Glocester Rhode IslandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Glocester, Rhode Island.
1. Mulberry Vineyard
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Mulberry Vineyard offers visitors a charming wine tasting experience in the heart of Glocester. Guests can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the scenic vineyard views. The vineyard provides a perfect weekend escape for wine enthusiasts looking to explore Rhode Island's growing wine culture.
2. Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area features miles of hiking trails through beautiful New England landscapes. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and picnicking in this natural retreat. The park is especially popular during the summer months when families gather to enjoy its recreational facilities.
3. The Town Trader Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNT
The Town Trader Antiques offers an extensive collection of vintage items and collectibles for antique enthusiasts. Shoppers can browse through a variety of historical artifacts, furniture, and unique memorabilia from different eras. The store has become a destination for collectors and interior designers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces with historical significance.
4. Old Stone Mill Antiques and Treasures
HISTORIC ANTIQUE MARKETPLACE
Old Stone Mill Antiques and Treasures houses an impressive selection of antiques in a charming historic building. The marketplace features multiple vendors offering everything from furniture and home decor to rare collectibles and vintage clothing. Treasure hunters often spend hours exploring the various sections filled with pieces that tell stories of the past.
5. Petersen Farm
WORKING HISTORIC FARM
Petersen Farm preserves Rhode Island's agricultural heritage through its maintained historic farmland and buildings. Visitors can experience farm life through seasonal events, demonstrations, and educational programs about sustainable farming practices. The farm stands as a living museum where traditional farming techniques continue to be practiced and passed down to future generations.
6. Chepachet Union Church
HISTORIC GREEK REVIVAL LANDMARK
Chepachet Union Church is a remarkable Greek Revival structure built by Cyrus Eddy and Jesse Potter that has played a central role in community life. The church served as the site for graduation ceremonies for all Glocester schools for over a century and hosted the Trolley Day celebration in 1914. After losing part of its belfry in the 1938 hurricane, it was finally restored in 2000 when resident Earle Bowen donated funds in honor of his late wife.
7. Steere Hill & Phillips Farm
SCENIC HIKING TRAILS
Steere Hill & Phillips Farm offers miles of marked and maintained hiking trails perfect for nature enthusiasts. The property features stone walls, vernal pools, fens, stone foundations, historic cemeteries, and beautiful views along its path network. Trail maps are available at the property kiosk or online through the Glocester Land Trust website.
8. Sprague Farm Town Forest
FOREST HIKING DESTINATION
Sprague Farm Town Forest provides several well-maintained trails of varying lengths for hikers of all skill levels. The forest showcases the natural beauty of Rhode Island with its diverse ecosystem and historical features scattered throughout the property. Visitors can choose from short, medium, or long hikes while exploring the preserved landscape managed by the Glocester Land Trust.
9. Hawkins Pond
SERENE WATER RECREATION
Hawkins Pond offers a peaceful setting for water-based recreation and wildlife observation in Glocester. The pond area includes designated trails that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of this aquatic ecosystem. Nature photographers and birdwatchers particularly enjoy this location for its diverse wildlife and scenic views throughout the changing seasons.
10. Brown and Hopkins Country Store
HISTORIC GENERAL STORE
Brown and Hopkins Country Store is one of the oldest continuously operating country stores in America, dating back to the 18th century. The store offers a nostalgic shopping experience with a mix of traditional goods, local crafts, and specialty items. Visitors can step back in time while browsing through the historic building filled with character and old-world charm.
11. Parkhurst House
UNIQUE CONNECTED ARCHITECTURE
Parkhurst House is an early Greek Revival structure from the 1830s that stands out for its unusual connected building design. It remains the only structure of its kind in the town of Glocester where all buildings are interconnected. The property represents a unique architectural approach that adapted to the harsh New England winters by allowing movement between buildings without going outdoors.
12. Charles Potter House
ARCHITECTURAL GREEK REVIVAL GEM
Charles Potter House, built around 1840, is distinguished by its fine door details that showcase the craftsmanship of Greek Revival architecture. The historic home belonged to Charles Potter, son of Dr. Albert Potter and father of Dr. Edgar Potter, who was a partner in the local business Read & Potter's Store. This well-preserved residence stands as a testament to Glocester's architectural heritage and the Potter family's significance in the community.
13. Arnold Sayles House
COLONIAL ERA RESIDENCE
Arnold Sayles House dates back to the 18th century and exemplifies colonial half-house architecture in Glocester. The historic building later served as a boarding house around 1900, adapting to the changing needs of the community. Its preservation offers visitors insight into the residential building styles and living arrangements of early Rhode Island settlers.
14. Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery
FRESH FARM-TO-TABLE EXPERIENCE
Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery is a beloved family-owned establishment just a short drive from Glocester that offers fresh dairy products and baked goods. Visitors can watch cows being milked and bakers crafting delicious pastries, cakes, and breads throughout the day. The farm store features products made from milk produced on-site, providing an authentic farm-to-table experience that has made it a regional destination.
15. Blackstone River Bikeway
SCENIC RIVERSIDE CYCLING
Blackstone River Bikeway offers a scenic paved trail that follows the historic Blackstone River not far from Glocester. The path takes cyclists and pedestrians through beautiful natural landscapes while passing historic mill buildings that tell the story of America's industrial revolution. This recreational corridor provides an excellent opportunity for exercise while experiencing both the natural beauty and industrial heritage of northern Rhode Island.