Rhode Island Car Rental and Bristol, Rhode Island

Bristol is a town located on Rhode Island with your car rental. It is named after the seaport of the same name in England. Much of its industry comes from marine industries such as boat-building, manufacturing, and tourism.

Party in America’s most patriotic town

Bristol has earned itself the name of “most patriotic town” because it has the oldest continuous Independence Day celebrations in the United States. When you visit with your Rhode Island car rental in early July, the air is alive with excitement. Bristol was an important part of the Revolutionary War and was bombed twice by the British Navy. The first documented celebration of independence came from a British officer who heard sounds coming across Narragansett Bay. The festivities start a month before the big day and end with a Military, Civic, and Fireman’s Parade that draws over 200,000 people.

Walk it out

There are a number of tours you can take when you visit Bristol. You can leave your Rhode Island car rental behind and take a walking tour. The Cultural Wood Street Walk is a one-mile tour. This tour will take you past Town Common to Wood Street where a number of Portuguese bakeries, fisheries, and markets may tempt you to come in for a few minutes. You will then make your way to Franklin Street where you will find Hydraulion Engine and Hose Co. 1, which is one of the oldest volunteer fire companies in continuous service. Next you will go down Thames Street where Bristol’s first commercial wharf was constructed in 1722. There are other tours available as well, at varying lengths.

Step back in time

There are not only walking tours in this town, but you can also hop in your Rhode Island car rental to check out some of the museums in Bristol. Mount Hope Farm is over 200 acres of fields, meadows, pastures, woodland, and historic buildings. The farm dates back to the 1680s and provides visitors with an education in the environmental, historical, and educational experience of the area.

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is set on the traditional lands of the Wampanoag peoples, who were the first people on these lands. The museum holds a collection of artifacts from the native peoples of the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. You can stop by with your Rhode Island car rental and learn more about this ancient history.

Get in trouble with the law

Another interesting stop with your Rhode Island car rental is the Bristol Statehouse/Courthouse, which is located on the edge of Town Common. This 1816 Federal-style building served as one of five state houses used by the Rhode Island General Assembly. It was later converted to a courthouse, which was in use until 1980.

Bristol is a great place to visit with your Rhode Island car rental. This small but patriotic town has charm and beauty.