The 8 Friendliest Little Towns In Rhode Island

As the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island is naturally full of tight-knit communities. In the small towns, everyone seems to know their neighbor—and if they do not know you yet, they will soon! Even as a visitor, you will quickly get a feel for each town’s spirit through summer art and music festivals, farm-style bed and breakfasts, and local seafood spots. So step outside the city and let these eight friendly towns welcome you in!

New Shoreham

Located on Block Island, New Shoreham is only accessible by a half-hour ferry ride. However, upon arrival, visitors are met with warm hospitality from local innkeepers and restaurant owners. Year-round, visitors can stop by McAloons, a restaurant and pub that offers hearty dishes like crab meat stuffed mushrooms, fried pickles, New England clam chowder, and shepherd’s pie. To lodge near the oceanfront, consider making reservations at the Spring House Hotel, the island’s largest and oldest hotel, dating back to 1852. In the summer, the town celebrates its local artists during the Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival, in which artists and artisans from around the region come together to showcase their jewelry, glasswork, pottery, paintings, prints, and more.

Little Compton

Little Compton has a strong presence of local businesses, including cozy cafes, bed and breakfasts, and art galleries. Visitors can start their tour at the Art Cafe, where they can sip coffee while enjoying artwork from the cafe’s gallery. The Kathrine Lovell Studio & Gallery is another unique place to appreciate local art, showcasing colorful woodblock prints, and nature-based paintings, among other patterned pieces. Afterward, travelers can experience the friendly agricultural community by staying the night at Harmony Home Farm B&B, a quaint inn located on a working farm with cows, pigs, sheep, ducks, and chickens. Like New Shoreham, Little Compton has a summer festival known as the Little Compton Summer Fair. During this event, attendees can admire the work of more than 60 artisans and artists.

Watch Hill

With so many beaches and world-class restaurants, it is no surprise that the tiny community of Watch Hill is so laid-back. There are several beaches perfect for an afternoon visit, with Watch Hill (Carousel) Beach being one of the most family-friendly. Located beside a carousel, kids can enjoy a ride after a swim! For a waterfront meal, visitors can stop by Coast Ocean House in the evening, which serves cuisine prepared with locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Ocean House also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, with some of the upcoming events including a “Passport Through Portugal” wine-tasting event and a fresh pasta workshop, so make sure to check out the restaurant’s calendar!

Exeter

Exeter is one of Rhode Island’s few remaining rural communities. Just a short drive from downtown, travelers can immerse themselves in the area’s nature at the Arcadia Management Area, a 14,000-acre forested recreational area with places to hike, fish, boat, and mountain bike. During the winter, local residents and residents alike are often found at the Yawgoo Valley Ski Resort, which features 36 acres of skiable terrain and 12 trails. This ski resort is also the location of the town’s beloved annual Fall Festival, which offers festive events like a free pancake breakfast, a parade, a car show, an antique tractor show, a pie-eating contest, and other entertaining activities.

Charlestown

Between its renowned music and food festivals, Charlestown knows how to attract a crowd. Each year, in August, the town hosts the annual Charlestown Seafood Festival, one of the biggest events in New England, featuring plenty of lobster, chowder, clam cakes, fish & chips, and steamers to enjoy, among other delicious dishes. The Rhythm and Roots Festival, meanwhile, takes place near the end of August and features a weekend full of diverse styles like Zydeco, Cajun, blues, bluegrass, country, and Americana. If you are visiting Charleston outside of summer, there are plenty of attractions to explore, including the Frosty Drew Observatory. On Friday nights, visitors can enjoy stargazing, and the observatory also opens on select evenings throughout the year for eclipses and special events.

Hopkinton

Surrounded by natural attractions, the community of Hopkinton is a welcoming destination for those who want to relax outdoors. Golfers can unwind on the green at its nearby courses, including Wood River Golf, just a five-minute drive from town. Family-owned and operated, this course along the Wood River is also home to a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a hearty meal after their game. Hopkinton’s sense of community is reflected in its efforts to preserve local landmarks like the Ell Pond Reserve. This spot offers incredible views of Long and Ell Pond, forested valleys, and rocky ridges. The town’s appreciation for nature also shines through in its annual Huck Finn Day. Since 1948, families have gathered on this day for the fishing derby and a variety of family-friendly activities, including sack races, balloon tosses, face painting, and archery.

West Greenwich

Hospitable vineyards, riding stables, and summer concerts are just a few of the reasons that West Greenwich has earned its reputation as an inviting town. The Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery is a beloved gathering spot in town, offering special events like weekend brunches, live music performances, a Mother’s Day market, and pig roasts. If you have ever wanted to learn to ride a horse or are hoping to improve your skills, consider signing up for a class with Stepping Stone Ranch, which offers both group classes and private lessons. If you’ll be in town in the summer, check out the Summer Concert Series schedule, which features concerts on Thursday evenings at the Town Pavilion behind Town Hall.

Jamestown

The tight-knit town of Jamestown dates back centuries to its incorporation as a colony in 1678. The community preserves this heritage through landmarks like Beavertail Lighthouse, the third oldest lighthouse on the continent, dating back to the mid-18th century. Visitors will also find there to be a lively culinary scene in town. Beech is a wonderful restaurant for those looking to experience the local atmosphere, founded by a group of residents who wanted to create a restaurant that truly felt like home. To appreciate the local art scene, meanwhile, make sure to take a look at the calendar for the Jamestown Arts Center, which offers periodic film screenings, art lectures, and a Summer Soirée in June.

Final Thoughts

Rhode Island may be small, but it is packed with community spirit and proud heritage. Traditions like Huck Finn Day have kept its culture alive through many generations, while natural landmarks like the Ell Pond Reserve are evidence of the state’s commitment to preserving its nature. So get ready to experience this small-town spirit for yourself and start planning your getaway to these eight friendly little towns in Rhode Island!