BY MARIE C. FRANKLIN | GLOBE STAFF
This unpretentious coastal town has been discovered, luring visitors with its rich history, quaint downtown, and choice location on Narragansett Bay, midway between Providence and Newport. Bristol, with the oldest continuous running Independence Day celebration in the country, calls itself the most patriotic town in America. The Fourth of July is a splendid time to visit as festivities include a parade, a carnival, and a soap - box derby. Increasingly, though, Bristol is a place to visit year-round. Its natural beauty, shopping and recreational options, and the expansion of Roger Williams University have fueled a renaissance in the town, which has been around since King Philip led the Wampanoag. Attractions include a revived wharf area anchored by a boutique hotel and stores, and an impressive number of restaurants. Visitors browse antiques shops or, when they want exercise, head to Colt State Park for nature and bike trails. Parking is generally not a problem. Look for spaces along Hope and Thames streets.
Do
The largest town in Bristol County, which includes Warren and Barrington, Bristol is worth a look on foot because there are so many treasures to discover. A Walking Tour of Bristol is available at onlinebristol.com . One- and 2-mile tours past Federal and Greek Revival homes and the Thames Street waterfront offer historic sights. Hope Street (Route 114) is lighted for the holidays from Church to Franklin streets and will turn a few heads with its beauty.Visitors are welcome at Linden Place (500 Hope St., 401-253-0390) for daily tours of the historic mansion, May through Columbus Day, or by appointment.
Seasonal revelers can drive along Route 114 toward the Mount Hope Bridge and on into Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum (101 Ferry Road, 401-253-2707, blithewold.org) for Christmas at Blithewold 2006.
For naturalists, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Environmental Education Center (1401 Hope St., Route 114, 401-245-7500) is a 28-acre wildlife refuge featuring touch tanks, wildlife exhibits, and a replica of a 35-foot-long right whale hanging from the ceiling. Browsers are welcome at the nature gift shop, open daily year - round.
In warmer months, visit the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame (1 Burnside St., 401-253-5000). In summer, Concerts on the Common (401-253-7000) bring evenings alive with weekly performances by local ensembles and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.
Spend
Newport has Bowen's Wharf, but Bristol has Thames Street Landing (corner of State and Thames streets), two cobblestone wharves wrapped around nine buildings that make up the historic complex and shopping district. For unique gifts and cards, try Studio Six (401-247-0468) where whimsy and sentiment prevail. For Irish jewelry and clothing, stop by Claddagh Connection (401-253-0000).Cooking enthusiasts may want to cross Thames to browse at European Kitchen (11 State St., 401-254-2305) for hard-to-find culinary tools and imported cookware. A few doors down, Magick Mirror Gift Shop (17 State St., 401-254-2200) is a must if you're looking for crystals, herbs, and other metaphysical gifts.
For the dog in your life, pick up a treat at Woof! A Bakery for Dogs (54 State St., 401-253-5755 ). Bristol also has several antiques stores along the main streets for browsers and collectors.
Back at the wharf, grab snacks at Narragansett Provision Co. (401-253-4700), or in warmer months, ice cream from Gray's on the Dock overlooking Bristol Harbor.
Play
For outdoor enthusiasts, Colt State Park (Hope Street, Route 114, riparks.com/colt, 401-253-7482, free, open year - round) has 464 acres of bike and nature paths along salt marshes and Bristol Town Beach. Ocean State Adventures (99 Poppasquash Road, 401-254-4000, kayakri.com ) offers cross-country skiing tours (alone or with a guide) on the park's trails.Pamper yourself with a facial or massage at Alayne White Spa and Body Boutique (259 Thames St., 401-254-1772, alaynewhite.com ). Others may prefer a round of golf at Bristol Golf Club (95 Tupelo St., 401-253-9844, $12 weekend green fees).
In warmer weather, arrive by boat and take advantage of the transient moorings at the Bristol Yacht Club, (101 Poppasquash Road, 401-253-2922, $30 a night, includes shower and restrooms) or Bristol Marine (99 Poppasquash Road, 401-253-2200, $35 a night includes shower and restroom).
To entertain your inner child, stop by Toy Shop (450 Hope St, 401-253-8982), where a large selection of board games, including wooden Sudoku, are available.
Party
The 3,800 undergraduates of Roger Williams University keep Bristol hopping at night. Back at Judge Roy Bean Saloon (1 State St.) live bands, karaoke, and open mike nights bring out crowds. For an Irish pub, Aidan's Pub & Grub (5 John St., 401-254-1940) attracts a lively after-work or -study clientele thirsty for Irish ale, served with bangers and mash (sausage and potatoes) and homemade pie. Lace curtains and a wood burning stove add to the warm feel.For serious pool players, American Family Billiards (87 Gooding Ave., 401-253-6000) has 16 professional-grade billiards tables and a kitchen serving pizza, salad, and light fare. Pretend you're in a tournament playing the best on the circuit. Shoot all you want on Friday nights for $10.
Rest
Historic accommodations reflect the past, but lodgings are refurbished and comfortable. Bristol Harbor Inn (259 Thames St., 401-254-1444, bristolharborinn.com , $89-$249) offers rooms with a water view in a Federal-style inn a block from downtown. The 40-room hotel at Thames Street Landing shares the complex with gift shops and a spa. One block up to State Street, and a right or a left turn will put you on Hope Street and downtown.William's Grant Inn B&B (154 High St., 401-253-4222, wmgrantinn.com , $99) has only five rooms, but guests enjoy the fireplaces in them and the homemade breakfast. The inn is on the route for the historic Bristol Fourth of July Parade.
Another option is Rockwell House Inn Bed & Breakfast in the heart of downtown (610 Hope St., 800-815-0040, rockwellhouseinn.com , $229-$249) where one of the four guest rooms is named for Roger Williams, Rhode Island's cofounder.
In the summer, Roger Williams University Visitors and Conference Center (144 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, 401-683-3600, rwu.edu) has double rooms available at more modest rates.
Fuel
There are great restaurants scattered all over Bristol. For breakfast, head to Sunset Cafe (499 Hope St., 401-253-1910) for fresh baked goods, coffee, and a look at the locals.For lunch or supper, try fish and chips with cole slaw or a juicy burger at Judge Roy Bean Saloon (1 State St., 401-253-7526, $5-$10), a funky pub with a mahogany bar and imported beer and ale. At Thames Street Landing, JG Goff's (251 Thames St., 401-253-4523, $7-$20) offers a waterfront setting, a multilevel bar, and a menu of sandwiches, burgers, and seafood.
For ambience and consistently great food, make your way to Redlefsen's Rotisserie & Grill (444 Thames St., 401-254-1188, redlefsens.com , entrees $20-$30), a European-style cafe specializing in German and Alsatian dishes with outdoor seating on the harbor in warmer months.
For Italian cuisine, follow your nose to Roberto's Ristorante (301 Hope St., 401-254-9732, robertosonline.com , entrees $14-$29), a small place with a big menu and wine list. The new hot spot in town is Leo's Ristorante (365 Hope St., 401-253-9300, thebestitalianfood.com , dinner for two, $29.95).
