Rhode Island
7 Adorable Small Towns in Rhode Island to Visit in 2024
If beauty is controlled for size — and all the states put on a scale — Rhode Island would stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most beautiful states in the nation. For starters, a significant portion of the state is made up of pretty beaches, complete with tasty waterfront views and an awe-inspiring coastline. Want to explore Rhode Island? Slide into your flip-flops and set base in some adorable small town. For specific suggestions, discover below these seven charming small towns in Rhode Island.
Charlestown
If words have any meaning, Charlestown should be the perfect description of “adorable.” People travel from across the nation to walk on its golden sands, wander through the tree-dappled ridges that fill the Charlestown Moraine Preserve, wind down and decompress at the Tucker Woods Preserve, and enjoy top-notch retail therapy at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, an old farm and temperance hall that today features features eye-catching sculptures, a petting zoo, and a hippy-bazaar. That said, Charlestown is mostly known for its beaches, including stand-outs such as Blue Shutters Beach, Charlestown Town Beach, and East Beach, a 3-mile-long barrier beach known for its windsurfing attributes.
Jamestown
Incorporated more than three centuries ago, when this slice of Rhode Island was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Jamestown has today transformed itself from a marshy and humid backwater into a peaceful coastal gem with awe-inspiring parks, historic farms, and casual restaurants. An adorable main street adds a layer of charm to an otherwise beautiful spot — and is one of the town’s noticeable features. Jamestown Archaeological District is home to New England’s largest documented Indian cemetery and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. A meal at the Zeek’s Creek Bait & Tackle Inc. often sees patrons licking their fingers — before exploring outdoor attractions such as Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, the panoramic Fort Wetherill, and the shell-laden Sunset Beach.
Little Compton
Although “little” is part of its name, this adorable Rhode Island stunner is easy on the eyes and filled with delightful spots and attractions. One will want to amble through the only town commons in the state of Rhode Island and marvel at the variety of Greek Revival and Victorian buildings, including the iconic United Congregational Church, that rises over downtown with its hulking steeple. Aside from the landmark church, a first-time visitor will relish the old-world feel here and relish its charming ambiance. Little Compton was once called the stonewall capital of the world. Even today, stonewalls line the roads and encircle the open fields. Pop inside Gray’s General Store, arguably the oldest operating general store in America. It opens between June to October and from Wednesday to Sunday. Alternatively, launch out to the nearby Goosewing Beach, a rocky but scenic expanse that plays host to thousands of migrating birds. Do not miss the Sakonnet Garden either — if just to stroll along its wooden walkways and marvel at its amazing collection of plants and trees.
Newport
Fondly called The City by the Sea, Newport has been a vacationer’s favorite for many years. A first-time visitor will enjoy shopping along Thames Street and the Brick Market Place, an all-year destination with over 25 unique shops and eateries. This 4-acre shopping paradise was designed by one of America’s finest architects and features shops such as the House of Windsor, which hosts one of the largest selections of Antique and Estate jewelry in one place. Of course, Newport is world-famous for its Gilded Age Mansions, including The Beakers, associated with the Vanderbilts, once the wealthiest family in the United States. Step out along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk and appreciate natural beauty at its most pristine. Wine connoisseurs should work their way to Newport Vineyards, arguably the largest grower of grapes in New England.
Westerly
Although there is no ugly part of Rhode Island, some areas are more beautiful than others. One such area is where the town of Westerly occupies. As the name suggests, Westerly is Rhode Island’s westernmost town and is nestled along the Pawcatuck River, which forms part of the boundary between Connecticut and Rhode Island. Once known for shipbuilding, Westerly is today mostly famous for its vacation attributes. Drive through Watch Hill, which features a quaint coastal village with three sandy beaches. Pop inside The Malted Barley, known for its melt-in-the-mouth pretzels and rotating craft brews. Alternatively, grab some wood-fired pizza at Grey Sail — and wash it down with locally made beer of exceptional quality. Just a hair out of town, Wahaneeta Preserve features scenic trails and rolling woods. One will feel like she is thousands of miles away from America.
Woonsocket
Rhode Island’s northernmost city was once an industrial hub. Today, however, Woonsocket is adorable and eccentric in almost equal measure. For example, if a first-time visitor asks for dynamite here — or mentions it in a conversation — locals know she is talking about a delicious sandwich, not an explosive. Talking of sandwiches, J’s Deli serves some of the freshest deli sandwiches in the area. Other options include D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches as well as New York Lunch, world-famous for its hot wieners. A plaque at the entrance to the city hall honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Make your way to the train station and catch a glimpse of the bronze statue of the dog Hachiko. Digging up Hachiko’s story, one understands why dogs are man’s best friend. Museum of Work & Culture tells the story of the Industrial Revolution via fascinating displays and exhibits — and will leave any lover of history impressed.
Bristol
Bristol is an adorable seaside community that boasts sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, a storied history that goes back more than 270 years, and the oldest, continuous Independence Day celebration in America. Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature, one of Bristol’s sought-after attractions, features a lovely boardwalk perfect for an afternoon stroll, an aquarium, nearly 30 miles of scenic trails, lovely views of the bay, and interactive wildlife models. The nearby Colt State Park spans more than 460 acres, features a gasp-inducing shoreline, and is home to miles of scenic trails. If your heart is susceptible to the grip of history, the go-to spots here include Coggshall Farm Museum, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, and the Bristol Art Museum. What’s more? If one times her visit well, she can participate in the oldest, continuous Independence Day celebration in America.
The Takeaway
The smallest state in America is easy to explore. A trip from the beach to a chic boutique to an inland forest is typically a matter of minutes, not days. But what should one expect? Plenty. White-sand beaches, a rugged coastline, hulking bluffs and cliffs, and nautical charm. As to charming small towns, lace up for gems such as Charlestown, Jamestown, Little Compton, and Newport. The latter is particularly world-famous for its Gilded Age mansions.
Rhode Island
Man killed in RI shooting; suspect involved in Mass. car crash that killed 2 others
A man has died after a shooting in Cranston, Rhode Island, and investigators say a suspect was later involved in a car crash in Swansea, Massachusetts, that killed two other people.
The shooting victim was found Thursday on Legion Way, shot multiple times in the chest, Cranston police told NBC affiliate WJAR-TV. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he later died. His name has not been released.
The suspect initially fled on foot, setting off a shelter-in-place order while investigators searched the area.
Police said Friday that investigators identified a suspect vehicle, which was later spotted by Massachusetts State Police. A trooper followed the car down Route 6 and Interstate 195, but stopped when it crossed back into Rhode Island. The car was later involved in a crash on Route 136 in Swansea, Mass.
Swansea police say that crash on Route 136 (James Reynolds Road) resulted in the deaths of two other people.
According to the Swansea Police Department, two officers saw a white Infinity G37 speed past them around 12:18 a.m. Friday on Route 6, otherwise known as Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Moments later, officers observed that the vehicle had crashed into the side of a blue Subaru Ascent that had been traveling southbound on Route 136.
Both vehicles sustained catastrophic damage, police said.
The vehicle that was struck was fully engulfed in flames. First responders and bystanders tried to extinguish the fire, but both occupants — a man and a woman — were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Their names have not been released.
The 28-year-old Infinity driver, who struck the victims’ Subaru, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries and later into custody by Cranston Police. They have not been publicly identified at this time.
Swansea police said they are aware that the Infinity was the subject of a police pursuit, and know the driver was wanted in connection to the Rhode Island homicide investigation. While Swansea police had been alerted to be on the lookout for the suspect’s vehicle, however, they say they were not involved in the pursuit and were not pursuing the vehicle at the time of the deadly crash.
The crash in Swansea is under investigation by Massachusetts authorities, including state police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Meanwhile, Cranston police said they would give an update on their investigation around 1 p.m.
Rhode Island
RI House speaker unveils housing bills for 2026. What to know
House Speaker Shekarchi unveils 2026 RI housing legislative package
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s nine-bill package for 2026 seeks to cut red tape and relax rules on parking, dividing lots and staircases.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi is once again taking aim at the regulations he says are stifling new homebuilding.
The Warwick Democrat unveiled his sixth annual suite of housing legislation on Thursday, Feb. 26, a few weeks after announcing he would not be running for governor this year.
“We are still trying to play catch-up for all the years that Rhode Island was dead last in the country for new housing starts,” Shekarchi said. “While Rhode Island remains a relatively affordable option for people moving here from other states, our own residents are too often priced out of the neighborhoods they grew up in.”
The legislative text of the nine-bill housing package, and with it the specifics of how it would work, were not available for Thursday’s news conference.
But highlights of the package, according to summaries, include:
- Infill housing. Allow property owners to divide lots in single-family zoning districts, creating multiple dwellings instead of one, provided they have water and sewer service.
- Parking maximums. Put new limits on how much off-street parking communities require for new apartment buildings.
- Homeless Bill of Rights. Expand the state’s Homeless Bill of Rights to require 15-day notice to the occupants of encampments before local authorities clear them.
- Emergency shelters. Let communities build temporary shelters, such as the ECHO Village Pallet shelter in Providence, during a state of emergency.
- Stairs. Legalize the construction of four-story apartment buildings with a single staircase.
- Affordable housing taxes. Overhaul the tax system for income-restricted housing covered by the state’s “8 Law.”
Is land-use reform working?
Since Shekarchi was elected speaker in 2021, the General Assembly has passed dozens of bills he backed that tweaked state land-use statutes or streamlined the process for building.
How successful this approach has been is subject to debate.
Many local elected officials wary of development in their communities continue to rail against efforts to erode their power over construction.
Others in the growing Yes In My Back Yard movement see Rhode Island’s piecemeal approach as inadequate in comparison with the scale of the affordability problem and what other states are doing.
As evidence that his changes are making a difference, Shekarchi said Rhode Island saw a 70% increase in building permits in 2023 and a more modest increase in 2024. (Statistics for last year were not immediately available.)
Gov. Dan McKee’s 2030 plan calls for 15,000 new housing units built by that year.
Democratic primary challenger Helena Foulkes is slated to roll out her housing plan on Monday.
It is expected to include a millionaires tax to fund affordable housing, a revolving fund and target of 20,000 new homes.
What would the new laws do?
Letting property owners put multiple homes on a plot of land is one of the most direct ways that lawmakers can encourage the construction of more homes, but it is also one of the most controversial.
That’s especially true in areas zoned for large lots and single-family homes.
How far the new bill allowing lots to be subdivided in single-family zones goes is unclear. It is sponsored by Rep. Stephen Casey, D-Woonsocket.
Legislation setting maximum parking requirements for new developments, introduced by Rep. Joshua Giraldo, D-Central Falls, would apply to areas accessible by public transit.
Critics of off-street parking requirements say they make it harder to build new apartments and make the units that are built more expensive.
Shekarchi proposed the emergency shelter bill last year. It passed the House and died in the Senate.
It was the result of how long it took state officials to navigate Rhode Island’s building code and open the ECHO Village Pallet shelter in Providence.
The staircase bill, sponsored by Rep. June Speakman, a Warren Democrat and chair of the House’s home affordability study commission, follows a wave of cities and states relaxing rules on how many exits are required in new construction.
Currently, the state building code requires two stairways in buildings with more than three stories, and fire officials have opposed all efforts to change that.
Speakman’s bill would allow four-story buildings with a maximum of 16 units with a single staircase.
Supporters of single-stair buildings say they allow development of small sites that would otherwise sit vacant and allow family-sized units with more light and better ventilation.
A previous Rhode Island single-stair bill would have allowed six stories, but it died in committee.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order in mid-February to study the idea.
Rhode Island
One of Africa’s soccer giants will be based in Rhode Island for the World Cup – The Boston Globe
Providence has positioned itself as an alternative to Boston, one of the official host cities for the 2026 competition. Located just 30 miles away from Gillette Stadium — or “Boston Stadium” as it will be known during the World Cup — Rhode Island’s leaders have been touting the tiny state as more-affordable for fans and closer to the action. Seven matches, including a quarterfinal, are scheduled to be played in Foxborough.
“Today we announce that Ghana will be staying in Providence and we’d also like to extend an invitation to the fans and families to come to our city,” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in a statement on Thursday. “We are committed to being a festive destination for soccer fans from around the world.”
The news has created excitement among the local Ghanaian community in the state.
Kwame Larbi, the president of the Ghana Association of Rhode Island, said Ghana’s decision will be a chance for people to celebrate the West African country’s culture through its soccer team and an opportunity to see what successful Africans look like on a grand stage.
“The Black Stars represent everything Ghanaian. They are Ghana’s pride and joy, our strength, perseverance, and freedom,” he said. “Hosting the Black Stars at Bryant would mean so much for our community. More specifically, our youth. Representation is everything.”
Larbi said the local community plans to show out for the team with traditional Ghanaian dances at Foxborough when they face England on June 23.
“We will all be in our Ghana T-shirts, Ghana flags and our drums,” he said. “I just came from Ghana. My shirts are ready.”
This is the fifth time that Ghana has qualified for the World Cup. Their best showing was in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinal after defeating Team USA only to be eliminated when Uruguay prevented them from scoring in extra time with an intentional handball on the goal line. The team boasts some world-class talent who compete in top leagues around the world, such as star players Mohammed Kudus, who plays for the English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur, and Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City.
Larbi is bullish about Ghana’s chances at this year’s tournament.
“We are going to beat England. It’s a big name, but we have hope. We are going to surprise everyone, and with the spirit of brotherhood and all, we are going to be successful,” he said.

Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo said his father, who hails from Ghana, is excited about the team being based in the state.
“The first thing he texted back to me upon the announcement was ‘Nice. Exclamation point. Buy me a ticket,‘” he said. “There’s a lot of immigrants and immigrant kids who are going to feel some special feelings across the weeks that Ghana has us as their home base.”
Amo said he hopes Ghanaian fans from places such as Worcester, Mass., and New York City will join their compatriots in Rhode Island and create a vibrant atmosphere in the state.
“This is a big deal for our state. We get to showcase all the things that make us special — our food, our amazing Rhode Island summer and our people — to Ghana,” he said. “So it’s going to be great soccer … and it’s going to be a great setting for the World Cup.”
State officials say that the team’s training sessions will be closed to the public, but the country’s football association was planning some events with young players in the state.
“We’re working hard to ensure that the FIFA World Cup leaves behind a legacy of passion for the sport and a commitment to growing the game of soccer in Rhode Island. Partnering with the Black Stars will fuel these young players’ passion,” said Jonathan Walker, executive director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission.
For Larbi, he said Rhode Island’s Ghanaian community is ready to prepare some jollof rice for the team. He has lived in Rhode Island for more than 40 years and he never thought that he would see his country’s national team be based in the state for such a huge tournament.
“It has never occurred to us that one day the Ghana Black Stars will be based in Rhode Island…competing for the World Cup,” he said. “It’s not only Ghanaians, but it’s for the whole of Africa.”
Omar Mohammed can be reached at omar.mohammed@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter (X) @shurufu.
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