About Bristol, Rhode Island and the Herreshoff Museum Marina

The venue chosen for the Nordhavn Summer ’08 Rendezvous is the site of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, founded in 1878. Brothers John Brown Herreshoff and Nathaniel Green Herreshoff possessed backgrounds in commercial boatbuilding and steam engineering, but the company became famous for the large sailing yachts it designed and built. Most notable among these were seven of the largest sailing sloops ever constructed, between 1893 and 1919, five of which went on to successfully defend the America’s Cup, contributing to the longest winning streak in sports history. The Herreshoff Marine Museum has an unparalleled collection of its vessels, half models of all its original designs and provides the home for the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. The museum is located across the street from the marina and admission is free for Rendezvous guests. More information can be gleaned from www.herreshoff.org.

The town of Bristol was founded in 1680 and is on the National Historic Register. During the Revolutionary War, Bristol suffered many attacks by the British, but it was Sunday, May 25, 1778, when Bristol experienced the full brunt. A British force 500 men, including Hessian troops, marched through the main street (now Hope Street), setting fire to many buildings and taking citizens prisoner back to their base in Newport. Most of the houses torched were barracks of American troops, or homes of prominent "rebels".

Now, Bristol holds the unique distinction of having the oldest, continuous Fourth of July Celebration in America. The Celebration, first held in 1785, was started by Bristolians who actually took part in the Revolutionary War. A walk North along Hope Street with its red, white and blue-striped center divider will take one past historic homes, antique shops, boutiques and restaurants.

There’s much to do in Bristol so if you get the opportunity, we encourage going exploring in the town. And if you are in need of anything, from food provisioning to a good book, Bristol has many stores to accommodate you. We’ve put together a brief directory that might help you with your stay here:

ACCOMMODATIONS

NEW! Nordhavn Staff Recommendation:
Baypoint Inn & Conference Center,
144 Anthony Road,
Portsmouth, RI.
Call for reservations: 401-254-7300.

There are many hotels and bed and breakfasts in Bristol. For a complete list, visit www.discoverbristol.com/. Remember, July is at the height of the season here, so reserve early.

CAR RENTAL

• Sensible Car Rental of Bristol
  6 Gooding Ave., Bristol, RI
  (401) 253-3433
  
• Enterprise Rent A Car
  70 W. Main Rd., Middletown, RI
  (401) 849-3939

GROCERY STORE

• Stop & Shop
  605 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI
  (401) 254-2525
• Clement’s Market
  2575 E. Main Road, Portsmouth, RI
  (401) 683-0180

MARINE OUTFITTERS

• West Marine – store #1236
  601 Metacom Ave, Space 8
  Warren, RI
  02885-2832
  (401) 245-7405

SHIPYARD FACILITIES

• Brewer Sakonnet Shipyard & Marina
  222 Narragansett Blvd., Portsmouth, RI
  (401) 683-3551
  
• Brewer Cove Haven Shipyard
  101 Narragansett Ave.
  Barrington, RI
  (401) 246-1600