BRISTOL COUNTY

Chamber of Commerce
16 Cutler Street
Warren 401-245-0750
Toll Free 888-278-9948
https://www.eastbaychamberri.org/

Visitor’s Information
16 Cutler Street
Warren 401-245-0750
Toll Free 888-278-9948
https://www.eastbaychamberri.org/

Distinguished as one of the most picturesque locations in the state of Rhode Island, Bristol County enjoys a unique location on a peninsula surrounded by Mount Hope and Narragansett Bays. Newcomers will find beautiful beaches and the scenic backdrop of a pristine coastline in this region often designated as “East Bay.” Strong maritime roots and influence enhance the area’s scenic and historic appeal, but it also opens the door for a wealth of water-related recreational opportunities.

Each one of the small communities that dot the area claims a distinctive identity and offers equally unique attractions from architecturally significant buildings to superb recreational activities. The leading town of Bristol proudly presents one of the oldest continuous Fourth of July Parades in the nation, drawing regional visitors to its hospitality and charm. Nearby Newport County is the sailing capital of the world, drawing visitors to magnificent mansions and premier historic attractions as well as the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Services
Education is a high priority in Bristol County, where outstanding school districts offer well-equipped classrooms, advanced technology, and dedicated instructors. The commitment to quality schools is evident from a performance standpoint, but also in exceptional organizations like the Barrington Education Foundation. This nonprofit group awards grants to teachers, administrators, and organizations to support a wide variety of creative and resource programs.
Even though it is the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island provides a wide variety of options for higher education close to home. Bristol is home to the private institution of Rogers Williams University & Law School. From the Community College of Rhode Island to the renowned Brown University in Providence, public and private colleges and universities offer everything from two-year vocational programs to graduate studies and first-professional degrees.

Healthcare services are state-of-the-art, from medical centers and clinics that serve the residents in smaller towns and villages to renowned teaching hospitals such as those associated with the Medical Schools at Brown University and Rogers Williams University. Regional medical centers and hospitals combine with a wide spectrum of specialty facilities to meet every healthcare need close to home.

Lifestyle
Newcomers to the East Bay and Bristol County will discover fine art galleries, fascinating museums, superb performing arts, entertainment venues, and abundant opportunities for relaxation or sports play close to home. Walking, swimming, fishing, boating, bird-watching, golfing, and tennis are just a few of the popular pastimes. Bike along the 14-mile East Bay Bike Path or join the local yacht club, windsurf or sail on Mt. Hope Bay, or picnic at panoramic Colt State Park.

Aficionados of the arts can enjoy first-rate performances by local groups like the Bristol Theater Company as well as guest artists in theatre, opera, music, and dance. Collectors will find Bristol County to be a paradise of antique shops and dealers, while modern malls are nearby for the latest fashions and expanded shopping trips.

Some popular destinations are strictly East Bay attractions, such as the Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, Bristol Art Museum, the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, and Herreshoff Marine Museum. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to this lovely area for the blend of modern and historic treasures it holds.

The housing choices vary throughout the communities, from charming older homes in the heart of historic villages and cities to magnificent country estates and handsome suburban development. With its attractive homes, welcoming neighbors, panoramic landscape, and family-oriented recreational amenities, Bristol County is truly a home for all reasons.

Barrington
Municipal Offices
401-247-1900
https://www.barrington.ri.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
401-245-0750
https://www.eastbaychamberri.org/

The charming town of Barrington takes great pride in the historic 1888 town hall, a beautiful landmark of medieval structure that incorporates boulders, glacial rocks, and unique stones. Warm, friendly and family-oriented, the community boasts an outstanding school system and first-rate options for education and recreation as well as social and cultural services for all ages.
In contrast to the communities of Warren and Bristol, Barrington is home to very few manufacturing companies. The town is widely known as a residential haven filled with beautiful homes and handsome country estates. At Nayatt Point lies a summer colony along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay, also the location of the Rhode Island Country Club and one of the finest golf courses in the East.

The Barrington River offers anchorage for an impressive number of motor and sailing watercraft while it provides easy access to the sweeping, scenic reaches of Narragansett Bay. Barrington also features conservation areas that range from fragile marshlands to a natural wooded area and preserved open space in order to protect the area’s unique, pristine environment.

Bristol
Municipal Offices
401-253-7000
https://www.bristolri.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
401-245-0750
https://www.eastbaychamberri.org/

Founded in 1680, the historic, beautiful community of Bristol is home to wonderful examples of colonial and Federal architecture surrounded by picturesque Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays.
Each Fourth of July, the town welcomes 250,000 visitors attracted by “the greatest birthday party in all of America.” Sailing and shipbuilding have been a part of the local heritage since the 17th century. The main campus of Roger Williams College is located on Mount Hope Bay, and the town offers a variety of attractions that include shops, restaurants, the Bristol Art Museum, and Haffenreffer Indian Museum.

Rich in history and tradition, Bristol is progressive and well balanced at the same time. Planners have encouraged the influx of new business and industry by offering prime space and a friendly atmosphere.

Natural beauty and a seaside setting add to the attraction for newcomers. Bordered by 15 miles of coastline, the town provides excellent facilities for boating, swimming, and fishing. Local beaches and parks are well-maintained and plentiful, including Colt State Park with a location overlooking the bay. Diverse and first-rate recreational opportunities are available throughout the East Bay, supporting every imaginable type of outdoor adventure or water sport.

The waterfront ambiance creates a scenic backdrop for outdoor activity but also for many of the area’s beautiful homes. Because of its unique geography, Bristol enjoys a milder climate than most New England and Rhode Island communities.

Warren
Municipal Offices
401-245-7340
https://www.townofwarren-ri.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
401-245-0750
https://www.eastbaychamberri.org/

The charming small town of Warren is home to many quaint buildings and historic landmarks, adding to the rich legacy of the East Bay communities. Warren shares a school district with Bristol, providing an outstanding education to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Like its neighboring cities, Warren is filled with interesting treasures in unique shops and antique dealers. In fact, the former Lyric Theatre now houses the Warren Antique Center on three floors. Water, Miller, Main, and Child streets provide a compact but visually appealing commercial district set against a scenic background.

The southern portion of the town is located on picturesque Mount Hope Bay, which gives residents a panoramic vista and serves as a panoramic background for the area’s beautiful homes. Residents enjoy a variety of water-oriented recreation and activities including boating, fishing and swimming.

Newcomers to Warren will also find a kaleidoscope of recreational and cultural amenities throughout the East Bay area, from performing arts to parks, marinas, multi-purpose trails, bike paths, beaches, water-sport areas, picnic accommodations, playgrounds, and sports fields.

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