introduction
Huebi: Map of USA with Rhode Island highlighted; 9 June 2006
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States of America in the New England region of the country. Nearly one tenth of Rhode Island's inland area is covered by salt water, and no part of the state is more than a 30-minute drive from the water's edge.
surfing
Whitney: Bluffs, Block Islands, Rhode Island
During the hurricane season on the Atlantic east coast (JUN-DEC) you may be lucky and score some waves off the Florida coast. If your not, head up to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The entire coastline here is like an offshore swell magnet that will attract any thing in the area. Options tend to be reduced further north of this point and you will be limited to windswell activity. Any storm cell that passes across this coast will be heading east at a great rate of knots and so groundswell activity will be fleeting. Typically all you will receive will be whatever is blown behind the cells as they truck towards Europe.
travel
Steinsky: American Megabus; 13 August, 2006
There are many ways of travelling in the US: by plane, private jet, train, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, thumb or car.
Trains are relatively expensive; private jets can begin at around $4000 per flight hour; buses are generally dependable, safe and affordable, though not available everywhere; renting an RV is up to your personal taste; motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country as well as travelling by thumb.
And of course, the idea of long-distance car travel is the most appealing to the majority of Americans. The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Just keep in mind that the country is huge and be prepared to travel for hours behind the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use. By the way, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are almost impossible to get to without a car.
where to stay
Ipsingh: Bates Motel Set at Universal Studio Hollywood CA; 28 July 2006
You shouldn’t have any problems with finding a place to sleep in Rhode Island. Motel is the most popular form of accommodation and they are usually located on the sides of the highways, so it’s very convenient for the road trippers. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but they will usually provide you with a clean room that includes the following amenities: bed, bathroom, TV, telephone. Price is also very reasonable. Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels are popular chains of motels that can be found all over the country.
Providence is the state capital and largest city in Rhode Island that will offer some nice bed & breakfasts as well as hotels. B&B: Old Court Bed & Breakfast, Cady House, Mowry-Nicholson House, Christopher Dodge House. Hotels: Radisson Hotel Providence Harbor, Westin Providence, Hilton Providence, The Hotel Providence, Hotel Dolce Villa, etc.
Narragansett has the best beaches in New England and might be worth exploring as well. Stay in Inn's or B&B's: Shells By the Sea, Ocean Rose Inn, The Lighthouse Inn of Galilee, Sheppard's Place, The Village Inn Hotel and Conference Center.
what to pack
Smack: Mummy bag; 10 August, 2006
Rhode Island is an example of a warm summer humid continental climate with hot, rainy summers and cold, snowy winters. So pack dependinng on the season when you are going. If you are planning to surf, you would want to go during Summer.
Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses. Better take your medicines with you, such as pain-killers and anti-histamine medication, as the brands can be unfamiliar.
Don't forget all the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temp in winter (and waterproof in summer); special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack.