If you’re not from Rhode Island, it’s very easy to assume that Goddard Memorial State Park is located in East Greenwich. In fact, it’s a part of Warwick (though you have to travel through East Greenwich to get there). EG also has several of its own charming parks and nature preserves to explore. Taking a stroll along the shops and restaurants in the historic, waterfront district is also a natural attraction of this area. Annual events include the Memorial and Veteran’s Day Parades. Or catch a live show at the Greenwich Odeum — a historic venue which has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, and more.
Goddard Park attracts thousands of visitors each year as Rhode Island’s most popular Metropolitan Park. The park offers a beautiful natural environment with spacious lawns, fields, and forested areas with a variety of trees from all over the world, including 62 deciduous and 19 evergreen species.
125 acres to explore on the grounds of the old Tillinghast factory, where cotton thread was manufactured beginning in the early 1800s. From the parking lot, follow the yellow Cotton Mill Trail for about 0.6 miles. You can turn around here or hook up with the red trail through Frye Nature Preserve for an extra 0.75 miles.
This small park at the end of Rocky Hollow Road overlooks Greenwich Bay, and offers just under a mile of walking trails with plenty of benches to take in the view. Due to the area's historic reputation as one of the best shellfishing locations in Rhode Island, the name "Scalloptown" stuck. The park is popular with locals looking for a dog-friendly space for a leisurely stroll.
The Odeum building first opened in 1926 as The Greenwich Theater, built at the end of vaudeville's heyday. A multi-phased renovation was recently begun, improving the theater from front to back, top to bottom. The Odeum is a popular music and performing arts destination - and a mainstay on East Greenwich's Main Street!
The museum’s exhibits focus on early American furniture, household items, musical instruments, children’s toys, documents, paintings, and much more.
The armory (and the James Mitchell Varnum House on Peirce Street in East Greenwich, RI) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This electrical and mechanical engineering museum emphasizes the historic beginnings of radio and steam power.
East Greenwich is a “hot spot” for dining in Rhode Island. The waterfront district along Main Street is home to more than 20 restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can find fresh seafood, classic diners, New American fine cuisine, Indian, and hand-crafted pastries, and more all in this 1.5-mile stretch.
Jigger's is a farm-to-table restaurant serving quality, wholesome meals, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Known for being "old school with a modern twist," this Main Street staple has been an East Greenwich favorite since opening in 1950.
Located on East Greenwich's beautiful waterfront, BLU has something for everyone; fresh, local seafood delivered daily, as well as a variety of other options, including both vegan and gluten-friendly dishes. Enjoy some of the state's finest musicians 7 days a week, or simply admire the breathtaking views on Rhode Island’s largest waterfront deck. Full raw bar, complementary valet, and transient dockage make for an experience you won’t soon forget!
At Finn’s, you’ll come for the food and stay for the view - whether it’s on one of the decks overlooking Greenwich Cove, the welcoming indoor dining room, or private event space.
Located at 240 Main Street, Greenwich Bay boasts a large raw bar, that also includes locally sourced seafood entrees and sandwiches, all in a relaxed tavern setting.
Known for American fare with a Southern flair. This breakfast and lunch hotspot serves up delicious and authentic comfort food, the kind you can really only get done well in the South... until now!
This modern bistro offers elevated coastal comfort food, craft cocktails, and draft beer. It's a popular local spot for brunch, private events, or to watch a favorite New England sporting event.
Don’t settle for average, casual American cuisine. The Trap puts a twist on traditional pub fare with interesting flavor concepts and pairings. The unique environment and expansive patio draws you in, but it’s the incredible food that will keep you coming back!
MainStreet Coffee proudly features coffee, espresso martinis, and light bites - with indoor and sidewalk dining options available day or evening.
With five restaurants located in East Greenwich, Cranston, West Warwick, Smithfield, and Warwick. Fresco serves Italian-American dishes including wood-fired pizza and local seafood.
Said to be the "perfection of Indian cuisine," this award-winning restaurant is a local favorite. Featuring creative dining, a full bar, take-out, and complete catering services. They even have gluten free, vegan and halal options available.
Located in the heart of East Greenwich, Besos is a scratch kitchen offering a modern approach to your favorite dishes and cocktails, enjoyed in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays.
Siena Cucina-Enoteca opened in 2007 in East Greenwich and features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a lively atmosphere. The menu consists of many warm touches and offers great dishes found in kitchens and wine bars all over Italy.
Offering an inviting dining atmosphere reminiscent of a true masseria, this restaurant serves "rustic-and-relaxed" with plenty of old world charm - including artful displays of antique farm tools and photography direct from Italy.
With a focus on classic dishes utilizing the freshest ingredients harvested from land and sea, southern Italy's simple style of cooking is a cornerstone of this EG dining experience.
You may notice that East Greenwich is a little more refined than its neighbors. Here, it’s all about the small, local shops and makers who specialize in niches - jewelry, fashion, furniture, etc... If you’re in need of necessities or an all-in-one shopping mall, just follow Route 2 a few miles north into Warwick. EG even offers a boutique pet treats store and designer wedding gowns. Window shopping on Main Street is a main attraction on its own!
While this is obviously not a comprehensive list of all the wonderful options in East Greenwich, we encourage you to visit for yourself and explore this beautiful area.
Bone Appetit is an eco-friendly store dedicated to providing healthy food options for both dogs and cats. They also sell supplements and treats for nearly every dog, in every stage of life.
Bags by Iris offers an array of unique clothing and accessory options. This fun shopping location has many nautical-themed items, skin care, and other unique gifts for the home and your favorite people.
This shop features premier menswear collections, custom tailored suits, jackets, and trousers in sophisticated fabrics. Blueprint 5 also features exclusive Italian sportswear options.
Since 1991, this shop has been providing customers with eclectic, elegant gifts and home accessories. Located in downtown East Greenwich, it offers a traditional aesthetic with a twist of the unexpected.
This unique shop provides a space for local artisans to offer their one of a kind creations to the community. They also sell creative supplies such as chalk paint, furniture transfers, molds, stamps, and more, to those looking to get crafty.
Every artisan, small business, and company sourced by A Gracious Soul contributes good energy and products to the world. A portion of all proceeds generated by the business go toward a charitable organization or need.
Le's Isle Rose offers a wide variety of gifts to suit any taste. Shop their assortment of jewelry and flowers, candles and cards, fashion accessories and gourmet food products.
This full-service needlepoint shop offers a large variety of canvases by both new and established designers in addition to many thread options and accessories.
An upscale women's resale boutique which offers a carefully curated collection of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories from established high-end fashion houses, well-known labels, and up-and-coming designers.
This rock, mineral, and fossil gallery includes pieces from around the world (as well as right up the road). Check out the collection and learn about a wide range of gems, stones, and more.
Since its inception, Civil's products have varied to suit three distinct locations: in the city, on main street, and by the beach. In addition to retail, they are involved in the local skateboard and snowboard communities - hosting and sponsoring contests, demos, park cleanups, and cultural events. They aim to support future generations of the sports, and those passionate about fashion, music, and art.
If you’ve been following our latest market updates, then you know we’re in the midst of an unprecedented seller’s market. Homes are in high demand, prices have been going up, and the homes that are available are getting sold almost as soon as they’re listed.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “should I buy in a seller’s market?” And the answer is an absolute yes! While competition is fierce and can be intimidating, we’re also looking at some of the lowest mortgage rates – giving a strong incentive to seize the opportunity and shop around. But you could also be facing circumstances where you may have no choice but to make a move now to secure a new home; such as for a new addition to the family on the way.
Whatever your motivation, don’t worry, we know just what it takes to successfully navigate buying in such a hot seller’s market. So here are 4 key tips to help make sure your prepared when shopping around.
Wherever you’re aiming to settle, the listings for homes in popular neighborhoods are often sparse, and when homes do hit the market, they’re swarmed with offers very quickly. So, if you have your heart set on buying in a particular town or area, we can’t recommend enough kicking off your house hunt as soon as possible. Vigilance is key here – keeping a watchful eye early nets you a much stronger chance of catching “the one” when it does pop up. The last thing you’d want is to find out your perfect home came and went before you even got the starting line.
Say you find that dream home and are ready to dive in. Naturally, there are likely many other people who feel the exact same way; so now it becomes a sprint. Preparation is often the make-it or break-it factor. With the current market being so hot, you can easily assume that others are thinking the same. You likely won’t have a day or two to think it over and get your papers together.
The solution? Get all your paperwork for your mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds ready to go from the very start. That way, when you want to make a move, nothing will hold you back. Trust us, you don’t want something like paperwork costing you the home.
While many other times can allow a bit of friendly negotiation when the competition is ferocious and time is short – don’t waste time lowballing or playing it safe. Sellers know what their homes are worth and they know demand is high. Put yourself in their shoes, they want to maximize what they walk away with.
So do them and yourself a favor by coming to the table with a strong offer. By putting your best foot forward you’ll definitely capture their interest and improve your standing should it come to a tight final bout.
You know your budget and how far, if at all, you’re willing to stretch it. If it will end up within your budget regardless, and you have wiggle room within your pre-approved maximum, don’t hesitate. It could very well make the difference between walking away with your dream home, or nothing at all.
Now this one you may have seen coming, but it’s probably the most important. We get that hunting for a home can be a full-time job; and an emotionally exhausting one at that. That’s why connecting with an agent can be so valuable and relieving. Having an extra pair of trained eyes on the lookout, and having expert advice on demand can take immense pressure off the whole process. Being able to quickly jump on an opportunity can also make a crucial difference in a first-come-first-served environment.
The home buying process does not have to feel overwhelming, so don’t be discouraged. Our agents here at Williams & Stuart know just how important finding the right home means to you – and we’re here for you every step of the way. It’s our job to make sure you’re prepared to make the right moves needed to secure your dream home.
If you’re looking to get started or have questions going in, feel free to give us a call!
Contact us today @ 401-942-0200 (tel:4019420200)
Happy hunting!
For many years, Rhode Island homeowners have seen consistently appreciating property values; placing homeowners in a good position to benefit when selling their homes. With history proving that markets are cyclical, how much longer can this appreciation trend continue? In 2020 the median sale price of a single-family home rose to $319,900, representing 12% of appreciation in just one year. Covid-19 has driven the housing supply to a historically low level, yet demand continues to strengthen as buyers try to secure some of the lowest interest rates ever recorded. Most economic indicators do not suggest prices will flatten in the months ahead and with such strong market conditions. Rhode Island homeowners will likely see at least one more boost in property value appreciation this year.
With so much time spent at home, people across the country were forced to reassess their housing situation including its size, location, and conduciveness to spending quality time at home. There was a large trend towards the suburbs and bigger homes with more rooms, more yard space and a suitable work-from-home environment. The coastal regions and top suburbs in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts saw an influx of out-of-state buyers, particularly from New York, Connecticut and California, paying top dollar to settle back into their New England roots and work remotely, while other out-of-state buyers invested in second and vacation homes.
Selling a home is a process that should be started well in advance if you want to earn the highest sale price possible. It can be intimating at first, but the sooner you get started – the better prepared you’ll be to get the best value for your home as possible.
Use these winter months to clean out your closets, basement and garage in order to highlight these spaces that are increasingly important to today’s buyers.
Now more than ever, sellers are seeking an expert to guide them through one of the most complex and competitive markets we’ve ever seen. An experienced real estate agent can make selling a home easy – helping to navigate through the process, and highlighting value to prospective buyers.
If you are looking to buy or sell your home, we can help. Give us a call at 401-942-0200!
Like anything else, home trends evolve every year. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the amount of time people are spending at home. Home is not just the place where you relax and regroup at the end of the day-it has now become an office, gym, eatery, classroom & so much more. The pandemic has caused many families to reconsider how they use and live in their homes since there are a variety of activities now occurring under one roof.
Many Rhode Island small businesses are heading into this year’s holiday season in need of a boost. As you begin to think about the gifts you are buying for loved ones, please consider how important it is to support our local economy and business owners this year! Your small purchase could make a major impact and help determine whether these businesses will thrive in 2021.
Rhode Island business owners have worked incredibly hard to provide quality products, services, and enjoyable shopping and dining experiences despite the challenging circumstances. Let’s remind them of how much they mean to us by giving and gifting locally this holiday season – after all, coming together is what the holidays are all about, even if it looks and feels a bit different this year!
We’ve put together a list of favorite local businesses that our agents frequent when working from the office. Many of these fellow small business owners have become friends, they serve us delicious meals and they too support our local communities. Please consider them at this most important time of year.
Barrington Books – Retail & Gifts - 176 Hillside Rd.,Garden City Center
401-432-7222. barringtonbooks.com
Lou Umberto’s Italian Kitchen – Dine Out & Catering - 1606 Cranston St.
401-432-6267. louumbertositaliankitchen.com
Sienna & Co. - Skincare & Wellness - 100 Midway Place Suite # 13
401-263-1709. siennaandco.net
Bettola - Italian Comfort Food - 44 Rolfe Square, Cranston
401-522-5222. bettola.com
Noon Design Shop - Artisan Gifts & Home Decor - 18 Post Road, Warwick
401-455-1222. noondesignshop.com
Revolution Bistro - Neighborhood American Bistro - 2190 Broad Street, Cranston
401-780-8700. revolutionri.net
Essence Yoga - Health & Wellness - 2178 Broad Street, Cranston
401-378-8197. essenceyogari.com
Crepe Corner - Breakfast & Lunch Cafe - 2170 Broad Street, Cranston
401-461-2170. crepecorneronline.com
Sprigs Flowers - Florals & Fine Gifts - 533 Main Street, East Greenwich
401-583-4114. sprigsflowersri.com
The Perfect Match - Hand-poured Candles - 941 Cowesett Road, Warwick
401-499-0030. theperfectmatchshop.com
Besos - Kitchen & Cocktails – 378 Main Street, East Greenwich
401-398-8855. besoskitchenandcocktails.com
Ocean State Souvenirs - RI themed gifts & souvenir - 2105 Post Road, Warwick
401-737-0686. oceanstatesouvenirs.com
The Portsmouth Shop - Gifts, Jewelry & More - 2511 East Main Road, Portsmouth
401-683-2184. theportsmouthshopri.com
Newport Vineyards - Winery, Brewery & Dining – 909 East Main Road, Middletown
401-848-5161. newportvineyards.com
Lou Lou’s Decor - Home Decor & Design - 202 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
401-619-2565. loulousdecor.com
Anna D’s Cafe - Cafe & Ice Cream - 954 East Main Road, Portsmouth
401-683-6338. annadcafe.com
Store Four - Home Decor & Accessories – 673 Kingstown Road, Wakefield
401-783-7388. storefour.net
Trio - Coastal Cuisine - 15 Kingstown Road, Narragansett
401-792-4333. www.trio-ri.com
The Farmer’s Daughter - Garden Center & Gift Shop - 716 Mooresfield Road, South Kingstown
401-732-1340. thefarmersdaughterri.com
Matunuck Oyster Bar - Fresh, local seafood - 629 Succotash Road, South Kingstown
401-783-4202. rhodyoysters.com
Our incredible team of real estate agents came together for the month of October for a critical mission: To raise $10,000 by October 31st to donate to the American Cancer Society. It was no doubt in our mind that we wouldn’t be able to reach this goal. The past few years, Williams and Stuart Real Estate has stepped up and participated in raising funds and awareness for breast cancer through the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Our very own real estate agent, Mike Harrison graciously accepted representing our office this year by wearing the color pink every single day.
Breast cancer is something that every one of us know someone who has battled and it is so fulfilling to see our entire office get behind this cause. Unfortunately, the odds are that cancer will affect us all at some point in our lives, whether directly or indirectly through a family member of close friend. However, there are things we can do to contribute to fight and win this battle.
Mike Harrison represented the Williams & Stuart office through the Real Men Wear Pink campaign because like too many others around the world, he explains “my family has been impacted by cancer. and when I consider the fact that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, I think about my amazing wife, mother sisters and nieces.” He believes it is his obligation to make a difference within our community and every dollar donated is just a step towards a safer future for his loved ones.
The month of October started off strong with Mike wearing the color pink loud and proud! He incorporated it into his wardrobe from head to toe. Mike visited his favorite restaurants, stores and even the golf course wearing a pink tutu that brought much awareness to breast cancer. He even did yard work wearing pink! He was able to receive generous donations from not only his colleagues, but complete strangers and Williams & Stuart brokers, Susan Rowles & Paul Zarrella matched all donations. Mike also held an online poker tournament and through Adopt-A-Squatch RI, $50 was donated to Mike’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign for every Squatch purchased.
The Making Strides Celebration at Rustic Tri View Drive-In was another huge success for raising funds and awareness for breast cancer. Williams & Stuart was proud to sponsor this fun-filled event. Families from all over Rhode Island gathered for a drive-in movie night, at a safe distance of course. People who attended came wearing pink and even decked out their cars. Goodie bags were handed out to all that attended, and a big prize was given out to the best decorated car! It was a wonderful night remembering those who have lost their lives from breast cancer, standing behind those who are fighting and supporting those who have survived.
It was very rewarding to see our office come together and respond to such a special cause. We are thrilled to have raised over $10,000 that will go directly towards funding breast cancer research, patient support and breast cancer prevention. Thank you for all your continued and future support. It means a great deal to our office!
Fall is here, and you know what that means – pumpkin carving, haunted houses, hayrides, and so much more! We’ve comprised a list of all of our favorite Halloween activities. Before this “spooky season” comes to an end, be sure to check out these wicked family-friendly activities!
Central Falls Landing, 15 Madeira Ave. Central Falls, RI 02863Dates: Thursday – Sunday throughout October
Times: 6:45 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:15 PM, and 9 PM
Cost: $20 per person
FROM THE DEEP, DARK DEPTHS OF THE BLACKSTONE RIVER… THE SWAMP MONSTER HAS AWOKEN! Don’t be afraid of the Swamp Scare and the danger of the abyss below the murkiness of the Blackstone River! Your journey aboard The Explorer riverboat takes you along a scary (and socially distanced) 20-minute experience on the water.
Drive through Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Roger Williams Park Zoo: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907Dates: October 1 – November 1, 2020
Times: Trail will be open nightly 6:30 – 11:00 pm.
Cost: $50 per car or $45 per car for current RWPZoo members
Celebrate Special Places while staying safe inside your car enjoying thousands of intricately carved pumpkins as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Halloween season!
Congdon Street, Providence, RI 02906Dates & Times: Visit website for available bookings
Cost: $20 per person
Enjoy the spooky side of history and join us for an evening like no other! Allow our guides to lead you by lantern light as we introduce you to Providence’s longest-lingering residents.
804 Dyer Avenue Cranston, RIDates: Friday – Sunday throughout October
Times: 7PM – 10PM
Cost: $12 per person
Enter the doors of the Haunted Labyrinth at your own risk! This haunted house is run completely by adult and youth volunteers, providing scary and fun attractions to the public, while also donating all proceeds to charity. Get spooked and help a good cause at the Haunted Labyrinth.
Providence Marina at 15 Bridge Street, Providence, RI.Date: Select Wednesdays and Sundays throughout October
Times: Schedule times are available on the website
Cost: $24-28 per person
Surrounded by the moonlit bridges, cobblestone walkways and century-old architecture of downtown Providence, you will learn of our capital city’s “dearly-deceased-but-not-so-departed” residents; local literary giants and humble servants alike; their restless souls still stirring among the living. Climb aboard…they’ve been waiting for you!
Cass Creative
Address: Customer’s Choice
Dates and Times: 2 hour carving party; scheduling information is provided through the website
Cost: $20 per person
Looking for something fun to do at home? Invite your friends over for a unique fall party that isn’t like the rest! You will be provided with the pumpkins, tools and instructions for the best carving party ever!
Greenhouses & Farms: 2150 Scituate Avenue, Hope, RI 02831 Dates: October 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25Although the summer season is winding down, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep the outdoor fun going! As the weather starts to cool off and summer days slip away, pull out your favorite flannel and head to the nearest farm or orchard. This is a great activity to do with your family while enjoying the crisp air. Here are just a few of our favorite local spots.
Barden Family Orchard
Hours: M-F 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat-Sun Daily. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: 56 Elmdale Rd., North Scituate 401-934-1413
Dame Farm and Orchard
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sat., Sun. and Mon. holidays. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 91B Brown Ave., Johnston, 401-949-3657,
Hill Orchards
Hours: Sat. and Sun. in September and October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 86 Winsor Ave., Johnston, 401-949-2940
Jaswell’s Farm
Hours: Daily. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 50 Swan Rd., Smithfield, 401-231-9043
Knight Farm
Hours: Daily. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 1 Snake Hill Rd., North Scituate, 401-349-4408
Hours: Daily. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: 213 Narrow Lane, North Kingstown, 401-294-3584
Pippin Orchard
Hours: Daily. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 751 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston (401) 943-7096
Steere Orchard
Hours: Daily. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 150 Austin Ave., Greenville, 401-949-1456
Sweet Berry Farm, Middletown
Hours: Daily. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Location: 915 Mitchells Lane, Middletown, 401- 847-3912
Apple picking is one of those family traditions that everyone loves. Just think about all the tasty apple goodness you can make after a trip to your local orchard!