Vacationing in Bristol, RI
Museums For a relatively small community , Bristol, RI has an unusual number of interesting museums to attract and entertain those vacationing in Bristol. Perhaps closest to the heart of the town is the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society Museum and Library . Like much of Bristol, RI, this building was constructed in the nineteenth century. But unlike other town structures the museum is notable because its construction is out of wood taken from Bristol trading vessels in 1828. The exhibits here can best be described as mixed and the major theme seems to be : things that happened in Bristol before today. Included for visitor viewing are real historic curiosities like old fashioned ship models and toys from times long past. Top attractions may be items that can be historically connected to Benjamin Franklin, General ambrose Burnside of Civil War renown and Charles Dickens.
The collection of memorabilia gathered here is probably not sufficient to, by itself, bring people thronging to Bristol. But for those vacationing in Bristol, RI a trip to the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society Museum and Library is a fun way to spend a morning and a great way to get a quick immersion into the character and history of the town in which you are vacationing.
If you are vacationing in Bristol, RI and enjoy a look at the past you won’t want to bypass either the Heffenreffer or the Herreshoff museums. The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is an interesting take in part because its historic value is enhanced by the land on which it sits. The museum, operated under the auspices of nearby Brown University, is ideally located on a 500 acre site of what was a former Indian camp ground. Knowing this fact gives a whole different flavor to your visit on location. Adults and children will enjoy the chance to marvel at the artifacts recovered from this and Indian sites across the Western Hemisphere.
The Herreshoff Marine Museum recalls the time of Bristol’s ascendancy as a shipbuilding center. Set on spectacular Narragansett Bay the museum provides a window into what shipbuilding was all about in the century from 1860 onward. Thousands of boats were produced on or near this site. Boat lovers and the simply curious will enjoy walking through the more than 40 original ships built here and viewing the plans and models of others no longer in existence. Included in the museum is a section entitled America’s Cup Hall of Fame and for children the Young Mariners Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is a hands on exhibit area that provides young people with a chance to work with boat equipment like sails and winches.
Finally among the museums you will locate while vacationing in Bristol, RI is the Coggeshall Farm Museum. Those vacationing in Bristol, RI with children or grandchildren may want to give this museum a try. Most young people can easily spend a good part of the afternoon watching chickens, cows, sheep and other farm animals go about their dialy living . The interesting thing is that all the animals on this farm are of breeds that were prevalent in RI as far back as the late eighteenth century. The Coggeshall Farm is an interesting and enjoyable way to bring history to life for children and adults alike.
Historic Homes If you enjoyed the museums, you will love the magnificent homes you can view and visit while vacationing in Bristol. You can soak up an appreciation for days gone by simply by driving or strolling along the main streets in the Town of Bristol. Many of the homes there were constructed in the century between 1820 and 1920. For Bristol , RI those years were years marked by great prosperity due first to its profitable trading ventures and later to its shipbuilding and industrial successes. Those who became rich built elaborate homes, many of which continue to stand as a monument to the past.
Among the most memorable of these structures is Blithewold Mansion, a luxurious dwelling now open to tourists from April through October. Originally built as a summer place on water from property by yachting enthusiasts, the home burned to the ground in 1907. The mansion was rebuilt a year later and its owner proceeded to add lavishly to the interior decor of the house by purchases made on her many journeys. The interior of Blithewold remains as a tribute to the opulence of upper class living in the early twentieth century.
Perhaps as attractive as the interior of of Blithewold Mansion is the exterior landscaping and magnificent view. The exterior design and gardens were crafted by a New York architect and have been maintained much as they were almost a century ago. The gardens contain unusual varieties of plants, flowers and some unique and very old trees. The beauty of the grounds are accented by the ever present backdrop of Bristol Bay. If you are vacationing in Bristol, RI , try to pick a cool, clear day to fully enjoy the spectacular view as you walk about the house and grounds.
Equally interesting to those vacationing in Bristol, RI, will be Linden Place. Built in 1810 by a shipowner of wealth and designed by one of Rhode Island’s best known architects,Linden Place has passed through the hands of several wealthy owners since its construction. At one time Linden Place served as the summer home of Ethel Barrymore, renowned actress. It’s elegance and style were used to good effect when Linden Place was chosen as a location for the filming of select shots of the Holy wood production “The Great Gatsby”. Linden Place is open May through Sept. 9.
Water Activities All you need to do is to take a quick look at any map of Bristol ,RI and you will immediately see that Bristol is located on a peninsula and so by definition is surrounded on three sides by water. This means that as you drive, bike or walk around while vacationing in Bristol, RI there is almost always a beautiful water view before you or hiding around the next bend in the road.
Those who choose to go vacationing in Bristol, RI can look forward to a variety of water related activities. Families with children will be happy to find that the town Beach in Bristol offers calm waters and gentle waves , perfect for young swimmers and their watchful parents. For those seeking the challenge of more surf, do not fear, Newport and its more power packed beaches is less than an hour away .
Swimming is only the beginning of the fun available in the waters around Bristol. The yacht club offers lessons for first time sailors both young and old. Canoing, kayaking, boating, fishing, cruises they’re all at your fingertips and you never have to leave your vacationing choice, Bristol, RI.
Colt State Park There may be clear but cool sunny days in Bristol that suggest outdoor activity, but not on or in the water. Those are the days you may want to set aside to take in the pleasures awaiting you at Colt State Park. . Open throughout daylight hours, Colt State Park was once part of an estate owned for many years by the Colt family of firearms fame.
Today Colt State Park encompasses some 450 acres of recreational land. Colt State Park offers areas for you and those vacationing with you in Bristol, RI , an opportunity to share picnics and hiking. There are also shoreline areas where fishing is permitted and space is available for launching your own craft all without leaving Bristol.
Vacationing in Bristol , RI is vacationing with total convenience. Everything you need for a super vacation -museums, ocean views , mansions, water activities, hiking, picnicking , activities for young and old can be accessed and enjoyed without ever leaving the spot you picked for vacationing, Bristol, RI.
