7 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in Rhode Island

Although the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island has made a big influence in America as it was the first state to declare independence from Britain on May 4, 1776, just a few months before the Declaration of Independence was officially signed. Because of its camaraderie and its patriotic fervor, many of the seven close-knit towns to visit in Rhode Island have a deep cultural connection to the state’s history as well as a grand appreciation for the modern and natural amenities that these towns preserve and promote. So whichever close-knit town you chance upon in your memorable vacation throughout Rhode Island, you should definitely take your time to admire the close connectivity to both past and present that each community reveals to you.

Westerly

On the Pawcatuck River which separates Rhode Island from Connecticut lies the small town of Westerly. Founded by colonists originating from England in the year 1661, Westerly has developed into a thriving beachside community that promotes splendid attractions along its shoreline. Soaking in the refreshing waters of Block Island Sound can be enjoyed from both the Misquamicut State Beach and the Napatree Point Conservation Area. On land, travelers can go roaming about in several nearby parks, notably the Woody Hill Management Area, Burlingame State Park, and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. One might fancy windows into several recent epochs of Rhode Island’s past at The Westerly Armory, home to The Westerly Band who happen to be America’s oldest active civic band. No need to worry about accommodations, not when you are staying in welcoming abodes like the Pleasant View Inn, The Hotel Maria, or Ocean House.

Narragansett

Approximately 30 miles south of the city of Providence, the remarkable village of Narragansett sets itself as one of the best and most close-knit towns worth visiting. So named after the Narragansett Native Americans who prospered throughout Rhode Island, the town provides a diversity of attractions for you to cherish. Some flock to Narragansett for the seafood restaurants and state beaches, such as the Roger W. Wheeler State Beach and Salty Brine State Beach. Others are enchanted by The Towers, a Victorian-style building that hosts a number of venues ranging from weddings to local performances. Then there are those who simply want to experience the outdoors and the sunny atmosphere of Narragansett as best savored in places such as the East Matunuck State Beach, the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge, and Narragansett Town Beach. But many do stay a long time because of the wonderful accommodations offered by the Aqua Blue Hotel, the Scarborough Beach Motel, or The Break Hotel.

Tiverton

Midway between Newport and Providence and close to the border of Massachusetts, the small town of Tiverton preserves the relics of a time when American freedom was fought for a bitter new beginning. During the American Revolutionary War, Tiverton’s townsfolk fought in the Battle of Freetown on May 25, 1778. For three years after, Tiverton served as refuge from American soldiers fleeing from the British occupation of Rhode Island proper (Aquidneck Island), and also mustered a staggering military to drive back the British Empire from most of the 13 colonies.

Much of the town’s 18^th century buildings have remained as best seen in the Tiverton Four Corners, a place where one can traipse through a near-accurate representation of an old New England village. More remnants of the wartime past can be seen in the Fort Barton and Ft. Barton Woods, whereas the current regions of the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, Sapowet Marsh, and Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve shelter the present beauties of Tiverton.

Foster

Foster a new appreciation for Rhode Island by traveling 20 miles east from Providence and towards the small town of Foster. Being quite close to the state border of Connecticut, Foster shares its grand and magnificent woodlands with its stately neighbor. However, in Foster you will find the only covered bridge on a public road in all of Rhode Island, the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, which you can traverse. A popular attraction known as Nickle Creek Vineyard offers scrumptious wine for those with a vintage taste. Naturally, the main feature in Foster is its outdoor scenery, and you can certainly savor a panoply of preserves and parks in the Jerimoth Hill (the highest point in Rhode Island at 811 feet), Killingly Pond State Park, Pulaski State Park, Ponaganset River, and so much more. Take your time and savor a new adventure in Foster.

Middletown

Middletown, right in the middle between Portsmouth and Newport on Aquidneck Island, entertains visitors with a plethora of quaint and daily delights. From boats that travel towards Prudence Island, where newcomers can see the Prudence Island Lighthouse and Jenny's Creek Shellfish Management Area, to scenic views and vantage points at both the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge and Sakonnet River Shellfish Management Area, you will not find anything middling among Middletown’s attractive features.

Take care, lest you spook the beautiful birds at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, and do not let your feet go weary and worn when gallivanting through Pebble Beach. Enjoy the vast swathes of vines at the Greenvale Vineyards. And one can certainly book a room at either The Sea Breeze Inn or the Newport Beach Hotel & Suites for a lengthier vacation in Middletown.

Little Compton

Little Compton, a southern neighbor of Tiverton and opposite from Middletown across the Sakonnet River, is another arboreal paradise for those wanting to get away from much of the city hustle and bustle. Originally a home for the Sakonnet people, who were led by Awashonks, the cousin of Metacomet (commonly known as King Philip), the small town of Little Compton was built a year before King Philip’s War.

One of the few houses that have retained their original architecture is the Wilbor House, built in 1690 by Samuel Wilbor and now serving as the headquarters of the Little Compton Historical Society. Additionally, there are dozens of historic cemeteries in the town where historic figures, such as Colonel Benjamin Church, one of the founders of Little Compton, is interred. For entertainment and sightseeing, you can venture towards the Sakonnet Lighthouse, make merry memories at the South Shore Beach, or take photographs of the Sakonnet Garden. And for lodgings, you can look to places like the Stone House Inn for your daily and nightly needs.

Jamestown

On Conanicut Island, the second largest island in Narragansett Bay, and right between Narragansett and Newport, you will find the beautiful small town of Jamestown. Among the remarkable landmarks you can tour at your leisure — whether at the uninhabited Dutch Island, Gould Island, or the main Conanicut Island — include the Windmill Hill Historic District for its recognizable architectures and Beavertail State Park for its historic barracks and defense site. Watson Farm delights visitors with its humble acres that have accommodated numerous farmers from the past, be they Native Americans to pre-modern pioneers. Other scenic lighthouses in the area include the Rose Island, the Beavertail Lighthouse, and Plum Beach Light. As for natural parks, you can certainly enjoy your vacation when strolling through Fort Getty Park, Fort Wetherill State Park, and Sunset Beach.

It is historically argued that the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in America was caused by the introduction of Samuel Slater’s water-powered cotton mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in the year 1790. However you wish to interpret the differing historical records in Rhode Island, you will absolutely agree that these seven close-knit towns to visit in Rhode Island are among the best destinations to visit time and time again. Whether the reason to see these places is because of the seaside wonders at Narragansett, Little Compton, or Jamestown, or the historic appeal found in Tiverton or Middletown, you'll be glad that you took the time to visit these towns in the union's littlest state.