This RI downtown was named one of the most charming in the U.S. by HGTV. It's not Newport
HGTV named Wickford, a village in the town of North Kingstown, Rhode Island as one of the most charming small-town downtown areas in America.
"Nothing charms like a small downtown that beckons visitors with historic architecture and boutique shops or local culture and tree-lined streets," HGTV said.
Here's what the Home & Garden Television network had to say about this Rhode Island village.
When it comes to Wickford, HGTV recommended taking in the architecture and visiting the shops.
What HGTV said about it: "Dating back to 1709, historic Wickford Village was originally a fishing village, but today it charms visitors and locals alike with picturesque waterfront streets, pastel-colored Colonial-era homes and nautical views across Wickford Harbor. There are a lot of ways to explore Wickford, too, whether on foot as you stroll the historic village, or by kayak or bike, both of which can be rented by the hour or day. Stop in delightful shops like Different Drummer or Green River Silver Co., explore art galleries and dine at the tempting seafood restaurants along Main Street. For winter fun like snowtubing and skiing, visit nearby Yawgoo Valley. There's a water park there for summer adventures."
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: HGTV names RI downtown one of the most charming in US

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Time Business News
19 hours ago
- Time Business News
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What makes Udaipur tour packages stand out is the depth of cultural experiences. Travelers get the chance to witness ancient rituals at temples, dine in centuries-old havelis, and watch the sun set over the Aravalli hills from a palace rooftop. These packages take you deep into the royal past of Udaipur. Expect guided visits to City Palace, Jag Mandir, Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace), and the Crystal Gallery. Most heritage-focused Udaipur tour packages also include a cultural evening with folk performances at Bagore Ki Haveli. For couples, Udaipur offers romance like no other. Packages often include private boat rides on Lake Pichola, candlelit dinners at heritage restaurants, and stays in palatial hotels with lake views. Families looking for cultural learning and relaxed sightseeing often choose Udaipur tour packages with visits to museums, puppet shows, light-and-sound evenings, and boat rides. Activities are usually balanced between fun and education. Short two- or three-day Udaipur tour packages are ideal for travelers from nearby states. These itineraries cover the main attractions without rushing, perfect for a laid-back visit. Many packages extend to include nearby destinations like Mount Abu, Ranakpur, or Kumbhalgarh. These combinations are popular among travelers wanting more from a single trip. This grand palace complex is the heart of most Udaipur tour packages. Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, it houses museums, balconies, towers, and courtyards that narrate the history of the Mewar dynasty. One of the most serene experiences in Udaipur is the boat ride on Lake Pichola. It gives close-up views of the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, and the ghats. This ride is a key inclusion in almost all packages. Located near the City Palace, this 17th-century Hindu temple is a fine example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Many packages begin or end city tours with this spiritual stop. For those looking for open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere, Fateh Sagar Lake is perfect. It offers pedal boating and views of the hills, with Nehru Park as a popular family spot. This palace, situated on a hilltop, provides panoramic views of the lakes and cityscape. Udaipur tour packages that include a sunset visit here are in high demand. This garden of maidens features lotus pools, fountains, and marble art. It's a peaceful stop and often included in family and heritage tours. The most favorable time to visit Udaipur is from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and major festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Mewar Festival are celebrated with grandeur. Udaipur tour packages during these months often sell out fast, especially around festive dates and weekends. Summer months (April to June) are hot but see fewer crowds. Budget travelers may find good deals on packages during this time. Monsoon (July to September) brings greenery to the hills and lakeside beauty, making it a good option for romantic getaways. 2 Days / 1 Night : Ideal for weekend travelers covering City Palace, Lake Pichola, and one or two more spots. : Ideal for weekend travelers covering City Palace, Lake Pichola, and one or two more spots. 3 Days / 2 Nights : A balanced itinerary including major palaces, gardens, and local experiences. : A balanced itinerary including major palaces, gardens, and local experiences. 4 Days / 3 Nights : Allows for relaxed sightseeing with excursions to Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur. : Allows for relaxed sightseeing with excursions to Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur. 5 Days and Beyond: Combines Udaipur with other Rajasthan cities like Jodhpur, Mount Abu, or Chittorgarh. Udaipur is known for miniature painting, silver jewelry, and handcrafted leather goods. Some packages allow add-ons where you can visit artisan studios or participate in a quick painting workshop. Local cooking sessions with Udaipur families or professional chefs can be included in customized packages. These give a deeper insight into Rajasthani food culture. Packages often feature evening shows at Bagore Ki Haveli or Shilpgram, where visitors witness live performances of Ghoomar, Bhavai, and puppet storytelling. Markets like Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar are favorite spots for textiles, mojaris, art pieces, and more. Some guided tours include market visits with time to shop local. Accommodation (Heritage hotels, boutique stays, or luxury resorts) Daily breakfast or meals as specified Transportation with air-conditioned cabs Sightseeing with guides or audio guides Entry tickets to major attractions Pickup/drop from Udaipur railway station or airport Some premium Udaipur tour packages also include: Private sunset boat rides Spa sessions in royal settings Fine dining experiences in heritage properties Compare Itineraries : Not all packages offer the same spots. Read inclusions carefully to ensure your preferred destinations are covered. : Not all packages offer the same spots. Read inclusions carefully to ensure your preferred destinations are covered. Check Hotel Location : Staying near Lake Pichola or the City Palace adds to the experience. Choose centrally located accommodations. : Staying near Lake Pichola or the City Palace adds to the experience. Choose centrally located accommodations. Ask for Local Guides : Trained guides enrich your understanding of the sites. Opt for packages that include certified local guides. : Trained guides enrich your understanding of the sites. Opt for packages that include certified local guides. Plan Around Festivals: If you're visiting during festivals, make bookings early and check for special event packages. Many overseas visitors book Udaipur as part of a larger Rajasthan or India itinerary. 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National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
Travel back to the Wild West at these 10 historic Colorado hotels
Colorado may be a beloved outdoor recreation destination, but it has more to offer than ski slopes and hiking trails. Once home to miners and cowboys, the Centennial State was a key player not only in the development of the American West but also in establishing Wild West culture. Whether deep in the Rocky Mountains or amid the urban sprawl of Denver, stay in historical hotels to experience this culture for yourself. These properties function as living museums, with antiques, ghosts, and Victorian architecture keeping the past alive. 1. The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, Denver Best for history buffs Entering the grand Italian Renaissance-style lobby of The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver, where light filters in through a stained glass atrium, it's easy to see why this is the crown jewel of Colorado's historical hotels. As the passion project of Henry Brown—the real estate developer who donated land to create the state capitol in Denver—The Brown Palace is intertwined with the story of the capital city itself. Since 1977, the hotel has employed its very own historian who gives tours that highlight the property's quirks, famous guests, and little-known trivia. For instance, did you know that the eagles that decorate the hotel's Palace Arms restaurant were once distributed by Napoleon to his troops? Here, every nook and cranny tells a story. 2. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park Best for paranormal activity This 20th-century property located just minutes from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is thought to be one of the most haunted places in all of Colorado. It's even said that Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining after the author had a lucid nightmare while staying in one of the hotel's haunted rooms. Guests can take a themed tour or visit the on-site International Cryonics Museum, the first of its kind in the world. If you're uneasy about run-ins with ghosts, book a stay in the modern townhouses or boutique lodge on the property instead. (Ghost stories scare up new life at these historic hotels) 3. The Oxford Hotel, Denver The Cruise Room, inspired by the RMS Queen Mary, is Denver's longest running bar. It's located inside The Oxford Hotel. Photograph Courtesy of The Oxford Hotel Best for access to the city When it opened in 1891, The Oxford Hotel was called a 'city within a city,' as in addition to guestrooms it offered horse stables, a Western Union, a barbershop, and more. These days the property has more of an elevated boutique hotel feel, but its history is still everywhere you look, right down to the ornately designed 19th-century door hinges. 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Hotel Jerome, Aspen Best for an upscale ski vacation The Hotel Jerome in Aspen has been open since the town's silver boom in 1889. Although the rooms are done up in modern luxury style as you'd expect from any other Auberge Resorts Collection property, you'll still find some cowboy-esque touches, like cowhide chairs facing floor-to-ceiling windows. While in the hotel's four restaurants or spa, keep an eye out for the Water Boy ghost, the victim of a tragic drowning accident in the 1930s. 9. Beyul Retreat, Meredith Best for outdoor enthusiasts Deep in the Frying Pan River Valley, about an hour outside of Aspen, you'll come across Beyul Retreat, which once served as the ticket office for the Colorado Midline Railroad. It was turned into a private homestead in 1928 and then into a guest ranch, where travelers would come to fish and collect wildflowers. If you're willing to give up phone service, you'll be richly rewarded with a dose of mountain quiet in both the main lodge and rustic-chic wooden cabins scattered around the property. Beyul also hosts regular yoga, adventure, and culinary-themed retreats. 10. Strater Hotel, Durango Best for wannabe cowboys The Strater Hotel houses the The Diamond Belle, a Wild West-themed saloon with live music and waiters in period-style costume. Photograph Courtesy of the Strater Hotel The small mountain city of Durango in southern Colorado has retained much of its Wild West charm, best represented by the Strater Hotel that has been around since 1887. In its early days, the property was popular among Durango locals, who would move out of their houses in the winter in favor of hotel rooms with wood-burning stoves. Those days don't feel so far away when you spend time in The Strater's Victorian-style rooms, saloon, and restaurant. Zanny Merullo Steffgen is a Colorado-based freelance travel journalist whose work has appeared in Fodor's, Lonely Planet, OutThere, and other publications. Learn more and follow her work at


Washington Post
3 days ago
- Washington Post
Miss Manners: Wonderful hostess makes very poor guest
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