Bristol County

Understand

This small county was formed by the transfer of part of Bristol County, Massachusetts to the state of Rhode Island due to the long-standing border dispute. The county was originally part of Plymouth Colony, and named after its county seat, Bristol, Rhode Island. The new Rhode Island county was formed in 1746 with the towns of Barrington, Warren, and Bristol being recognized. Bristol County is located on the Narragansett Bay, directly between Providence and Newport allowing access to both the city and the beaches. Due to its location, Bristol County experiences all four seasons, with a long summer, scenic autumn and spring, and snowy winters. In the summer many residents go to the Newport, or the Cape, and during the winter, ski trips to Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire are only a few hours north.

Getting there

By car From Providence, go east of I-195. Follow Route 114 into Barrington, and continue to follow Route 114, known as the Wompanoag Trail, through Warren, and Bristol. For an alternate route; travel east on I-195 to exit 2 in Massachusetts and follow Route 136 into Bristol. From Boston take I-95 south to Route 24 south. Take the Mt. Hope Bridge exit and follow signs for Bristol and the Mt. Hope Bridge. Go over the bridge and follow Route 114 into Bristol. Continue to follow Route 114 if traveling to Warren or Barrington.

By air T.F. Green Airport(PVD IATA) in Warwick offers low cost regular flights from many cities in the United States. Boston's Logan Airport(BOS IATA) is much larger and is generally used for international flights.

By bus R.I.P.T.A. (401)781-9400. Services across all of Rhode Island. Bus #60 connects Providence to Newport and passes through Barrington, Warren, and Bristol with stops along Route 114.

Getting around

Bristol County is easily navigated by foot, bike, car or public transportation. R.I.P.T.A. (Rhode Island Transit Authority) has many stops along Route 114 that connects Barrington, Warren, and Bristol. Also the East Bay Bike Bath makes it easy to go from one town to another, and runs through scenic locations. This makes it easy to get around by bike, walking, or running. Also, traveling by boat is very common during the warmer seasons. The three towns have few main roads, which most of the side roads can be accessed from. Route 114 leads through all three town's center. If traveling north to Providence this road turns into the Wampanoag Trail, and if traveling south it goes from Barrington to Warren to Bristol.

Go next

There is plenty of night life available all around Bristol County. Upscale dining can be found in Providence, or Newport. Bristol County features many different options with variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs all located within 30 minutes or less from the towns.