11 Stunning Small Towns In Rhode Island
Rhode Island, a small state in the Northeastern US’ New England region, is beheld 'nonpareil' among the other Thirteen Colonies with regard to its founding by English-born refugee Roger Williams side by side flaunting amazing oceanfront beaches, 384-mile-long tidal shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, rich colonial heritage, charming tourist magnets, and warm New England neighborliness. Even though cosmopolitan hubs like Pawtucket, Warwick, and the capital city Providence are top favorites, holidayers are also attracted to the incalculable stunning small towns sprinkled all over the Ocean State's 1,034 sq. mi. terrain. So, head to these breathtaking tight-knit settlements on your ensuing holidays and get rewarded with an unforgettable vacation experience.
Little Compton
Primarily called Saughonet after the inhabiting Indigenous Sakonnet people and later renamed by European settlers after the English village Little Compton, this coastal haven in Newport County is bounded in the north by Tiverton, in the west by Sakonnet River, in the south by the Atlantic, and the east by Westport, Massachusetts.
Due to its scenic coastline, cool oceanic climate, many stonewalls, and inviolate South Shore and Goosewing beaches, Little Compton is a first-class holiday destination, especially during summer. Besides being home to one of the state's sole ceremonial 'Town Common,' this waterfront getaway's notable sites include the Sakonnet Point Lighthouse, Wilbor House Museum, Young Family Farm, and the Sakonnet Vineyard.
Westerly
Rhode Island’s westernmost town, Westerly, is located in Washington County next to the 34-mile-long Pawcatuck River across from Connecticut’s Pawcatuck village. Officially incorporated on May 13, 1669, this stunning shoreline town is known best for its speckless beaches like Westerly Town Beach, Watch Hill Beach, Weekapaug Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, and East Beach.
Fascinating landmarks like Westerly Armory, Flying Horse Carousel, and Lewis-Card-Perry House fill Westerly’s spirited downtown aside from the gift shops like Westerly Gifts, women's clothing stores like Woodmansee's Gifts and Boutique, and eateries like Cinder Restaurant. Try to turn up at community events such as the Pawcatuck River Duck Race in April, the Virtu Art Festival and Memorial Day parade in May, Summer Pops and Shakespeare in the Park in June, and the Columbus Day parade in October.
Newport
Newport, dubbed the Sailing Capital of the World, is the administrative capital of Newport County, located on the Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay approx. 33 miles southeast of the state capital. A sunshine sanctuary, Newport is colloquially known for its creditable turn-of-the-century mansions that in former times were summer cottages of America's wealthiest and, at present, open as museums for tourist excursions.
Furthermore, feel free to stop by the White Horse Tavern, the US' oldest tavern building, Jane Pickens Theater, the 3.5-mile-long Cliff Walk, the Newport Historic District—boasting one of the greatest concentrations of colonial houses in the country—and Fort Adams State Park, where both the Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival are hosted every year.
Narragansett
Narragansett is an entrancing maritime community in Washington County, occupying a restricted chunk of land stretching along the eastern banks of the Pettaquamscutt River to the Narragansett Bay shores. A choice summertime resort destination as well as a famed surfing spot on the East Coast, Narragansett welcomes daytrippers, weekend adventurers, and coastal vacationers to be stupefied by unspoiled beaches, temperate waters, and homely milieu.
Peerless beaches, including Narragansett Town Beach, Scarborough State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, and Roger Wheeler State Beach, are the highest crowd-pullers together with other tourist lures like Point Judith Lighthouse and Fisherman's Memorial State Park, the Towers spanning Ocean Road, and seafood restaurants such as The Coast Guard House Restaurant.
East Greenwich
The Ocean State's prosperous municipality and 8tholdest town, East Greenwich, situated on the western shores of Narragansett Bay, is the seat of government of Kent County. Titled for the English town of Greenwich, this stunning shoreline settlement features a substantial number of heritage-listed architectural masterpieces aside from the typical New England Main Street crammed with gift shops like A Gracious Soul, art galleries like New England Contemporary Fine Art, and fine dining establishments like Union and Main.
Sightseers on a trip must check out the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, Greenwich Odeum, and New England Wireless & Steam Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts can participate in water-based recreations and enjoy outstanding bay views at the Goddard Memorial State Park.
Wickford
A tiny waterside village in North Kingstown town, Wickford, labeled after its namesake town in the East of England's Essex County, is located on Narragansett Bay’s western side, around one of the most well-protected natural harbors of the Atlantic Seaboard. Dawdle down the foliage-lined pathway and gaze in amazement at the largest ensemble of excellently preserved residences found in Northeast US, Old Narragansett Church, Smith’s Castle Museum, eclectic gift shops like Different Drummer, and restaurants like Wickford on the Water.
Annually, try to attend the Wickford Art Festival of the Wickford Art Association in July and the Wickford Village Festival of Lights Celebration in December.
Jamestown
Located wholly on Conanicut Island, this serene Newport County settlement invites vacationers to check out its ultra-clean beaches, well-maintained heritage properties, and expansive green spaces. When on a trip to this coastal hamlet, peruse Narragansett Avenue's umpteen gift shops like Conanicut Gift Shop, daytime cafés like Slice of Heaven, and homey diners like Our Table Jamestown, plus the lighthouses like Conanicut Island Lighthouse, and Dutch Island Lighthouse that fringe the town.
History mavens must survey the 1787-built Jamestown Windmill in the Windmill Hill Historic District, the 64-foot-tall Beavertail Lighthouse in Beavertail State Park, and WWII facilities at Fort Wetherill State Park.
Bristol
Bristol, the seat of Bristol County, is situated on a peninsula bounded by Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays, precisely 13 miles southeast of Providence. As America’s most patriotic town, Bristol has been hosting the oldest uninterrupted Independence Day celebrations in the nation, attracting more than 200,000 onlookers from all over the globe to witness this three-hour-long event on the Fourth of July.
Drop by the Bristol County Courthouse, Blithewold Mansion & Arboretum, Colt State Park, and Herreshoff Marine Museum, besides sparing time for partaking in yearly festivals such as the Bristol Harbor Festival, Grand Illumination of Hope Street, and Bristol Burger Bash and Bluegrass.
Tiverton
Initially incorporated in 1694 by English colonists in the Massachusetts Bay Province, this stunning Newport County town sits on Narragansett Bay’s eastern banks across the Sakonnet River. An erstwhile farming community, Tiverton has, over the years, developed as a coastal getaway with its Main Street filled with numberless gift shops like Courtyards Ltd, coffee shops like Coastal Roasters, art galleries like Four Corners Gallery, and restaurants like Sakonnet River Grille.
Encompassing Tiverton’s principal village center, the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District features many 18th and early 19th-century historic properties, all of which are must-stops for history connoisseurs in addition to the First Baptist Church of Tiverton and the Osborn-Bennett Historic District’s Thomas Bennett Homestead. Head directly to Fogland Beach to take part in kayaking and windsurfing activities and to the Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve to chill out amidst the greenery.
Foster
Named for the US Senator Theodore Foster, this teeny rustic town in Providence County encompasses Jerimoth Hill, Rhode Island’s highest point, having a height of 814 ft and a sought-after spot for high pointers. Travelers visiting Foster must hike the 0.3-mile-long trail that leads to Jerimoth Hill, be awed by the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, the state's solitary covered bridge located on a public road, savor mouthwatering cuisines at Shady Acres Diner, and sample handcrafted wines at the Nickle Creek Vineyard.
Charlestown
This Washington County town situated in the state's southwestern part is bordered by South Kingstown in the east, Westerly in the west, and Richmond in the north. Often advertised as Rhode Island’s best-kept secrets, the several miles of unsullied sand beaches, including Charlestown Town Beach, Blue Shutters Town Beach, East Beach State Beach, and Charlestown Breachway State Beach, are flawless destinations for just basking in the sun or engaging in outdoor recreations.
When in town, Ninigret Park, Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory, and the Fantastic Umbrella Factory are must-visits. Ninigret Park also hosts annual events like the Big Apple Circus, the Charlestown Seafood Festival, and the Rhythm and Roots Music Festival.
From Narragansett's nautical milieu to Foster's meditative scenes, the nation's smallest and seventh-least populous state has no shortage of stunning locales. Pack your travel bags and embark on an expedition to each of these beauteous Ocean State towns, which promise to captivate everyone visiting either on quick day trips or extended breaks with their unbelievably beautiful external scenes, riveting historical landmarks, year-round fun-filled celebrations, endless outdoor activities, and ultra-fresh seafood served by welcoming catering establishments.
