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Bristol, RI

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The scenic town of Bristol was named after the seaport town in Bristol, England. Bristol is located on a peninsula of land surrounded by water between Mt Hope Bay and Narragansett Bay at the southernmost tip of the East Bay of Rhode Island. With a total square area of 20 miles of which half is water, Bristol has an approximate population of 22,000 and is home to Roger Williams University, named after the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams. Bristol is best known for hosting the country’s oldest 4th of July parade, established in 1785. With its red, white and blue lined streets, locals claim their town is the most patriotic town in the country.

Downtown Bristol also features a busy and picturesque harbor, boutique-lined streets, amazing dining options, and has a long history of boat building and marine industries as well as other manufacturing. Just outside of the bustling downtown, at the corner of Hope and Burnside Streets, overlooking Bristol’s vibrant coastline, is the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Previously known as the Herreshoff Boatyard (closed in 1945), this was the construction site for eight consecutive successful America’s Cup defenders (yacht races). Today this site is home to over 60 significant yacht racing boats and continues to document, preserve and honor the boats and the individuals who have made such outstanding contributions to yachting’s most distinguished competitions.

Independence Park on Bristol Harbor is also the end point for the East Bay Pike Path that runs from Providence through East Providence, Barrington, Warren and ends in Bristol. Some of the best views of Narragansett Bay can be seen along its 13-mile path.


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