Rhode Island

7 Most Scenic Small Towns in Rhode Island

Published

2 years ago

April 18, 2024

7 Most Scenic Small Towns in Rhode Island

The smallest American State by total area and with a total population of just over 1 million inhabitants, what the “Ocean State” of Rhode Island may lack in size it compensates for with splendid natural beauty and fascinating history. A key component of the New England Region, Rhode Island’s welcoming and charming towns reflect the very best of this historic destination that joined the Union in 1790. From breathtaking Atlantic Ocean vistas to alluring communities dating to the 18^th century, the scenic and unique towns in Rhode Island are perfect ways for the entire family to enjoy a holiday. So come see some of the best of New England through an exploration of these beautifully scenic and inviting Rhode Island towns!

Jamestown

The Community Playground, Jamestown, Rhode Island. By Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

One of Rhode Island’s oldest European settlements, Jamestown can trace its foundational history to the mid 1600s! Beautifully located on Conanicut Island (in Narragansett Bay), this historic place is indeed a most fascinating destination to discover where history and natural beauty come together. Including the small islands of Dutch and Gould, visitors to Jamestown will find a most charming community of just under 6,000 residents. Full of stunning ocean views and island breezes, guests will also never be short on historic attractions to experience. These include the Beavertail Lighthouse (1856), the Windmill Hill Historic District, Fort Getty (1901), the Conanicut Battery, and the Jamestown Archeological District, amongst many others. Add in a welcoming assortment of local businesses, restaurants, and shops, and the sights and sounds of Jamestown truly make it one of the most welcoming and scenic places in all of Rhode Island.

New Shoreham/Block Island

Aerial view of downtown New Shoreham, Rhode Island

The town of New Shoreham can also trace its history to the mid 17^th century, where today a modest population of just over 1,400 reside. Located on Block Island, New Shoreham is the State’s southernmost place and offers truly exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean and loads of beautiful rolling green hills. A visual delight that all ages can marvel and appreciate, make sure not to miss a stop at the Mohegan Bluffs lookout or plan an afternoon at a most welcoming beach area. Full of great opportunities to go sailing, swimming, and sunbathing, New Shoreham and Block Island indeed never offers a dull moment. And with such inviting cultural events like the Fourth of July Parade and unique historic attractions like the Southeast Lighthouse (1875) and the Block Island Historical Society Museum, there is always something charming and fun to waiting to be discovered for the entire family.

Warren

Warren is located on the eastern banks of the same named river, where today just over 11,000 inhabitants reside. Settled by English colonists back in the 1680s, Warren remains a most peaceful and naturally beautiful town where guests can also discover fascinating stories of American history. Spend time at such attractions like the previously mentioned Warren River or the Kickemuit River, where one can even view such wildlife like deer, foxes, and varying bird species. Meanwhile for the historically inclined guest, Warren’s most charming Waterfront Historic District is a wonderful place to feel the sense of stepping back in time. Marvel at an assortment of well preserved landmarks and buildings from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, many of which are included on the National Register of Historic Places. Add in a cute selection of local shops and restaurants, and Warren truly gives off a quintessential portrait of scenic and welcoming small town Americana.

Bristol

The seat of the same named county, the town of Bristol was established in the 1680s and today this charming and fascinating historic centre is the home to just under 23,000 residents. A great place to directly discover American history, Bristol hosts several buildings and landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Mount Hope Farm (1745), the County Jail (1828), the Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (1855), and the inviting Waterfront Historic District, amongst several others. And when not learning about the past, visitors to Bristol will surely never find a shortage of beautiful natural surroundings to admire. From awesome Atlantic Ocean vistas to stunning public park areas like the Blithwold Gardens and Arboretum, there is always a breathtaking view to be had in this Rhode Island community. Add in fun opportunities for sailing, kayaking, swimming, and bike riding, and visiting Bristol will surely be something the entire family will want to repeat.

Narragansett

Narragansett is one of Rhode Island’s most popular summer hot spots, and guests from all across the State descend on the town for great outdoors fun. Indeed whether it is sailing, swimming, or sunbathing, Narragansett’s beautiful beach areas are perfect ways for all ages to enjoy a holiday. Located along a narrow strip of the Pettaquamscutt River, the historic Narragansett is also a great place to see a number of fascinating historic attractions. These include the Point Judith Lighthouse (1857) and the castle gate known as The Towers (1883), amongst others that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile an afternoon at the Fishermen’s Memorial State Park is ideal for a calm and relaxing outing, while generally comfortably temperatures year round make Narragansett always in vogue.

Foster

Home to a modest population of just under 4,500 inhabitants, the charming small town of Foster is an ideal place for a scenic and inviting weekend retreat. Formally established in the 17^th century, and just some 20 miles from the State capital of Providence, guests can expect to find a pretty natural ambience and alluring historic attractions. Visit the Clayville Historic District and admire such landmarks like the Captain George Dorrance House (1720) and the Mount Vernon Tavern (1761). These and other sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, truly do give one a sense of time travel and to the fledging years of the young United States. Meanwhile do not forget about such natural wonders like Killingly Pond or the very special Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. Whether one walks or drives across, a very special set of photographic memories will be sure to follow.

Richmond

Richmond is a short 35 mile drive from capital city of Providence, and it is an excellent choice for those in the capital region to enjoy a day trip or two. With a population of just over 8,000 residents, Richmond offers its inhabitants and visitors alike a peaceful natural atmosphere with plenty of American historic attraction. Spend time exploring the historic villages of Tug Hollow, Arcadia, Kenyon, Hillsdale, and Shannock, amongst others that really immerse one in the daily life of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Add in the splendid, forested framing of the area, and a most charming and rustic mood is definitely set. And as with any typical smaller town, a great assortment of local restaurants, businesses, shops, and galleries dot the landscape, making Richmond a truly wholesome place to appreciate small town USA. Indeed whether its strolling though the village historic districts, admiring the scenic woods, or greeting the friendly locals, Richmond is a wonderful Rhode Island experience.

Also known as the “Ocean State”, Rhode Island is a key feature of the America’s New England region. While its geographic and demographic size may be size, Rhode Island is definitely big in natural splendor and fascinating history, that make it an ideal place to vacation in. Through an exploration of some of the State’s small towns, one can discover not only awesome geographic beauty but charming snapshots of old America. From the island allure of New Shoreham to the historic sights of Bristol, these and other Rhode Island towns are truly treasures waiting to be experienced firsthand! So when travelling the American northeast, do not forget about Rhode Island and these wonderfully scenic and inviting small towns, that will definitely enrich any holiday for every age in the family.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island women’s basketball wins A-10 regular-season championship

Published

9 seconds ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island women’s basketball wins A-10 regular-season championship

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – What was a peerless achievement in University of Rhode Island women’s basketball history now has some company just four short years later.

The Rams are Atlantic 10 regular-season champions again after a special Saturday afternoon in Kingston, a coronation more than a contest against visiting George Washington.

The Revolutionaries never had a chance after the hosts got off to a sharp start at the Ryan Center. URI left no doubt in front of its best crowd of the season, and a significant portion of that gathering stuck around long after the final whistle to see the nets cut down again.

It was all Rams in this 72-48 cruise, a result that matched what was a first in 2022-23 and handed URI a No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament. George Mason dropped to the No. 2 spot despite posting the same 16-2 league record as the Rams, and that came thanks to a comprehensive 79-63 defeat in a Valentine’s Day matchup.

“There’s nothing more satisfying as a coach than to have the confetti fall and to cut down nets with this group of young women,” URI coach Tammi Reiss said. “I’ve never been prouder.”

URI scored on each of its first five offensive possessions and authored a masterpiece through the opening three quarters. It was only in the fourth when Reiss emptied her bench that George Washington showed any semblance of being able to keep pace. Palmire Mbu led three in double figures with 23 points, and Sophia Vital played yet another complete all-around game to help the Rams run roughshod.

“We were just extra motivated today,” Mbu said. “We wanted to do great for our crowd.

“Just trying my best. Trying to be aggressive and to give solutions on offense and defense. It felt good.”

URI owned a 21-point lead entering the final 10 minutes, thanks to 18 assists, just two turnovers and 63.4% shooting from the field. The Rams buried the offensive struggles they experienced in road losses to La Salle and Richmond with what had been a typical display of crisp execution. URI closed 26-for-35 from 2-point range, collected 48 points in the paint and racked up another 17 off Revolutionaries turnovers.

“I do believe the last four years we had talented teams – we had talented players,” URI guard Ines Debroise said. “But I think it’s also how we can put all the pieces of the puzzle together. This year that’s what we were going to do from day one.”

Mbu’s bucket off a Vanessa Harris steal gave the Rams a 25-10 lead and forced a George Washington timeout with 6:38 left in the second quarter. It seemed just a matter of time before this one was out of reach, and Brooklyn Gray followed a Debroise 3-pointer with a pair of layups to make it a 32-12 cushion. URI’s lead never dipped under 12 points again, and Mbu’s hook in the lane capped an 8-0 run that took it back to 58-38 with 1:00 left in the third.

Video of URI coach Tammi Reiss speaking postgame on Feb. 28

URI women’s basketball beats George Washington to win the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship

“They were sharing the ball in a championship game,” Reiss said. “It wasn’t 1-on-1. That’s what makes this team special.”

The Rams (25-4, 16-2 Atlantic 10) set a new program best for conference wins in a season and are now one shy from a new overall mark – they collected 26 while making a run to the WNIT Round of 16 in 2022-23. URI shared the league crown with rival Massachusetts that year before suffering a semifinal upset against Saint Louis and missing out on a third meeting with the Minutewomen.

“Their job is to show up and be us,” Reiss said. “Execute our game plan with discipline and ferocity for 40 minutes. Our job is to manage them – their health, their minutes.”

The Revolutionaries (15-16, 7-11 Atlantic 10) dropped to the No. 10 seed in the upcoming conference tournament and will play No. 7 Saint Louis in the second round on Thursday, March 5. The Rams will open Friday’s quarterfinals in an 11 a.m. tip on the USA Network against either No. 8 Loyola Chicago or No. 9 St. Bonaventure. No. 4 Davidson and No. 5 Saint Joseph’s are in URI’s half of the bracket, while the second-seeded Patriots and third-seeded Spiders could be on a semifinal collision course in the other half at Henrico Sports & Events Center.

“It’s going to be tough for everybody – probably three games in three days,” Mbu said. “We’ve got to push to the end and play like we’ve been doing.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON (48): Sara Lewis 2-10 2-2 6, Gabby Reynolds 7-13 2-2 17, Tanah Becker 1-2 1-1 3, Mia James 2-6 0-0 4, Kamari Sims 2-4 0-0 4, Emma Theodorsson 0-6 2-2 2, Jaeda Wilson 1-2 0-0 2, Filipa Calisto 2-2 0-0 4, Colleen Phiri 0-0 0-0 0, Caia Loving 2-2 0-0 4, Payton Dulin 1-1 0-2 2. Totals 20-48 7-9 48.

RHODE ISLAND (72): Palmire Mbu 9-14 3-4 23, Albina Syla 5-6 0-0 10, Brooklyn Gray 5-6 0-0 11, Sophia Vital 3-6 1-2 7, Ines Debroise 4-7 0-0 9, Vanessa Harris 3-7 0-0 7, Aimee Michel 2-2 0-0 4, Valentina Ojeda 0-2 0-0 0, Ta’Viyanna Habib 0-0 0-0 0, Eva Agba 0-1 1-2 1. Totals 31-51 5-8 72.

Halftime – RI, 40-25. 3-point FG – GW 1-8 (Reynolds 1-2, Becker 0-1, James 0-2, Sims 0-1, Theodorsson 0-2), RI 5-16 (Mbu 2-4, Gray 1-1, Vital 0-2, Debroise 1-4, Harris 1-2, Ojeda 0-2, Agba 0-1). Rebounds – GW 23 (Sims 5), RI 26 (Vital 6). Assists – GW 7 (Sims 2, Loving 2), RI 21 (Vital 7). Turnovers – GW 13 (Sims 4), RI 7 (Gray 2, Harris 2). Blocked shots – GW 2 (James 1, Loving 1), RI 3 (Mbu 2). Steals – GW 3 (Lewis 1, James 1, Sims 1), RI 6 (Vital 3). Attendance – 6,580.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25

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Rhode Island

Frostbitten lizard found in Rhode Island is healing

Published

12 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Frostbitten lizard found in Rhode Island is healing

While shoveling his driveway during yet another winter storm, a man in Providence, Rhode Island found something rather unexpected—a very cold giant lizard. Fortunately, the animal rehabilitation experts at the New England Wildlife Center found that besides being very dehydrated and having frostbite on its tongue and toes, the female tegu named Frankie was doing okay.

Tegus are large South American reptiles, so how did Frankie end up in the middle of a snowstorm in New England? Tess Gannaway, a veterinarian at the wildlife center who treated Frankie, tells Popular Science that she was probably someone’s pet.

“Given their size they often roam folk’s homes like dogs or cats and there is a chance that in warmer months Frankie escaped and was surviving on her own outside until the weather got too cold for her to manage,” Gannaway explains. There’s also the more unfortunate possibility that the lizard was recently abandoned.

The black on the tip of Frankie’s tongue are the dead tissue as a result of the frostbite. Image: New England Wildlife Center Staff.

Either way, Frankie was likely unable to pull her tongue back into her mouth at the start of the storm, which caused the frostbite on both her tongue and her toes. The tongue frostbite is particularly notable because known cases of animals with mucus membrane related frostbite are exceedingly unusual. Because of the frostbite, Frankie no longer has the iconic reptilian V-shape in her tongue.

In fact, veterinary medicine as a whole didn’t have any published accounts of such an affliction. As such, Gannaway and her veterinary student turned to human medical literature to decide on Frankie’s best treatment option, and ultimately identified what they were looking for.

This “is really cool and an example of something in veterinary medicine and other fields we call one health, so the intersection between human and animal health,” Gannaway explained in a New England Wildlife Center video.

In the human report, a portion of a patient’s tongue had unintentionally frozen because of a medical intervention in the mouth. Doctors then removed the dead external tissue a number of times, healing the injury within three weeks.

Similarly, the team at the New England Wildlife Center aims to remove part of Frankie’s dead tongue tissue every two or three weeks. Hopefully, the tongue will heal on its own, but the good news is that tongues are rapid healers.

Gannaway says that the team is “cautiously optimistic” about Frankie’s future.

“She did great during her first debridement [the tissue removal] and has moved on from liquid to solid food. New England Wildlife Centers’ Veterinarians will keep checking her tongue every 2 weeks to see if she needs further sedation to remove more superficial tissue,” she adds.“Until then she is on pain medications and an antibiotic. Tegus can live normal lives with only part of their tongue so as long as we can get her tongue to stabilize she should be ready to live a warmer although slightly less adventurous life.”

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Rhode Island

Bodycam footage shows moments police respond to Pawtucket shooting

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Bodycam footage shows moments police respond to Pawtucket shooting

Police bodycam footage shows the moments officers arrived to the scene of a deadly mass shooting in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The shooting on Feb. 16 at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena killed Rhonda Dorgan and Aidan Dorgan, the ex-wife and son of the shooter, who died by suicide.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

Gerald Dorgan, Rhonda’s father, died from his injuries this week. His wife, Linda Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Geruso remain hospitalized.

Around five minutes after the first officer arrives, he beings helping paramedics with a man who identifies himself as Aidan. Twelve minutes in, Aidan Dorgan is transported to the hospital, where he would later die from his injuries.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.

For the last 10 minutes of the footage, the officer then begins helping paramedics transport the other three gunshot victims.

The video ends with police prepping witness interviews.

The shooting rocked the Pawtucket community. Chris Librizzi, head coach of the Blackstone Valley Schools hockey team impacted by the shooting, said the players and coaching staff “are devastated over the events that took place at Lynch Arena on Monday and intimately affected one of our teammates.”

As authorities continue investigating the shooting in Pawtucket, three patients remain in critical condition.

“We will lean on each other and support one another, as we have always done as a team,” he added.

Pawtucket police said two handguns were found at the scene after the shooting, a Sig Sauer P226 and Glock. Other weapons have been seized at the suspect’s storage unit in Maine.

Investigators continue reviewing all video evidence from before, during and after the shooting, including surveillance footage from the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, police body-worn camera footage and other records — a high school sports livestream captured the shooting from a distance — police said.

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