Rhode Island Summer Bucket List

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Go on a lobster roll.
It seems simple: lobster meat in a roll, right? But then you remember: Some have cold mayo. Others have hot butter. And most, for some godforsaken reason, have lettuce. No use in overthinking it; just try them all.

• Maine-style. Arguably the most iconic lobster roll, Maine’s version consists of chunks of lobster meat piled onto a center-cut hot dog roll. The lobster should be lightly dressed with creamy mayo and served cool. Try it out at Matunuck Oyster Bar or Monahan’s.
• New England-style. This popular regional take is similar to Maine-style, but with two key differences. Instead of a hot dog roll, this version is served on a New England-style roll, which is like a hot dog roll but with soft sides and a crustier top. A New England-style lobster roll should also have a bed of crisp lettuce underneath the lobster meat. You can find it at Anthony’s Seafood or Jim’s Dock.
• Connecticut-style. Connecticut is where everything changes for the lobster roll. This version is served warm and doused with nothing but butter. Plain and simple. If this is your go-to, you might argue that Connecticut-style is a true lobster roll, and the others are merely lobster salad rolls. Decide for yourself and order at the Lobster Bar or Benjamin’s Raw Bar.

Alex Gagne.

Have a “yes” day at Spring Lake in Burrillville.
French fries for lunch: Yes. Face-first down the waterslide: Yes. An hour of eyes-glazed-over arcade games when the sun is at its most brilliant: Yes. (Hand sanitizer: Yes.) Kayaks: Yes. Two ice cream cones for the car ride home: Why, yes. springlake.com

Vacation in the Gilded Age, if only for a weekend.
Pack your devil-may-care attitude (an ascot or party dress won’t hurt, too) and book a stay in these fine establishments that date to Newport’s golden era.

• The Cliffside Inn, owned by Lark Hotels and renovated in 2019, is a hidden gem of a bed and breakfast just steps away from Newport’s famed Cliff Walk. Sprawling, romantic suites with whirlpool tubs are available, or go for a charming and expertly designed room inside the main mansion. thecliffsideinn.com
• The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a summer retreat built for New York Congressman John Winthrop Chanler, offers a fleet of carefully appointed suites and rooms with ocean views. The decadent furnishings, moody art and gourmet dining experiences — we recommend the surprise degustation menu — hearken a richer, more indulgent time. thechanler.com
• The Vanderbilt has an illicit history — Alfred Vanderbilt built it for his mistress — which, in our estimation, makes it the most perfect modern-day rendezvous spot. Stay for a weekend and experience the spa, cocktails on the rooftop deck and other contemporary amenities tucked inside a stately brick manse on Historic Hill. aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt
• Architect’s Inn, also on Historic Hill, was constructed in 1873 for renowned Newport architect George Champlin Mason. Innkeepers Nick and Brian have a passion for historic preservation, which you’ll see for yourself in the canopy beds, antiques, ornate textiles and — why not? — themed murder mystery weekends. architectsinn.com