Hordes of visitors gravitate to Rhode Island in the summer, bringing to the state more than a billion dollars in revenue every year. The immensely scenic state offers myriad opportunities for both the tourist looking for beaches and water-based activity, and the traveler wishing to soak in some history.

While Block Island boasts some incredible beaches, capital city Providence is an architectural delight, and Newport draws the well heeled who move en masse into their grand summer homes every year. Other attractions in Rhode Island include Touro Synagogue, the oldest in the U.S., the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, the General Nathaniel Greene Homestead in Coventry, and Samuel Slater's Mill in Pawtucket.

Some of the oldest and most popular hotels and inns are found on Block Island, which offers a choice of lovely beaches, excellent restaurants and interesting bike and walking trails. The centrally located Gothic Inn allows visitors to relax in true Rhode Island style, watching boats in the Old Harbor. The family-owned The Seacrest Inn in the Old Harbor historic district of New Shoreham provides modern and comfortable rooms for those seeking to escape the grind of rushed and crowded cities. Visitors looking for a rustic experience will enjoy Maple Leaf Cottage, a 19th century farmhouse-turned bed and breakfast off Beacon Hill Road, or the lovingly restored Rockwell House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Bristols Waterfront District.

Most hotels and inns operate from May to October, and have separate off-season rates for May and early June and after Labor Day. Visitors have a choice of accommodation ranging from rooms with private baths to two bedroom efficiency apartments. Most hotels provide a continental breakfast, complete with cereals, muffins, yogurt, juice and tea, coffee or hot cocoa! Weekends are usually busy times for the hotels, even in the off-season so a prior booking is always a good idea.

For a memorable holiday in one of the prettiest states in the U.S., head straight for Rhode Island. It might however be a good idea to find your sea legs before you do!