Rail Explorers USA has four sites across the country, and we are lucky to have one of them so close to the South Shore in Portsmouth, RI. This has become a yearly tradition in our family because it is something very unusual that we can ALL do together–Kids and adults of all ages will haveContinue reading “PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – Rail Explorers, The Southern Circuit”
Category Archives: Non-hiking Adventures
LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – The Barn Restaurant and Old Stone Orchard
The Barn Restaurant was absolutely delicious–a hit even with my ridiculously picky eaters–and if we lived closer, it would be hard to resist becoming regulars. The restaurant has ample parking, and there are benches scattered around outside so you can sit while you wait to be seated–because you will probably wait! But don’t worry–the foodContinue reading “LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – The Barn Restaurant and Old Stone Orchard”
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – Newport Car Museum
The Newport Car Museum is actually housed in a former missile production site in Portsmouth, RI. This private collection contains over 85 cars, each carefully selected as a work of fine art. There are over seven decades (1950s to the present) represented, and the museum is divided into various categories: Ford/Shelby Cars, Corvettes, World Cars,Continue reading “PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – Newport Car Museum”
SOUTH BOSTON – Castle Island
Castle Island’s 22 seaside acres offer something for everyone. For history buffs, the land houses Fort Independence, which was built between 1834 and 1851. You can’t go in or on top of the fort, but you can walk around it and get up close. Castle Island also has a beach and a large playground. TheContinue reading “SOUTH BOSTON – Castle Island”
LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – South Shore Beach/Goosewing Beach Preserve
We’ve been hearing so much about South Shore Beach in Little Compton, RI, that we figured we had to give it a try. We do not recommend this excursion as a hike (which was our original intent), but we do endorse it as a beach trip! First of all, if you’re coming from the MassContinue reading “LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. – South Shore Beach/Goosewing Beach Preserve”
EASTON – Fishing @ New Pond
Fishing is a super relaxing and surprisingly addictive hobby. Honestly, it’s not something we EVER expected to like; we didn’t grow up fishing, so it was a bit of a foreign concept for us! However, we wanted something to do with the kids that was relaxing–that would calm them down–while still providing time in theContinue reading “EASTON – Fishing @ New Pond”
N. ATTLEBORO/PLAINVILLE/MANSFIELD – World War I Memorial Park, An Unlikely Story Bookstore, and Flannel Cow Creamery
This combo is one of our favorites! These three things are close to each other and can easily occupy you and your family for a half or a whole day. World War I Memorial Park is a true gem. It’s *free* and, although popular, never insanely busy. It features a small “zoo” (for lack ofContinue reading “N. ATTLEBORO/PLAINVILLE/MANSFIELD – World War I Memorial Park, An Unlikely Story Bookstore, and Flannel Cow Creamery”
BOSTON – Commuter Boat, Rose Kennedy Greenway, & the North End
Taking the MBTA commuter boat from Hingham is one of our favorite ways to get into Boston in the summer. It’s not too expensive, parking is cheap (currently $2), and the boat in itself is part of the adventure. The ride to Boston is roughly 30 minutes, and the route provides views of Webb StateContinue reading “BOSTON – Commuter Boat, Rose Kennedy Greenway, & the North End”
NORTON – Paddle with Norton Kayak Company
Dave Lennon, a long-time Norton resident, founded the Norton Kayak Company in 2008 so that he introduce others to kayaking and help locals appreciate the Norton Reservoir. He is also a parent, Tri-County Saints hockey coach, and outdoor enthusiast. We find Dave to be a knowledgeable, gracious, fun, and personable host who is great withContinue reading “NORTON – Paddle with Norton Kayak Company”
NORTON – King Philip’s Cave
This is the cave the Wompanoag sachem Metacomet used as a hide out as he was running for his life at the end of King Philip’s War. While not necessarily a worthy destination in its own right, this is a great stop if you’re already nearby. It’s located on a “private way,” basically in someone’sContinue reading “NORTON – King Philip’s Cave”