Rhode Island
7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Rhode Island
![7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Rhode Island 7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Rhode Island](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w1200-q80/upload/4f/02/fb/shutterstock-1878690619.jpg)
Rhode Island is a tiny New England state with a rich history combined with miles of natural beauty, making it the perfect weekend getaway or family vacation destination. What the small state lacks in size, it makes up for interesting attractions and landmarks, including beautiful Gilded Age mansions, sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches, sweet seaside towns, and sprawling modern cities. One way to immerse yourself in all that Rhode Island has to offer is by exploring its undiscovered small towns, such as these charming seven.
While some of these towns, like Newport and Woonsocket, may be familiar names, they each harbor lesser-known treasures that make them feel like hidden gems in their own right.
Little Compton
Aerial view of the beachfront campground in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
If you love being on the water or just being surrounded by peaceful water views, the quaint town of Little Compton may be the perfect place for you. It’s blessed with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the scenic Sakonnet River to the west, as well as plenty of places to rent kayaks, canoes, and even yachts for the day. Get hooked up with everything you need for a day on the ocean or river at Sakonnet Charters or Islander Charters. You could also bring your own personal watercraft and dock it at the Sakonnet Point Marina.
If just relaxing on a sandy beach or splashing in the water is more your thing, you’re in luck in Little Compton, which boasts five beaches, including South Shore Beach, Goosewing Beach, and Tappens Beach. Take in the view of the historic Sakonnet Point Lighthouse, which can be viewed from the beach on Sakonnet Point. Learn more about the region’s history by visiting the WiIlbor House and Museum, which dates back to the late 1600s.
Glocester
![Pulaski State Park near the village of Chepachet in Glocester, Rhode Island.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/72/1c/ef/pulaski-state-park-near-the-village-of-chepachet-in-glocester-rhode-island.jpg)
With a population of just under 10,000, gorgeous Glocester offers the best of both worlds. It has no shortage of modern conveniences, including a mix of casual and gourmet easters, quaint cafes and interesting historical and natural atttractions, yet still retains plenty of small-town charm. One of area’s most popular destinations is the Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area, which is a 100-acre park complete with a pond for kayaking and canoeing, and trails for hiking and biking.
Nature lovers can also spend time at the Durfee Hill Management Area, another great place to hike among lush forests and wildlife habitats. Anglers can even cast a line at the onsite Burlingame Reservoir. History buffs won’t want to miss a trip to the Job Armstrong Museum, which offers an introspective look into the region’s unique past through several exhibits.
New Shoreham
![A bicyclist takes an early morning ride past the harbor-side shops in New Shoreham, Rhode Island.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/56/af/56/shutterstock-2471906079.jpg)
If you’re looking to get away from it all during your next getaway or vacation, tiny New Shoreham is calling your name. The seaside destination has the distinction of being the smallest town in the smallest state, as well as Block Island’s only town. What the town lacks in size, however, it makes up for in beautiful scenery, fun attractions, and a warm and welcoming community. New Shoreham offers two man-made harbors, more than 17 miles of beachfront and 30 miles of hiking trails, and 300 freshwater ponds.
While you’re in the area, check out impressive Mohegan Bluffs, a set of 200-foot cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean for once-in-a-lifetime views. If you’re visiting during the summer months, take tours of the Southwest and North Lighthouses, each known for their historical significance and unique architectural details. The town is also home to several beaches for relaxing or boating, including the pretty Mansion Beach.
Tiverton
![View of the Sakonnet River and a small residential neighborhood in Tiverton, Rhode Island.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/89/b2/e3/shutterstock-1967940403.jpg)
Tiverton may be a small town, but it’s not lacking anything when it comes to amenities, cultural and historical attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located on the shores of Narragansett Bay in beautiful Newport County, Tiverton is also situated across the Sakonnet River, making it a water-lovers paradise. You can take a scenic walk over the Skaonnet River Bridge or explore the waterways by boat, which can be rented from local outfitters such as Riverside Marina.
If you want to go swimming or just relax on the sandy shores, spend a day on the beautiful Fogland Beach, a local summer hotspot. You can also go kayaking or canoeing, surfing, or boating, depending on where your passions lie. You could also go hiking or biking along the almost 2-mile trail at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge or check out the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District, which features historic buildings dating back to the 1800s.
Jamestown
![Beach in Jamestown, Rhode Island.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/58/21/29/shutterstock-1758063044.jpg)
As interesting as it is beautiful, historic Jamestown dates back to 1678 when it was incorporated as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The town is situated on Conanicut Island and is filled with scenic farms and parks and miles of coastline for boating, fishing, surfing, or just relaxing in the sun. In addition to all of the natural beauty, Jamestown also has a charming downtown filled with art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, eateries, and cafes.
Another notable place to visit is the Jamestown Archaeological District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places because it’s home to New England’s largest American Indian cemetery. History lovers also won’t want to miss the Beavertail Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1856. Tour the lighthouse and the adjacent museum to learn about its fascinating history at the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
Newport
![Newport, Rhode Island's famed Thames Street shopping district, featuring specialty shops, restaurants, hotels, and attractions that draw many visitors.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/e8/a9/53/shutterstock-2129387855.jpg)
Newport, though one of Rhode Island’s more famous towns, still has hidden corners and lesser-known experiences that capture the essence of small-town New England charm. Newport is also home to several famous museums, such as the Naval War College Museum, the Herreshoff Marine Museum, and the unique Newport Car Museum. Sign up to take a historic mansion tour to view the town’s abundance of turn-of-the-century summer “cottages” of the rich and famous.
Get acquainted with the town quickly by strolling down Thames Street and through the Brick Market Place, which features almost 30 charming shops, restaurants serving local fare, and cafes. Don’t miss The Breakers, which was once the home of the Vanderbilts, the wealthiest family in the country at the time. Also, check out the town’s 3.5-mile Cliff Walk or visit Newport Vineyards if you’re a wine enthusiast.
Woonsocket
![Aerial view of the Main Street Historic District in downtown Woonsocket, Rhode Island.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/c7/3b/8a/shutterstock-1933951556.jpg)
Aerial view of the Main Street Historic District in downtown Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
While Woonsocket is one of the larger and more recognized destinations on this list, it offers a surprising blend of small-town charm and unique attractions that often go unnoticed by visitors. Rhode Island’s northernmost city, Woonsocket, is blessed with both historical and cultural attractions and has no shortage of natural beauty. The town is known for the Museum of Work and Culture, an interactive attraction operated by the Rhode Island Historical Society. It tells the story of the French Canadians who first worked in the New England factories.
Nature lovers will delight in Woonsocket’s abundance of city parks, including Bernon Park, Cold Spring Park, and Costa Park, where they can participate in activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing, and fishing. If arts and culture are more your thing, the Stadium Theatre is the place where visitors and locals alike enjoy taking in all types of live entertainment, such as plays, music and dance concerts, and bands.
Experience the Authentic Charm of Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be a tiny state, but it has no shortage of appealing small towns to call home for a few days or even several weeks, depending on what type of trip you’re taking. While the state’s big cities and more well-known towns, like Newport and Woonsocket, have their charms, it’s in these towns—whether famous or lesser-known—where you can truly experience life in the small New England state. Whether you want to lounge on a sunny beach all day or tour historic mansions, lighthouses, and more, these small towns offer a unique blend of attractions that make them perfect for any getaway.
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Rhode Island
Farrell-to-Harris touchdown in final minute lifts Rhode Island over Holy Cross in 20-17 thriller
![Farrell-to-Harris touchdown in final minute lifts Rhode Island over Holy Cross in 20-17 thriller Farrell-to-Harris touchdown in final minute lifts Rhode Island over Holy Cross in 20-17 thriller](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Herald_BridgePhoto.jpg)
KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Devin Farrell hit Shawn Harris Jr. for a 31-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds remaining and Rhode Island survived a wild fourth quarter to defeat Holy Cross 20-17 on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.
Rhode Island led 13-3 entering the fourth quarter but Holy Cross rallied with a 43-yard touchdown pass from Joe Pesansky to Charly Mullaly and a 4-yard TD run by Jordan Fuller.
Fuller’s touchdown capped a 13-play, 80-yard drive that lasted 7 1/2 minutes. After the kickoff, Rhode Island took possession at its own 25 with 1:47 remaining.
After three incomplete passes, Farrell ran for a first down and the Rams converted twice more on third down in their winning drive. On second down from the Holy Cross 31-yard line, Farrell connected with Harris for the go-ahead score. Harris caught the pass near the 20 and weaved his way through several defenders on the way to the end zone. The drive covered 75 yards in 12 plays.
Farrell completed 20 of 33 passes for 287 yards with two touchdowns and was Rhode Island’s leading rusher with 55 yards. Marquis Buchanan caught four passes for 88 yards.
Pesansky was 10-for-18 passing for 101 yards with one touchdown for Holy Cross. Fuller had 139 yards on 28 carries.
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Rhode Island
Coach bringing NBA trophy to Rhode Island
![Coach bringing NBA trophy to Rhode Island Coach bringing NBA trophy to Rhode Island](https://turnto10.com/resources/media2/16x9/1612/986/0x29/90/75e3145a-5f81-4c1f-a8d8-e12a129a5085-JM3.png)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The coach of the NBA champion Boston Celtics is bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the Ocean State.
According to a tweet from Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, Coach Joe Mazzulla will be at the State House on Tuesday morning at 10:00.
Mazzulla, a Johnston native, was a standout playing basketball for Bishop Hendricken High School, where he graduated in 2006.
The Celtics won their 18th NBA title by beating the Dallas Mavericks, four games to one in the championship round.
The win came at home in Boston’s TD Garden, on June 17 – or 6/17, in the heart of the 617 area code.
Rhode Island
Taylor Swift in RI; Atlantic Mills sale; rebuilding Republicans: Top stories this week
![Taylor Swift in RI; Atlantic Mills sale; rebuilding Republicans: Top stories this week Taylor Swift in RI; Atlantic Mills sale; rebuilding Republicans: Top stories this week](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/2013/08/22/NPRJ/ghows-PJ-105e5e7d-c191-4779-8783-b1d038fd97e5-03d262a1.jpeg?auto=webp&crop=669,378,x0,y34&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Drone pilot Marc Bontemps captures video of Providence skyline
Bontemps, known for his aerial photos and videos on the Instagram account captured.by.marc, shares his craft with columnist Mark Patinkin.
captured.by.marc
Here are some of The Providence Journal’s most-read stories for the week of Aug. 25, supported by your subscriptions.
Here are the week’s top reads on providencejournal.com:
WESTERLY – Rhode Island’s most famous part-time resident spent time this week at her Watch Hill home, along with her football star boyfriend, at least according to People magazine and TMZ.
Both outlets report that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce – along with pals Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Bradley Cooper – were in Rhode Island this week, as the singer takes a break from her Eras tour, which resumes in October, and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end prepares for his Sept. 5 season opener against the Ravens.
Read on for more details on the celebrity sightings around Swift’s Watch Hill mansion, dubbed the “Holiday House.”
Entertainment: Taylor Swift is in Rhode Island this weekend (and she brought some famous friends with her)
PROVIDENCE − The owner of the Atlantic Mills in Olneyville has put the giant mill building up for sale after backing out of a deal with the city and the Providence Redevelopment Agency to buy the sprawling property.
Those who work in the building say they are worried about being kicked out of one of the cheapest manufacturing, warehouse and office spaces in the city, which could mean the end of business for some of them.
Unlike downtown Providence, where offices have remained empty since the pandemic, the Atlantic Mills is almost full, with an estimated 88% of its occupiable space leased. Tenant businesses say that alternative spaces elsewhere in the city are far too expensive and lack the sense of community they prize at their current location.
“We call this a hidden gem,” said tenant Mike McNulty, who runs a woodshop there.
Real estate: ‘Hidden gem’: Pending sale of Atlantic Mills leaves tenants worried about their future
All summer long, American Mussel Harvesters’ 8-acre oyster farm south of the Jamestown Bridge sat idle.
The problem wasn’t the oysters. It was the 90-minute voyage to get there. And Adam Silkes, who oversees the operation, just couldn’t justify burning all that time and fuel.
Until a few years ago, American Mussel Harvesters kept its boats at a marina near the company’s Quonset headquarters, so shellfish only had a five-minute trip from dock to cooler. Then, according to Silkes, the cost of dock space more than doubled.
“It’s reaching crisis proportions, honestly,” said Bob Rheault, executive director of both the Ocean State Aquaculture Association and East Coast Shellfish Growers Association. If you can’t access your farm, he said, “it’s a death knell.”
Read the full story to learn what’s causing the shortage of affordable dock space, and what solutions are being proposed to protect the state’s aquaculture industry.
Local news: Rising prices leave oyster farmers, quahoggers searching for places to dock their boats
“It just makes sense to be a Republican in Rhode Island!” proclaims a whiteboard in the unassuming headquarters of the Rhode Island GOP.
GOP chairman Joe Powers, who came up with the slogan, argues that people are “sick and tired” after almost 90 years of Democratic rule. But when asked about the main obstacles that he faces when trying to enlist candidates, he answers bluntly: “Being a Republican in Rhode Island.”
Rhode Island voters have gone nearly two decades without electing a Republican to any of the state’s top offices or to Congress. And GOP members are shut out of many of the positions that typically serve as a pipeline to political advancement.
Political Scene explores how Powers and the state GOP’s new executive director, 22-year-old Aidan Carey, are trying to build the party’s bench and chip away at Democrats’ supermajority.
Political Scene: Is there a path for Republicans in RI? Inside the party’s effort to build its bench.
Journal columnist Mark Patinkin was scrolling through Instagram one day when he came across a post with stunning aerial nighttime footage of Providence, backed by classical music.
Curious about the person behind the page captured.by.marc, he tracked down Marc Bontemps, a Montreal native now living in Providence who wanted to show off the beauty of his adopted city. Bontemps became a licensed drone pilot, capturing images ranging from WaterFire to tugboats on Narragansett Bay, and he displayed his craft while being interviewed on Providence’s pedestrian bridge.
Mark Patinkin: Drone pilot’s videos hold Providence in the highest regard. How he works his aerial magic
To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.
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