Concerning winter weekend getaways, the smallest state in the nation has a lot to offer. From skiing to hunting, Rhode Island is certainly abundant with winter activities for everyone. Grab your hiking boots and the warmest clothing you have and get ready for a weekend full of major fun. Don’t be afraid to get a little snow in your jacket, embrace the cold and have yourself an exciting weekend in the George Washington Management Area, and around Gloucester, Providence, and Newport.
With Rhode Island’s snowy terrain as your playground, there is nothing more invigorating than taking a snowmobile to them. With proper permits, the 4,000+ acres of land at George Washington Management Area are yours to explore. There are well maintained snow-covered gravel roads that make for a pleasant riding experience. Get ready to carve the trails at this winter wonderland!
The G.W. Management Area also offers some of the state’s greatest hunting. Come winter you can hunt deer, pheasants, geese, ducks, fox, squirrels, and more. Hunting in the snow not only means that you won’t have to deal with ticks and bugs, but there are fewer hikers to intrude, visibility is better, it is easier to hear, and so many other benefits. Be sure that you are aware of season dates, as well as rules and regulations of hunting. Proper licenses and permits are required, so be sure to have them on you at all times!
People have dubbed this one of the best hikes in Rhode Island, and once you hit the Angel Loop trail, you’ll understand why. As you hike along the Bowdish Reservoir, you will be taken by sites of beautiful snowy landscape reflected by the water. You can access the trail through the George Washington Campground. It is truly a site to be seen, and the trail is a mere one and a half miles long. You can always add mileage to the hike by continuing on the blue or red trail.
If you’re a fan classic holiday cheer, head to Providence where you’ll find the famous Providence Rink at the Alec and Ani City Center. “The most wonderful time of the year” calls for ice skating, and maybe if you’re feeling whimsical, you’ll make a reservation to try the bumper cars on ice. Not only is the rink conveniently in the middle of the city, but it is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There isn’t an experience purer than swirling around on the ice with family and friends. Head to the rink after the sun sets for a spectacular experience under the stars!
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If you’re into wildlife and birding, head to the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown for trailblazing and birdwatching. The flora and fauna may be covered in snow, but the wildlife is very lively and active during the winter months. The terrain here makes for an alluring and luscious scene so make sure you bring a camera to take in the beauty! Keep an eye out for owls, woodpeckers, goldfinch, deer, as well as many more winter migrants. Also, be sure to check the event calendar where there are frequently events, such as bird walks, going on and they’re certainly worth signing up for!
The mansions of Newport are about as far away from the wilds of George Washington Management Area as you can get, culturally speaking. But, head to Newport and you’ll find a Christmas celebration no other. Mansion halls decked out in opulence, and the glitter of silver and gold await, and yuletide finery, festive music, and dazzling decorations are eclipsed only by the majesty of the mansions themselves.
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Bed and breakfasts certainly are abundant in Rhode Island, but there isn’t quite anything like the Ivy Lodge in Newport. Its beautiful Victorian interior is amazingly intricate, and they’re rooms don’t fall short. Comfy beds, delicious breakfasts, stylish rooms, and wonderful hospitality are just the beginning of what the Ivy offers. The historic rooms, such as the Turret, Val Alen, and the Library, are all top-notch suites, it’s no wonder that they book up quickly so call with plenty of time ahead so you book the room that’s right for you.
While in the area, it would be a shame to not hit the trails. Grab your snowboards and skis and head to Yawgoo Valley Ski Area for the best (and only) ski area in Rhode Island! The trails are very beginner-friendly, however there are intermediate and advanced trails for the pros. Don’t stress if you are lacking equipment, they have rentals available at very reasonable rates for your disposal. Informative lessons are also popular among first timers or for people who need a refresher. The ski area is a must if you are ready for some blood-pumping winter activity!
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This 20,000-square-foot, locally run, indoor shooting facility accommodates target practice with pistols, shotguns, and rifles up to a 30-06 caliber. A combination of three different ranges in total, two of the ranges feature five lanes at 80 feet, and the other is a tactical lane at 55 feet. Pine Ridge also features a gun shop with various firearms and ammunition for sale.
Found in Tiverton, The Middle of Nowhere Diner offers traditional, stick-to-your-ribs diner favorites like breakfast served all day long, burgers, clubs, chicken fried steak, prime rib, mashed taters and gravy, and pie. Eat in or take it to go. Either way, all meals are freshly prepared and delicious.
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