Rhode Island Staycation: 7 Fun Things to Do While Staying Close to Home

For many people, a vacation means taking a trip to another state or country, but that doesn't always have to be the case, especially in Rhode Isldan. Planning a family staycation can cost less, produce memories and uncover fun activities close to home.

Here are seven great places to visit in the state of Rhode Island:

1. Historic Federal Hill: The "Heartbeat of Providence," Historic Federal Hill begins at Atwells Ave. Church bells sound as families on staycation can stroll along cobblestone walkways and stop in boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Outdoor music is often performed by the grand fountain in the square.

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2. Roger Williams Park Zoo: Opened in 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo remains one of Rhode Island's top tourist attractions, bringing in more than 650,000 people each year. The zoo houses more than 100 species of rare animals from around the world, including many endangered species.

3. Newport's Cliff Walk: Hike along the eastern shore of Newport, while taking in Rhode Island's natural beauty as well as the area's rich architectural history. The walk was designated in 1975 as a National Recreation Trail, the first in New England, and extends 3.5 miles. Most of the trail is smooth, but some challenging areas also exist, such as sudden drops of more than 70 feet just off the path. So be alert.

4. Block Island: Whether you want to relax on 17 miles of beaches or frequent one of the more than 50 stores, specialty shops, and art galleries, Block Island offers a unique experience. Physical activities such as bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, kayaking and sailing are also options.

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5. John Brown House Museum: One of two museums maintained by the Rhode Island Historical Society, the mansion is a premier 18th-century mansion and museum in the state, offering an important glimpse at the country's social and cultural history. The house is named after its original owner and sits near the Brown University campus he helped fund. Brown was an early American merchant, statesman and slave trader.

6. Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery: North Smithfield, Rhode Islanders residents and New Englanders have been sampling Wright's Dairy Farm products since 1914. Everything is prepared on the family-owned premises.

7. Green Animals Topiary Garden: Green Animals is the oldest topiary garden in the U.S. Gardener Joseph Carreiro and his son-in-law, George Mendonca, designed more than 80 topiaries at Thomas E. Brayton's Portsmouth estate from 1905-85. Throughout the gardens, families on staycation can find animals, birds, geometric figures and ornamental designs. Brayton's daughter, Alice, named the place and lived there from 1939 until her death in 1972, when she left it to The Preservation Society of Newport County.

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