The Best Places to Live in Bristol, Rhode Island
Known as the “County Seat of Bristol”, this town is a traditional seaport. It is built upon traditional territories of Pokanoket Wampanogat.
Historic homes
Located on a peninsula between Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays, Bristol is a quintessential New England waterfront town. Bristol’s rich history and natural beauty are a big draw for visitors. Its long-running Fourth of July celebrations are also one of the largest in the country.
Bristol’s maritime history has shaped its life. The town’s shipbuilding companies have developed an international reputation for quality. They are responsible for building several America’s Cup yachts. In 1995, Bristol became home to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.
Bristol’s historic waterfront district has a mix of commercial and civic buildings. These include slave trader’s mansions, mills, sailors’ shacks, and churches.
The town center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bristol is also home to eight museums. Many visitors come from out of town to see the town’s history. The town’s Christmas Festival is another must-see spectacle.
Colt State Park
Located in Bristol, Rhode Island, Colt State Park is a gem within the State Park System. The park is home to the Coggeshall Farm Museum and the East Bay Bike Path. It also boasts four miles of bicycle trails.
Colt State Park was once owned by Samuel P. Colt, an industrialist and nephew of Samuel Colt, the famed firearms manufacturer. Colt built a large summer house on the property.
He also built a stone barn to house his prize Jersey cattle. Colt’s will stipulated that his farm be open to the public and that it not be sold. His plan was to have citizens of the town share in the enjoyment of his property.
The Coggeshall Farm Museum educates visitors on the history of New England farm life in the eighteenth century. It also features a model of a barn from the early 1800s.
Herreshoff Marine Museum
Located in Bristol, Rhode Island, the Herreshoff Marine Museum is a waterfront attraction. This museum is dedicated to yachting and the history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Its campus includes a large museum facility, an old family homestead, and a beautiful waterfront. The museum is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday.
The museum boasts a number of educational programs, including fall afterschool classes for kids. The Museum also offers a sailing school for adults. There is a small library in the museum building that is devoted to books and manuscripts related to the Herreshoff family.
The museum also has an impressive collection of boats, steam engines, and memorabilia. The museum’s collection of boats includes six yachts over 100 years old. The museum also offers accommodations for overnight guests.
Recreational opportunities
Located on the east side of Narragansett Bay, Bristol, Rhode Island has numerous recreational opportunities to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities from boating to fishing. The area is also home to several beautiful parks, making it a great place to spend a day.
Bristol is also home to the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the country. The Bristol Fourth of July parade has been held in Bristol, Rhode Island since 1785. The celebration is one of the largest in the country.
Bristol is also home to the Audubon Society of RI Environmental Education Center. This organization protects over 10,000 acres of wildlife in the area. It offers a variety of interactive exhibits and programs, and is located at Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge.
Other recreational opportunities in Bristol, Rhode Island include the Bristol Town Beach. This beach has several picnic tables and restrooms. The beach also has lifeguards on duty during the summer. The beach is often pebbly, but provides spectacular views of Narragansett Bay.
