YOUR RHODE ISLAND STAYCATION

If you’re in dire need of a vacation, but not willing to withstand the occasionally treacherous ordeals of traveling, then you’re in luck! Droves of people come from all over the world to unearth the various treasures peppered across the place you call home. So, stay in the Rhode Island area and enjoy all it has to offer.

REJUVINATE AT A SPA:

If relaxation is your priority, then check out one of RI’s calming spas. You can retrieve countless options with a quick  search, but here are three great recommendations (depending on your budget) to narrow things down a little:

• Butter Day Spa in Providence provides a beautifully priced experience in a beautiful 18^th century Victorian.
• The Bodhi Spa in Newport is rated #1 on TripAdvisor for a reason, you can read more about our experience here. Boasting numerous treatments (including hydrotherapy), this relaxation center is reasonably priced and well worth every cent.
• Ocean House in Westerly offers their Oh! Spa with high-end treatments that are incredibly worthwhile and are quite luxurious, a bit of a splurge…but we all need to be pampered from time to time!

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN:

Drive to a nearby downtown (not your own) that you’ve always wanted to explore. Be spontaneous – don’t plan anything ahead except to get there with enough time to shop and dine!

Of course, Newport is always a solid choice for exploring. Their downtown is packed with action, hosting all of the delicious eats and quaint shops you’d ever want to have for a vacation! Nestled on cobblestone streets, the historic district is renowned for being a haven by the sea.

But, perhaps, you’re interested in more of a city vibe. In that case, Providence is the way to go!  The downtown is walkable, with most restaurants, events, nightlife and shops located within a good distance of each other. Three rivers flow through the area, providing a scenic view for your “staycation” adventure.

Insider Tip:  The Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel will add a touch of luxury to your staycation, read more here!

HEAD TO A LOCAL EVENT:

This one might sound obvious, but think about it: how often do you actually go to a community event? You see the posters tacked onto shop walls. You get the community calendar in your mailbox. While you’re “staying” in town, maybe it’s time to check one out!

At a low cost you can attend: community theater, local concerts, parades, recreational activities… the list goes on and on!

Take a look at RI Blogger’s Event Calendar to find out what is happening in our little state.  Check out the events here!  If you have events at your venue,  submit them to this link!

ENRICH YOUR RI KNOWLEDGE:

New England is booming with history, so much so that locals often don’t get the chance to absorb it all. Here are some great spots to flex your brain muscles over the weekend:

 

• South County Museum–  Located moments from Narragansett Beach, the South County Museum is where Rhode Island history  lives.  Once the season starts in May, there are a host of events you do not want to miss.  Have a look at the 2017 calendar here.  The museum opens May 6th and the membership price is quite affordable and will offer many experiences for you and your family.  Membership details here.
• The Breakers – Often dubbed the top tourist stop in RI, this Vanderbuilt mansion will make a gorgeous addition to your “staycation.”
• Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art – This innovative and internationally known museum showcases more than 80,000 works of art (from Paul Revere’s silver and caricatures of 18th century Europe, to French Impressionists and the avant-garde works of recent alumni).
• Audrain Automobile Museum – vroom vroom! Vehicles are exhibited specifically based on their ever-changing exhibition themes. By displaying 15-20 (of their over 200 vehicle database) cars at a time, the Museum gives patrons of all ages a completely unique and fun experience!

If all else fails, build a fort in your living room, cook up some good snacks and find something good on demand. A cozy night in does wonders. Enjoy your staycation!