The Samuel Slater B&B is perhaps the most unusual lodging in Rhode Island. While other bed and breakfasts can provide a river view, breakfast brought to your room, Eurpoean elegance, and a great measure of privacy and solitude, the Samuel Slater canal boat stretches the definition of B&B to include the word "Boat".

In the early 1800's, before the advent of railroads, the Blackstone Canal took goods and people to and from the busy mills of the Blackstone in boats similar to the Samuel Slater. In those days, mules pulled the boats along the canal, and a series of locks made the traveling easy all the way from Providence to Worchester. This 40-foot canal boat was custom built in England in January 2000 to ply the waters of the Blackstone River using modern engines and with modern conveniences, like a shower, telephone, TV, and microwave oven.

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The entry to the canal boat is at the bow, with a comfortable deck for sightseeing or relaxing. Just inside and down a couple steps, a parlor doubles as a second stateroom. A compact galley and the canal boat's "head" are squeezed in between the parlor and the main stateroom. The boat sleeps four and can cruise the Blackstone river with a dozen, making it the perfect place for a small party like a bridal shower or a fancy river-boat picnic. A local restarant delivers breakfast to order in the morning, making a perfect breakfast on deck, sitting right on the Blackstone River.

The canal boat moors at the bridge for RI 114, where it crosses the Blackstone River, right at the dividing line of Central Falls and Cumberland. It cruises upstream, just a mile or so, and in moments is in wilderness, despite being in the densest populated area of Rhode Island. Waterfowl, turtles, and fish abound in the restored Blackstone River, making the Samuel Slater B&B a great escape to nature.

The Samuel Slater B&B canal boat is managed by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. For more information or to book your own tour or overnight stay, call them at 401/724-2200 or go to their website at www.tourblackstone.com

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