7 Serene Towns in Rhode Island for a Weekend Retreat
Rhode Island is a fascinating state in the US. It is known as one of the first colonies to resist the British rule. It shares a water border with New York, and you will find diverse fresh seafood and a 400-mile coastline of beaches, lakes, and engrossing history in this state.
These seven serene towns are a must-visit if you are planning a weekend retreat to Rhode Island. Prepare to have a full itinerary as you explore parks, gardens, farms, and lighthouses like the ones in Westerly and Jamestown.
Tiverton
Tiverton has always been a fishing and farming community, and this was the town’s major industry until 1900 when Menhaden oil production started. Tiverton has now become a resort town with many tourist activities.
A weekend retreat in this community will have you exploring wildlife sceneries like Sapowet Marsh and Audubon Emilie Ruecker, as well as many scenic restaurants like Boat House Waterfront Dining, Localz Burger & Cocktails, and The Red Dory. Check out exhibits from a wide range of artists at the Four Corners Gallery and Four Corner Art Center, and you might catch an art event on one of the days you are in town. Sakonnet River Bridge has a great fishing spot beneath the bridge. Explore Fort Barton and Ft. Barton Woods by hiking through the woods, then drive to Fogland Beach, where you can go kayaking and windsurfing. Stay at Bally's Tiverton for the weekend while in town.
Westerly
Get your beach wear and sunscreen ready when visiting Westerly because there are many beaches to explore in this town bordered by the Pawcatuck River. Beaches like Misquamicut State Beach and Atlantic Beach Park.
Westerly used to be known for its granite production, but now the town focuses on textiles and tourist attractions.
Watch events and live theater performances at the cozy Granite Theatre. Take a break at Windjammer Surf Bar, where you will enjoy live music, cocktails, meals, and conversations with locals. Visit Living Sharks, America’s first shark museum, and check out Babcock-Smith House Museum, a prominent historical house once visited by General George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Watch the sun go down at Watch Hill Lighthouse and see the Napatree Point Conservation Area before bringing your adventure to a close. Retire for the night at the Weekapaug Inn beach resort or Ocean House, which offers a free stay on the fourth night.
New Shoreham
New Shoreham is a small town on Block Island named after a village in England, Shoreham, Kent. The town’s many landmarks and beaches make it a great summer vacation destination.
Start your weekend holiday by going beach hopping at Monhegan Bluffs Beach, Block Island State Beach, Scotch Beach, Vaill Beach, Crescent Beach, and Frederick J. Benson Town Beach.
Tour beautiful vegetation and watch wildlife activities at Rodman Hollow and Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. Eat like a royal while enjoying enthralling views at Ballard's Beach Resort, where you can stay the night. If you are looking for a place to relax, take a walk, or go picnicking, Clayhead Trail is a great route. Book lovers will love the Island Free Library, where you can attend book events with kids. Shop until you drop at Star Department Store Inc., then visit Settlers Rock, a historical landmark and great biking trail.
Hopkinton
Hopkinton is the first town travelers encounter when coming from the north to Rhode Island. This city also encompasses two villages, with the primary villages being Hope Valley and Ashaway District.
The community is filled with nature preserves. Explore these protected areas by hiking through Narragansett Trail Trailhead, Grills Preserve, Ell Pond Preserve Trailhead, and Audubon Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge. If you are interested in summer camps for yourself or your kids, Coastal Ninja Warriors & Summer Camp and Yawgoog Scout Reservation host incredible camping opportunities. Bask in the serenity of nature at Long Pond and Ashville Pond. Get fresh farm foods at Festival Farm in Hope Valley and Pelloni Farms. Arcadia Management Area in Hope Valley is the largest recreational area in Rhode Island. Visit the park with friends and family.
Jamestown
Jamestown is a quiet farm community on the west side of Newport. Tourism in Jamestown was a thriving industry in 1903 when the town had about nine resort hotels. The vast waterfront Bay Voyage Hotel is the only standing hotel today.
Jamestown has many old tales to share with visitors. Learn about the town’s interesting history by speaking with locals at Beavertail State Park and Fort Wetherill State Park when you are in these scenic areas. When you visit the Claiborne Pell/Newport Suspension Bridge, see the shack in the area for some fresh lobster. The Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport is a beautiful place to rest and enjoy the mesmerizing ocean view. Explore Dutch Island and its Lighthouse for the great view, boating activities, and seafood. Do not miss out on the Jamestown Arts Center exhibits and a tour of the historical parts of the town, like Windmill Hill Historic District and Conanicut Island Sanctuary nature preserve. If you prefer to spend the night in Newport, check out OceanCliff Hotel.
Scituate
In 1710, the first people to settle in Scituate came from a town with the same name in Massachusetts. They had Indian origin because another name for the town in the native language is “Satuit,” which means “a cold river.” The town used to be a part of Providence, a big city in Rhode Island, but eventually separated from the city in 1731. Scituate also played major roles in the Revolutionary War and World War II by forging cannons and facilitating communications.
Start your retreat by visiting the historic Scituate Reservoir, built to provide water for Providence city. Visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo at Providence, which has over 800 animals and 160 species, with family or friends. Get the best book collections and coffee at The Providence Athenaeum. If you love gardens and flowers, check out the beautiful Scituate Nursery Farm & Greenhouses. To be a part of the Scituate Art Festival, where tasty meals and handmade crafts are sold, visit Scituate in October. Lodge at America's Best Value Inn or Econo Lodge Cranston in Providence.
Lincoln
Lincoln town was named for the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It has about 17 sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. One of them is the old Whipple-Cullen House and Barn.
Moffett Mill is a historical landmark and one of the surviving buildings in Lincoln. Enjoy your vacation to the fullest by going park and beach hopping to Lincoln Woods State Park and Beach and Blackstone River State Park. Visit museums and historical houses like Captain Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum, Eleazer Arnold House, and Hearthside House Museum, where you can learn new things about the town. Do not also forget to take pictures of these beautiful places. Eat at Hartley's Original Pork Pies. Retire for the night in Courtyard by Marriott Providence or Bally's Twin River.
Rhode Island is full of eventful towns and cities. From Tiverton to Lincoln, there is no dull moment. If you are not fishing or eating fresh farm foods, you can relax on the beach and watch amazing scenery. Enjoy a serene weekend retreat to the fullest in any of these seven towns.
