Frosty Drew Observatory
Located in the darkest spot in Rhode Island and the darkest place along the eastern seaboard of the developed United States, Frosty Drew is the place to see the stars. Every Friday night (weather permitting) they open their telescopes to the public free of charge for spectacular views of the night sky. Check their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter to find out if skies are clear. You’ll be amazed to see how beautiful the stars really are. Frosty Drew is located in Charlestown’s Ninigret Park, next to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Google map of Frosty Drew
South County Tourism Council
South County Tourism Council has a detailed events calendar, places to stay and dine out, a vacation planner, tours and tons of ideas for things to do in southern Rhode Island. Their website and Facebook page are a great resource for tourists and residents alike. You can follow them on twitter too.
Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Dotted along Rhode Island’s coastline, the five National Wildlife Refuges (Ninigret, Trustom Pond, John H. Chafee at Petaquamscutt Cove, Block Island, and Sachuest Point) offer a wide variety of natural settings that appeal to both the people who visit, and the wildlife that live there. Rhode Island’s five refuges were established specifically for migratory birds. Over 400 species of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors use the refuges to rest and feed during spring and fall migrations. Visitor centers are open every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 401-364-9124 to confirm scheduled hours and to find out about closings for holidays and weather. Their trails are available to you from dawn until dusk everyday. Check their website and Facebook page for details.
Newport Mansions | The Preservation Society of Newport County
The Preservation Society preserves and protects the best of Newport County’s architectural heritage. Its 11 historic properties and landscapes – seven of which are National Historic Landmarks – trace America’s architectural and social development from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. The Newport Mansions have different schedules for each season, so visit their website and Facebook page for full details.
Discover Newport
The Discover Newport website has great information on places to stay, restaurants, things to do, and other resources. Their visitor’s center at 23 America’s Cup Avenue has brochures, tickets, reservation service and more. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
Newport Historical Society
The mission of the Newport Historical Society is to collect and preserve the artifacts, photographs, documents, publications and genealogical records that relate to the history of Newport County; to make these materials readily available for both research and enjoyment; and to act as a resource center for the education of the public about the history of Newport County, and its preeminent position in American history, so that knowledge of the past may contribute to a fuller understanding of the present.Visit their website, Facebook page and Twitter for tours, museum hours, events and more.
Newport Restoration Foundation
The foundation restores and preserves historic art and architecture. They offer tours of Doris Duke’s mansion, an early American farm, American antiques, and Historic Walking Tours of Newport. There is more information at their website and on their Facebook page.
Appalachian Mountain Club – Narragansett Chapter
The Narragansett AMC organizes local trips for hiking, biking, flatwater paddling, sea kayaking, climbing, cross country skiing and much more. There is more information at their website.
Rhode Island Families in Nature
Rhode Island Families in Nature is a free group. They organize local hikes of Rhode Island’s natural areas. Their hikes are designed to engage children and connect them with nature. There is more information at their website.