Woonsocket, RI Road Trips

American-French Genealogical Society, 78 Earle St, ☏ +1 401 765-6141. M 11AM-4PM, Tu 1PM-9PM, Sa (Sep-May) 10AM-4PM. Of interest to genealogists researching family history, this is the premiere resource for French-Canadian family history research. 1 Museum of Work & Culture, 42 S. Main St, ☏ +1 401 769-9675. Tu–F 9:30AM–4PM, Sa 10AM–4PM, Su 1PM–4PM. This interactive museum presents the compelling and touching story of the French Canadians who left the farms of Quebec for the factories of New England. Illustrating a remarkable cultural preservation story of faith, language and customs, the exhibits recreate the unique Woonsocket labor story of the rise of the Independent Textile Union which grew to dominate every aspect of city life. $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, free for children under 10. Woonsocket Harris Public Library, 303 Clinton St, ☏ +1 401-769-9044. M W Th 9AM-9PM, Tu F Sa 9AM-5PM. A municipal public library in the city of Woonsocket.

Autumnfest (During the first weekend of October). A free Festival that takes Place at the Social Street WWII memorial park. An autumn celebration known throughout the state and surrounding areas, held every Columbus Day weekend. People come from all over to enjoy the festivities. The weekend boasts vendors from all over new England selling a variety of items including hats, jewelry, CDs, toys, Halloween costume, art, candy and one of a kind novelties. There is live music and a talent contests that continue throughout the weekend, and a carnival complete with rides and games by the beach. There is a strip for foods where you can buy some Woonsocket recipes such as dynamites, and stands where you can buy fall staples like caramel apples. The beer tent is also an autumn fest favorite, with music and various flavors of beer for patrons to try out. The weekend ends on the Monday of Columbus day with one of Rhode Island’s biggest parades and fireworks in the evening. This festival shows the core of the Woonsocket community and is a must see for any fall visitor. Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 1 Depot Sq., +1 401 762-0250. Hosts tours of the most historical sites in the Blackstone Valley including old mills and river passageways. Blackstone Valley Bike Path, Front Street, Lincoln, ☏ +1 401 723-7892. The bike path is fairly new to Woonsocket, but is a great place to go to get some walking or go bike riding on a nice spring or summer day. In the very start of the bike path there is a soccer fields open to the public for recreational use.

1 The Beef Barn, 4 Greenville Rd, North Smithfield, ☏ +1 401 762-9880. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10PM. If you are looking for a cheap lunch and especially love roast beef this is the place for you. This place is known for their roast beef sandwiches. The second thing on the menu that people always are craving about is their burgers. There burgers are made to order and made with a supper soft and soggy bun. cheap. Chelo's Hometown bar and Grille, 490 Clinton St, ☏ +1 401-769-6622, fax: +1 401-769-6622, [email protected]. Su noon-9PM, M-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa 11:30AM-11PM. Chelos is one of the best local places to go and eat. Friendly staff and great tasting food. 2 Moonlight Restaurant, 32 Rathbun St, ☏ +1 401 766-5806. By far this is the best wiener place around. The staff is super friendly and the service is fast and great. Moonlight is number one when it comes to sanitation. 3 New York Lunch, 8 Main St, ☏ +1 401 762-9619. Hours vary seasonally. Open late on weekends. This is a casual, place full of Woonsocket character. The restaurant is set up with two rooms, the first being a lunch and breakfast bar and the second having the more traditional restaurant design. The decorations follow an old school diner type theme, with lots of fun road signs and posters on the walls. The staff is friendly and helpful, the regular customers welcoming, as this is a favorite hangout for many. The food that they are most known for are wieners, (plain or with the works).

Luc's Bar & Grill, 541 River St, ☏ +1 401-597-0667. Karaoke Thursday nights. Ravenous Brewing Company, 840 Cumberland Hill Rd, ☏ +1 401 216-5331. Tiny nanobrewery with a very laid back vibe. Ravenous can be hard to find. The entrance is at the back of a large warehouse building with several other businesses in it. They have a few beers on tap at a time and serve generous samples. You can fill up a growler or take a tour with the owner. (updated Aug 2015)

1 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 194 Fortin Dr, ☏ +1 401 769-5000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 2 Woonsocket Motor Inn, 333 Clinton St, ☏ +1 401-762-1224, [email protected]. If you’re looking for a very cheap get away this is the place to go. The rates are some of the lowest around. $68-72.

TF Green Airport, 2000 Post Rd, Warwick, ☏ +1 401-691-2471, toll-free: +1-888-268-7222. This airport is in the center of the state. Directions provided on the website are extremely easy to follow. RIPTA offers bus service from Providence.

RIPTA: Woonsocket Flex Service - Phone: in-state: +1-877-906-3539, or +1 401-784-9500, ext. 220 M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM to make your reservations. Please call at least 48 hours in advance. RIPTA will pick you up near or directly at your desired location. Driving hours are M-F 6AM - 6:30PM.