Bristol (pop. 22,500) has been a boat and shipbuilding center since the 17th century. The country's first torpedo boat was built here in 1876.
The town was an important trading port on the Africa, Caribbean, and New England trade route which dealt in rum, slaves, and molasses. The town still features 18th and 19th century homes reflecting the wealth of the town during that time period.
The Rhode Island Enviromental Education Center offers a natural history museum and aquarium that include interactive environmental exhibits. Visitors can peer inside a model of a Right Whale, observe the tide-pool tank, explore a cornfield at night, or walk the trails that lead to the twenty-eight-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge.
Address: ASRI Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809, United States
Phone: 1 (401) 245-7500, Fax: 1 (401) 245-9339
The Blithewold Mansion on Narragansett Bay in Bristol was built in 1908. It was owned by Augustus Van Wickle and resembles a 17th century English country manor with 45 rooms. The grounds consist of 33 acres of gardens, trees, and plants, including a giant sequoia and a bamboo grove.
Address: Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809-2902, United States
Phone: 1 (401) 253-2707, Fax: 1 (401) 253-0412
Hours:
April 15 to October 10: 10am-4pm; Sun:10am-3pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Tips: The gardens are open 10am to 5pm year-round.
The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology in Bristol features ethnographic and archeological items from native people of the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol contains the America's Cup Hall of Fame and 60 Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. sailing and power yachts. The history of the America's Cup and the Herreshoff family are described through displays and a video presentation.
Address: Herreshoff Marine Museum, One Burnside Street, Box 450, Bristol, RI 02809-0450, United States
Phone: 1 (401) 253-5000, Fax: 1 (401) 253-6222
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