“ Take It Outside ” and explore the beauty of the Japanese Gardens at Roger Williams Park in Providence .

Fill up your gas tank and hit the road for one of eight day trips across Rhode Island . Decide if your focus is classic Rhode Island foods , beer and wine ( with a designated driver , of course ), family fun , shopping , outdoor activities or a different adventure . The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau ( PWCVB ), the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and the City of Warwick have partnered up to plan Joy Rides , which are safe ways to give tourism a boost from Rhode Island residents . “ These Joy Rides offer a safe and fun way for families to get out of the house , enjoy the sights and attractions in areas of the state they may not be familiar with , and support local small businesses — especially in what ’ s typically the slow time of year following the holiday rush ,” says Kristen Adamo , president and CEO of the PWCVB . Day trips travel everywhere from Woonsocket and Lincoln in northern Rhode Island to Providence , Pawtucket and Warwick , and each trip has suggestions for where to eat and stay , if you want to make it an overnight adventure . When you are ready to break quarantine , these agendas will boost your spirits while supporting local businesses . joyridesri . com — JAMIE COELHO

PHOTOGRAPH ( THIS PAGE ): COURTESY OF PROVIDENCE WARWICK CVB ; ( OPPOSITE ): RHODE ISLAND NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY FACEBOOK PAGE AND GETTY IMAGES .

16 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MARCH 2021