While there is no doubt that Pawtucket is an excellent community to work and live, it is also a great place to be thoroughly entertained and to have fun with your entire family. This charming city in the state of Rhode Island was established in 1671. Situated between Narragansett Bay and the Blackstone River’s falls, it is regarded as a hub for art and culture. There is little wonder why artists are perennially in love with this city. While it plays host to many festivals throughout the year, the annual Art Festival that is held in September is the most popular one. This place has something to offer all kinds of travelers, from exhibitions on handcrafted items to various art galleries, and from pubs playing live music to innumerable historical attractions. Pawtucket is also known for offering superb recreational activities and famous theater companies. Visitors can indulge in a variety of water sports during their vacation. If you plan to visit this city soon, check out these best things to do in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
1. Explore the famous Slater Memorial Park
Visit the most ancient and largest public park in the city when you are vacationing in Pawtucket. Slater Memorial Park is known for offering a variety of interesting activities. This place is also home to a dog park, so you can come here with your canine friends. While here, be sure to visit the well-known Watercolor Society and the famous Daggett House. It also offers free performances for kids every Tuesday night, while musical performances are hosted every Thursday during the months of July and August. This beautiful old park is situated near the Ten Mile River and includes the famous Looff Carousel, a tennis court, and a hiking and biking trail. You can spend a satisfying time here by daydreaming, walking, or fishing.
Slater Memorial Park
Address: 401 Newport Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
2. Rhode Island Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room
Your vacation in Pawtucket will be incomplete without visiting Rhode Island Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room. The distillery is jointly run by Cathy Plourde and Kara Larson and is the latest one to be operational in Rhode Island. It crafts premium liquors and spirits in small batches, all made with the best organic ingredients. Spare some time from your hectic schedule to go to this distillery. The spacious tasting room is located in downtown Pawtucket. Here you can discover their products and taste the liquors, vodkas, gins, and other drinks from their seasonal cocktail menu. Located by the riverside and in proximity to a historic mill, the distillery is very close to Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island. Be sure to pass by to sample their exotic cocktails that feature natural botanical flavors.
Rhode Island Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room
Address: 59 Blackstone Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Rhode Island Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room
Opening hours: Fri: 4pm - 8pm; Sat: 1pm - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
3. Discover the art scene at Candita Clayton Gallery
Candita Clayton Gallery has been operational in the city for eight years now. It stands as a great influence on the art scene of the city. The gallery is situated at Hope Artiste Village and showcases designs and artworks created by national and local artists. It is responsible for the great synergy that exists between art lovers and artists in Pawtucket. The gallery promotes and discovers the works of both established and emerging artists.
Candita Clayton Gallery
Address: 999 Main St #105, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Candita Clayton Gallery
Opening hours: Wed: 6pm - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Tue & Thu - Fri)
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4. Spend some time at The Met
The Met is a club in Pawtucket, Rhode Island created by three friends. This popular club features a versatile and entertaining music room that plays a wide variety of live music ranging from blues, punk, folk, and rock. It is the kind of music club the people of Rhode Island had been waiting for. Seats are on a first-come-first-serve basis, but otherwise, this is an excellent spot for spending some time with friends or meeting new people while visiting the city.
The Met
Address: 1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: The Met
5. Transport yourself back in time at Slater Mill Historic Site
Welcome to Slater Mill Historic Site, which includes three historic buildings: Slater Mill, Sylvanus Brown House, and Wilkinson Mill. Sylvanus Brown House features an ensemble of textile artifacts like a spinning wheel, a loom, and several other tools that were once used for making cloth and weaving by hand. It is located on the shores of the Blackstone River. While here, you must also explore the iconic textile mill complex, Slater Mill. This historic place has been converted into a museum and displays a collection of textile machines dating back to the late 1700s. Transport yourself back in time while a seasoned guide explains to you how these types of machinery were used.
Slater Mill Historic Site
Address: 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Slater Mill Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
6. Shop at Rhode Island Antiques Mall
If you are fond of exploring antique stores and procuring hidden treasures and vintage bargains for your home, look no further - Rhode Island Antiques Mall is a huge antique store in the city that is stuffed with attractive goodies. This gigantic establishment is known for eye-catching items and an awesome collection of furniture to pick from. Choose from interesting desks and side tables to brightly upholstered chairs. The store has it all, from rustic to modern items, boasting pieces from 200 well-known dealers in a single place.
Rhode Island Antiques Mall
Address: 345 Fountain St, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Rhode Island Antiques Mall
Opening hours: Mon- Wed & Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
7. Visit Fairlawn Veterans Memorial Park
If you are an outdoor enthusiast and you are holidaying in the city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, a visit to the Fairlawn Veterans Memorial Park should feature in your bucket list. The park overlooks the Blackstone River and houses a monument for veterans of Pawtucket. It also features a spacious amphitheater with a stage and a seating capacity of 225 people. Sunday nights are special, as free concerts are held during the summer months of July and August.
Fairlawn Veterans Memorial Park
Address: 271 Smithfield Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Opening hours: Sun, Tue, Thu & Sat: 10am - 6pm; Mon: 10am - 8:30pm; Wed: 10am - 4:45pm; Fri: 24 hours
8. Join a workshop at PeaceLove Studios
This studio was set up in 2009 to inspire self-expression, creativity, storytelling, and community. In other words, PeaceLove Studios encourages awareness and expression by utilizing creative means. Workshops here are a unique and fun experience as both artists and students can express themselves honestly without fear of being judged. The studio equips and trains professionals to deliver workshops in front of the community. So if you are an art lover, do not miss an opportunity to come here and sign up for a workshop if you have the time.
PeaceLove Studios
Address: 999 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: PeaceLove Studios
Opening hours: Sun - Mon & Thu - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed from Tue - Wed & Sat)
9. Shop for goods at Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Irrespective of whether the sun is shining bright or it is snowing, this farmers’ market in the city of Pawtucket is synonymous with fresh, locally sourced and high-quality foods. However, if the market is closed due to extreme weather conditions, you can go to social media and get updates. More than 80 vendors participate, bringing locally sourced goods such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, artisanal cheeses, bread, and other baked products. Expect to see other items here as well, including gluten-free products, soaps, lotions, candles, cosmetics, preserves, coffee and more.
Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market
Address: 1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
10. Catch a game at McCoy Stadium
Constructed way back in 1942, McCoy Stadium is a baseball stadium that houses minor league matches. Located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, this place was named after a former mayor, Thomas P. McCoy, who was in office from 1936 to 1945. The stadium has a total seating capacity of 10,031 and was completed in the year 1946. If you are a sports lover and you are an avid follower of baseball, a visit to these grounds is a must while vacationing in Pawtucket. You can check out their game schedule online, so be sure to book a ticket while you’re here.
McCoy Stadium
Address: Columbus Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: McCoy Stadium
11. Savor some fine beer at Foolproof Brewing Company
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Beer lovers are sure to find Foolproof Brewing Company an excellent place to visit. Although the brewery is small, it offers a wide variety of good beers in different flavors. Initially known as High Jinx Brewing Company, they are known to produce specialty and seasonal beers, as well as four types of year-round beers. The brewery also came up with beer-based soaps a few years ago in collaboration with Spindrift, a soap maker based in Newport. Bring your friends and stop by for a taste of interesting new flavors.
Foolproof Brewing Company
Address: 241 Grotto Ave #1, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Foolproof Brewing Company
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 8pm; Sat: 1pm - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm; (closed from Mon - Wed)
12. Plan a visit to Rhode Island Watercolor Society
Rhode Island Watercolor Society was established in 1896 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It is one of America’s oldest watercolor organizations, with more than 300 active members. Located in Slater Memorial Park, this place offers the opportunity for visitors and artists to buy, view, and exhibit works in this water-based medium. The society conducts demonstrations, workshops, and classes taught by regionally and nationally acclaimed artists. It has a studio space, a library, and an art gallery. The gallery hosts as many as 15 shows a year.
Rhode Island Watercolor Society
Address: 831 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket, RI 02861, United States
Website: Rhode Island Watercolor Society
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
13. Eat a leisurely meal at Modern Diner
Come to Modern Diner to savor some of the most delectable deli, diner, and American dishes in the city. Open early, this restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, so drop by whenever you are free or hungry for a good meal. They offer vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. You can also request for other guest-friendly services such as parking assistance, takeout, table service, highchairs, and seating reservations. This Rhode Island eatery is renowned for its constantly changing breakfast specials and delicious diner classics.
Modern Diner
Address: 364 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Modern Diner
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 2pm; Sun: 7am - 2pm
14. Have a drink at Murphy's Law Irish Pub
In case you were wondering about the pub culture in Pawtucket, head to Murphy’s Law - an excellent place to go to when you’re feeling thirsty. This charming Irish pub features rich and high-quality mahogany woodwork, a copper-top bar, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can not only enjoy your favorite drink here but you can also savor some excellent dishes, including delicious chicken wings and nachos, among others. The nachos here are tricolored tortillas with the customer’s choice of Guinness cheese or shredded cheese sauce and some fun toppings.
Murphy's Law Irish Pub
Address: 2 George St, Pawtucket, RI 02860, United States
Website: Murphy’s Law Irish Pub
Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)
15. Enjoy a ride on Looff Carousel
A historic carousel, Looff Carousel was constructed by Charles Looff in 1895. Originally set in a carnival known as Lee Funland in New York, it was later moved to Slater Park, its current location since 1910, where it continues to operate to this day. Situated adjacent to the iconic Daggett House, it is the world’s most ancient stationary carousel, with 44 horses, two chariots, a giraffe, a camel, a lion, and three dogs.
Looff Carousel
Address: 825 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket, RI 02861, United States
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
16. Solve exciting puzzles at Escape Room Rhode Island
If you are looking for a fun, exciting, and nail-biting experience, visit Escape Room Rhode Island soon. It is an excellent place for enjoying fun-filled adventures with friends or family. Escape Room is also a great choice for a couples’ night out or as a corporate team-building exercise. The games are quite challenging but the staff is extremely helpful and friendly. The venue gives players the perfect excuse to put their minds to test.
Escape Room Rhode Island
Address: 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
Website: Escape Room Rhode Island
Opening hours: Thu: 5:30pm - 8pm; Fri: 5:30pm - 9pm; Sat: 12:30pm - 9pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 8pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
17. Explore Daggett House at your leisure
A historic house in Slater Memorial Park, Daggett House is one of the most ancient edifices in Rhode Island and is one of the city’s oldest standing structures. The house was constructed in the 17th century and can be rented out for small parties. Inside, it is excellently furnished, retaining most of its original features. You’ll also find displays of several articles from the Civil War era and from the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimac.
Daggett House
Address: 10 Mile, River Greenway Bikepath, Pawtucket, RI 02861, United States
18. Visit the stunning Pawtucket Falls
The falls are situated around half a mile upstream of the meeting point of Seekonk River and Pawtucket River. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers visiting Pawtucket. The falls supply power to the cotton spinning mill of Samuel Slater. Constructed in the late 18th century, the mill is said to have begun the famous Industrial Revolution in the United States. If you wish to capture awesome pictures and enjoy the best views of Pawtucket Falls, it’s best to view it from the riverbanks located below. Holidaymakers love the postcards of these stunning falls in Rhode Island.
Pawtucket Falls
Address: Pawtucket Falls, Blackstone River, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860, USA
Enjoy a perfect vacation in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
There are so many things to see and do here that it can be a bit overwhelming for visitors to pick all the best places to explore. Check out the above-listed best things to do in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and have a vacation like never before.
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