Get ready to discover the unexpected and immerse yourself in memorable experiences!
Embark on a journey of exploration with COBB Life as we guide you through three destinations that might not be on your radar but absolutely should be. Among them is Rhode Island, showcasing the captivating Preserve Resort & Spa as a distinctive alternative, along with the charming Maker's Mark Hobbit HousesTM. Get ready to discover the unexpected and immerse yourself in memorable experiences!
New England: Rhode Island
What to know: The smallest state in the U.S. (only 37 miles wide) is also one of the most fun. Because you can drive from one corner to another in less than an hour, Rhode Island is ideal for the quintessential New England experience, and it’s not hard to cover parts of the entire state. Sailboats in harbors, historic houses, lobster rolls, or rocky beaches: picture all this and more.
What to do: Fly to capital city Providence (a little over two hours from Atlanta’s airport), itself scenic and charming. This home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has a bustling riverfront area, vibrant murals, and a strong culinary scene. Check into one of the chic downtown hotels: The Beatrice, modern and sophisticated with a special rooftop bar for guests; or the Graduate Providence, a historic hotel given the Graduate chain’s cheeky interior design twist that celebrates local colleges. The Rhode Island Red food tour gives a good tour of the downtown area, with samples such as clam chowder (Rhode Island-style), vegan pizza, and local beer and pretzels.
No visit to Rhode Island is complete without a visit to Newport, home of the Gilded Age mansions along the Cliff Walk, as well as the quaint downtown area along the dock. Visit The Breakers to see how the Vanderbilts lived at their summer “cottage,” a stunning Italian Renaissance mansion with 70 rooms. Stop by Midtown Oyster Bar for seafood treats in a two-story building along the wharf. For lunch, the award-winning Newport Vineyards has acres of picturesque grapevines — with a tasty sampling menu and chef-driven meals to go with them. For accommodations, stay along the Cliff Walk at The Chanler, a 19th-century mansion-turned-inn, which lets you walk out the door to start exploring. Elsewhere in town, historic Hotel Viking is another good option, nestled in among the quaint saltbox houses and churches worthy of a Hallmark movie.
Hobbit houses in Rhode Island? Believe it or not, an enclave of adorable hobbit houses — available for events or photo shoots — are located at The Preserve, an upscale sporting resort on the west side of Rhode Island. The little homes are even sanctioned by the Tolkien estate to use the name Hobbit.
SOURCE: COBB Life
