8 Small Towns in Rhode Island With Big Charm
Rhode Island is the smallest American state, and with just over one million residents, it is one of the least populated. Nonetheless, it is an important and beloved part of the New England collective in terms of both its colonial history and modern-day charm. Given the tight boundary between Connecticut (to the West), Massachusetts (to the North and the East), and the Atlantic Ocean and other substantial waterways (to the South), in conjunction with the low population density, there is an abundance, nay, nearly an exclusive supply of charming small towns. But if you are looking to narrow down the choices, these are eight go-tos in the Ocean State – all within a short and usually scenic drive of each other.
Westerly
Westerly sits in Rhode Island's far Southwest corner, hugging the Pawcatuck River, the Connecticut border, and the sandy beaches of Block Island Sound. Its extended waterfront and stately downtown physique make it a charming summer getaway, but there is also year-round appeal to be found across its five distinct villages. On the South end, Misquamicut State Beach (which includes a drive-in movie theater, by the way), Atlantic Beach, East Beach, and others constitute a long and varied shoreline. Visitors can choose from a rustic, spaced-out feel, a crisp and communal approach, or even a higher-energy, family-focused section, complete with a tiny beachside amusement park and restaurant cluster. Jutting between the waters of Little Narragansett Bay and Block Island Sound is the Napatree Point Conservation Area, which provides a lovely hiking outlet for those not fond of sedentary sunbathing, as well as a sanctuary for nesting and migratory birds (and the people who love watching them).
East Greenwich
Rhode Island is charming from West(erly) to East Greenwich – even though the latter is actually quite centrally located. This Kent County town is bounded by the Big River Management Area (offering hiking and mountain biking trails to the West) and Goddard Memorial State Park (which connects visitors to the beaches and recreation sites along Greenwich Bay to the East). Meanwhile, in the heart of East Greenwich, Main Street sports a microcosm of small-town charm, thanks to a layout along the lines of the pub, boutique retailer, coffee shop, gallery, ice cream parlor, vintage outlet, cool restaurant, another gallery, intimate theater, craft brewery, etc. – all while avoiding the cookie-cutter aesthetic that some modern shopping districts fall into.
New Shoreham
New Shoreham enjoys a free range of Block Island (note: the two are often referred to synonymously) – far removed from Rhode Island's mainland. Formed in 1672, "New England's Malibu" (so-called for its enchanting Mohegan Bluffs that shelter idyllic beaches) remains the smallest town (by area) in the country's smallest state. Though only accessible by ferry, this does not stop some 15,000 - 20,000 annual tourists from joining the approximately 1,400 permanent residents. With that said, the 7-mile by 3-mile Block Island, which is composed of 43% preserved open spaces and 32 miles of trails, provides plenty of room for everyone. Plus, this beautiful rock naturally induces the "island time" pace of life that nine-to-five vacationers fantasize about. The community itself supports its visitors with beach houses, inns, resorts, one-off cafes and pubs, and bicycle (and even moped) rental facilities.
Newport
Newport is one of nine historic towns along Rhode Island's Classic Coast. This upscale seaside city (with a modest population of 25,000) sits at the bottom of Aquidneck Island, between Narragansett Bay and the first tease of the North Atlantic Ocean. It blends opulent, Gilded Age and Beaux-Arts-style mansions (which offer tours of their botanical gardens and interior museums), yacht-lined harbors, enticing seafood restaurants (both fine dining and beach-shack takeaways), coastal walks and scenic drives, frequent festivals, wineries/breweries/distilleries, and everything else the senses could ever wish to be whisked away by. Newport is also home to two state parks (Breton Point and Fort Adams), which sandwich its Southwestern wing.
Jamestown
Connected with Newport via the Claiborne Pell/Newport suspension bridge, Jamestown flourishes on the island of Conanicut Island, which floats in the middle of Narragansett Bay. Start your tour at the Southern tip of the island by visiting the lighthouse/museum at Beavertail State Park. The roadside pullouts on the way to and fro offer arresting views of the rocky shoreline, adjacent communities of the mainland (West) and Newport's Southwest coast (East), and the big blue expanse of the Atlantic. Much of the rest of the island is dotted with beaches or scattered old-fashioned farms, while Jamestown delivers just the right mix of Classic Coast seafood restaurants, bagel shops, cafes, and other unique, locally-managed eateries to enhance the authentic New England island experience.
Bristol
Just a smidge North of Newport, on a peninsula that divides Mount Hope Bay (East) and Narragansett Bay (West), Bristol is full of history, waterfront recreation spaces, and a charming amount of patriotism. Named after the English city on the other side of the pond, this seaport settlement maintains a 14.5-mile bike path, which is always a refreshing way to explore a novel coastline. Colt State Park is also a local favorite. The 464-acre green space is nearly engulfed by Bristol Harbor and Narragansett Bay, with trails, pavilions, and picnic tables in between so that everyone can find their own little happy place in nature. Bird-watchers will delight in the Audubon Society nature center, and the nearby Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge is sure to provide plenty of interesting avion sightings. Finally, anyone with red, white, and blue in their bones will get an even bigger kick out of Bristol. The oldest Fourth of July celebration in the country is held here, and the adjacent Revolutionary Heritage Byway is Rhode Island's only National Scenic Byway.
Tiverton
Squished between the Massachusetts border and the short, narrow strait that connects Mount Hope Bay with the Sakonnet River, Tiverton is quaint, colorful, and charming as can be. The 18th-century village, Tiverton Four Corners, serves as the soulful anchor of the larger town. The collection of rustic and quirky buildings house truly one-of-a-kind artisanal retailers, galleries, day-to-day (as well as unconventional) professional services and accommodations, bakeries, markets, and even a little homemade ice cream shop. Just East of town is Fort Barton and Ft. Barton Woods – a historical landmark from the Revolutionary War immersed within a beautiful, hikable hardwood forest. For even more unpopulated naturescapes, continue South to the Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge and the Sapowet Marsh, which, despite the sloppy connotation, is a lovely spot for walking the dog, launching a kayak, or simply observing the gentle wildlife.
Little Compton
Let's complete the charming circuit around Newport with a stop at Little Compton. This laid-back coastal town sits in the Southeast corner of mainland Rhode Island, framed by the Sakonnet River (West), Massachusetts (East), the Atlantic Ocean (South), and Tiverton, just ten miles to the North. Little Compton is Rhode Island's only "town common" to make it into the National Register of Historic Places. Nowadays, it has a cozy rural feel to it, and its delightfully imperfect, mildly secluded beaches tend to dodge the hordes of summer tourists. Little Compton also rules the lunch/light-bite culinary category. Don't worry about making a reservation; just stroll around and let your eyes, gut, and gullet guide you.
Rhode Island is blessed with a soothing East Coast landscape, delicious and heart-warming cuisine, and a surplus of small towns that pack big charms. These eight communities keep visitors close to the deep blue waters of the Atlantic (and its offshoot bays and sounds), close to immaculate parks and/or intentionally wild natural spaces, and close to the people, thanks to cozy establishments where people can dine together, smile and nod over a cup of joe, or meet the artists and artisans that drive the local economies. The Ocean State is unlikely to disappoint, regardless of the region, but these towns, in particular, will surely strike a special chord.
