Rhode Island

High- and low-end happily coexist every summer at Hewtin's Dogs, chef Matt Gennuso's gourmet hot dog cart. Gennuso treats the side endeavor with as much care and enthusiasm as the upmarket French restaurant he owns across the street, topping all-beef Grote and Weigel franks with homemade condiments like spiced tomato preserve, Vidalia onion relish, and sauerkraut made from cabbage braised in duck fat. The result is one haute dog. Hewtin's Dogs, Lippitt Park, across from 960 Hope Street, Providence, 401-421-4422, chez-pascal.com

Walk Like Your Forefathers

From the look of it today, it's difficult to believe stately Benefit Street was once in disrepair and destined for the wrecking ball. Thanks to efforts by the Providence Preservation Society, the gas-lamp-lined street now boasts one of the highest concentrations of restored 18th- and 19th-century homes in the country. Walk down the so-called "mile of history," and you'll see countless architectural treasures, including the circa-1753 Providence Athenaeum and the Georgian-style Old State House. Benefit Street, Providence, 401-331-8575, rihs.org

On Track to Laugh

The Providence Improv Fest has grown exponentially since it debuted in 2004 with just three Rhode Island troupes. Last year, 38 groups, including those from as far away as Los Angeles and Oxford, England, came to Providence to show off their on-the-fly acting skills. But this year, from June 25 to 28, in an effort to bring the festival back to its home-grown roots, director Mauro Hantman is limiting participation to local teams (including his own troupe, Improv Jones, and Boston-based Code Duello), which will compete for the audience-decided Best in New England title. Providence Improv Fest, venues throughout Providence, providence-improvfest.com

Natural Beauty

The Nature Conservancy has called Block Island "one of the last great places in the Western Hemisphere." Who'd want their mani-pedi habit messing that up? At Koru Eco Spa, owner Lauren von Bernuth strives to lessen her spa's environmental impact, conserving water, supplying staff with organic cotton uniforms, and favoring local and natural treatment ingredients, such as soy-based Priti nail polish and lavender and honey harvested right on the island. Koru Eco Spa, 232 Water Street, Block Island, 401-466-2308, koruecospa.com

Toast of the River

You might recognize this Providence watering hole from its cameo in There's Something About Mary, but Hot Club has been famous far longer than the Farrelly Brothers, thanks to its cheap brews, divey (but never dodgy) atmosphere, and full-frontal view of the Providence River. Hot Club, 575 South Water Street, Providence, 401-861-9007

Wild at Heart

Norman Bird Sanctuary, a 300-acre wildlife refuge, is just a quick jaunt from downtown Newport but feels worlds away. It's home turf for turtles, rabbits, deer, and hundreds of species of birds, including the bald eagle, great cormorant, and Eastern bluebird. Don't miss the popular 1-mile trail out to Hanging Rock, where you can take in a view of the Newport coast from 70 feet above sea level. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown, 401-846-2577, normanbirdsanctuary.org

Red Sauce Rave

Your visit to the Federal Hill food empire Costantino's Venda Ravioli is likely to go one of two equally delicious ways. Option A: Pick up Italian picnic essentials like buffalo mozzarella, spicy sopressa, and antipasto salad at the market arm of the biz. Option B: Dine alfresco at the adjacent restaurant, where you can try Venda's famous handmade pasta while relaxing at one of the umbrella-covered tables that spill out onto piazza-like De Pasquale Square. Costantino's Venda Ravioli, 265 Atwells Avenue, Providence, 401-421-9105, vendaravioli.com

Fair Winds

You can't fully experience Newport without leaving dry land. One of the most exciting ways to see the city is from the deck of a classic 12-meter racing yacht. Charter one of seven restored America's Cup contenders for the afternoon, and you can either try your hand at sailing or sit back and let the crew show you around. America's Cup Charters, Newport, 401-849-5868, americascupcharters.com

Wheel Fun

East Bay Bike Path, Rhode Island's oldest bicycle path, is also its most scenic. The 14.5-mile paved ribbon hugs the coast from Providence to Bristol, passing a wildlife refuge, salt- and freshwater marshes, an open panorama of Narragansett Bay -- and at least five places where you can break for ice cream. East Bay Bike Path, 401-253-7482, riparks.com/eastbay

Horse Play

Need a break from baseball? A polo match at Portsmouth's historic Glen Farm will certainly shake up your sports viewing routine. Now in its 18th season, the Newport International Polo Series brings teams from far-flung locales like India, Jamaica, and Chile to Rhode Island for matches against US players on Saturday evenings from June through September. Forget the sport's reputation for exclusivity: Admission is only $10, and you're even encouraged to tailgate. Newport International Polo Series, 715 East Main Road, Portsmouth, 401-846-0200, glenfarm.com

On the Big, Big Screen

The retro appeal of watching a movie under the stars isn't the only thing that keeps people coming back to Rustic Tri-View Drive-In, the last in Rhode Island. It's also the theater's old-school prices. Admission is a bargain at $20 ($15 on Mondays and Tuesdays) per carload for two of the latest blockbusters shown back-to-back. Meaning the more people you pack into the car, the less cash you'll each have to pay. Rustic Tri-View Drive-In, 1193 Eddie Dowling Highway, North Smithfield, 401-769-7601, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com