and the giant sequoia! The Big Blue Bug New England Pest Control's logo. Check it out here Providence Water Fire Providence has been cleaned up by a possibly corrupt mayor, and one of the great new events in Providence is the WaterFire. At this event there is a sculpture installation consisting of floating vessels of flame. Thames Street Newport Upper Thames St. & Lower Thames St. are both very popular areas for shopping. Upper Thames St. has more national retailers and lower Thames consists of more eclectic shops. Rhode Island's Beaches Despite its small size, Rhode Island has over 400 miles of shore line. The beaches will range from isolated and tranquil gems in South County to the "see and be seen" scene in Newport. This isn't the Jersey Shore, so don't expect to find a boardwalk, carnival, or popcorn stand at the beach... Instead, you'll find plenty of sand dunes, sailboats, and spectacular ocean views. Pack plenty of water, sunblock, and snacks. Some of the best include: Charlestown Town Beach 576 Charlestown Beach Road Charlestown, RI See where it all began! Somewhat remote, this beach is where David proposed to Erin. It's a bit of a drive, but worth it! Scarborough State Beach 870 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI Scarborough is a popular state beach with shower facilites, restrooms, and a snackbar. South Shore Beach South Shore Road Little Compton, RI A Nunes family favorite! South Shore has a picnic area and restrooms. Campfires are permitted. Easton's Beach/First Beach 175 Memorial Boulevard Newport, RI The most popular beach in Newport. There is a full bath house, concessions, and a boardwalk (not the New Jersey type). If you don't like the crowds, keep going to Second Beach/Sachuset Town Beach on Sachuset Point Road or Third Beach in Middletown. |
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