8 Little-Known Towns In Rhode Island
Did you know that you can drive the whole of Rhode Island from one end to the other in an hour or less? Spanning an area slightly larger than the size of Jacksonville, Florida — it will be unlikely to find a town no one has ever heard of in Rhode Island. Still, a first-time visitor can skip big names such as Providence or Newport for a variety of less famous beauties. The bonus point is that these destinations are often much less crowded and, hence, offer a much more realistic feel of the state. From mellow Misquamicut to lovely Lincoln, discover eight little-known towns in Rhode Island.
Misquamicut
Knowing its stunning coastal views and soft sandy beaches, you would expect Misquamicut to be among the most famous towns in Rhode Island. Instead, it is content to live far from the limelight, although it readily offers its beauty to those who chance on it. Along the coastal stretch, you will find Misquamicut State Beach, Atlantic Beach Park (check out its historic carousel), Winnapaug Pond, and ultimately Weekapaug — another juicy discovery. Spend some time at Winnapaug’s Scenic Beach Overlook and catch views of Block Island from a distance while watching the surf and listening to the rhyme of the waves.
Wickford
A Halloween Wonderland, Wickford Village features picturesque waterfront streets with galleries, small antique shops, cute cafes, and inviting restaurants. It also has beautifully maintained churches, colonial homes, and lovely gardens. St. Paul's Wickford, also known as Old Narragansett Church, could be the oldest Episcopal church building in the Northeastern United States. Its history goes back more than three centuries. There is the Wickford Village Wicked Week, typically held the last week of October; Updike Park, where you can sit and people-watch; and the downtown dock, which serves one of the most outstanding views in the area. Don’t forget to enjoy a slow meal at the aptly named Wickford on the Water. The outdoor deck is particularly great, provided the weather is fabulous.
Little Compton
Little Compton may not be as little known as Weekapaug, but it is still off the beaten path and grossly underappreciated. Although it is small and boasts a population of less than 4,000 — Little Compton scores big on other vacation-worthy features. From pretty beaches to historic sites, a first-time visitor will be spoilt for choice. One can explore Goosewing, an unspoiled barrier beach that often acts as a refuge for thousands of migrating songbirds — or South Shore Beach — located at the outer edge of Buzzards Bay. Whitehead Preserve at Dundery Brook has a nice boardwalk for strolling and is loved for how it is scenic and peaceful. And taking the cue, Wilbour Woods and Sakonnet Garden are all quirky and beautiful spots worth discovering.
Exeter
If you have always visited Newport, Providence, or Westerly, it is time you also paid some attention to Exeter, a small, tranquil town that revels in nature's splendor. First, Arcadia Management Area is a short, 15-minute drive west of town. It is Rhode Island's largest recreation area and offers a delicious range of outdoor adventure opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Also, Exeter Country Club — with its super soft greens — may not be the best public course layout in Rhode Island, but it is shoulder to shoulder with the finest. You can hike Cuttyhunk Brook Preserve, hit up the Ben Utter Trail amid fresh forest air and the entertaining noise of moving water, or explore the Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s largest property.
Pawtuxet Village
If you want to step back in time and catch a feel of the 1700s, any vacationer will want to head over to Pawtuxet Village. There is a nostalgic feeling that comes with touring centuries-old buildings, including well-preserved Colonial homes. Places like The Governor Sprague Mansion, the birthplace of two Rhode Island governors, is a 28-room, two-and-a-half-story house built in 1790, just after the first U.S. presidential election. Tours, however, are arranged by appointment. Gaspee Days, held in the town every year in June, commemorates the 1772 burning of the British schooner HMS Gaspee, which took place a year before the Boston Tea Party. Wind down the evening at Pawtuxet Park, loved for its spectacular views and peaceful ambiance.
West Greenwich
Whether rightly or not, East Greenwich often gets more attention. It is a gastronomic wonderland, the go-to venue for a classic New England lobster roll. Yet West Greenwich is not to be overlooked either. It reclines in a quiet, pastoral area — even if away from the beaches. There is Tavern on the Hill, loved for its home-style meals, great live band, and awesome atmosphere. Otherwise, outdoor spots worth exploring include Tillinghast Pond Management Area, which features a lake with nice views, lots of resting benches ( they often come in handy when hiking), and well-kept trails. Others include Pratt Conservation Area, Stepstone Falls Waterfall and Hiking Paths ( It is a quiet, beautiful place with lots of rocks), and Breakheart Pond Arcadia Trailhead.
Johnston
Johnston is close to Providence and unfortunately, often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbor to the east. Start your adventure at the Johnston Memorial Park, a beautiful little space with nicely paved trails around a tranquil pond. Alternatively, head over to Lighthouse Restaurant on Hartford Avenue for some expertly prepared sourdough toast. There is the site of the Clemence Irons House (1691), a nice little piece of history in one of the unlikeliest of places. With its nicely manicured lawns, the peacefulness here makes it a perfect place to enjoy a few minutes of calm and clarity. Plus, it is a rare surviving example of a "stone ender" and, hence, of fascinating historical significance. If you are all about trails and tulips, Snake Den State Park perfectly fits the bill.
Lincoln
Part of the Providence metropolitan statistical area, Lincoln hosts Lincoln Woods State Park, one of the town's most defining attractions. It is a large park with a beautiful lake and awesome hiking trails. Lincoln Woods Lake, the park’s most prominent feature, is a fabulous spot for fishing or relaxing by the water. Aside from this oasis, one can visit the Hearthside House Museum, a stately Federal-style mansion built in 1810 to impress a sweetheart. Folklore has it that when Stephen Hopkins Smith won a $40,000 lottery, he used the cash to build this house to impress a young Providence socialite. However, as fate would have it, the girl rejected the house. Meanwhile, Smith never lived in it and never married. If you want to stretch amid rolling hills and natural beauty, head over to Chase Farm. Fortunately, Chase Farm is steps away from the Hearthside House Museum.
The Takeaway
Although Newport has its historic mansions and inspiring architecture — and Providence its rich Colonial history and thriving arts community — they do not sum what Rhode Island offers. Tucked away in quiet spots all over the smallest state in the US are small, little-known towns and villages that offer a more personal feel of Rhode Island. If you want to avoid bigger crowds, the above options should work for you.
