There are still a few carefree days of summer left before the kids head back to school — so jump in the car and have a final fling! Block Island Block Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 13 miles south of the coast of Rhode Island and is separated from the mainland by the Block Island Sound. Visitors to BI can get there quickly and affordably by taking either the traditional ferry or the new hi-speed ferry from a number of points in the area, the most popular being Point Judith or as many know it, Galilee. There is so much to do on the island, that some people decide to make…

There are still a few carefree days of summer left before the kids head back to school — so jump in the car and have a final fling! Plimouth Plantations, Plymouth MA Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA, is like stepping inside a history book brought to life. Reenactment actors dressed in petticoats and buckled shoes roam an a 17th-century English-style village. Heirloom livestock graze within hand-made pens. And a short jaunt through a wooded path brings you to a Wampanoag Homesite, hosted by interpreters with a Native American bloodline. Visitors can also drive down to the State Pier in …

There are still a few carefree days of summer left before the kids head back to school — so jump in the car and have a final fling! Lighthouse Cruise, Narragansett Bay A tour of the lighthouses is only the beginning of the ride you'll take aboard The Millennium Ferry out of North Kingstown. From May to October, Rhode Island Bay Cruises offers a wonderful alternative to the everyday getaway. A 90-minute tour of the historic lighthouses along the waters of Narragansett Bay is just the start. Sailboats from a simple dingy to one of the boats used during the filming of the incredibly popular "…

There are still a few carefree days of summer left before the kids head back to school — so jump in the car and have a final fling! The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace, North Kingstown Okay, so you've got out-of-town visitors and you want to take them somewhere special. The only catch is that you don't have much time. Where to go? Try the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace in North Kingstown. Gilbert Stuart painted perhaps the most famous portrait of George Washington in existence. Not only that, but it's the most frequently seen picture of Washington - it's his portrait of our first president that appears …

There are still a few carefree days of summer left before the kids head back to school — so jump in the car and have a final fling! The Kayak Centre, Wickford When it comes to viewing Wickford Harbor, there's really only one way to do it. Head down to The Kayak Centre, located right in the heart of Wickford Village, to hop in a kayak or paddleboard and see Rhode Island's waterways in a whole new light. Rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard for two hours, four hours or even the entire day. Not ready to jump right into a kayak? The Kayak Centre frequently offers lessons. Additionally, The …

Revisit your younger days when you hopped in the car, started the engine and drove off in search of something fun. Here are three unique options for you, depending on how far you want to drive. Visit one, or visit all of them. How far will you go? 15-Minute Drive: Roger Williams Park Zoo: If you haven't been to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in a while, you might be surprised how close you can get to the animals. The zoo has been undergoing an extensive renovation and expansion over the last few years and the results are numerous breathtaking glimpses at wildlife from around the world. "We have …

Do you want to get out of the kitchen, but are bored of the same old places you always go to? Want some fresh ideas for tasty meals? Then the Patch Passport can help. We have assembled a list of local places with international flavors. Try one out and let us know what you think. Bon Appetit! Italian: Il Piccolo: 1450 Atwood Ave. Dinner hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to close. Luigi's: 1357 Hartford Ave. Call for hours: (401) 861-3850. The Little Inn: 103 Putnam Pike. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 8 p.m. Oriental: Sura Korean Barbecue: 300 George Waterman …

Sometimes, it seems like stores are too much like each other. The merchandise is often smilar, and there's is little personality to separate them from the rest of the pack. This is not the case with The Hope Chest on Hartford Avenue.The Hope Chest is a consignment store selling new, vintage, and antique items in their more than 14,000-square-foot building. The store has a wide variety of furnishings, along with clothing, jewelry,  fashion accessories, household items, and much more. There's even a section with items priced at one dollar.Ed DiPetrillo, who owns The Hope Chest with his wife, …

If you want to escape the construction and traffic in town and spend a day pampering yourself from head to toe but don't want to travel too far, then Enza's Hair Studio & Day Spa at 60 Danielson Pike in North Scituate, right over the Johnston line, is your place for a day of relaxation. Johnston resident Enza Slinko is the proprietor of the salon, and explained that her passion for hair cutting began at the early age of 14 when she started to cut her cousin's hair. Enza went on to fullfill her dream as she graduated from Costins Beauty School in Warwick in 1990. After graduating Enza started …

Johnston offers a rich history with many historic sites — one of the most well-known is the Elijah Angell House at 101 Putnam Pike.The Elijah Angell House was built around 1825 by a local stone cutter named Elijah Angell. After being purchased by the town in 1972, it became the headquarters of the Johnston Historical Society in 1984.The home has a multitude of interesting characterisics and items inside. It has three fireplaces on each floor, along with the original wide-plank floors and period furnishings. Some of the original furnishings include a rope bed, where the feather mattress is …

Whether it's indoor or outdoor fun you're seeking for the kids, Johnston has two places that are sure to fit the bill: Button Hole Golf Course and Marian J. Mohr Library. Button Hole Golf Course: Established in 2000 with the express mission of providing affordable golf instruction for all ages, Button Hole Golf Course is located on the Johnston/Providence town border. While its address is officially in Providence, almost 90 percent of the facility is on the Johnston side, Golf Program Director Dan Gaughan said. The course also has prestigious help in its mission — Rhode Island pro golfers …

You've probably driven by it hundreds of times, seen the small brown sign on Hartford Avenue near the new fire station, and wondered: What is Snake Den State Park? The basics: It's a nearly 1,000-acre nature preserve and hunting area overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Acquired in 1969, the area includes part of nearby Dame Farm and has remained essentially undeveloped. The trails are self-directed, although past hikers have helpfully marked trees with orange paint to help newcomers find their way through the winding path. Parking is available on Brown Avenue…

Patch will help be your guide as you become a tourist in your town. Whether you're new to town or want to explore the city you've loved for years, we're here to show you what there is to see.Check back to Johnston Patch daily to see what excursion is next. We will feature stories, photos and videos showing off the best of Johnston. And you can tell us what you love about Johnston, and we'll include it as part of our project.We hope this project encourages you to shop local, eat local and be local. Patch wants to show you how much your own town has to offer.And although everything will …