Tag: travel

Eden of America: Rhode Island Landscapes

January 8, 2025

“The Island is exceedingly pleasant and healthful; and is celebrated for its fine women.
Travelers, with propriety, call it the Eden of America”

JEDIDIAH MORSE
American Geography; or, A View of the Present Situation of The United States of America, 1789
Brochure: THE EDEN OF AMERICA, Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design. Cover painting: Alvan Fisher, Providence from Across the Cove, 1818, Rhode Island Historical Society. Issued in conjunction with a 1986 exhibition of artwork depicting the countryside of Rhode Island.
THE EDEN OF AMERICA, Rhode Island Landscape , 1820-1920, Museum of Art, RISD

“A portrait of Rhode Island is as much an image of sea as of land, for the state is dominated by a coastline that has lured countless visitors, including America’s fore- most landscape painters. Rhode Island has been noted throughout its history for its natural beauty and healthful climate, and was first described in 1789 as the “Eden of America.”
Conveniently located between Boston and New York City and easily accessible by train or steamer, Rhode Island evolved during the 19th century into America’s seaside playground. Newport, the colonial rival to New York and Boston, was reborn in the last century as the summer haunt of America’s social elite. Across the Bay to the west, the smaller island of Conanicut (Jamestown) was popular as a picturesque site for excursions from Newport. On the western mainland shore was Narragansett, famous for its Pier and Casino and known by 1880 as the “city of hotels,” while at the Connecticut border, Watch Hill with its popular bathing beaches. developed.
Artists were attracted to Rhode Island throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it is the combination of land, sea and sky, and the variety of visual possibilities created by these elements, that dominate their paintings…”

From exhibit brochure: THE EDEN OF AMERICA, January 24 to April 27, 1986 Museum of Art,
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
Issued in conjunction with a 1986 exhibition of artwork depicting the countryside of Rhode Island.

Credits: Rhode Island School of Design Museum

“The Cole Farm House is the absolute best!”
Heather, Steve & family (October 2024)

Cole Farm’s history begins in 1731, we invite you for a ride back in history – read more
Cole Farmhouse is first and foremost a guest accommodation – read our guests’ testimonials

#USA1731

“We were blown away by your hospitality”

December 16, 2024

Dear Ronnie, Thank you so much for hosting us at the core House for our Thanksgiving vacation. We were blown away by your hospitality the details and attention all the details of our stay. The girls especially loved the Slippers. we loved our stay in Providence and especially the chickens. The eggs were delicious! Thank you for being such a great host we are surely in a grateful Spirit heading into the holiday

Brad Jennifer, Payton, Sloane and Quinn A. , Airbnb guests, Cole Farmhouse #USA1731, November 2024

“We walked into the farmhouse and felt that we were in the home of a dear relative”

November 23, 2024

We walked into the farmhouse and felt that we were in the home of a
dear relative. The place has such a loving vibe. There are a lot of 5 star AirBnb ratings but this one fully deserves the status. Yes, the many gifts from the hosts and chickens. Yes, the unique 1731
architecture. Yes, the cool antiques to keep you entertained and that create a sense of place. But ‘it’s of all what Ronnie has accomplished is creating a feeling of home for guests. Cole Farm is serene, yet central to everything good on the East side. Highlight: walking to Wildflour vegan bakery and using one of the city’s electric scooters to come back home. I used the scooter to go to Wickenden St, Wayland Square and just around the neighborhood (so fun for this small town girl).
This was the perfect place for our PVD foray and we fully intend to make it our RI home when it’s available and we need to be close to school and work. Thank you, Ronnie!

Stacie, Airbnb guest, Cole Farmhouse #USA1731, November 2024

Happy Victory Day!

August 9, 2021

Did you know?
Rhode Island celebrates Victory Day today, 9 August 2021 (observed on the second Monday in August.)

Rhode Island is the only state that marks the end of World War II with this state holiday.

President Harry S. Truman declared 14th August as Victory Day in 1946

RI Residents many residents refer to it as V-J Day (Victory in Japan Day)


What is the history?
It commemorates the end of second world war when Japan’s surrender was announced on August 14th 1945.


“Rhode Island’s continuation of this holiday is said to have been reinforced due to the high number of veterans who retired to the state. Indeed, residents of the state suffered a higher proportion of war deaths than nearly any other state. It is also a state with strong union representation, so once a holiday made it onto the state list it is difficult to drop it. In 1990, the state General Assembly sought to clarify the meaning of the holiday and passed a resolution affirming that, though the holiday would continue, it was “not a day to express satisfaction in the destruction and death caused by nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

While Rhode Island may be the only US state to observe the end of the war, in Europe, a holiday to mark the end of World War II is commonplace. The war in Europe ended late in the evening of May 8th 1945. This means countries like France and the Czech Republic observe Victory Day on 8th May, while countries further east, particularly those who were part of the Soviet Union celebrate Victory day on May 9th.

(source: https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/usa/rhode-island/usa-victory-day)

Planning for your visit

Victory Day is a state holiday — not a federal holiday. State and local government offices are closed while Federal offices, including U.S. Postal Mail Service, remain open. Public transport may operate on a different schedule.

Providence Flea Market

August 8, 2021

Don’t miss Providence outdoor community market. Held every Sunday, June through September, 10am-3pm. Held in a beautiful location across from 345 South Water St, Providence. The lineup of 50+ local vendors includes vintage shops, artisans, food trucks, bakeshops, live music and community nonprofits. FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING