Rhode Island is a beautiful state that has, in the past, been the playground of millions of tourists, and it remains so even today. Towns such as Newport are sprinkled with mansions, giving the impression of celebrity and wealth. Providence, the state capital of Rhode Island, is an amazingly large city with a definite New England atmosphere. The fact that the state was built on rolling hills and at the union of two rivers makes a walk through the city feel like visiting the early years of the nation. With colonial residences throughout the city, Providence carries a certain conventional atmosphere that is only broken up by Brown University, which is an Ivy League university. Newport has historically been the hot spot of attraction for the rich living on the east coast.

Astonishingly, Rhode Island, America’s smallest state, is one of the nation’s wealthiest depositories of historical attractions, boasting one of the highest concentrations of the country’s national historic landmarks. Vacationers will notice that the attractions in Rhode Island are its large quantity of Colonial and Victorian dwellings, grand estates reminiscent of the gilded age, and public buildings. Rhode Island also has the nation’s first enclosed shopping mall, the first manufacturing plant in America, and a wonderful 17th century fishing village. In addition, Rhode Island is home to the boyhood home of one of America’s finest colonial artists as well as two houses of worship, which symbolize the roots of religious freedom in America.

The best part of Rode Island is the compact size, which makes it easy to travel from one historic site to another, as none of the historic attractions are more than an hour away from one another. Many historic locations are at a walking distance from each other. Rhode Island remains among the favorite destinations toured by all sectors of society, thanks to its wide-ranging attractions. A great number of public parks are right next to the bodies of water, so all tourists can gain access to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Bank of America City Center: For the skater in the family the Bank of America City Center is an amazing must-see. Comprised of over 14,000 square feet of skating area, that in the summer welcomes roller bladders and in the winter ice skaters, the B of A City Center is a year-round attraction. Shop in the gift shop or relax in the visitor’s center.

Providence-Newport Water Ferry: Travel from Providence to Barrington or Bristol by hopping aboard the Providence-Newport Water Ferry. Relax, watching the beautiful shoreline as the ferry carries you down the coast. Even the kids will get a thrill counting the gulls and seeing who can spot a pelican or a fish jumping out of the water.

The Rhode Island School of Design Museum: The Rhode Island School of Design is a world-renowned art and design school. The museum displays over 80,000 pieces of art and design. You don’t have to be artistic to appreciate the innovation and talent represented by the museum’s collection.

Roger Williams Park Zoo: Consider by many to be the East Coast’s version of the San Diego Zoo on the West Coast, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to almost 1,000 exotic animals. Tour the facilities, enjoying the many penguins, polar bears, tigers and elephants on display at this beautiful wildlife sanctuary.

Prospect Terrace Park: A huge statue of Roger Williams, Rhode Island’s founder, stands in the center of this beautiful expanse of park.

Brown University: One of the first institutes of higher learning established in the earliest days of the country. Today the campus is an eclectic mixture of historic and modern architecture, worthy of a guided tour of the grounds.

Providence Train Station: Visit the newly remodeled station across the street from the Rhode Island State House. It is also within walking distance of many downtown hotels, and an easy drive to other attractions such as the Waterplace Park and the Providence Place Mall.

Culinary Archives and Museum: The aspiring cook or chef will find the collection of hundreds of thousands of recipes and cooking documents absolute amazing.

Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum: A National Historical Landmark, this Victorian mansion features hand-painted ceilings and walls. Visitors will be awed by the amazingly intricately carved woodwork.

Providence Children’s Museum: Kids, young and old, will appreciate the fun and interactive exhibits are the Providence Children’s Museum. Kids and parents alike will find fascinating the “pick-a-pet” exhibit that helps families determine what type of pet would be the best for them.