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Rhode Island
10 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is one of the most historic states in the US as it was among the first original thirteen British Colonies and the first to break ties and loyalty to the British Crown in 1776. It was so historic that most of the towns in the state were founded in the 17th century and played critical roles in the Revolutionary War by resisting further British occupation of their lands. Today, this ocean state is full of many small towns where rich histories complement gorgeous beaches, lighthouses, delicious seafood, dense forests, and more spectacular features. From Narragansett to Newport, these ten towns in the Ocean State are living history museums.
Charlestown
The history of Charlestown dates back to 1669 when the town of Westerley was incorporated and included about four other towns. Subsequently, in 1747, Charlestown was separated from Westerly and named after King Charles II. With roots dating back to the 17th century, Charlestown today is a mini historic depot with highlight attractions such as Joseph Stanton House (1739) and District Schoolhouse No. 2 (1838). Fort Ninigret is another historic highlight in town built in 1883 as a fortress and trading post. Meanwhile, visitors are always welcome to the town’s numerous beaches, such as East Beach and Charlestown Beach, to bask in the sun, boat, fish, and watch the sunset. Also, the Burlington State Park and Campground beckons with its beautiful forest surrounding Watchaug Pond, offering swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, and boating adventures. Before leaving town, grab some antiques at the Rusty Rabbit Antiques.
New Shoreham (Block Island)
New Shoreham is remarkable as the smallest town in the smallest state and occupies the entire geographical region known as Block Island. Although its history dates back to the 1500s, it came to the limelight in 1614 when Dutch explorer Adriaen Block charted the island and named it after him. As an island, its history mostly relates to the maritime industry, and the Southeast Lighthouse stands as a testament to how far the town has come. Built in 1874, this spectacular landmark has been named one of the most architecturally sophisticated 19th-century-built lighthouses in the US. Block Island North Lighthouse is another historic highlight in town, built in 1867 with imported stone blocks after three lighthouses were lost on the island. For a peek into the area’s history, visitors are invited to the Block Island Historical Society Museum to browse through artifacts covering everything from the Island’s geological formation to Indigenous peoples, the Victorian era, and more. In the meantime, visit the Mohegan Bluffs to marvel at the scenery and reflect on a pre-colonial battle that occurred there in which invading Mohegans were thrown off to their deaths by native Niantic. Afterward, hop on the island’s five beaches and dine at Ballard’s Beach Resort to soak in the coastal aura further.
Bristol
Bristol is a charming town first incorporated in 1681 as part of Massachusetts. In 1746, it became part of Rhode Island and today it brims with incredible coastal scenery and history. Visitors are invited to check out some of its historic highlights like the Bristol County Statehouse/Courthouse, built in 1819 and used as one of the state’s five statehouses. Next, visit the Bristol County Jail, built in 1828 for inmates and the families of jailers. Remember to check out the Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (1855) and the Mount Hope Bridge, a magnificent suspension bridge that opened in 1929. Afterward, head to Colt State Park to hike, picnic, and boat and warp up with a palatable lunch at Quito’s Restaurant and Bar.
Jamestown
Jamestown is a beautiful tourist town on Conanicut Island incorporated in 1678 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1746, the town was transferred to Rhode Island and today, it is a peaceful destination full of iconic historic attractions. Once here, start with the Jamestown Museum to delve into the town’s bygone era via exhibits and photography collections. Located at the entrance of Narragansett Bay, Beavertail Lighthouse (1856) is another iconic historic attraction worth visiting as it also hosts a museum housing ancient artifacts. Don’t miss out on a visit to the historic Jamestown Windmill which has survived since it was first built in 1787. For something different, proceed to the Jamestown Arts Center to browse through some artworks.
Little Compton
Little Compton is a charming coastal town in Newport County with so much to love especially its interesting history. Originally occupied by Sakonnet Indians, this area came to the limelight in the 1670s and 1680s when explorers from Plymouth Colony stormed the land in a bid to expand their settlement. In 1682, the town was incorporated as Sakonnet but later changed to Little Compton. Today, one of its foremost historic attractions is the Wilbor House Museum, built in 1690 and used for farming. Visit this house museum for a glimpse into the town’s past and then proceed to admire and take pictures of Sakonnet Point Light (1884) from the beach. More interesting historic attractions to check out in town include – Stone House Inn (1854), William Whalley Homestead (1815 – 1830s), and Fort Church (1942). Step away from history and hit the main street to enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the Barn Restaurant and then proceed to the town’s beaches, such as South Shore Beach and Goosewing Beach Preserve, to promenade, play in the sand, and watch birds.
Westerly
Westerly is a beachfront town that saw its first permanent European settlements in 1661. In 1669, the town was incorporated and named for its position in the westernmost part of the Rhode Island Colony. More than 300 years later, the town now boasts several historic districts, notably the Westerly Downtown Historic District, featuring ancient properties such as the Town Hall and Courthouse (1912), and the Westerly Railroad Station (1912). Explore the aforementioned district and then head to the Babcock-Smith House Museum to see a 1732 Georgian mansion housing period antiques and granite exhibits. Don’t forget to stop by the Granite Theatre to watch plays and performances. Afterward, explore the town’s charming beaches, such as Watch Hill, Dunes Park, Misquamicut, and East Beach, to enjoy picnics and water sports.
Narragansett
Narragansett is one of the most popular towns on Rhode Island on the bay of the same name. Incorporated in 1901, the town is a tourist resort with enchanting beaches, but its history endures amid its seaside allure. This town is home to The Towers – one of the most iconic structures in the US. This structure was built between 1883 and 1886 and is the only surviving part of the once-bustling Narragansett Pier Casino of the 1880s. The town also hosts Point Judith Lighthouse, built in 1810 which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the meantime, visitors are invited to immerse in the history of Narragansett and its surrounding areas at the South County Museum through an assortment of artifacts and exhibits. When it’s time for lunch, enjoy stunning seafood with enchanting views of the ocean at the Coast Guard House restaurant.
North Kingstown
North Kingstown is a laid-back town in Washington County dating to 1641 when the area was first settled. In 1674, the town was incorporated and named Kings Towne. After many years of conflicts, the town was eventually split in 1722, giving rise to the distinct town of North Kingstown. Today, the town hosts the Historic Wickford Village – one of the most historic settlements in Rhode Island filled with 18th-century buildings. Walk through this village to travel back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries while exploring notable buildings like the Old Narragansett Church (1707) which represents one of the oldest Episcopal Church in America. Smith’s Castle – one of the oldest structures in the country is also in this historic village. This castle was built in 1678 to replace an earlier structure and is a great place to learn about the town’s early days. The town also hosts the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, home of the renowned artist behind the famous portrait of George Washington. While exploring the historic attractions, don’t forget to take a photo of the iconic Plum Beach Lighthouse at the backdrop of Jamestown Bridge, and when hungry, dine at Wickford on the Water with bay views.
Newport
Newport is a summer resort haven with a rich history dating to 1639 when it was founded by English settlers, although native people had inhabited the land for at least 5,000 years. Today, the town is home to several Gilded Age Mansions, such as The Breakers (1895) and the White Horse Tavern (circa 1673), arguably the oldest tavern in the US still running. Other similar historic structures in town include Marble House (1892), The Elms (1901), and Rosecliff (1902). After the historic mansion tour, visit the Newport Museum of History to witness the past come alive in various exhibits. On the outdoors, visit Easton Beach to bask in the sun and enjoy picnics. Before leaving, purchase rare antiques as souvenirs at the Aardvark Antiques.
East Greenwich
East Greenwich is one of the oldest towns in Rhode Island, established in 1677. From then onwards, the town flourished in its fishing, farming, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. Today, the town retains its historic allure, especially in the East Greenwich Historic District, which houses iconic structures like the Kent County Courthouse (1803), Kentish Guards Armoury (1842), and Windmill Cottage (1790). The Varnum House Museum is another historic attraction on the main street worth visiting. This mansion was built by Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, who served in the Revolutionary War, and houses the Varnum Armory Museum, home to military artifacts reflecting Rhode Island’s military roots. Science and engineering tourists can visit the New England Wireless and Steam Museum to learn about steam engines and their wireless versions. Afterward, kick back and enjoy a delicious meal at Water Street Kitchen and Bar.
Rhodes Island is naturally famous for its ocean heritage and tourism. However, it is one of the most historic states in the US, boasting several small towns steeped in the grandeur of the past. Small in size but big on history, this state will stun every history aficionado with its string of historic attractions. Make these towns in Rhode Island your next historic stop and be transported to the rustic yet stunning and interesting world of the past.
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PROVIDENCE – Former CVS executive Helena Foulkes still leads Gov. Dan McKee by double-digits in the Democratic primary race for governor, but her whopping 34-point lead of last April has shrunk to 20 points in the wake of McKee’s TV attack ads, according to a new University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll.
The survey sampled 337 likely 2026 Democratic state primary voters, 145 likely Republican state primary voters and 664 likely general election voters between June 18 and June 23.
Among the key findings of the survey:
If the Democratic primary had been held while the survey was underway, 42% of likely primary voters would have chosen Foulkes and 22% would have chosen McKee, with restaurant owner Gregory Stevens and Wil Gregersen each getting 1%, the poll said. Thirty-one percent of respondents were undecided.
“Pluralities of moderates (46%), liberals (46%), and progressives (46%) support Foulkes, while two-thirds of socialists (66%) are undecided. McKee does best among those aged 65 and older (31%) but still trailsFoulkes (46%) among this group,” according to this poll.
McKee has narrowed the gap somewhat since the last UNH poll in April, when 45% of likely primary voters chose Foulkes and only 11% McKee.
Bottom line: Incumbent McKee, a former Cumberland mayor and lieutenant governor who has been governor since his predecessor Gina Raimondo quit mid-term in March 2021, “remains quite unpopular among likely Democratic primary voters: only 18% have a favorable opinion of him, 56% have an unfavorable opinion,” according to the poll released on Tuesday, June 30.
And then there’s this: In a hypothetical matchup between Foulkes, whoever emerges as the Republican nominee and independent Ken Block, the poll showed 38% of likely general election voters would vote for Foulkes, 22% would vote for the Republican nominee and 19% for Block.
If, however, McKee won the Democratic nomination, the potential matchup “would be very close,” with both McKee and Block getting 27% of the likely general election vote and the GOP nominee 23%; 2% would vote for another candidate. Twenty-one percent were undecided, according to the poll.
The poll is the latest in a string of bad news for the 74-year-old McKee, including his failure to clinch the endorsement of the state Democratic Party on June 20.
Depending on how you do the math, he fell three votes short of the endorsement, making him the first Democratic governor in Rhode Island to fail to win his party’s endorsement for a reelection bid since the modern primary system was created in 1948.
In the days since, Foulkes has racked up city and town Democratic committee endorsements, while McKee has only won endorsements from Pawtucket and North Providence Democrats. On Tuesday, June 30, he touted one more from the East Providence Democratic City Committee.
But McKee campaign spokeswoman Sophie Mestas hailed the poll as evidence that “the more Rhode Islanders learn about Helena Foulkes – a corporate executive who built her career on cutting healthcare access and fueling the opioid crisis – the more they want no part of her empty promises.
“More Rhode Islanders now view her unfavorably than favorably, and it’s not hard to see why,” Mestas said. “Rhode Islanders know the difference between a Governor who delivers for them and an executive who cashed in at their expense – and they’re choosing the Governor who’s always fought for working families.”
Her statement reflects disputed allegations in McKee’s TV ads about Foulkes’ record.
On the Republican front, those surveyed chose retired comedian Elaine Pelino, who has campaigned almost exclusively on Facebook (38%), over the state GOP’s endorsed candidate, Aaron Guckian (19%), an advance man and driver for former Gov. Donald Carcieri who most recently worked for the Rhode Island Dental Association.
Flying athletes in with the Special Olympics Airlift
Getting athletes to the games takes more than airplanes. Textron Aviation coordinates the effort while AccuWeather provides forecasting support to make weather-informed decisions.
Rhode Island athletes took home five gold medals, nine silver medals and 11 bronze medals at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which wrapped up on June 26.
The Rhode Island Special Olympians left for the games in private jets provided by Textron on June 15. A total of 50 members, including 24 athletes and their families, traveled to represent and cheer on Rhode Island.
“Once we went to the hangar on the way out to Minnesota, and there was a big rally, my husband Steve and I were looking at each other saying, ‘This is big. This is huge being invited to the USA games,’” Rena Megrdichian, mother of softball player Garen Megrdichian, said. “I guess we just didn’t realize what an honor this whole process was.”
After preliminary events on June 22 to group athletes accordingly, the medal rounds across multiple sports began the next day.
Rhode Island picked up three gold medals, three silver medals and four bronzes in bowling, swimming, powerlifting and track and field events on June 23. Despite the heavy medal count for the smallest state, one athlete’s finish went viral on social media.
Thomas Poirier, of North Providence, was placed in lane 5 of group 4 in the 400-meter after finishing fifth in his preliminary race with a time of 1:20.54. The race started, and Poirier hustled as hard as he could, but coming into the final 100 meters, he found himself in fourth place. Then, he kicked it into another gear. He passed the runner in third, then second and suddenly he was gaining on the leader he was about 25 meters behind just a few seconds prior. With 25 meters left to go, Poirier passed Noah Lamusga, of Minnesota, and took the lead and the gold medal.
Poirier finished with a time of 1:17.24, three seconds faster than his time in the preliminaries.
“I saw my time in the prelims, and I was like ‘That’s good, but I just need to work harder,’ and so I did,” Poirier said.
The clip of him running the final 100 meters and his post-race interview where he says, “Rhode Island… I’m coming home golden,” currently has over 100,000 likes on Instagram.
“At first I was a little embarrassed, but I slowly and surely got used to it,” Poirier said. “I’m not used to getting fame like this.”
Poirier’s mom, Dora, was able to attend the games with her husband and daughter, Poirier’s twin sister. When they saw Thomas cross the finish line, the only emotions they could convey were shock and tears of joy.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Dora said. “We’re like, ‘Oh my god, he actually might do this.’ I honestly couldn’t believe that he did it. We hoped he would come home with something. I was so happy for him, overjoyed.”
Dora said that the family had no idea that Thomas had gone viral until later that night. They had received a few videos of friends recording the TV when the race first ended, but they kept receiving more videos, and that’s when they realized he had his viral social media moment.
Thomas also competed in the 200-meter run and 4 x 100-meter relay, where he won silver in both with a time of 30.59 and 1:07.83, respectively.
Thomas noted that the quick turnaround to compete in the three events was hard, but he knew he had to power through.
“It was definitely a little hard, but I slowly adapted to it, and I gave it my all,” Thomas said. “In the end, that other guy was just a little faster, but I still gave it my all, and I’m happy with what I came home with.”
Another one of Rhode Island’s five gold medals came from the softball team. The team had lost its first two group stage games 17-8 and 18-3 against Delaware and Connecticut, respectively, on June 22. They were able to salvage one win, a 12-9 victory against Arkansas the next day, before losing to Florida in its final group stage game on June 24.
The team suffered a couple of injuries during the group stage games, one of which was Jamar Abney, who suffered a hand injury in the final group stage game. Abney’s injury was a rallying cry for the rest of the team as they developed a slogan, “Win for Jamar,” that would define the rest of the team’s run, according to Special Olympics Rhode Island President and CEO Edwin Pacheco.
In the first game of the medal round, Rhode Island was paired up against Arkansas once more. The team was down 9-3 at one point but rallied back in extra innings to pull off the 11-10 win and advance to the gold medal game.
“The enthusiasm, the excitement that came from the team was just contagious,” Pacheco said. “You think about all the memorable moments, whether it be the Red Sox or the Patriots, and these come-from-behind wins that people still talk about 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 years later, that game between Rhode Island and Arkansas was one of those moments.”
In the championship, it was another rematch, this time with Connecticut. No miracles or comebacks were needed in this game, though, as Rhode Island won 21-7 to take home the gold.
“I feel like in the gold medal match, I thought we had a lot of energy coming into this game,” said Garen Megrdichian, of Hope. “We had some urgency, and we had some confidence, so I’m really happy that we got the gold medal, and I’m just happy for our guys.”
Garen’s mom Rena attended the games and watched her son and his team’s run to the gold medal. The emotions ran high throughout the week.
“The nail-biting and anxiety that the parents go through watching them go through all this, it really was a nail-biter,” Rena Megrdichia said. “We couldn’t be more proud. We really couldn’t be more proud of what not only Garen accomplished, but this whole team, how they came together, [and] how they supported one another.”
She spoke about the team’s camaraderie despite the struggles and the emotions all the parents felt after they took home the gold.
“They just kept saying, ‘We’re going to win this for Jamar,’ and not only did they FaceTime Jamar right after the game, [but they also] called his mother to say we won this for Jamar. So, the support they all had for each other – we were just in tears. It was just one of those times where they overcame being beaten down and not doing well, and then all of a sudden, they turned it around, and they did very, very well.”
Megrdichian’s mom noted that the teams, despite it being a competition, all became friends with one another.
“They want to play each other again,” Rena Megrdichia said. “That’s how much playing against them meant to them that they would love to get together again and play these teams again. Because it was so fun for them and they really enjoyed it.”
Poirier and Megrdichian both described just getting the call that they had made it to the USA Games as a “dream come true,” and that earning the gold medal just added to an already incredible experience.
Special Olympics Rhode Island invites any Rhode Islander with an intellectual or developmental disability to join the organization and participate in a sport at no cost, according to Pacheco.
Find the full results of the USA Games here.
Local News
The vehicle’s three occupants are believed to still be inside.
A car carrying a family of three went into the Seekonk River in Rhode Island Sunday evening, authorities said.
The vehicle entered the river near the Taft Street boat ramp shortly before 7:30 p.m., Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said in a statement.
A bystander riding a jet ski heard the car dive into the water and attempted to help, while another witness called 911, according to Goncalves.
First responders arrived within three minutes of the emergency call, Goncalves noted.
The vehicle’s three occupants are believed to still be inside, The Boston Globe reported.
Recovery efforts resumed Monday, with Pawtucket police and fire personnel working alongside Rhode Island State Police and other state agencies to remove the vehicle from the river, Goncalves said.
“Conditions are extremely challenging for dive teams due to the strong current and poor underwater visibility,” she added.
A video released by the Globe shows the car being recovered from the water Monday afternoon.
Authorities have not released the identities or conditions of the occupants.
“We ask that you please keep the family and their loved ones in your prayers as our first responders continue recovery efforts,” Goncalves said.
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