7 Towns in Rhode Island With Thriving Local Businesses

While Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the US, it is a gold mine for beautiful small towns with thriving economies and local businesses. Most visitors are drawn to the coast or big cities such as Providence and Newport, but Rhode Island’s lesser-known towns are the state's true hidden gems. These small towns are dotted with artisanal shops, bustling markets, and quaint cafes that beckon visitors with their unique fare. Today, we will explore seven towns in Rhode Island with flourishing local businesses. If you are a coffee connoisseur, love fresh produce, or pretty boutiques, these towns are for you.

Bristol

Named after Bristol, England, and situated in Bristol County, this small town is nestled on the shores of the Narragansett Bay. Bristol is home to many eateries serving delicious food, such as The Beehive Cafe and Bristol Bagel Works. The Beehive Cafe is a waterfront cafe serving locally roasted coffee and artisanal bakes. It is located on Franklin Street and is open seven days a week. Bristol Bagel Works is on Hope Street and has been making fresh bagels and other baked goods daily for 30 years. The Green River Silver Co. is a lovely shop for jewelry lovers. They have two stores, one on Hope Street and the other in Wickford Village. They first opened in 1999 and sell sterling silver pieces from around the world.

Jamestown

Jamestown is located on Conanicut Island and has a prosperous downtown area with many interesting local shops. A couple of choice eateries include Slice of Heaven and Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe. Slice of Heaven on Narragansett Street is family-owned, open Wednesday to Sunday, and sells coffee, sandwiches, cakes, breakfast, and more. Village Heart on Watson Street serves delectable soups, salads, and sandwiches. To commemorate the trip, visitors can stop at All Ashore Cottage Outfitters on Conanicus Avenue. They sell nautical-themed gifts and neat home accessories such as vases, reed diffusers, and jewelry.

Little Compton

This small town in Newport County borders the Atlantic Ocean in the south and the Sakonnet River in the west. There are many interesting local stores around town. Opened in 1893, Wilbur’s General Store is a town favorite for groceries, but it also has an extensive gift section for visitors looking for souvenirs to take home, which includes LC (Little Compton) sweatshirts and t-shirts. The Art Cafe is an excellent place to stop after a long day exploring the town. It is a tiny wood cafe on South of Commons Road and is open every day. They sell breakfast and lunch and offer outdoor seating.

Westerly

Located in Washington County, Westerly is a beachfront community that was settled in 1661 by the English and has a rich history in granite quarrying. Hauser Chocolatier is among one of the most popular local businesses in town. This family-owned business is on Tom Harvey Road and sells assorted chocolates and truffles. For gifts and jewelry, visitors can shop at Eagle's Nest Gallery. It is a gift shop that opened in 2006, and apart from jewelry and accessories, it also sells local honey, maple syrup, olive oil, and Hauser’s truffles.

East Greenwich

Situated in the heart of Rhode Island, East Greenwich has a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor fun. However, while in town, there are many can’t-miss local businesses worth visiting. Residents and visitors flock to MainStreet Coffee; apart from coffee and food, it has a martini bar for fun after-hours. Coffee-loving residents and visitors also flock to The Nook Coffee House and Felicia’s Coffee. Finally, Third Rock Emporium is a neat store where you can shop for souvenirs. It is a rock and crystal shop that sells handcrafted artisan jewelry, statues, and stone carvings, among other exciting things.

Charlestown

Charlestown is located in Washington County and is home to a mere 2,012 residents. Before exploring the town, visitors should stop at Jitter’s Café on Charlestown Beach Road. The cafe opens at 6:30 am and serves bagels, breakfast sandwiches, iced coffees, and lattes to early-morning beachgoers. The Sly Fox Den Too is a great restaurant to stop at for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is owned by James Beard Award-winning Indigenous Chef Sherry Pocknett and serves indigenous dishes. For shopping, nonplace beats Fantastic Umbrella Factory. It is a former farmyard converted into a shopping complex with many stores, including - Frills, which sells clothing and jewelry; the candy store Bee Suite; and the Purple Shell, which sells native jewelry, wampum, and more.

Harrisville

Harrisville is a tiny town with a creepy past. The movie Conjuring is based on a true story that occurred in this very town. However, despite its haunted history, the town is a popular tourist spot with a thriving economy. For those visiting between June and September, be sure to check out the Burriville Farmers Market. In addition to live music, the market sells fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan products such as goat milk soap. The Village Bean Cafe is one of the best spots to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. They serve up delicious breakfasts, lunches, and specialty baked goods.

Discover the Charm of Rhode Island’s Small Towns

Exploring the small towns of Rhode Island is a truly spectacular journey. The seven towns, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Westerly, East Greenwich, Charlestown, and Harrisville each have their unique local businesses from bustling cafes to handicraft stores that showcase the best local products. By visiting and supporting these local stores, you enjoy what they have to offer while helping to support community growth. So, next time you plan a vacation, consider these seven fabulous small towns in the Ocean State.