America's smallest state offers more than its fair share of special destinations with two of the oldest cities of Providence and Newport, plus great family-friendly beaches and world-famous sailing. Throw in an array of music festivals, top-class restaurants, beautiful fall colors and award-winning seafood, and you can see why little Rhody has a big reputation.

Through the years Newport has made a name for itself in a variety of manners, first as a colony founded on religious freedom, later as the summer playground for the American socialite families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt, as a key location for the United States Navy, and then as the yachting capital of the world. Today, the stories of Newport can be enjoyed on tours through opulent ocean-side mansions, interesting museums, and historic sites such as coastal forts, lighthouses, and worship buildings. For a closer look at the city-by-the-sea, visitors can choose from a variety of walking tours, boat tours, and self-guided tours.

Considered as Rhode Island's "Little Italy". It is located on Atwells avenue with boutiques, bakeries, restaurants and bars. A great place to find nice Italian restaurant.

Twelve miles (20km) off the Rhode Island coast, Block Island is like going back in time. Think bicycles rather than cars, miles of free public beaches, sparkling clear waters, and dramatic bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The pace is slow, life seems less complicated — relaxation is guaranteed. Reach the island by ferry from Point Judith, R.I., New London, Conn. or Montauk, N.Y. It's no wonder that the Nature Conservancy has designated Block Island "one of the 12 last great places in the Western Hemisphere.

Providence's signature event is WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence. Created by local artist Barnaby Evans, WaterFire has become a must-see for visitors. It takes place over a one half-mile distance in the river parks lining the three rivers in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It is best enjoyed by walking and strolling. Check the schedule and see if you can enjoy this one-of-a-kind local festival.

A small quaint street by Brown University with great cafes, restaurants, and bars. This street has been a magnet for quirky shops of vintage clothing and music, giving its local businesses a unique character.

American - New Rivers

Breakfast & Brunch - Julians

Desserts & Coffee - Pastiche or Wildflour Vegan Bakery and Café

Ethiopean - Abyssinia

French - Loie Fullers

Killer Drinks - The Dorrance

Local - Local 121

Indian - Rasoi Restaurant

Italian - Bacaro

Japanese - Haruki East

Middle Eastern Sandwiches - East Side Pockets

Peruvian/South-American - Los Andes Restaurant

Seafood - Matunuck Oyster Bar (30 min drive from Providence) or Providence Oyster Bar

Thai - Apsara Palace

Vegan/Vegetarian - Garden Grille

PS: A Foodie is a gourmet, or a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and alcoholic beverages