Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island has so many towns. It’s truly amazing just how many little communities there are to discover, each with their own special ambiance. When we think of a bustling downtown area, we usually think of big cities, but these small towns in Rhode Island are packed full of shopping, dining, and historical sites just waiting to be discovered. Here we have listed seven of our favorite small town downtowns in Rhode Island:
Downtown Warren is absolutely chock full of charming shops, delicious dining, and there is even a performance venue called Galactic Theater that offers live music many nights of the week. If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, make sure to check out the three story gift shop called Imagine. It's bright purple and adorned with life size ceramic cows, so you won't be able to miss it. This area also sits right on the East Bay bike path so you can ride on through.
Pawtucket is adjascent to Providence, but has a lot of fun to offer on its own. Catch a show at the News Cafe, get educated at the Slater Mill museum, or simply sit by the Slater Mills waterfall and relax to the flow of water.
Wickford Village was actually the inspiration for the novel The Witches of Eastwick. Walking through this historic area really feels like you've hopped into a time machine. There is a gorgeous waterfront to admire, and a meal at Tavern By The Sea is sure to impress. The shops are also out of this world, with lots of locally made artisan goods available to browse.
This charming coastal town is perfect for a day of exploring. It may not be the most bustling, but the historic town commons feature a very old cemetery and a gorgeous church. You can even find a monument to the state bird, the Rhode Island red. One big bonus is that you are never too far from a lovely beach like Gooseneck.
This village is actually one of the oldest American settlements, having been established in 1638. You can certainly feel that history as you wander through the little downtown dotted with artsy shops. The area is also thought of as quite the food destination, with options ranging from a creperie to Thai food.
According to a recent article, the small town of Westerly has over 100 reasons to love it. That's more than enough to occupy a day or two. You can tackle a giant ice cream challenge at Mel's Downtown creamery, enjoy some live music and cider at Tapped Apple, or purchase some all natural toiletries at Herbwise naturals. Just make sure to allow some extra time for spontaneity!
Peace Dale is a charming and colorful little area perfect for a nice walk and some fresh air. The town is particularly known for all of the vintage and antique shopping that are available, so if you are looking for something special, a stroll through downtown Peace Dale might provide the ideal treasure hunt!
Each of these small towns in Rhode Island offer something so special and unique that really helps to make our state what it is. With so much to explore, you may never even feel the need to step foot into a city. Which of these small town downtowns in Rhode Island are you most excited to take some time to truly discover?
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