9 Serene Rhode Island Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Rhode Island is one of the best vacation destinations in the U.S. for any weekend itinerary. Those new to the New England region or even familiar with traveling around the area will find so much to see and do in "The Ocean State" with plenty of newfound adventures. Known for its calming natural and historical landmarks alongside thrilling locales for sightseers, there is no shortage of delightful moments. These serene small towns will make for an exciting weekend retreat!
Little Compton
A peaceful coastal town with Atlantic Ocean serenity and rural vibes, Little Compton has so much to offer tourists! The Little Compton Historical Society features dozens of artifacts, laidback Sakonnet tours of pilgrimage history, and fun crafts workshops for family-oriented weekenders. Nature lovers may favor Goosewing Beach Preserve for relaxing beach waves, and secluded seaside walks around the landmark.
Donovan Studio is a solitary locale with both historical and cultural elements. It is a famed stop for watercolor and pastel exhibits that also make for pleasant gifts on the trip back home! For those who want a social getaway, the Sakonnet Vineyard is one of the best spots for friendly hosts, casual wine tasting, and gorgeous town views. Those who choose to lodge here may find the Stone House Inn splendid for cocktail dinners and speakeasy atmospheres, while others may like Harmony Home Farm for the ultimate colonial experience, complete with a colorful patio and cute kitchen area!
Foster
Named after a U.S. senator, the town of Foster is no stranger to village charms and serene sights. The Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge is a primary weekend stop for all who like simple but historic pleasures, with its covered bridge walkways and photographic calming streams and foliage. Mountain trekkers may want to check out Jerimoth Hill's scenic high points of Rhode Island and wooded trails that allow for some quiet moments far from crowds!
At Nickle Creek Vineyard, travelers are treated as esteemed guests while they take on trendy barbecue and wine activities amid grape landscapes and treasured greenery. At Barden Reservoir, lakeside trips become more spectacular thanks to 4.5 miles of looping routes and beautiful solitude. Those checking in can stay at Stone House Motor Inn for casual culture and cozy cabin interiors.
Narragansett
Seen as "The Beach Town" or "The Point," Narragansett is a favorable destination for all who enjoy architectural marvels and natural getaways. Weekenders at Point Judith Lighthouse will find easygoing memories and lighthouse photography near Narragansett Bay. South County Museum provides historical knowledge of early village settlements and fun tours of carpentry and blacksmithing showrooms used in the past.
Point Judith Fisherman's Memorial is a must-visit for quiet memorial tributes and oceanic views with coastal splashes and rocky shorelines to attract newcomers! One may even enjoy the Coast Guard House Restaurant, a 1940s upstairs deck bar diner with panoramic opportunities and hospitable waterfront entrees. For lodging, tourists can book their stay at The Shore House for stately Victorian charms and sprawling oceanfront breezes that make for an amazing 19th-century resting spot!
Westerly
A colonial destination full of coastal ambiance and amusing splendors, Westerly provides tourists with a mixture of serenity and thrills! The Babcock-Smith House Museum is a pivotal landmark for 1730s Georgian architectural wonders, silent tours of Victorian family settlements, and sporting history. Those who love a good sunset can enjoy Watch Hill Lighthouse, which is known for its scenic viewpoints and peninsular solitude.
At the Granite Theatre, visitors from all over can cherish cultural dramatic musicals within a restored Greek venue that is quite the standout in town. As for rural farm appreciation, one can stop by Manfredi Farms, a friendly little locale with cute vegetable landscapes and adorable animal petting activities! New faces around town can stay at Shelter Harbor Inn, a typical overnight stop for eclectic New England dining and hot tub comfort.
Jamestown
Jamestown is an essential itinerary option for those out of town who like a historic island paradise. Beavertail Lighthouse is both a maritime museum and a secluded landmark filled with old lighthouse artifacts and Narragansett Bay photographic memories for all to remember. The Historic New England's Watson Farm is also a wonderful option for history lovers who prefer heritage livestock and self-guided tours of a 1780s farm away from the usual town life.
Over at Jamestown Arts Center, visitors will be able to explore artistic talents and feel welcomed by hosts who love spacious walkthroughs of abstract portraits. For a unique fireworks experience or simple celebrations on the outskirts of town, Clingstone offers a lot of history and natural satisfaction as an isolated, centuries-old iconic mansion. The Lionel Champlin Guest House is the best bet for any traveler needing a weekend centered around beach walkability and 1920s patio vibrance.
Tiverton
Referred to as "Punkateest" and "Nomscot" by the locals, Tiverton makes its presence known with serene landmarks. Fort Barton and Ft. Barton Woods is a hiker's ideal stopping point for Sakonnet River peacefulness and fortified 17th-century observation tower points. Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge is another fantastic natural endeavor with salt marshes and woodland swamp wildlife alongside beautiful river scenery.
Nanaquaket Bridge Waterfront is a public landmark that is also quiet and stunning in many ways with its riverside beach enjoyment and fishing ports for laidback residents and outsiders. For much simpler commercial stops, visitors can take a seat at Bajah's Cat Cafe and enjoy tasty artisanal drinks and pastries while lovable kittens surround them! Those who choose to stick around can check in at Bally's Tiverton Casino & Hotel for classic casino pleasures and evening coziness in an easygoing part of town.
New Shoreham
New Shoreham, formally known as Block Island, is full of secluded beauty and natural fulfillment. The Southeast Lighthouse is a primary stop for two and three-day retreats and 1870s granite architecture mixed with its amazing bluff viewpoints and oceanic bliss. At the 1661 Farm & Garden, guests can witness charming animal farmland habitats and take part in kid-friendly activities in calming garden meadows.
For a unique weekend idea, one can check out the Sacred Labyrinth for circular stone walkways and meditative areas full of apple trees. Those who like to be far from noise can also take a seat at Ocean View Pavilion, a popular nature preserve with tranquil waters and photographic backdrops for couples and romance fans. For lodging, the Block Island Beach House is a top contender for beachfront happiness and cozy amenities.
Charlestown
Labeled the "most charming small town in Rhode Island," Charlestown is easily the right choice for weekenders. Ninigret Park is a famed landmark with cycling thrills, pond relaxation, and an esteemed nature observatory; it is also home to giant troll statues! Marine life fanatics may prefer East Beach for its orange and pink skies, shellfish sightings, and shoreline campgrounds.
The Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center is an astronomy lover's favorite part of town, with its knowledge of the solar system and awesome observation deck to witness sky formations and stars. At the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, tourists can shop for farmyard trinkets and cute food supplies in a bamboo forest. It is also a humorous stop to find roaming chickens around. General Stanton Inn Hotel provides a sense of history with its tavern cuisine and restored architecture in a comforting setting.
Middletown
A lovely and serene small town just south of Aquidneck Island, Middletown is a definitive destination for natural and commercial splendors. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is a casual nature trail landmark with a solitary refuge hangout spot and migratory bird observation areas. At Prescott Farm, alluring historical gardens and 1800s windmill foundations are just some of the elements that make the farm wonderful for family weekends!
Sweet Berry Farm is a beautiful locale with dozens of gourmet soup and stew collections and doubles as a sunflower retreat spot for newcomers who love fruit farms. For an aerial tour, one can try Newport Helicopter Tours, which is known for its sunset-driven flyovers and oceanic Rhode Island spectacles. The Pell is a stylish hotel for visitors who want to experience coastal neighborhood life, while the Newport Beach Hotel offers a complete package of stunning waterfront ambiance and personal amenities.
These small towns in Rhode Island are the perfect blend of serenity and amusement for all who love history, nature and commercialized fun. There is nothing quite like the bliss and happiness of being surrounded by lovely communities, locales, and landmarks that are blessings to the tourism industry. With this list in hand, no traveler will ever feel lost in finding new places and activities around the New England region!
