10 Easy Road Trips Near Chepachet, Rhode Island (All Outside Providence County)
If you live in or around
Chepachet, Rhode Island and want a quick change of scenery, you’re in a great spot. In less than an hour, you can cross into Massachusetts, Connecticut, or another part of Rhode Island and feel like you’re on a mini-vacation.
This guide shares
10 short out-of-county road trips from Chepachet, focusing on nearby spots in:
- Northeastern Connecticut
- Bristol County, MA
- Norfolk County, MA
- Worcester County, MA
- Bristol County, RI
- Kent County, RI
Each trip is perfect for a
day trip or easy weekend escape, and every idea avoids Providence County so you’re truly “getting away.”
1. Stroll the Historic Waterfront in Bristol, Rhode Island (Bristol County, RI)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 45–55 minutes
If you’re craving a classic New England seaside vibe,
Bristol, RI, is a must. The town feels like it was made for slow walks, good food, and water views.
Things to do in Bristol, RI:
- Independence Park & Waterfront: Walk along the harbor, watch the boats, and enjoy the breeze off Narragansett Bay.
- Downtown Shops: Explore small boutiques, art galleries, and cafes along Hope Street.
- Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum: Tour a historic estate with beautiful gardens overlooking the water.
On my last visit, I ended up just sitting on a bench with an ice cream, watching the sun drop behind the boats. Simple, but it felt like a real break from regular life near Chepachet.
2. Bike or Walk the East Bay Bike Path (Bristol & Warren, Bristol County, RI)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 40–50 minutes
Looking for something active but not extreme? The
East Bay Bike Path is a relaxed, scenic ride with bay views and fun stops along the way.
Why go:
- About 14 miles of paved path from Providence (you can start in Warren or Bristol instead).
- Flat and easy, good for families and casual riders.
- Plenty of places for snacks and coffee along the route.
You can park in
Warren or Bristol and do just a short stretch. Even a 3–5 mile ride or walk gives you beautiful views of Narragansett Bay.
If you’ve been searching for “
things to do near Chepachet RI” that get you outside for a few hours, this one should be near the top of your list.
3. Explore Wickford Village & Harbor (North Kingstown, Kent County, RI)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 45–55 minutes
Wickford Village in North Kingstown feels like a postcard. It’s small, walkable, and packed with charm.
Highlights in Wickford:
- Historic Streets: Stroll past 18th- and 19th-century homes with classic New England architecture.
- Harbor Views: Watch kayaks and sailboats, or sit on a dock with a coffee.
- Local Shops: Browse antiques, handmade jewelry, and seaside decor.
This is a great spot if you want something low-key: just park the car, wander, and let the day unfold. It’s a gentle, peaceful road trip that still feels “special.”
4. Relax at Goddard Memorial State Park & Beach (Warwick, Kent County, RI)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 35–45 minutes
If you’d like a mix of
beach, picnic areas, and walking trails, head to
Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick.
What you’ll find:
- A small, sandy beach on Greenwich Bay
- Shaded picnic spots, perfect for a grill-out or packed lunch
- Horseback riding trails and a public golf course
- Wide, open lawns for frisbee or just stretching out with a book
On warm days, Goddard has that “mini vacation” feel without the stress of driving hours to Cape Cod or New Hampshire.
5. Discover Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge, Worcester County, MA)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 45–55 minutes
If you enjoy history—or just want something different from the usual mall-and-movie weekend—try
Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.
This is a large, outdoor living history museum that recreates life in a New England village from the early 1800s.
What makes it fun:
- Costumed interpreters showing old-time crafts: blacksmithing, farming, cooking over open hearths.
- Historic homes, a village green, schoolhouse, and working farms.
- Hands-on activities for kids and adults.
It’s an easy
day trip from Chepachet that feels surprisingly immersive. You truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
6. Hike and Picnic at Purgatory Chasm (Sutton, Worcester County, MA)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 45–60 minutes
If you like short hikes and interesting rock formations, add
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation to your list.
Why it’s worth the ride:
- A dramatic, rocky chasm about a quarter-mile long, with huge boulders and narrow passages.
- Several hiking trails, from easy to more challenging.
- Picnic areas and open space to relax after your hike.
Wear decent shoes—some of the rocks can be rough and uneven. But if you’re looking for something a little adventurous without climbing a mountain, this is a great choice near Chepachet.
7. Spend a Foodie Day in Attleboro & Seekonk (Bristol County, MA)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 30–45 minutes
Sometimes the best road trip is built around
good food, easy shopping, and a bit of exploring. The Attleboro–Seekonk area offers exactly that.
Ideas for your day:
- Start in Seekonk for breakfast or brunch at a local diner.
- Check out local shops, breweries, or roadside farm stands depending on the season.
- Head into Attleboro to stroll a park or small downtown area.
It’s a simple outing, but that’s the point. If you only have a half day and want to leave Providence County, this quick hop into Bristol County, MA, works well.
8. Discover Patriot History in Foxborough (Norfolk County, MA)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 50–60 minutes
You might know Foxborough as the home of the
New England Patriots, but it’s more than just a football town.
Things to do in Foxborough:
- Patriot Place: An outdoor shopping and dining complex next to Gillette Stadium, great for wandering, eating, and people-watching.
- Stadium Tours & Events: Depending on the season, you might be able to tour Gillette Stadium or catch a concert.
- Nearby F. Gilbert Hills State Forest for hiking and biking if you want to mix shopping with nature.
If you’re a football fan, it’s definitely a fun, easy road trip from Chepachet. Even if you don’t follow sports, the area has enough restaurants and shops to fill a casual afternoon.
9. Enjoy a Quiet Getaway in Northeastern Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner”
Driving time from Chepachet: About 20–45 minutes (depending where you go)
Just west of Chepachet, across the state line, lies Northeastern Connecticut—often called the state’s
“Quiet Corner.” It’s a peaceful region with small towns, rolling hills, and country roads.
Good towns to explore:
- Putnam: Antiques, riverside dining, and a small but lively downtown.
- Woodstock: Scenic farms, historic buildings, and seasonal fairs.
- Brooklyn & Killingly: Classic New England town greens and backroads perfect for a Sunday drive.
This is the kind of day trip where you just drive, stop where something looks interesting, and see what you find. If you’re tired of busy areas, this part of Connecticut feels wonderfully slow and calm.
10. Visit Historic Pawtuxet Village & the Warwick Waterfront (Kent County, RI)
Driving time from Chepachet: About 35–45 minutes
On the line between Cranston and Warwick (but within
Kent County on the Warwick side),
Pawtuxet Village offers a mix of history, food, and waterfront views.
What to see and do:
- Walk along the Pawtuxet River and the small harbor area.
- Grab coffee, ice cream, or lunch at one of the neighborhood spots.
- Enjoy the old homes and tree-lined streets that give the village its charm.
You can easily pair Pawtuxet Village with other Warwick stops—like a quick drive to the Warwick shoreline—for a full day out of Providence County.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Chepachet
To make these
short road trips near Chepachet smoother and more enjoyable, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check driving times: Most of these spots are within about an hour of Chepachet, but traffic can add time on weekends.
- Look up seasonal hours: Places like Old Sturbridge Village or Blithewold have different schedules depending on the time of year.
- Pack basics: Reusable water bottles, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger make any short trip easier.
- Have a backup plan: If one spot is crowded or closed, you’ll have other options nearby in the same county or town.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Chepachet?
Now it’s your turn. Which of these
out-of-county road trips sounds best to you?
- Are you more into history and old villages?
- Do you prefer beaches and waterfronts?
- Or are you searching for quiet backroads and small towns in Northeastern Connecticut?
If you’ve already taken a great day trip from Chepachet to any of these places—or somewhere I didn’t mention—
share your experience in the comments. Your tips can help other locals plan their next adventure.
And if you found this guide useful, please
share it with friends, family, or in your local Facebook groups. You might just inspire someone’s next weekend escape from Chepachet!
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