Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but it might just have the richest history of any place in the nation. Not only was it one of the original colonies, it is also the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. It’s also filled with gorgeous old libraries, some of the first places of worship in the country, and so much more! This Rhody road trip will take you to 7 places that are not only some of the oldest in state, but also some of the oldest in the entire country!
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- Arcade, Providence
Flickr/Providence Public Library
Flickr/Connie Located in the heart of Downcity Providence is the nation’s oldest shopping mall! Arcade Providence is set in gorgeous Greek Revival Architecture and still home to some of the most eclectic and fantastic independently owned shops in the state. The building also features the recent addition of micro loft apartments on the top floor.
- Haven Bros., Providence
Flickr/angela n.
Flickr/Sandra Forbes Named the oldest restaurant on wheels in the country, Haven Bros. sits just steps away from Providence City Hall. Enjoy a classic Rhode Island lunch, or late night snacks at this food truck dating back to 1888.
- Gray’s General Store, Little Compton
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr/Doug Kerr Founded in 1788 is America’s oldest General Store. Within walking distance from the Massachusetts border, this charming store is still in full operation and perfect to stop in to get a feel for what life was once like in the state!
- Southernmost School, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Historical Society Did you know that the nation’s oldest schoolhouse is found in Rhode Island? Now run by the Portsmouth Historical Society, you can visit this amazing piece of history and experience what school was like for Rhode Islanders in colonial times.
- Redwood Library, Newport
Flickr/C Hanchey
Flickr/Providence Public Library The Redwood Library found in Newport is the oldest community library still standing in its original building. Founded in 1747, this still member run library is set in a gorgeous building that is so worth seeing in person.
- Touro Synagogue, Newport
Flickr/Matt Cloutier
Flickr/Rachel-Esther Touro Synagogue’s history is as magnificent as its beautiful building. Construction began in 1759. With financial support from several congregations and private donations, the synagogue was completed in 1763. The building remains an active place of worship today and is toured by thousands each year! You can visit this breathtaking National Historic Site on Touro Street in Newport!
- White Horse Tavern, Newport
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Matthew and Heather This road trip ends with a visit to the nation’s oldest tavern in continuous operation. White Horse Tavern opened its doors in 1673 and has remained a wonderful place for upscale dining since!
To learn more about the White Horse Tavern, read our featured article here.
Google Maps
Flickr/Providence Public Library
Flickr/Connie
Located in the heart of Downcity Providence is the nation’s oldest shopping mall! Arcade Providence is set in gorgeous Greek Revival Architecture and still home to some of the most eclectic and fantastic independently owned shops in the state. The building also features the recent addition of micro loft apartments on the top floor.
Flickr/angela n.
Flickr/Sandra Forbes
Named the oldest restaurant on wheels in the country, Haven Bros. sits just steps away from Providence City Hall. Enjoy a classic Rhode Island lunch, or late night snacks at this food truck dating back to 1888.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Founded in 1788 is America’s oldest General Store. Within walking distance from the Massachusetts border, this charming store is still in full operation and perfect to stop in to get a feel for what life was once like in the state!
Portsmouth Historical Society
Did you know that the nation’s oldest schoolhouse is found in Rhode Island? Now run by the Portsmouth Historical Society, you can visit this amazing piece of history and experience what school was like for Rhode Islanders in colonial times.
Flickr/C Hanchey
The Redwood Library found in Newport is the oldest community library still standing in its original building. Founded in 1747, this still member run library is set in a gorgeous building that is so worth seeing in person.
Flickr/Matt Cloutier
Flickr/Rachel-Esther
Touro Synagogue’s history is as magnificent as its beautiful building. Construction began in 1759. With financial support from several congregations and private donations, the synagogue was completed in 1763. The building remains an active place of worship today and is toured by thousands each year! You can visit this breathtaking National Historic Site on Touro Street in Newport!
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Matthew and Heather
This road trip ends with a visit to the nation’s oldest tavern in continuous operation. White Horse Tavern opened its doors in 1673 and has remained a wonderful place for upscale dining since!
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