Newport's laid-back neighbor

Strolling along Hope Street and taking in the beautiful historic homes is a must. The town’s rich history as a boating and shipbuilding center is evident in these architectural gems.

If you're here to enjoy the outdoors, you'll want to go biking or jogging along the East Bay path or take a picnic to Colt State Park.

I highly recommend a tour of Blithewold Mansion and Gardens, a stunning 45-room 1908 estate with inspiring views of Narragansett Bay.

Quick Tips:

Try to be near the water at sunset.

Best Way To Get Around:

Bristol itself is best seen by foot or by bike. It helps to have a car if you plan to make a day trip to Newport.

The Rockwell House Inn will appeal to the traveler looking for a quiet, traditional inn featuring period decor and attentive service.

A block from Bristol Harbor, the Rockwell House Inn is a beautiful, eclectic home built in 1809 and located in the historic center of town. My room, the ''Giles Luther'' room on the second floor, has a king-sized bed, gas fireplace and private bath. Nice touches like terry cloth robes and ceiling fans made the room seem cozy and welcoming.

For breakfast I was seated at a communal table and served a meal that innkeeper Debra Krohn described as "more dessert than breakfast"--ultra-sweet juice, granola with fruit, and rich french toast. If you prefer plainer fare, you''ll want to let her know in advance.

The inn is convenient to all of Bristol''s attractions, and Debra is very knowledgeable about what to see and do. You''ll be in walking distance to the best restaurants in town, Bristol Harbor, and the East Bay bike path.

The HotPoint came highly recommended by my innkeeper, and with good reason. The restaurant features a cozy, intimate atmosphere (12 tables) and inventive menu--deciding what to order was quite a challenge. I ended up having scallops piled onto a patty of blue-cheese polenta--interesting and delicious. Be careful about ordering appetizers; the portions are very generous. My Caesar salad was a meal in itself.

The service was good--our waiter was attentive, though almost TOO attentive. Though it's better than the alternative, I really wish waiters would refrain from interrupting a conversation unless it's really necessary.

Located near the water, the HotPoint doesn't have views, but you'll be a short stroll to the harbor.

The East Bay Bike Path is a 10 foot wide path built along an old railroad corridor. This bike path was perfect for me, a biking novice, and also suitable for jogging, rollerblading, and walking. The path winds its way along the harbor, then through several miles of wooded areas and scenic Colt State Park. Very peaceful and relaxing. Dogs may accompany walkers as long as they are on a leash no more than 6 feet long.

A must-see. When coal magnate Augustus Van Winkle decided to build a summer retreat on the Rhode Island coast, he certainly picked a lovely spot. Take a tour of the opulent English Country Manor, beautifully restored and featuring interesting tidbits about the Van Winkle family. I loved the bedrooms upstairs, with their elegant turn-of-the-century wallpaper and furniture. The postcard display in the Billiard Room gives you a window into a young woman's Grand Tour of Europe.

Outside, you'll find 33 acres of landscaped grounds. Mrs. Van Winkle was quite the garden aficiando, it seems. The sprawling lawn faces Narragansett Bay, and is edged with a mind-boggling variety of trees and shrubs from near and far. Don't miss the bamboo garden--walk through and hear the leaves tinkling above you.