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The smallest U.S. State, Rhode Island, is one of the six New England States in the northeast of the country. This state shares its borders with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean. Due, in part to its size, Rhode Island holds strong connections with its neighboring states and major cities, and it has a strong relationship with the sea. With 400 miles of coastline, mixed with its white pine and black walnut forests, the state is rich with natural beauty that is reflected in its communities. A vacation to the state is best done by car when able to explore between underappreciated and lesser-known cities.

Woonsocket

Located just on the Massachusetts border, this community is surrounded by forests, and it is proud of its lively arts scene. You can catch a show at the Stadium Theatre throughout the year. The Museum of Work & Culture, St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center, Polar Express Station, and Blackstone River Greenway are must-sees in this town. Also, be sure to explore the area by attending one of the Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat Tours. Every autumn, Woonsocket hosts its Autumnfest on Columbus Day, offering a parade, rides, music, and food vendors. Be sure to go on a walk along the Blackstone River's banks, running straight through the town center.

Newport

Newport is a beautiful coastal community with tons of beaches, hiking trails, and culture to boast of. Newport is located on the southernmost tip of Rhode Island, acting as the state's welcoming place for those coming by sea. Some of the best cultural centers in town include the Hunter House, International Tennis Hall of Fame, The Elms, and Rough Point, though there are numerous others. Newport is an excellent spot to visit for those eager to learn more about the U.S. or the state's history through exploration. Some of the best hikes in town include those at Fort Adam's State Park, Brenton Point State Park, and The Cliff Walk.

Central Falls

Central Falls is a small town in the greater Pawtucket area and just a few minute's drive from the border with Massachusetts. Every year, Central Falls hosts a Restaurant Week that showcases the town's restaurants over the course of a week. Some of the best historical sites to visit include the Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, Eleazer Arnold House, and the Jens Park Cogswell Tower. Some of the best restaurants to stop in for a bite during your stay include The Guild, Taqueria Lupita, and Stanley's Famous Hamburgers. Be sure to visit the Lincoln Woods State Park, a short drive from town, to explore the best of this region's forests.

Valley Falls

Valley Falls is home to an excellent walking tour that will allow you to explore this town's history. It begins with Heritage Park, continues to the Valley Falls Railroad Station, and weaves through town, culminating with the Cadillac Textile Mill and the Mill Houses. This community is located just north of Central Falls and also shares borders with Massachusetts. Juliana's Italian Baker, Josie's Ice Cream, Ollie's Diner, and Marques Antiques are powerfully local establishments and certainly worth stopping into on a vacation in town. Some of the best major parks in the area include The Monastery, Hines Farm-Millers Oak, and the Old Well.

Hope Valley

Hope Valley sits in the northern half of the state, just a short drive from Connecticut. This community is very small and is an ideal place for a getaway for those looking to settle into a rural environment. In town, the Fenner Hill Country Club, Ma & Pa's Country Store, and Biba Park are some of the best places to spend time. The Locustville Pond sits in the middle of this village, and most of life happens on or near the water. Just outside of town, the Whispering Pines Campground and Audubon Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge offer some of the most beautiful hikes in the state.

Charlestown

This community covers a large area of Rhode Island's shoreline. Some of the best parks and beaches in the region include the Charlestown Beachway, East Beach, the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, and the Francis C. Carter Memorial Preserve. In terms of things to do in town, grab a bite at the Breachway Grill or Jitters Cafe before driving up to Fort Ninigret. Sitting right on the ocean, Charlestown offers some excellent boating and swimming during the summer, and it has rich ocean air covering the whole community. For seafood lovers, the Charlestown Seafood Festival runs between August 2-4, serving some of the best lobsters, fish & chips while offering a rock climbing wall, kayaking, and a car show.

Regardless of where you choose to visit this underappreciated state, you will be sure to find some unique gems hidden throughout the state or along the coast. These communities are all tight-knit, friendly, and full of wonderful local shops, galleries, and restaurants worth exploring. Whether you visit during the summer to take advantage of the water and outdoors or the winter months to cozy up inside while it snows outside, you will be sure to enjoy a vacation to Rhode Island.