East Providence

A 14.5 mile paved car-free bike path along the shore of Narragansett Bay, the bike path has many scenic outlooks with a view of the industrial cityscape of Providence and Interstate 95 breathtaking at sunset. It is easily accessible from Veteran’s Memorial Parkway where you can turn off into parking areas to unload and load any personal belongings. Some highlights of the trail include traveling over Narragansett Bay via manmade bridge, observing the native wildlife, experiencing the rich history of the city, and viewing the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse built in 1871. The path has a turnoff for the Carousel, passes several shops and ends in Colt State Park, Bristol, Rhode Island. As it passes through Riverside Square cool down with some ice cream at the local Dari Bee. This seasonal walk up ice cream stand with benches and a parking area provides a view of downtown East Providence. The trail is best attempted in warm summer weather.

A 6-hole, semi-private golf course with rental carts and clubs available. The season runs from April 1st to December 1st. Call for more information on cost of rentals and course reservation.

Stormy weather? Bummed that you didn’t catch that latest flick before it left theaters? Check out Patriot Cinemas for $1.99 showings. Every Tuesday get your seats for only $1. For more information on current playing movies and show times view the Patriot Cinemas homepage (http://www.patriotcinemas...).

Duckpin bowling for all ages. Prices are reasonable and on Sunday nights from 7pm-11pm it is dollar mania at: $2 bowling games and a dollar for everything else. Extreme Rock n Bowl at nights, with loud music and neon lights. Good place for birthday parties, bowling leagues, or families looking to have fun.

crescent park carousel

Built in 1895 by Charles I.D. Looff, the foremost carousel designer of his time, the Crescent Park Carousel is a true masterpiece of wood sculpture. It was saved in the 1970s by a handful of residents; the Crescent Park Carousel was placed on the National Register of Historic sites and places in 1976. In 1985 the Rhode Island General Assembly proclaimed the Carousel as the State Jewel of American Folk Art and in 1987, the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, designated the Carousel as a National Historic Landmark. The historic nature of this building is further amplified by the grandeur of the architecture. This gazebo-esque structure is illuminated by windows, which are accented by stained glass, and surround the building on all sides. The 62 hand crafted horses and 4 chariots circle the elaborate embellishments of decorative panels, glass jewels, and bright lights. It moves to the original band organ music giving the rider a traditional carnival experience. To highlight the experience more, Looff’s Crescent Park Carousel offers additional entertainment for young children. The outside horses become the prime seating location for those interested in possibly winning a free carousel ride. During each rotation a mechanical arm extends dispensing many silver rings and one prized gold ring. The person to collect the golden ring wins a free ride. For those with the dull silver rings fear not, you still have the chance to throw them in the open mouth of the cloth clown. Located along the inside of the building is a souvenir shop with figurine horses and T-shirts to commemorate your trip to East Providence. Before the main entrance to the Crescent Park Carousel is the Blount Clam Shack, which serves steaming hot clam cakes and Del’s Lemonade to cool you down. Occasionally, there are antique car shows with local beauties in the carousel parking lot and lawn. Get the opportunity to take photos of some classics, pretend to joy ride while lounging in the front seat, and learn about each cars’ history. It also hosts birthday parties.