Tours

Historic Hope and High Street Walk (2 Mile)
Head south on Hope Street, a charming blend of old and new, with antique shops, boutiques, and cafes lining the red, white, and blue signature parade route that marks the country's oldest and largest Fourth of July Celebration.

Elegant shops and offices grace the Tudor Revival-style structure, designed by Wallis Howe in the 1890's. Now attached to the Old Post Office and Custom House, the buildings provide many services to the community. Town Hall and the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society (housed in the old county jail) are located just off Hope St. on Court Street. Burnside Memorial Hall is part of Town Hall. To its right is the Bristol War Veteran Honor Roll Garden. Across the street, St Michael's Episcopal Church, Gothic Revival in design, is one of the four original mission churches in Rhode Island. It is the fourth church to stand on this site. The first church was burned in 1778 when the British marched through Bristol, punishing traitors of the crown. In front of 365 Hope Street, may be the oldest tree in Bristol, the European Linden.

Further along on Hope St, The America's Cup Hall of Fame and Herreshoff Marine Museum (corner of Burton and Hope) display Bristol's reign as the yacht-building capital of the world. The Herreshoffs were designers and builders of several early America's Cup defenders. The museum is located on the original site of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Walley Beach and Union Beach offer public water access and a spot to picnic or enjoy the scenic view of the harbor. (No amenities.)

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