Take This Quirky Road Trip To Visit Rhode Island’s Most Unique Roadside Attractions
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 06, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
We can never really get bored in Rhode Island – unless we really go out of our way to try. While it might be small, Rhode Island sure does pack a whole lot of amazingness within its borders. That makes road-tripping a bona fide good time. When you need a little bit of quirkiness in your life, set off on this road trip to Rhode Island’s most unique attractions.
Here are the Google map directions for this jaunt that spans just under 100 miles in a little more than 2.5 hours. Don’t forget to include time spent at each destination, too.
Let's kick off our quirky road trip at The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, a favorite since 1968. It's probably the most unique shopping destination you'll find in Rhode Island. The collection of shops is tucked on a farm and sells a little bit of everything - from home decor to one-of-a-kind gifts. Learn more about this popular day trip in Rhode Island.
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2. Exeter Scrap Metal – Exeter
Exeter Scrap Metal Inc, 405 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI 02822, USA
If you've ever driven through Exeter, you've likely seen the massive metal scorpion. It lives at the entrance of Exeter Scrap Metal and, well, you really have to see it to appreciate it. Take your camera! Read more about this one-of-a-kind roadside attraction in Rhode Island.
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3. Big Blue Bug – Providence
Big Blue Bug Solutions, 161 O'Connell St, Providence, RI 02905, USA
Do you have your very own snapshot of the Big Blue Bug in Providence? If not, what are you waiting for? If you do, how about another one? You've probably seen Nibbles (yep - he has a name) as you've driven down 95. Pull over for a closer look at this mascot of Big Blue Bug Solutions. Get a peek at this unique Rhode Island attraction by reading our previous article.
Our next stop takes us to Providence, for a truly unforgettable roadside attraction. Gun Totem, after all, is a massive 12-foot-tall art piece that features 1,000 guns. Boris Baly is the brainchild behind this unique piece. Have you been to this one-of-a-kind attraction in Rhode Island?
5. Green Animals Topiary – Portsmouth
Green Animals Topiary Garden, 380 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
You'll definitely want to carve out an hour or two for our next stop. Green Animals Topiary in Portsmouth is a breathtaking garden filled with whimsical garden animals - from a teddy bear to a giraffe. It's a photo-taking paradise. Read more about this Rhode Island garden in a previous article.
When we arrive in Newport, we'll visit the Newport Tower. Its origins are a mystery, although the tower is believed to have been in the same spot since the 17th century. This tower, in fact, leads some to wonder if Columbus really did discover the New World. Do you know the story behind this mysterious attraction in Rhode Island?
7. Narragansett Indian Monument – Narragansett
Narragansett Indian Monument, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
Our final roadside attraction takes us to Narragansett to see the breathtaking Narrangansett Indian Monument up close. It's perfect for snapping photos and selfies. How many of these bizarre roadside attractions in Rhode Island have you visited?
What other spots would you add to this list of Rhode Island’s most unique attractions? Let us know in the comments! Next time you’re on a road trip, how about checking into this Rhode Island Airbnb that’s perfect for stargazing?
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