Bristol is a quintessential coastal New England town. Founded in 1680, Bristol has a wide-ranging appeal to visitors because of its historical attractions, parks, and vibrant shopping district.
Located on Narragansett Bay, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center is a natural history museum and acquarium. Discover Narragansett Bay’s marine life and explore the McIntosh Wildlife Refuge.
Built in 1908 in the English Country Manor style, the Blithewold mansion sits on 70 acres of manicured gardens. Open to the public, the property is great venue for lavish events as well as Sunday strolls.
Founded in 1936, the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, serves the Town of Bristol and southern New England. In addition to sponsoring local events, the society maintains a library and a small museum shop at its headquarters in the former Bristol Town Jail.
The Visitors Center provides information for tourists, including hotel and B&B availability, restaurants. They can also assist with reservations at restaurants and checking on accommodations.
The Coggeshall Farm Museum is a living historical farm on Bristol's Poppasquash Point. The farm is operated as it was 200 years ago. Sheep, chickens, oxen, donkeys, and horses roam the grounds. The farm hosts a variety of workshops throughout the year.
A crown jewel of the state park system, Colt State Park is 464 manicured coastal acres of parkland with playing fields, picnic tables, an outdoor wedding chapel, and biking trails. The vision of Colonel Samuel P. Colt, the park was a working farm that housed prized bulls. The original barn still stands - an exquisite home for what were to be the world's finest Jersey herd. The park is a museum as much as it is a place to spend a summer day barbecuing or flying a kite.
Built in 1810 by General George DeWolf, Linden Place is a treasured monument on Bristol's famed Hope Street. This federal style home once housed the Colt family of Colt State Park and the Barrymore family. The mansion is open to the public for tours as well as private events.
This 200 acre farm overlooks Mt. Hope and Narragansett bays. Bearing the shop's namesake, Mt. Hope Farm is home to the Governor Bradford House as well as other homes that comprise a country inn and event spaces. The farm grounds are open to the public for walking and jogging. Tours are also available of the house and grounds.
Congratulations Bristol for being honored as one of twelve Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Find select events from this organization in Bradford Mercantile's calendar.
Destination Bristol is a non profit organization of the museums and accommodations in Bristol. Its mission is to promote Bristol as a destination for tourism, corporate and social events in ways that will sustain and enhance community character and historic heritage.
A great resource and not just for Bristol! The web site includes shopping and local attraction information.
The town of Bristol official web site. It provides resident and visitor information as well as a community calendar.
