Meet the Coronet— a schooner yacht first launched in 1885 and was one of the most elegant sailing yachts of her time. Under restoration at The International Yacht Restoration School since 1995, the Coronet Building is open to the public for viewing and only a 15 minute stroll from The Vanderbilt’s front doors.

On Wednesdays throughout the summer months, the renowned Aquidneck Growers’ Market awaits a 10-15 minute stroll from The Vanderbilt. Take your pick of seafood, colorful produce, local mushrooms, fragrant flowers and other specialty products—but whatever you do, save time to grab the famous, juicy pork taco that’s sure to run down your hands and beckon you back for seconds.

My ideal day in Rhode Island starts with a morning hike spent amid nature at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. With 325 acres and seven miles of marked hiking trails, there are many routes to choose from but I always seem to opt for the Hanging Rock Trail. The trails close at 5:00pm, so save your sunset for Sweet Berry Farms— which takes me to my next Rhode Island must-do.