For most of the year, Rhode Island is pretty much a dead-zone. But every summer, the Ocean State brims with life as Rhode Island natives and visitors soak up as much fun in the sun as they can get before the dreaded New England winter arrives. Lil Rhody packs a big punch in summertime, and even though that means an abundance of clueless tourists swarm my favorite beaches and restaurants for a few months, there's no place I'd rather call home this time of year. Below you'll find your ultimate guide of what to expect, see, and do during your your summer in Rhode Island.
Awful Awful Mondays
Newport Creamery comes through with that BOGO deal-making all of our Mondays just a little bit easier to bear during the summertime.
Brickley's
The only ice cream I'd ever wait an hour for.
Come sail away on the Block Island ferry
That damn song will get stuck in your head every single time.
Dunkin' iced coffee
I mean... this one's valid year round.
East Bay Bike Path
Food trucks
Greek Festival
With its live music and performances, authentic Greek cuisine, and large variety of vendors, this annual celebration in Pawtucket is not one to miss.
Hiking
You might have to travel to the outskirts of Rhode Island, but our state has loads of hidden gems if you're looking for a good hiking trail.
Iggy's doughboys
Jamestown
It has all the beauty and fun of Newport with half the amount of tourists. From Beavertail Park to Forts Wetherill and Getty, Jamestown offers some incredible and unique scenery.
Kicking it back on The Wall
The perfect place for lounging, enjoying a picnic, or watching the sunrise.
Lobster/"lobstah"
Music festivals
From the Newport Folk and Jazz festivals to the WBRU summer concert series, there's always somewhere to go where you'll be able to find live music.
Newport
AKA Tourist Central. The exquisite mansions, scenic Cliff Walk, festivals and events, astounding beauty, and rich history (including being a major market in the slave trade...weird how some people forget that, right?) make Newport a tourism hot spot in the summer.
Ocean state of mind
We complain about Rhode Island a lot, but I mean...the ocean is literally our backyard. That's pretty cool. You're 'ight Lil Rhody.
Providence WaterFire
Quahogs
Our claim to fame thanks to Family Guy. And no: Quahog, Rhode Island does not exist. We do have a Quahog Festival though.
Road construction
Everywhere. In the most inconvenient of places at the most inconvenient of times.
Stop at the sign of the lemon
We don't stop at stop signs, but we do stop at Del's.
Traffic
Taking Route 1 home at 5 p.m. on a Saturday? LOL, have fun, pal.
Umbrella Factory
If you don't take a picture in the bamboo forest, did you really go to the Umbrella Factory?
Vineyards and wineries
Washington County Fair
Xtreme weather
Summer is great... when there isn't a thunderstorm every other day.
Yoga on the beach
Is there any better way to start or end your day than with a yoga session on the beach? Definitely not. Check out some of the classes offered through All That Matters (South Kingstown Town Beach), Natural Fitness (Narragansett Town Beach), and Inner Light (First Beach).
Zigzagging through tourists
Good luck getting a spot at the beach after 9 a.m.
