Rhode Island isn’t known as “the Ocean State” for nothin’. In Narragansett, grab some grub at one of the city’s food trucks (lined up every Wednesday). In Watch Hill, casually stroll by T Swift’s place (made even better if you time it with her annual Fourth of July party). In Jamestown, make reservations for a dinner date with seaside views.
WaterFire is much more than its name implies. Originally established as an art installation, this is one of the best and most well-received events in the entire state of Rhode Island. There are circus performers, firetenders (yes, that’s a real job), vendors, live music, food and, of course, the nightly bonfires that seemingly float throughout downtown Providence.
After you’ve toured Brown and RISD and checked out the State House, hit up Pastiche for a sweet treat and checked out the Big Blue Bug just off I-95.
You don’t have to travel all the way to Iceland to really see the stars. Instead, head over to the Frosty Drew Observatory and Nature Center, where, every Friday night, starting at sunset or 6 p.m. (whichever is later), you can catch some epic views of the night sky.
Newport is the playground for the rich and famous, so it is home to some of the most remarkable mansions this side of the Mississippi. To experience them like a Vanderbilt or a Kennedy, hike the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk.
Overpriced souvenirs and tourist traps aside, Block Island is the place to grab some of the freshest seafood (if you’re into that kind of thing), explore inside one of those old-timey New England lighthouses, and catch views of sunset or sunrise over the bluffs. 
Featured image: Milky Way over Frosty Drew Observatory by Patrick Steyn
