Meet the new kid on the block: Folklore Provisions.

This European style cafe opened in 2024 by husband and wife team, Chef Eli Dunn (ah hem 2x Food Network Chopped Champion) and his wife Rachel.

Stop here first for Portuguese style fare for breakfast and lunch, that will have you craving for more. From savory like the Ricotta Toast and sweet like decadent Cinnamon Roll, and let’s not forget the incredible lattes that will blow your mind, made with none other than Azorean milk. 

Welcome to Bristol Bagel Works, now celebrating 30 years, this Bristol institution serves up fresh bagels and pastries daily. Order an egg sandwich (made with real eggs) or a classic breakfast bagel with your choice of cream cheese, jam, or topping.

Insider’s Tip: Looking for a harbor special? Order your bagel with Nova Lox strips, cream cheese, capers, onion and tomato slices for a delicious treat.

Located on the water in downtown, Empire Tea & Coffee is the perfect spot for a morning coffee, pastry, toast or sandwich. Menu favorites include an array of baked goods, deconstructed avocado toast, and fresh açaí bowls.

Exposed brick, large open coffee bars, and late-night hangs (desserts, wine, and more), you are entering the coffee shop out of your dreams.

Borealis Coffee Company, a small batch coffee roaster and café is located at Unity Park, in Bristol, the former home to the U.S. Rubber Company mill. From breakfast items and weekend pastries to a daily rotating coffee menu and special non-coffee drinks, there is something for everyone at Borealis.

Right on the edge of Bristol and Warren lies a nature haven with fun for the whole family, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Nature Center and Aquarium.

Their state of the art building includes a play space for the kids, an observation area where you may even spot a bird of prey, a small aquarium for all our sea friends, an adorable gift shop and space for their always fun calendar of events.

But it’s the outdoors where the magic comes to life with beautiful grounds, a garden and just over a 1 mile loop of a walking trail that leads down to the bay. Pack your binoculars for some likely good bird spotting and don’t forget to check out their events calendar for family fun, and learning opportunities for all through the year.

The East Bay Bike Path weaves through coves, marshes, parks and bridges offering a scenic journey from Providence to Bristol along the shore of Narragansett Bay. Temporary path closures may occur, click here for my up-to-date information regarding the bike path.

Insider’s Tip: Conveniently located steps from the East Bay Bike Path, Bristol Bikes is a one-stop-shop for all your biking needs in downtown Bristol. Choose (rent or buy) from popular eBike brands, beach cruisers, and more.

Now you are ready to hit the bike path for miles of scenic cruising.

What can we say about Colt State Park other than it’s well, breathtaking. Whether it be via bike, foot or car, the expansive 464-acre state park is perfect for hikes, kite flying, fishing, camping, picnicking and overall nature bathing.

The East Bay Bike Path runs through the park, so if you are cycling through be sure to take a spin through the park for some epic views.

Transport back in time at Coggshall Farm. In partnership with Old Sturbridge Village, get a glimpse of days gone at this 18-century farm. Set on 48-acres and adjacent to Colt State Park or Poppasquash Rd., a collection of historic homes and pastoral views welcome you as you enter the property.

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to check out their events calendar for family fun like A Coggshall Halloween, a New England Thanksgiving, and Sheep & Wool Festival.

Open spaces, walking trails and the sweetest farm animals span the 127-acres of Mount Hope Farm.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, come here for respite and nature bathing with hikes through their numerous trails, or to gather at a seasonal farmer’s market, weddings, events and more.

What started as a food truck AKA The Bunny Mobile, has now expanded into a brick-and-mortar location in Bristol's Unity Park called Basil & Bunny.

A fully plant-based, comfort food experience like no other. The goal: plant-based food that isn't "rabbit food." Menu items include: burgers, sides, sweets, and more.

Insider’s Tip: Don't skip the bunny sauce, it is ear-resistible.

Head to The Beehive Cafe on Franklin Street, a small, two-story cafe with cozy seating and savory farm-to-table eats. Choose from an array of breakfast (served all day) and lunch options. Menu favorites include Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, the Beehive BLT, and their Black Bean Burger.

Insider’s Tip: Can’t make it to the downtown cafe? Head to their sister bakery, The Beehive Pantry, for all your favorite beehive scratch-made bread and baked goods and carefully crafted coffee.

Rise and shine or find your afternoon cheer at the always adorable Bristol Sunset Cafe.

This family-owned and operated spot brings a twist on classics like Grilled Cheese or the BLT, as well as signature dishes like the Portuguese Steak.

Make your way to Herreshoff Marine Museum where the restoration of some of the most magnificent wooden boats in history takes place.

Head inside to the museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame for a look at hundreds of artifacts and memorabilia significant to the Herreshoff legacy, including more than 60 significant boats.

This 33-acre estate with striking views of Narragansett Bay was purchased and transformed in 1894 by the Van Wickle family.

A 45-room English-style summer manor, Blithewold now houses family heirlooms and original furnishings from when the Van Wickles resided there, while the outside is surrounded by seven (yes, seven) award-winning gardens filled with local and exotic plants, shrubs and trees.

Known for their daffodil display in the spring and their magical Christmas decorations during the holiday season, opt to wander the estate at your own pace with a self-guided tour or relax and enjoy an afternoon tea on the Northwest porch .

Insider’s Tip: The bamboo birds have landed in Bristol. Think: Six (6) big beautiful birds made from bamboo and colorful up-cycled items on display on the grounds until August 2025. Click here for more info. 

Built in 1810, Linden Place Mansion was once the residence of one of the wealthiest slave traders in the U.S. Today, you can tour the mansion and gardens on a guided tour (60 minutes) or a self-guided tour where you'll learn about tales of DeWolf family exploits, from their privateering and slave trading to their financial ruin and triumphant return to prosperity during Victorian times.

Vegan curious or just plain love amazing and creative cuisine? Head to James Beard Semi-Finalist and farm-driven vegan restaurant Foglia, led by Chef/Owner Peter Carvelli.

With seasonally rotating dishes like the Hearts of Palm Crab Cakes or Tempeh Mozambique, the menu will have even the most carnivorous diners turning a new leaf… see what we did there?

Located in what was previously the 1818 DeWolf Rum Distillery on Thames Street Landing is DeWolf Tavern, a harborside restaurant boasting entrees you would expect of a restaurant located on the bay: stuffed lobster, swordfish, and salmon, to name a few; but you'll also see a good deal of Indian influence thanks to Chef Sai Viswanath.

Think: Lobster cooked in a tandoor oven (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), chickpea battered shrimp pakora with sweet chili sauce and pakora battered cauliflower manchurian.

Bring your appetite to Qhali in Bristol for some of the best Peruvian cuisine around.

Offering a fusion of healthy super foods and spicy flavor, Chef Vanessa Saldana brings authentic and amazing Peruvian food to the East Bay and it is a must to try.

Welcome to Brick Pizza Co. located in Unity Park, alongside other Bristol favorites like Basil & Bunny, Pivotal Brewing Co., O'Brien & Brough, and Borealis Coffee Company. A one-stop-shop for culinary goodness. 

Think: Vaulted ceilings, industrial vibes, and of course brick ovens delivering the most killer brick oven pizzas this side of Narragansett Bay.

White linens and a French-inspired menu comprise your dining experience at Le Central, where local produce and fresh ingredients remain at the forefront of their menu.

Start things off with a French staple of duck liver mousse served with a seasonal fruit compote and end with lemon ricotta pancakes and an after-dinner digestif.

Coming to Bristol very soon: The Franklin, a sophisticated French brasserie that is a high end patisserie by day and a candlelit bar and restaurant by night, brought by the Groundswell Guild of Tiverton.

The newest brewery to hit the beer scene is Vigilant Brewing.

What to expect when you arrive: fresh poured brews, a large taproom, cans to-go, live music and food trucks. This modern beer garden meets brewery may be new to Bristol, but it will be your go-to spot in no time.

Six Pack is brewing up unique beers in their 1500 square foot nano-brewery located in Bristol, Rhode Island. What started as a 10-year home brewing hobby, this brewery first opened their doors in November 2020. They have a comfortable taproom and outside seating available, weather permitting.

The brewery features six beers, out of 10, named after "the original six pack", named after their dogs (meet the pack here.)

Think: Eclectic urban oasis, with a vintage industrial street vibe, and seriously good beer.

Pivotal Brewing Co. is located in Unity Park, the restored historic Bristol Industrial Park, now a Culinary Hub with multiple new restaurants close by; Basil & Bunny, Brick Pizza, and Borealis Coffee Company to name a few. Enjoy flights, a uniquely decorated taproom, or stock up with a variety of takeaway cans at this artsy brewery.

As you enter the alley between Pivotal Brewery and O’Brien & Brough, the speakeasy style vibes flow from this captivating distillery as much as the spirits do. 

The intimate and dimly lit atmosphere encapsulates the alchemistic vibes of their craft. Think one of the most curated cocktail menus created with their distilled spirits of gin, whiskey, malt, rye and the always mysterious absinthe.