13 Essential East Bay Bike Path Stops

Dari-Bee Ice Cream Parlor is right along the bike path and exactly where you’ll want to go for a soft serve fix. Flavors like Cappuccino Crunch will give you that jolt of energy to keep on pedaling. It’s open seven days a week, 12-9pm throughout the season. 240 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside. 401-433-1931 

Whether you bike from Bristol up to East Providence or just start your ride in EP, venture about a half-mile off the path to Bold Point Park. The quiet, two-acre waterfront park invites you to soak up the views of Providence Harbor and the skyline. Pier Road, East Providence. 401-435-7511, www.EastProvidenceRI.net

When you’re ready for a little old-fashioned fun, hop off the path and take a turn down Crescent View Avenue where you’ll find the historic Crescent Park Carousel. Built in 1895, it is a spectacular wood carved masterpiece that will bring you back in time. Tickets are only $1 each, and kids under two ride for free. 700 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside. 401-435-7518, www.CrescentParkCarousel.org

After a few spins on the nearby Crescent Park Carousel, grab a bite at Blount Clam Shack for a quintessential New England lunch. Open Wednesday-Sunday after Memorial Day. 11am-8pm. 684 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside. 401-628-0485, www.BlountRetail.com/Crescent_Park/Home

Catch a few more water views as you pass Brickyard Pond along the path. It’s located inside Veterans Memorial Park where you can picnic or, if you’re up for a stroll, try one of three trails that are all one mile or less. Brickyard Pond, www.Barrington.RI.Gov/Departments/Recreation/FacParks.php

No trip on the path is complete without a stop at Del’s Frozen Lemonade. Located right along the path, it’s the perfect spot to refresh and recharge. 65 Child Street, Warren. 401-247-2210,
www.Dels.com

Visit Thomas Park at Silver Creek for a bit of peace and tranquility. The 5.1-acre park offers walking paths, nature trails, an old English garden, a wild flower garden and a nature preserve. Creek Lane, Bristol. www.ExploreBristolRI.com

In need of a tune up? Maybe it’s time to upgrade your current ride? Your Bike Shop has a prime location along the bike path and is a one-stop shop for repairs, accessories and new and used bikes. 51 Cole Street, Warren. 401-245-9755

Sweet cravings happen. Luckily, satisfying your sweet tooth is a piece of cake at Vienna Bakery, which is only a few turns off the path. If savory cravings slow you down, grab some breakfast calzones or spinach pies and picnic at one of the nearby parks. But come early, they tend to sell out. 110 Maple Avenue, Barrington. 401-245-2355, www.ViennaBakeryRI.com

Pop by the farmer’s market at Haines Memorial Park on Wednesdays from 2-6pm. The bike path intersects the park so you can squeeze in a ride while picking up fresh, local fare for dinner. The market runs through October 10. Exit the path at Narragansett Avenue and ride towards Haines Park Road. Metropolitan Park Drive, Barrington. www.RIParks.com

Carve out some time on your ride to visit the McIntosh Wildlife Refuge and Audubon Society of RI. Explore a variety of habitats like meadows, a butterfly garden, a cornfield and an orchard. As you stroll towards the Bay you’ll even see forested wetlands and marshes. Bike racks available. Open daily from 9am-5pm. 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-245-7500, www.ASRI.org

Independence Park is one of the most beautiful spots on the East Bay Bike Path and along Bristol Harbor. Along with stunning views, this is the place to catch the Bristol Fourth of July concert series (starting June 19) as well as a plethora of other events. Picnic baskets are optional. Thames Street, Bristol. www.ExploreBristolRI.com

If a leisurely afternoon of riding and reading piques your interest, swing by Barrington Books and pick up one of the latest bestsellers. If your kiddos are in tow, check the store calendar for their story hour schedule. 184 County Road, Barrington. 401-245-7925, www.BarringtonBooks.com