Burrillville
Shopping & Things To Do
Built in 1786 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Federal-style home is an interesting spot to get a quick view of life during the early years of the United States. Nicely preserved and open for tours.
A “hidden gem” mom & pop store with a wide selection of home decor, interesting knick knacks, repurposed furniture, and more. Great place to visit and browse the barn and see what’s available.
The oldest amusement penny arcade in the United States. Has a collection of antique arcade games seldom found anywhere else in working use.
Hosts revolving exhibits and special collections of early Americana, collectibles, antiques, local history, and more.
Farms & Local Markets
A small marketplace in Pascoag with specialty foods, baked goods, floral arrangements, and basic necessities. One of the only locally-owned markets in-town and very convenient.
Seasonal outdoor farmers market located at the Stillwater Mill Pavillion every Thursday and Saturday, June through October. Local food, art, and live music.
Family-owned farm with an on-site bake shoppe, which serve handmade breads, pastries, pies, cookies, and more. Often hosts “foodie” events open to the public.
37-acre family-owned farm with fresh produce, eggs, milk, and artisanal handmade products. Also has a flower and plant nursery.
Recreation & Activities
Shared land between RI, CT, and MA lines. Covers over 2,000 acres of forest and wetlands with marked hiking trails. Also a popular spot for ATV-ing and fishing in Wallum Lake. There are a few remnants of the 19th century farms that were active here before the US Civil War.
Quiet and relaxing outdoor recreation spot with easy hiking trails, fishing areas, kayaking, and canoeing. There is also an orchard where you can pick your own apples.
1,500 acres of forested land with hiking trails, bird watching trails, and seasonal hunting areas.
Beautiful little park near town center. Great spot for a day picnic or bring the kids to the playground. There is a bridge that passes over a small brook and waterfall.
A 1.2 mile off-road bike path that runs along the former New York, New Haven and Hartford Railway and connects the villages of Harrisville and Pascoag.
Popular local swimming hole with swim dock, food concessions, picnic tables, restrooms with outdoor showers, childrens’ slides, etc. The Spring Lake Arcade is also located at this facility, which is the oldest penny arcade in the U.S. and filled with antique and rare games.
Newport County, Rhode Island, is renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, reflecting its coastal location and rich history. The area boasts an array of dining options that cater to all tastes, from seafood lovers to gourmet food enthusiasts.
As a coastal region, Newport County excels in fresh seafood dishes. You can find everything from casual clam shacks serving up fried clams and lobster rolls to upscale seafood restaurants offering elegantly prepared fish, scallops, and oysters, often sourced straight from local waters. The Lobster Bar and The Mooring are popular spots for high-quality seafood with waterfront views.
Newport County also has a strong local farming community. Many restaurants in Newport County emphasize farm-to-table menus, featuring seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Restaurants like Castle Hill Inn and Jamestown Fish pride themselves on creating dishes that showcase the best of what local producers have to offer.
Here we will talk a little about some of the locals favorite options.
Jamestown
Jamestown has its own little thriving dining scene. Right along Narragansett Boulevard and North Road you’ll find more than a dozen restaurants, cafes, and bars. For such a small place, the selection is surprisingly wide, too. You can can get traditional BBQ, seafood, Italian, old fashioned delis, ice cream shops, and more. If you’re looking for live music, stop by the Narragansett Café (known as “the Ganny”) for local and touring musicians on Friday and Saturday nights. The Ganny is a destination spot for blues music and host some of the best blues musicians in New England on a regular basis.
Food spots to check out:
Little Compton
Little Compton’s restaurant scene is fairly limited due to its small population, but there are a few local favorites that never disappoint. Most of your dining options will be north towards Tiverton in the Four Corners neighborhood and further along the Sakonnet River. Middletown, Portsmouth, Fall River, and Bristol aren’t too far away either and all offer plenty of dining options.
Local food spots to check out:
middletown
Being so close to Newport, Middletown residents have nearly endless options for fantastic restaurants and bars. And yet there are restaurants in town that are just as good as what you’ll find in downtown Newport. The beachfront area by First Beach and Memorial Boulevard has great seafood and bars, including the Atlantic Grille, Rusty’s, Tickets, and more.
Food spots to check out:
Tiverton
Take a drive down Route 77 along Tiverton’s waterfront and you’ll find a handful of amazing restaurants: The Boat House, The Red Dory, Moulin Rouge, Plouf Plouf Gastronomie and more. The seafood selection here is some of the best you’ll find in the East Bay area of Rhode Island. You also have classic “town favorites” like Evelyn’s Drive-in, where you can sit at the picnic tables and enjoy their famous clam cakes and chowder.
Food spots to check out:
Portsmouth
Portsmouth has its own little community of local restaurants that attract people from all over the state. The Island Park neighborhood on the northern side of Portsmouth has several spots along Park Avenue, including Flo’s Drive In, 15 Point Road, and Thrive Coffee House. Most of the other restaurants and bars in Portsmouth line Route 114 and 138 heading towards Middletown.
Food spots to check out:
Newport
The spring, summer and early autumn seasons in Newport bring in tens of thousands of visitors and seasonal residents every year. Naturally, the food & beverage industry is a highlight here. It’s home to nearly every kind of cuisine you can imagine, from fine-dining to casual dives. Simply walk along America’s Cup Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, Thames Street, or Broadway and you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Notable Restaurants
Situated on an unbelievably picturesque estate on Aquidneck Island’s southern tip, Castle Hill offers a view of Newport that’s unbeatable. You can sit outside on the lawn, enjoy a cocktail and select menu offerings or get a reservation at their esteemed restaurant.
One of Newport’s premier dining and lodging establishments. You’ll find artfully-inspired dishes, award-winning hospitality, and a fine-dining experience like no other along Newport’s harbor district.
One of Newport’s destination restaurants for fresh seafood and dockside dining. It’s an established 35-year classic spot with raw bar offerings, extensive wine list, and private dining options.
Officially known as “America’s Oldest Tavern” the White Horse has been serving hungry mouths in Newport since 1673. It’s transformed into a tourist attraction altogether, offering fine American cuisine, a tavern shop, and private event space.
Tiverton
Shopping & Things To Do
Tiverton residents have quite a few nearby options for their weekly shopping needs. Follow Route 81 just over the Rhode Island line into Fall River and you’ll find shopping plazas with Stop & Shop, Burlington Coat Factory, Savers, T.J. Maxx, Staples, South Coast Marketplace, and more. For specialty stores and small businesses, Route 138 on the north side of town (just before Fall River) has small shops, studios, and services.
If you’re looking for arts, crafts, and boutique shops, the Four Corners neighborhood is the place to go. It’s a beautiful, historic district with a strong community of local artisans and creators. Don’t forget to grab a scoop of homemade ice cream from Gray’s...You can actually pet the cows!
Visit the Sakonnet Farm Farmstead for local produce, dairy, and homemade treats. Peek around the several antique shops in the area
Recreation & Activities in tiverton
Bristol is one of the towns in the East Bay (outside of Newport) that has a strong nightlife scene. The waterfront area along Thames Street has several popular bars and restaurants. Roger Williams University plays a big part in the thriving bar scene due to the population of students in town. As far as dining, you have a great selection of seafood restaurants and local favorites spread throughout the downtown area, including diners, cafe’s, lunch spots, and more.
A black stone public beach on the southern side of Fogland Point. Popular spot for kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, and relaxing. There is a conservation area with walking trails and places to view wildlife. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, picnic benches and a playground for kids.
A newly renovated beach has brand-new facilities, parking lot, promenade, and imported sand. The surf is naturally light here, so it’s a nice place to relax and swim during the summer. Dogs are allowed on the beach as well and Tiverton residents park for free.
An 83-acre natural area with 3.5 miles of trails that take visitors along Sin and Flesh Brook, where they can view many wildflowers, ferns, and animal habitats. Fort Barton is a Revolutionary War-era fortification named after Lt. Col. William Barton. You can climb the observation tower for a great view of the Sakonnet River and Mount Hope Bay.
650 acres of forest and grassland that is protected by the Tiverton Land Trust. The walkable areas have more than seven miles of trails of sloping paths and wetlands. The trails are well-marked and maps are available at the trailhead area. Dogs are allowed but must be leased at all times and horses are permitted.
1.6 square miles of protected woods and salt marshes along the Sakonnet River. The trail system is easy and relaxing with several observation points along the river. Great place for birdwatching as well.
NEWPORT
Shopping & Things To Do
Broadway, Upper Thames, and Lower Thames are destination shopping spots in Newport. In this four-mile stretch of historic, bustling downtown, you’ll find boutique clothing shops, chocolatiers, jewelry, custom-made accessories, bars, restaurants, and much more. Of course, as a resident, you’ll want easy-access shopping for your essentials, right? Well, that’s also available in short order. Just up Broadway along Route 114 and 138 there are several shopping centers with Stop & Shop, Shaws, and CVS. Or you can visit the shopping plaza on JT Connell Highway, which includes Walmart, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, etc.
An annual folk-oriented music festival at Fort Adams State Park. Started in 1959, this festival is known for its historic performances and showcase of America’s finest folk and Americana musicians. It takes place every summer in July and hosts a weekend-long line up of musicians from all over the country.
Established five years earlier to its counterpart (Newport Folk Festival), this annual summer fest is also held at Fort Adams State Park. It has hosted some of the biggest names in Jazz, Soul, and Rock music (Frank Sinatra, James Brown, David Brubeck, just to name a few!). It’s often held the same month at the Folk Festival and continues to showcase lineups of well-known and emerging musicians.
This extensive exhibit honors players and contributors to the sport of tennis, which includes a museum, grass tennis courts, and both an indoor and outdoor tennis facility. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and memorabilia – including videos, photographs, audio recordings, tennis equipment and apparel, trophies, and art – highlighting the history of tennis from its origins up through the modern era.
Newport Mansions
The Preservation Society of Newport have made it their purpose to maintain the historic mansions along Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive. You can schedule tours and explore the mansions, attend special events, see exhibits, and learn about the luxurious homes of the Vanderbilt's and other famous families of industry.
Newport Mansions
Recreation & Activities
One of Newport’s biggest summer attractions, the Cliff Walk is open year-round and free to the public. It runs 3.5 miles along the eastern and southern portion of Aquidneck Island and offers unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can travel out onto the rocks and cliffs, gaze the mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and stop at many observation points along the way.
A public-use, historic park with panoramic views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. It’s home to historic, well-preserved Fort Adams, a large military fortress built in the 19th century. The park offers guided tours of the fortress, online gift shop, and rental of their barracks rooms for private events. The outside grounds have public-use facilities for fishing, boating, soccer, rugby, picnicking, and more. Fort Adams is also home to the long-running Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festivals.
A “hidden gem” park situated in a residential neighborhood in Newport. Amazing views of the Newport Bridge and East Passage. It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in a quiet, well-kept place along the waterfront. Also dog-friendly, with plenty of green space and benches to relax for a picnic.
Located along Ocean Drive about a mile from Bellevue Avenue, this small beach is set back in a cove and naturally protected from big waves or ocean surge. It’s open to the public, but the beach club is private. Seasonal passes are available.
Occupying the former grounds of one of Newport’s grandest estates, Brenton Point State Park has one of the most commanding and spectacular views on the East Coast. The park is located at the point of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic, midway along renowned Ocean Drive. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and fishing.
Located on the highest natural point in Newport in a beautiful wooded landscape. At the top, you can climb the 80-foot-tall Memorial Tower for a spectacular view of Newport and Narragansett Bay. There are also public-use facilities in the park, including picnic tables, playground, and an open playfield.
A ten-mile road along Newport’s ocean cliffs and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. See the luxurious, historic cottages and mansions along the water or hike along the rocks in Brenton Cove. It’s a great place for a bike ride or to watch the sunset.
With over 400 miles of coastline, Newport has plenty of beautiful beaches and sandy seasides to visit. Bask in the water or just relax on the beach with your toes in the sand. Come relax along the shoreline for a taste of the good life.
Hospitals
Newport Hospital
Newport Hospital is a private, non-profit hospital and member of the Lifespan Health System. The hospital offers emergency care, diagnostic imaging, birthing services, behavioral health services, intensive care, and acute inpatient and outpatient rehab.
Portsmouth
Shopping & Things To Do
Portsmouth is fairly accessible in terms of shopping needs. There’s a culture among Aquidneck Island residents that “there’s no reason to ever leave the island.” With Newport nearby and plenty of retail outlets and restaurants lining Route 114 and Route 138, you can see why. One store local shoppers love is Clement’s Market, where you can grab fresh produce, prepared foods, groceries, and more. Travel south towards Middletown and you’ll find several shopping plazas (with large retailers) lining Rt. 138 and Rt. 114. If you need to find a gift out of the ordinary, try Cory Farms Past & Present.
Both islands are located in the middle of Narragansett Bay and are now mostly residential areas. However, you can visit the islands and explore them at your leisure. The Prudence Island Light and Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse are cool sights to see and take pictures. Both islands offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and lounging on the public beachfront.
Prudence Island is linked to the mainland by ferry. However, Hog Island can only be reached if you or someone you know has a boat.
A historic, 19th century farm house and manor which is now utilized for special events and a co-op Equestrian Center. Glen Farm is home to the Newport International Polo Series and playing field, where you can buy tickets, take lessons, or visit their pro shop. The Equestrian Center and Lower Farm area includes several historic buildings and facilities, and open public-use fields.
A private museum that houses a collection of some 70 rare automobiles. The exhibits showcase seven decades of modern industrial automotive design and celebrates cars as works of art. From the 1950s to the present, separate exhibits of Ford/Shelby Cars, Corvettes, World Cars, Fin Cars, Muscle Cars and Chrysler Mopars have been carefully curated.
Recreation & Activities
A small, yet beautiful beach located on the Sakonnet River at the end of Sandy Point Avenue. The beach is free to town residents with either a current transfer station sticker or a free sticker provided upon proof of residency (car registration with your name and Portsmouth address). Dogs are not allowed.
A 130-acre park located off West Main Road on Bradford Ave. The area includes a campground, hiking/nature trails, and fishing ponds. The campgrounds have a playground, volleyball courts, basketball, open green spaces, and freshwater fishing.
An open, “leash-free” park located at 50 Smith Road. There is parking available, picnic tables and benches, and fresh water spigots for dogs that visit. Great place to socialize with town residents (and with their dogs!).
Part of the greater Glen Farm co-op, this park, is both an open park, sporting complex, and event space. The pavilion area has 13 picnic tables, bathrooms, and an open kitchen area. There are soccer and baseball field open for use if not being used by local teams or official games.
Middletown
Shopping & Things To Do
Middletown residents have all of their shopping needs within a few miles. Since Newport is so densely populated, many of the large retail stores are located along the main roads in Middletown and Portsmouth. Route 114 and Route 138 have several plazas and shopping centers, including stores like Shaws, Stop & Shop, The Christmas Tree Shop, CVS, West Marine, The Home Depot, Ocean State Job Lot, and more. This makes it very easy for Middletown residents to get what they need without having to travel far.
Everything you can expect from Newport Vineyards comes from their tagline — “Bringing the Napa Experience to Newport”. The original vines for the vineyard were planted in 1977 and have since expanded to over 60 acres. This is a fantastic place to visit for a tour and wine tasting, see a live event, or try their highly-regarded restaurant, Brix. The winery also houses Taproot Brewery, where you can try (and buy) their farmhouse ales.
A historically-preserved, colonial-era farm that is open to the public daily from dawn till dusk. The landscape, farmhouse, and equipment is laid out as it would have been in the 18th and 19th centuries. Get a guided tour of the grounds and learn about its history!
A farmhouse market and café situated on 100 acres of conserved farmland. They’re located only a short distance from downtown Newport and the island’s beaches. They sell freshly grown seasonal fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, as well as a variety of gourmet and specialty foods. You can also catch a live music show here and pick your own berries straight from the vine.
Recreation & Activities
A public access 18-hole golf course located in Middletown. It’s been rated as the “number one public access course in New England” by New England golf magazine. Golfweek Magazine also placed the course in the “top twenty new courses in America” list soon after its opening.
Newport’s only cricket club and community. You can visit their matches throughout the season, get a lesson, or bring your kids to learn and play. The home field is Dr. Arnow Cricket Field located near Third Beach. They invite five to seven other teams to participate and compete for the SCCC Invitational Trophy every year. The tournament is held over approximately three weekends with varying dates.
A beautiful chasm cut into the middle of the high cliffs above Sachuest Bay. See great views of Second Beach and look down into the chasm from above. Be careful, though. The chasm is not roped off and it’s dangerous to get too close to the edge.
Occupying a peninsula between the Sakonnet River and Rhode Island sound, the 242-acre refuge is a very popular site for the over 65,000 annual visitors each year. It has a newly renovated visitor center, over 2.5 miles of nature trails, viewing platforms, and a number of volunteers present to help visitors.
A wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center with more than 325 acres of diverse habitats and 7 miles of hiking trails. The Sanctuary offers summer camps, public programs, and a 16-room farmhouse for vacationing and events.
Little Compton
Shopping & Things To Do
Little Compton is a place of small businesses and cute, quaint shopping. You won’t find any large retailers here. For those needs, you’ll have to travel north to Tiverton and the Fall River area. In town, you have small grocery stores, gift shops, small business services, farmers markets, etc. You have more options further up Route 77 in the Four Corners area as well. Take a walk or bike ride through Adamsville and you’ll find the Rhode Island Red Monument at the intersection of Adamsville Road and Westport Harbor Road, right in front of the baseball field. It commemorates the Rhode Island state bird and the history behind its breeding and origins.
One popular spot with locals (and visitors) is Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards. You can try the award-winning wines, shop at the mercantile store, get fresh food at the cafe, and enjoy live music throughout the open season. Be sure to get a tour of the vineyard and try a tasting with a group of friends over the weekend.
Recreation & Activities
Jamestown
Shopping & Things To Do in Jamestown
There are places to shop locally in Jamestown, but you won’t find any large retail stores on the island. This is by design, of course — Jamestown residents like to keep things simple and quaint (classy, you might say). If you live here and want to hit a couple retailers, you’ll only have to travel across either bridge to North Kingstown or Newport. Both areas have plenty of options. That said, you can find grocery and general items at McQuade’s Grocery or shop around at some of the great gift shops in town center. Check out The Purple Door, Curiosity and Co, TWC home, All Ashore Cottage Outfitters. Outdoor enthusiast shouldn't miss Wax Buddy.
A 9-hole golf course originally built in 1898 (one of the oldest public courses in the country!) and open to the public. For the occasional or even seasoned player, this is one of the better 9-hole courses in New England. There is a practice green available and a full-service restaurant and bar (The Caddy Shack).
A Beautiful little gem of a beach on your way to Beavertail. Residents love to snorkel here because the natural landscape and position of the beach protects from high waves and rip tides. You can usually walk out 50 yards before the water reaches your waist. Very unique spot worth exploring
Recreation & Activities In Jamestown
The Beavertail outlook marks the exact point where Narragansett Bay ends and the Atlantic Ocean begins. Here you’ll have some of the best views and vistas of the New England coastline. It’s a great spot for sightseeing and is open for saltwater fishing throughout the year. Be sure to check out the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum to learn about Jamestown’s maritime history and see preserved artifacts. There are also a few walking trails along the rocky shore to each outlook space.
A 22-acre open space park just off Beavertail Road and home to the Connecticut Battery Fort (built in 1776). Every year the Jamestown Historical Society hosts their Battery Day Festival here. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset and is a nice place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Sitting high atop the granite cliffs on the southern tip of Conanicut Island, this park was once an artillery fortress during the Revolutionary War and both World Wars. Since 1972, it’s been a multi-use recreational space open to the public. The area is also a major attraction for scuba diving, group picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking and exploring on the park’s 61.5 acres of property.
Narragansett
Shopping & Things To Do
As a year-round resident of Westerly, your main shopping areas (outside of small business or boutique places) are the Westerly Crossings Shopping Center and Franklin Shopping Plaza. Both are conveniently located on Route 1 near the junction of Route 78.
You can spend all day here and find everything you need: grocery, retail clothing, banks, fitness stores, vision care, etc. Salt Pond is by far the biggest shopping plaza in Narragansett and the “go-to” place for all of your essentials (tends to be very busy!) Dedicated shoppers drive here to visit some the largest Marshalls and HomeGoods stores in the state.
This beachside center of town is the best spot for walkability shopping. Check out the local shops and restaurants, walk along Narragansett Town Beach, or visit the Towers and Memorial Square.
Recreation & Activities
The state and public beaches in Narragansett are some of the best you’ll find in Rhode Island (and perhaps the entire North East).
Separates Narragansett from South Kingstown and open for public swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
These beaches extend along the same beachfront in Galilee. Both are popular for families with young children, due to the extensive breakwater barrier protecting them and gentle surf. Both beaches are located in the Point Judith section of Narragansett, which is the southernmost part of town.
Located right in the center of town near shops and restaurants. Ample parking spaces along 1A and Ocean Road. Residents of Gansett can park and enjoy the beach free of charge, but non-residents must pay a “walk on free” to visit.
Narragansett’s most popular beach with over 10,000 daily visitors during the peak summer season. It has approx. 2,325 ft. of beach frontage along the Block Island Sound. There is a north and south side of the Scarborough, each with a pavillion, showers, observation towers, and a boardwalk for public use.
Local Parks & Protected Areas
Iconic historic building on Narragansett’s downtown pier. Hosts many private weddings and other events throughout the year open to the public.
A very popular tourist attraction in Rhode Island. Scenic views of the Block Island Sound and places to walk around and view the historic lighthouse.
One of the best places in Rhode Island to buy and eat fresh seafood. Walkable and lined with restaurants, beaches, shops, and public recreation areas.
Notable places
Westerly
Shopping & Things To Do
As a year-round resident of Westerly, your main shopping areas (outside of small business or boutique places) are the Westerly Crossings Shopping Center and Franklin Shopping Plaza. Both are conveniently located on Route 1 near the junction of Route 78.
Food spots to check out:
Recreation and activities in Westerly
Watch Hill
A picturesque beachfront village with quaint shops, top-rated restaurants, and perfect views of the water in every direction. Be sure to visit the Flying Horse Carousel near Watch Hill Beach and the Napatree Conservation Area.
Misquamicut
A more casual, relaxed seaside village and home to one of New England’s best-known beaches. Atlantic Avenue is lined with seafood restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Woody Hill Management Area
819 acres of forested lands, a popular spot for mountain biking, hiking, and walking trails.
An amazing spot to watch the sunset at dusk in Westerly. A popular spot for swimming, bird watching, or taking a leisurely stroll with the family.
Located at the center of downtown Westerly, this 50-acre park is a perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon with the family. It’s surrounded by all types of restaurants, shops, and historic buildings. There is a gazebo, a small pond, a beautiful water fountain, and events happening here throughout the year.
Westerly Beaches
A private, member-owned golf club with stunning views of Winnapaug Pond. Considered one of the best nine hole golf courses in New England.
Private membership country club (open to public play) with an 18-hole golf course. A popular place to host weddings and private events or dine out.
RV resort close to the shore with a nine-hole golf course. Nice spot for family outings and camping grounds.
A private, member-owned golf club on 400 acres of land with an 18-hole course. Ranked on Golfweek’s “Best Modern Courses in the U.S.” list.
Private membership clubhouse with rooms available for overnight stays, boating, private beach, kayaking, and more.
Private members club located on the Pawcatuck River just off Route 1A. Great spot for events and dining with a beautiful view of Stonington across the river.
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