| Local Points of Interest
Sakonnet Vineyards
Little Compton is in the heart of southern New England's wine country. Don't miss a visit to nearby Sakonnet Vineyards (162 W. Main Rd., 401-635-8486), New England's largest winery, where you can see wine being made and stroll the sun splashed vineyards.
The Wilbur House Compound (W. Main Rd., 635-4035) is open mid-June to Mid-September from 2:00 to 5:00. Includes a 17th-century barn, carriage house, and schoolhouse.
Beaches, Parks, and Scenic Spots
Goosewing Beach, on South Shore Road in Little Compton, is a spectacular beach backed up by kettle ponds that attract numerous swans. Nonresidents must pay to park. You can also buy weekly or season passes. Opens Memorial Day weekend.
Simmons Mill Pond Management Area, accessible from parking areas off Cole Brook Road and John Dyer Road, is a 400-acre wild life preserve with ponds and hiking trails. No motorized vehicles are allowed, and it is a good fishing spot.
Sakonnet Point, at the mouth of the Sakonnet River, provides a wide-angle view of the Atlantic.
Nearby Points of Interest
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Another nearby winery is the Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery in Westport, Mass. (417 Hixbridge Rd. 508-636-3423).
Blithewold Mansions & Gardens
On the National Register of Historic Places, Blithewold is a 33-acre estate overlooking Narragansett Bay. Located at 101 Ferry Road, Bristol RI 02809-0716. Phone: (401) 253-2707.
Newport Grand
The Newport Grand facility includes gaming rooms with hundreds of slot machines and video poker games. Phone 1-800-451-2500.
Newport Mansions
Step into an age of ease and splendor as you tour the eleven historic mansions of the Preservation Society of Newport County. For admission rates and hours, see www.newportmantions.org.
The Battleship Massachusetts
A National Historic Landmark, the battleship Massachusetts is longer than two football fields and as tall as a nine-story building. Tour "Mamie" and her five sister ships daily, year round except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Call (800) 533-3194 for info.
The Providence Children's Museum
An interactive playland with hands-on exhibits. Call (401) 273-5437 for info.
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
Located on the traditional lands of the Wampanoag peoples, the Haffenreffer Museum is a treasure house of fascinating artifacts from the native peoples of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Four intimate galleries provide a stimulating setting in which to learn about other peoples and their cultures. Located at 300 Tower St., Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 253-8388.
New Bedford Whaling Museum
The largest whaling museum in the world, located in the heart of New Bedford's Whaling National Historical Park. Across the street from the Seamen's Bethel, described in Moby-Dick. Near the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, the schooler Ernistina, and the New Bedford waterfront. Located at 18 Johhney Cake Hill, New Bedford MA 02740-6398, (508) 977-0046.
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