10 Best Summertime Tours

10 Best Summertime Tours

Sometimes you've just got to be a tourist.

Or at least you should be, what with the scores of tours available this summer in the Ocean State. We've handpicked the 10 you can't afford to miss. What are you waiting for?

Roll Around Newport: Segway Tours

Explore the sights of Newport in unparalleled style. Choose between a tour of the Newport Mansions and Salve Regina University or the historic 10-mile Ocean Drive. Both tours have beautiful coastline views, and let’s be serious – you can’t go wrong with a Segway. Mansion tour 1pm and 3pm, Ocean Drive Tour 10am, $75 for both, must be 16 with a Driver’s License to participate, call 619-4010 or visit the Web site.

Get Haunted in Newport and Providence: Ghost Tours

When the sun goes down after a summer day at the beach, discover the dark, haunted history of our Ocean State. By lantern light, hear stories of ghosts and ghouls in the darkened streets of two of Rhode Island’s most beautiful and scenic areas. If you dare, that is. PROVIDENCE: Departs from Prospect Terrace Park (Roger Williams Statue), Congdon St, June-Aug 8pm start, September-on 7pm start, $15 online, $18 walk-in, children under 12 $10, for more information visit the Web site. NEWPORT: Departs from Fathom’s Restaurant at the Newport Marriott Hotel, 25 America’s Cup Ave, June 17-Sept 3 8:30pm start, Sept-on 8pm start, adults $18, kids 10 and under $10, kids 4 and under free, for more information visit the Web site.

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Tour at the Sign of the Lemon in Cranston: Del’s Lemonade Headquarters Tours

For years, Del’s has been a trademark of Rhode Island – a summer staple for kids and adults alike. Now you can see where (and how) all the magic happens at the Del’s factory headquarters when you tour with one of their employees. 1260 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston, tours by appointment, inquire at 463-6190, book a tour with Demetrius at 463-5784, or visit the Web site for more about Del’s Lemonade.

Take to the Bay: Narragansett Bay Cruise Tours

Rhode Island’s waterfront is what gives the state its nickname – experience the breathtaking coastline firsthand on a 30-mile route through the waterways of North Kingstown, Jamestown, and Newport. Departs from 1347 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown, 1 and 2pm on select days, adults $30 (advance $25), seniors 60 and over $28 (advance $23), children 4-12 $19 (advance $14), infants 3 and under free, call 295-4040 or visit the Web site.

Get the Birds-Eye View of Newport: Helicopter Tours

See Newport in a way you’ve never seen it before – from the sky. With four different tours at affordable prices, this unusual excursion is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Departs from Birds Eye View Helicopters, 211 Airport Access Rd, Middletown, varied times, varied prices starting at $59, call 843-8687 or visit the Web site for more information.

Walk a Mile of History in Providence: Benefit Street Walking Tours

Take a 90-minute guided stroll of Benefit Street, virtually a mile of preserved colonial homes. Experience the most historic street on the East Side of Providence... and some might argue, the country. Departs from the John Brown House Museum, 52 Power St, Providence, Tuesdays-Saturdays 11am, adults $12, seniors and RIHS members $10, children 12 and under $6, visit the Web site for more information.

Rare Gem in Newport : The National Museum of American Illustration

Enter into a world full of two-dimensional beauty nestled among the Newport Mansions when you tour The National Museum of American Illustration. The Museum is open year-round for Group Tours (8 or more) and private VIP Tours (minimum 2 or more). 492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, call 851-8949 ext. 18 to make a required reservation or visit the Web site for more information.

Discover the Lighthouses of the Bay: Save the Bay Lighthouse Tours

Join Save the Bay for a day of exploring the lighthouses of Narragansett from the water. Sail down the West Passage to Newport and return home via the East Passage, viewing more than a dozen active and inactive lighthouses, including a tour of Rose Island Light. Lunch and binoculars are provided. Depart from 100 Save the Bay Drive, Providence, select days, half day ($40 members, $50 non-members) or full day ($85 members, $100 non-members), book at 272-3540 ext. 133 or visit the Web site for more information.

Paddle the Blackstone Valley: Overnight Kayaking Tour

Explore the scenic Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, the birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution. Canoe and kayak the Blackstone River and paddle along serene vistas and enjoy the wildlife and flora in its natural habitat. Departs from Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, 175 Main St, Pawtucket, $325 per person, call 1-800-454-2882 for reservations or visit the Web site for more information.