Rhode Island Town 14: Lincoln - 7/12/2020

Hi Everyone, it's Aoife! Today we are going to be exploring Lincoln.

The first thing we did when we were driving through Lincoln was stop at Butterfly Pond where there is a waterfall with a bridge going across it. We stopped there because it was a pretty place that we had gone by before and my mom decided that today was a good time to stop there. While we were there my parents decided to go look for a geocache that was close by. While they were looking for the geocache we received some very weird looks from the people driving by because my parents were down by the water searching near the bridge for the geocache. They found it and we continued on our way. 

The bridge and waterfall at Butterfly Pond

Searching for the geocache

The next thing we did was drive along Great Road, which is Rhode Island's oldest highway.  It was built in 1683 and there are many historic sites along this road. We stopped at a historic house called Hearthside House which was built by Stephen Hopkins Smith in 1810 because he was in love with a lady from Providence who wanted to live in a fine house. However, when she saw the house, she thought it was beautiful but she didn't want to live so far out in the country. Mr. Smith was heartbroken and he never married and never lived in the house. 

Hearthside House

We also stopped at another historic house called the Arnold House and we also stopped at Gateway Park.  

Arnold House

Gateway Park

After we finished taking pictures at the historic sites along Great Road we continued our journey to Lincoln Woods State Park. At Lincoln Woods we saw giant glacier rocks on the side of the road. After seeing the glacier rocks we went to Olney Pond where people weren’t wearing masks or social distancing at the swimming or picnic areas! We didn't stay there, and went to find another part of the pond that was less crowded. My parents went down a trail to find another geocache while my sisters and I were watching the water to see if we could spot any fish.

Covered Bridge entrance to Lincoln Woods

Glacial Boulders at Lincoln Woods

Exploring the boulders

The painted rock we left near Olney Pond

Olney Pond

More giant boulders at Lincoln Woods

Once my parents came back after finding the geocache, we went to my favorite stop on our trip to Lincoln, Lincoln Creamery. At Lincoln Creamery they had made several lines in the parking lot that you would wear your mask in and be six feet apart from the other customers. I felt very comfortable there as everyone was following social distancing guidelines. As for what to order at Lincoln Creamery, I was originally going to get chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone, but when I got to the window I changed my mind quickly because I saw that I could get a coffee shake with sprinkles and a donut on top. I was so excited because I have loved donuts since I was little and seeing the shake and donut come out made me so excited. My sisters Aemilia and Tarynn, and my Dad all got a layered ice cream with sprinkles. My mom got a waffle cone with almond joy ice cream. Our trip to Lincoln was really fun and full of delicious ice cream. 

The socially distanced lines at Lincoln Creamery helped us to feel very safe there.

Tarynn's ice cream was layered with sprinkles

So excited as she watches her shake being prepared

The most amazing shake ever!!!!!

Other places we've enjoyed in Lincoln: 

• Lime Rock Preserve - Owned by the Nature Conservancy, Lime Rock's beautiful trails include walks by a pond, boulders, and many geocaches.  
• Chase Farm - This area includes trails, meadows, a pond, and a natural amphitheatre where we have enjoyed outdoor concerts.  Many people like walking their dogs here.  Chase Farm was closed when we tried to visit at 6PM on a Sunday night. Not sure if this is due to COVID-19, or if it just closed early that day. 
• Handy Pond Preserve - Tarynn and I (Heidi) have hiked on the trails here, and if you go during July you will find lots of wild blueberries and blackberries. These trails include old cart paths, foundations, and stone walls. This is also a great area for bird watching. (On a separate occasion, I went off trail and nearly lost my boots in the mud, but that's a different story...)
• Blackstone River Bikeway - This beautiful bikepath spans several towns along the Blackstone River and follows the towpaths of the Blackstone Canal.  It is very scenic and in Lincoln, it goes by some historic buildings and mills as well.