Best of Rhode Island 2020 | Hall of Fame
Yankee editors pick the top dining, lodging, and attractions in Rhode Island in our first-ever Hall of Fame list.
Narragansett Town Beach, Narragansett
Photo Credit : Alex GagneA note from the editors: After Yankee published its summer travel guide, many of the terrific destinations that it showcases have changed their operations in light of COVID-19. But while you may not be able to dine out, book a stay, or go explore shops, museums, and other attractions right now, you can help ensure they are ready to go when the current crisis recedes. Just contact your favorite New England small business or nonprofit attraction, and they’ll be happy to tell you how.
Photo Credit : Alex Gagne
Best of Rhode Island | Hall of Fame
DINING
Al Forno Providence
Opened in 1980, the restaurant that first put Providence on the culinary map remains one of the city’s finest. Wood-grilled dishes—including the best pizza in town—figure prominently among the array of luscious rustic Italian offerings. Sinful, made-to-order desserts seal the deal. 401-273-9760; alforno.com
Bluebird Café Wakefield
Tucked into a small strip mall, the Bluebird is a peerless breakfast spot with a spicy side. Owner Bart Shumaker launched the original Bluebird in New Orleans, and you can taste that influence here—especially on Friday nights, when the Bluebird serves mouthwatering specials such as jambalaya and Creole shrimp bisque. 401-792-8940; bluebirdcaferi.com
The Commons Lunch Little Compton
Over the course of a busy summer week, Commons patrons will gobble up hundreds of orders of johnnycakes, Rhode Island’s iconic cornmeal pancakes, made with stone-ground native whitecap flint corn. But don’t overlook the superlative stuffies, another signature Rhody food, made here with both regular sausage and chouriço to keep the dish moist and meaty. 401-635-4388; Facebook
Flo’s Drive-In Portsmouth
The original Flo’s, in business since 1936, puts the “shack” in clam shack. The cooked-to-order food is simple but stupefyingly fresh: lobster rolls, chowder, stuffies, clams fried to perfection. And with the view of a serene cove in the Island Park area, sitting on your hood while eating has never been so satisfying. (For sit-down dining, head for the full-service Flo’s in Middletown.) 401-847-8141; flosclamshacks.com
Gracie’s Providence
Having marked its 20th anniversary in 2018, Ellen Slattery’s sophisticated New American eatery continues to burnish its reputation for not just innovative, season-based cuisine but also stellar service. That combination has won consistent kudos for Gracie’s, including the AAA Four Diamond award (since 2011). 401-272-7811; graciesprov.com
Gray’s Ice Cream Tiverton
The homemade ice cream at this 1923 institution is so good that people come from around the state—even in winter—to slurp up coffee cabinets, a Rhode Island specialty, and dig into flavors that range from eye-opening ginger to New England classics like grapenut, frozen pudding, and maple walnut. (Gray’s has a second, seasonal location in Bristol.) 401-624-4500; graysicecream.com
Matunuck Oyster Bar South Kingstown
Though Massachusetts claims two of the best-known oysters—Wellfleet and Island Creek—Rhode Island has earned its own bragging rights with worthy gems like Moonstones, Cedar Islands, and Aquidnecks, all sold in rotation at this popular waterfront oyster bar. The star attraction, though, is the Matunuck oysters that owner Perry Raso cultivates in a saltwater pond right next door. They boast a briny crispness and lightly sweet finish, like a friendly good-bye. 401-783-4202; rhodyoysters.com
Modern Diner Pawtucket
Set in a red-and-cream-colored Sterling Streamliner, shaped like a locomotive and manufactured c. 1941 in Merrimac, Massachusetts, the Modern holds the distinction of being the very first diner named to the National Register of Historic Places, in 1978. Its food also makes it one of the top diners of any vintage in New England (the line on Saturday mornings got considerably longer after the Food Network named the Modern’s custard French toast the best diner dish in the country). 401-726-8390; moderndinerri.com
Nick’s on Broadway Providence
Chef-owner Derek Wagner, who opened Nick’s in 2002 at the tender age of 24, has a passion for seasonal, local food that you can taste throughout his cuisine. Meat and eggs come from small Rhode Island farms; seafood hails from the Point Judith area; and the produce includes crops from the restaurant’s own gardens. Though justifiably famous for its brunches, Nick’s shines at night with its painstakingly crafted four-course tasting menu. 401-421-0286; nicksonbroadway.com
Persimmon Providence
Having already earned six James Beard Award nominations, chef Champe Speidel picked up another in 2018 after relocating his lauded restaurant from its longtime home in Bristol. Clearly, nothing was lost in the move. His seasonally inspired modern American cooking is as elegant as ever, with recent offerings including venison “Wellington” for two with smoked beets and king trumpet mushrooms. 401-432-7422; persimmonri.com
The White Horse Tavern Newport
Don’t let the rough-hewn wood beams, early Americana, and Windsor chairs fool you: This is not a Ye Olde Tourist Trappe. Longtime executive chef Rich Silvia runs a serious food program, with local sourcing, house-made charcuterie, a legendary lobster mac and cheese, and a Narragansett Bay bouillabaisse that a Marseillais might envy. 401-849-3600; whitehorsenewport.com
Wright’s Farm Burrillville
Rhode Island’s famous “family style” chicken meals sprang up during the early 20th century as a way to feed crowds of Italian and French-Canadian millworkers in the Blackstone Valley. Although the mills may be gone, the tradition of those good, sustaining meals continues at Wright’s, which since the 1950s has been perfecting the art of feeding large groups. The facility holds 1,000-plus diners, but even with that kind of capacity, don’t be surprised if they’re running a wait for their all-you-can eat rolls, salad, pasta, fries, and chicken. 401-769-2856; wrightsfarm.com
LODGING
Castle Hill Inn Newport
Formerly a private estate, this historic five-star hotel nests on 40 acres of a panoramic peninsula. Lodgings range from mansion rooms (including a romantic turret suite) to bungalows and cottages; amenities include all-natural bath products from Rhode Island’s own Farmaesthetics. And the Lawn at Castle Hill is simply the most scenic place in the state to grab a G&T and watch the water. 401-849-3800; castlehillinn.com
Christopher Dodge House Providence
This 14-room B&B, which is housed in an Italianate mansion, is slightly out of the downtown Providence fray but still only a 10-minute walk to great shopping and dining. The rooms are charming (most have a gas fireplace or stove), staffers are sweet, and breakfasts—from blueberry pancakes to a vegetable frittata—are hearty. 401-351-6111; providence-hotel.com
The Francis Malbone House Newport
Built in 1760, the Francis Malbone House exudes a sense of elegance that harks back to the days when a wealthy shipping magnate called it home. Well-appointed rooms, period furnishings, a gourmet breakfast, and afternoon tea are just a few of the reasons guests keep returning to this elite New England inn. 401-846-0392; malbone.com
Hotel Manisses Block Island
When merely escaping to an island isn’t enough, the calming aura and polished service at this Block Island favorite can offer that extra little leap away from reality. An intensive makeover by new owners in 2016 has given the Victorian landmark’s 17 rooms and restaurant a fresh appeal, but at least one beloved tradition survives: the bar’s signature flaming coffee. 401-466-9898; hotelmanisses.com
Hotel Providence Providence
Comprising a pair of 19th-century buildings in the downtown arts and entertainment district, the Hotel Providence is done up in Belle Epoque style: antiques, oil paintings in gilt frames, lots of marble. Among the luxe lodging options are 16 suites that pay homage to regional authors such as Dr. Seuss and Edgar Allen Poe, and well-behaved dogs may be seen checking in at this notably pet-friendly boutique hotel. 401-861-8000; hotelprovidence.com
NYLO Warwick
A 19th-century brick factory that churned out cloth for Civil War uniforms and, later, Fruit of the Loom underwear may seem an odd place to spend the night. But if you’re budget- and open-minded, NYLO’s modern, loftlike rooms—located three miles from T.F. Green Airport and 10 from downtown Providence—will suit you to a T. 401-734-4460; tapestrycollection3.hilton.com
Ocean House Watch Hill
Ocean House boasts architectural splendor, Atlantic views, and AAA Five Diamond awards for both its hotel and its fine-dining restaurant, Coast. Drinks on the veranda are the perfect entrée to this Gilded Age beauty, meticulously rebuilt to preserve as many original 1868 features as possible and packed with amenities ranging from private beach to indoor saltwater lap pool. 401-584-7000; oceanhouseri.com
Renaissance Providence Providence
From the instant you step into the lobby, you’ll feel a palpable energy at this history-meets-luxury property—making it incomprehensible that the Classical Revival structure sat vacant for more than 75 years. Resuscitated with a $100 million investment in 2007, the Renaissance’s rebirth continues following its 2016 multimillion-dollar renovation. 401-919-5000; renaissance-hotels.marriott.com
Weekapaug Inn Westerly
The accommodations and the cuisine celebrate a sense of place at the Weekapaug Inn. In-suite views of Quonnie (Quonochontaug) Pond, the cove, and the ocean are paired with an inspired menu that incorporates the best of the region and season, from fresh-caught day boat cod to Narragansett lobster fricassee. 401-637-7600; weekapauginn.com
ATTRACTIONS
Blithewold Bristol
One of New England’s most intensely planted and lovingly tended landscapes, the 33 acres of gardens, lawns, specimen trees, and rare and unusual plants at this former summer estate on Narragansett Bay are equal parts historic treasure and living classroom. 401-253-2707; blithewold.org
Clay Head Preserve Block Island
This 190-acre Nature Conservancy preserve at the northeast tip of Block Island feels like the end of the world, with landscapes as wildly majestic as any you’ll find on the New England coast. Hike along the near-deserted beach or atop soaring clay bluffs, then wander the serpentine network of inland-reaching spur trails known as the Maze. 401-331-7110; nature.org
Cliff Walk Newport
To your back, some of Newport’s most impressive and historic mansions stand tall; below you, surf pounds against the rock-strewn shore; in front, three and a half miles of one of the country’s most famous and memorable paths unfurl. In 1975 this public-access way was the first in New England to be designated a National Recreation Trail. 401-845-5300; cliffwalk.com
Colt State Park Bristol
If we had such a park in our backyard, we’d be walking or biking it every day. The property—464 acres open to the sweep of Narragansett Bay—is the perfect place for tossing a Frisbee or picnicking on the long manicured lawns. 401-253-7482; riparks.com
East Bay Bike Path Providence–Bristol
Sights, sounds, and scents of the bay accompany your walk or ride along any or all of this nearly 15-mile shoreside path from Providence’s India Point Park to Independence Park in Bristol. Possible stops include photo ops, a Crescent Park Carousel ride, wildlife watching at Audubon’s Environmental Education Center, and Del’s frozen lemonade at Colt State Park. dot.ri.gov
Narragansett Town Beach Narragansett
Beach aficionados cherish this crescent of shoreline. Why? Clear water, vigorous surf, on-beach activities like surfing lessons and yoga, wheelchair accessibility, movie and music nights, free street parking if you’re early (or lucky), and nostalgic views of the 1886 Narragansett Pier Casino Towers. 401-783-6430; narragansettri.gov
Newport Mansions Newport
Lose yourself in bygone luxury when you tour the Newport Mansions, which include the Breakers and Marble House (both former residences of the Vanderbilt family) and Rosecliff (based on the fabled French Grand Trianon at Versailles). Those are the heavy hitters, but bear in mind that some of the lesser-known mansions—including Hunter House and Chepstow—are also well worth a visit. 401-847-1000;newportmansions.org
Norman Bird Sanctuary Middletown
One of our favorite places for a nature hike, this 325-acre preserve has seven miles of trails and all types of terrain, from open fields to forests. Come armed with binoculars to spot swallows and sparrows, not to mention panoramas of the Sakonnet River and the ocean. 401-846-2577; normanbirdsanctuary.org
RISD Museum Providence
Part of the Rhode Island School of Design, this Benefit Street museum features an aggressively diverse collection of furniture, textiles, art, silver, and more—over 86,000 objects in all. All the big names are here, too, such as Monet, Manet, Picasso, Warhol, and Homer, whose dramatic On a Lee Shore is reason enough to schedule a visit. 401-454-6500; risdmuseum.org
Roger Williams Park Providence
Rhode Island is justifiably proud of these 422 verdant acres of Victorian landscape design. Here you’ll find the Roger Williams Park Zoo, third oldest in the country; the Roger Williams Museum of Natural History; and the only public planetarium in Rhode Island. Kids will love the Carousel Village and riding the flying horses. 401-680-7219; rwpconservancy.org
WaterFire Providence Providence
Yes, it’s hyped, and yes, more than 10 million people have seen WaterFire Providence, Barnaby Evans’s installation of 100 bonfires, with mysterious boats gliding through the darkness and haunting music spilling across the three rivers that converge in the heart of the city. But here’s the thing: The whole scene always works. Throughout the evening, visitors stroll the city, enchanted by flickering light and music. There may be no better free summer event in New England. 401-273-1155; waterfire.org
