Best Attractions in Rhode Island | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

Looking for fun in the Ocean State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Rhode Island. BEST FOODIE FIELD TRIP CULINARY ARTS MUSEUM AT JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY, Providence Menus, kitchen equipment, appliances, cookbooks, and gadgets galore–this 250,000-piece collection of all things culinary is a multicourse feast for the senses. 315 Harborside Blvd. 401-598-2805; culinary.orgBEST COMMUNITY THEATRE 2ND STORY THEATRE, Warren Community comes first at 2nd Story, and it shows in a season lineup that included such gems as Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Food Men and Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers in 2012. Artistic Director Ed Shea has a knack for picking plays that are accessible and entertaining; his loyal supporters thank him with sold-out shows. Call or check the Web site for this summer’s offerings. 28 Market St. 401-247-4200; 2ndstorytheatre.comBEST MARITIME MUSEUM HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM/ AMERICA’S CUP HALL OF FAME, Bristol If boating is in your blood, this museum is a must visit. Best known for the construction of eight consecutive successful defenders of the America’s Cup (1893 to 1934), Herreshoff holds a special spot in New England’s rich maritime legacy. 1 Burnside St. 401-253-5000; herreshoff.orgBEST WAY TO SEE THE BAY PADDLE BOARD RHODE ISLAND, Wakefield Part workout, part relaxation, part scenic tour, stand-up paddleboarding is gaining traction as the everyman’s new “it” sport. Paddle Board Rhode Island offers creative ways for everyone to get in on the action: sunset paddles, seal watching tours, even a 90-minute hard-core cardio session. 260B Columbia St. 401-400-0787; paddleboardri.comBEST DRESSED ZUZU’S PETALS, Providence, Cranston, East Greenwich The name is inspired by the classic flick It’s a Wonderful Life, but the dresses are decidedly modern. Expect runway-ready looks from Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Laundry by Design, and BCBG Max Azria, plus the right accessories to amp the outfit. 288 Thayer St., Providence; 401-331-9846. 1000 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston; 401-369-7440. 165 Main St., East Greenwich; 401-398-1199. zuzusri.comBEST NAUTICAL GIFTS THE KNOTTY DOG, Bristol A rehabbed sea captain’s house is a fitting backdrop for this nautically inspired shop. Looking for the perfect hostess gift for a seaworthy friend? You won’t steer wrong with a set of wine glasses etched with sailboats or a colorful welcome mat made from recycled fishing line. 31 Bradford St. 401-396-9520; theknottydog.comBEST TAILGATING NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO SERIES, Portsmouth Yes, there are exciting polo matches to be watched and divots to be stomped. But the real draw here is the tailgating. Gather a group and simply delegate who’s in charge of the raw bar, the grill, and the bubbly. Reserve tailgate parking spaces online. Matches every Saturday June through September. Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road. 401-846-0200; nptpolo.comBEST ARTFUL HOME ACCESSORIES YES! GALLERY, Wickford The name screams fun, and that’s exactly the approach this shop takes to home decor. A whimsical inventory of pottery, wall art, lamps, and the like has all been selected to add a dash of exuberance–an exclamation point, even–to your surroundings. 17 Brown St. 401-295-5525; yesgallery.com