Walk, Run, or Roll in Rhode Island — 7 Great Activities, 6 Feet Apart

Hit the Track

With Rhode Island schools transitioning between the moved-up break week and distance learning for two weeks, school facilities are relatively quiet with interscholastic sports canceled for the rest of the year.

So take a family member or meet a friend at one of your local tracks and take a few laps or more -- six feet apart, of course. 

As GoLocal published on Thursday, there are a number of resources for suggested walking workouts — and ways to start a running routine — online.

Compare notes once you get home — again, all at a socially acceptable distance, so a video phone call is more than allowed, of course. 

And so is ordering your favorite food online

Explore Neighborhoods 

Go check out an area of Providence you might not have seen up-close before, with the Providence-Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau neighborhood guides.

Sure, you’ve maybe driven through a number of them, or seen them whizzing by out of a bus window — but do you know about all each neighborhood has to offer?

With many of the dining and tourist attractions currently closed, make yourself a “to-do” list of what you want to go back and see and experience when the state — and country — emerge from the coronavirus crisis. 

You take one side of the street, have a partner explore the other, and compare notes. 

And while you’re looking forward — take the time to look back.  The CVB recently launched a self-guided walking tour on the role of early black history in Providence. 

Take to the Trails

There’s no shortage of nature to take advantage of in Rhode Island — and chances are, if you take to the hiking trails, you’ve got a good shot of some solitude and serenity for a good part of your journey.

Whether it be heading north of Providence to Lincoln Woods, to the southern parts of Rhode Island such as Ninigret Park, hiking trails abound across the Ocean State.

You don’t even have to leave the state’s Capital City to feel like you’ve gotten away — climb to the top of Neutaconkanut Hill (go to 120 Killingly Street to start your journey).

Alltrails.com breaks down what they say are 235 trails across the state by category — see the list here. 

Take turns as to who’s the leader when you’re out with hiking partners, always staying 6 feet apart!

Stroll the Beach

This weekend — and whenever the weather permits — consider bundling up and heading to one of Rhode Island’s beaches for a walk. 

Just think — no crowds, easy parking, and panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see.

While you’re at it, be sure to take a picture or two (when you're six feet apart with friends) and share them to social media with a #WishYouWereHere — or #Summer2020 — Rhode Island hashtag to give all your contacts a sneak peek of where you’ll likely be when the weather gets warmer and social distancing is a thing of the past. 

And if you need a refresher for the state’s beaches, go here.

Roll With It

Keeping a safe social distance on bikes — or rollerblades — should be a fairly easy feat on the miles of bike trails in Rhode Island. 

According to RIDOT, there are more than 60 miles of off-road cycling all across Rhode Island. 

So pull those helmets out, determine who your riding partner(s) will be, and take to the trails.

The bike trails, of course.

Get details about individual bike paths, maps, and parking information, go to the link below. 

http://www.dot.ri.gov/community/bikeri/

Seek Out the Seals

There are hiking trails — and then there are trails that end in spotting seals. 

According to romepointseals.org — seal sightings are still occurring as they usually do in Rhode Island, at the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve by Saunderstown. 

“We do not know what to make of all this Covid 19 nasty business, but for us the nature observation aspect of our lives continues. We enjoyed very good seal observation yesterday, with numerous posed seals on the rocks and plenty of company on the beach to share in the fun,” wrote the seal watchers on March 15. 

The conversation group does warn against overcrowding, so be mindful of your neighbors should you decided to set out — and stay the requisite 6 feet apart. 

Go Fly a Kite

March is known as being the windiest month — so why not get out there and fly a kite with friends?

Plenty of beaches abound to catch some gusts to get your kite soaring, but Brenton Point in Newport is known perhaps as the kite mecca of Rhode Island, hosting an annual kite festival that draws thousands.

Take advantage of the off-season and venture to the City by the Sea, or else head to the beaches in South County — or Colt State Park in Bristol — and as they say, “Go fly a kite.”