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Tour Rhode Island Events

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(1) Champion Trees & Old Growth Forests - An "Expedition" with The Tree People
(2) Discover Providence - A Capital Place!
(3) East Bay By Bike
(4) Family Guy - On the Road to Rhode Island
(5) Hidden Gems of the Blackstone Valley
(6) Geocaching Adventure - A Treasure Hunt for the Grown-Ups
(7) Glorious Gardens
(8) Hidden Black History of College Hill - Sharing the Stories

(9) Historic Great Road - America's First "Super Highway"

(10) Independence Trail & Taste of RI - The Newest Attraction in Providence
(11) Kayaks on the Blackstone!
(12) Life Behind the Scenes - A Leisurely, Behind the Scenes Bicycle Tour
(13) Rhode Island Myths & Mysteries - Shades of Revolutionaries & Romantics
(14) Walking the Land Trust Trail - A Rhode Island Showcase
(15) Seaside Secrets, Mansions & More -It's Newport for the Curious

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Tour #9

Historic Great Road – America’s First ‘Super Highway’

As part of Lincoln’s Great Road Historic District, this scenic, winding road with its historic homes, farms and mills, retains much of its early rural character. Your tour encompasses over 300 years of architectural and cultural development along America’s first ‘super highway.’

Our earliest settlers were self-sufficient and hardworking. Bit by bit, household improvements and advancements of technology provided more ease and convenience. Great Road reflects this progression, leaving an unbroken trail of evidence marking change and improvement. From Colonial “stone-ender” to Victorian manor, Great Road is a journey through time.

Eleazer Arnold House – (1693) This Historic New England property and national historic landmark, is the oldest home in Lincoln. We’ll tour the interior of this early “stone ender.” (Or opt for short “History Hike” on your own to Chase Farm Park in lieu of a complete house tour.)
Hearthside House – Built in 1810 by Stephen Hopkins Smith and noted as one of the finest examples of early 19th century federal-style houses in the state, Hearthside is known as “the house that love built” because of the romantic story behind the building of this beautiful fieldstone house. It has ten fireplaces, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  During our visit, Hearthside is featuring a Civil War exhibit.
Hannaway Blacksmith Shop – Built in 1850 by William Hannaway, today’s shop is actively engaged in keeping the craft alive. The sights, sounds and smells of forging iron attest to the demands of the times.
Valentine Whitman House - (1694) Whitman was a friend of Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island. The first town meeting of old Smithfield, which then included what is now Lincoln, was held in this house in 1730. Another great example of a rare “stone-ender.”
Saylesville Meeting House – Step within the oldest Friends meeting house in continuous use in New England. Perfectly suited to its purpose, it reveals a subtle display of craft and fine workmanship. A large cemetery adjoins the meetinghouse.
Captain Wilbur Kelly House – Situated alongside the Historic Blackstone Canal in the quaint mill village of Quinnville, this compact museum displays exhibits on canal, railroad and highway commerce at a time when cultures of farm and factory overlapped.

Note: Some sites may not be completely accessible for all disabilities

Price: $53.00 plus RI sales tax
Includes: *Boxed lunch, motorcoach transportation, all admissions, professional guide
Meets at: Warwick Mall (Near Firestone and Target)
Check-In: 8:00 am
Departs: 8:30 am
Attire: Casual. Dress for weather, sturdy shoes.
Returns: Approx. 4:00 pm

*Lunch Choices: Ham, roast beef, turkey. Bulky roll or wheat wrap.  Vegetarian lunch available upon request.

Though never required, it is customary to personally extend a gratuity to your motorcoach driver and your tour guide. A modest ‘thank you’ would be a dollar or two per person, or more if it is well earned, within your budget and commensurate to their service. Group collections are discouraged.

Please see our FAQ page for  important details about your tour.

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Blackstone Valley Tourism Council  175 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island  02860 1-800-454-BVTC (2882)  Local: 401-724-2200 Fax: 401-724-1342 info@tourrhodeisland.org