There are many amazing states to explore in the US, particularly within the New England region. Rhode Island is one of those states with the most historical influences and legacies one may discover as a newcomer to its small towns. It was one of the original 13 colonies and the first to declare independence. Known for its seaside beauty, family-friendly locales, and nourishing historical factors, the Ocean State is nothing short of alluring and breathtaking. These timeless towns in Rhode Island are the perfect destinations to consider for your next vacation.

Jamestown

Located on Conanicut Island, Jamestown is a 16th-century historic town with lots of interesting splendors. The Historic New England’s Watson Farm is a 265-acre grassland haven with Indigenous history and Red Devon cattle heritage. Beavertail Lighthouse has a maritime Colonial influence with its vessel archives and coastal lighthouse vibes. Windmill Hill Historic District offers a 17th-century windmill sight for all who want simplistic beauty.

Fort Getty Park is a wildlife observation landmark full of rocky beach areas, public boating zones, and photographic pink skies. At Jamestown Arts Center, tourists can find educational and historic exhibit tours related to southern Rhode Island. Dutch Island holds old ruins from the 1860s, Fort Greble, that may appeal to American Civil War enthusiasts. For a fun-filled boating excursion, one can try the New England Sailing Center for sailing comfort and a mixture of natural and social outings. For pure intimate dining and custom seafood creations, visitors can try Beech’s iconic dining spot.

Narragansett

Commonly known as “Gansett” to the locals, Narragansett is a popular destination with a quiet farming history. The Towers is perhaps the most prominent aspect of tourism with its 1880s historical casino foundation and enchanting welcoming functions. South County Museum has native tribal knowledge and elegance of traditional craftsmanship. At Point Judith Lighthouse, seaside rocky lighthouse exploration and dog-friendly treks make for a timeless natural detour. There is also the Point Judith Fisherman’s Memorial, where one may discover various hilltop tributes to those who lost their lives at sea once upon a time; it is also an amazing place for sunset watching.

The Salty Brine State Beach is another coastal option for beachside amusement and gorgeous ferry sights. For a hidden gem in town, one can check out the Port of Galilee, a famed afternoon stop with busy fishing ports and East Coast scenery.

East Greenwich

Also known as the “Birthplace of the Navy,” East Greenwich is a central part of Rhode Island history with its community vibrance and scallop recognition. The Varnum Memorial Armory is a tourist-friendly, 19th-century militia estate with revered military weapon collections and World War II operational foundations. The New England Wireless & Steam Museum houses various radio displays and steam-powered trinkets that were crucial to the late 1800s and mid-1900s.

Vacationers at The Greenwich Odeum will find plenty of entertainment options and nightlife galore within a 1920s vaudeville locale. For nature lovers, the Audubon Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place to be with its relaxing hiking trails, Hunt River stopping points, and canoeing or kayaking pleasures. Those in the mood for golf and outdoor recreation may also enjoy East Greenwich Country Club’s vast green plains and grassy fairways. For an inviting and down-to-earth excursion, newcomers can dine at Siena Cucina, an authentic Tuscan diner with rich Italian cuisine and timeless farmhouse ambiance.

New Shoreham

Originally a 15th-16th century destination, New Shoreham keeps strangers on their toes with amazing sights and historic maritime appreciation. The Block Island North Light is an 1860s standpoint with an internal museum and lots of oceanic upbringing related to the first settlers. Tourists at the 1661 Far & Garden may find appealing camels, llamas, goats, kangaroos, and other species; it is also a conservation site for wildlife enthusiasts. The Great Salt Pond is a casual landmark with shallow waters and marina scenery worth checking out.

At Rodman’s Hollow, a 230-acre outwash basin and Block Island cultural landscapes make it easy for travelers to enjoy maritime shrublands and New Shoreham tranquility. Settlers Rock is both a historical and natural option for anyone who prefers rocky coastal allure and stone walking areas. The South East Lighthouse is known for its early 18th-century shipwreck history and impressive family legacies. An underrated stop in town, the Sacred Labyrinth has magical meditation community charm, crabapple tree resting spots, and fun statue glimpses. The Beachead Restaurant is a beachfront escape for seafood dining comfort and island satisfaction.

Newport

Dating back to the 1630s, Newport is also the “City by the Sea” and “Sailing Capital of the World.” At The Breakers, visitors can experience 1890s Gilded Age history and fancy eminence within a summer cottage estate. The Marble House is another historic estate that brings to life transformative wooden colony housing and opulence in a fine manor that attracts people from all over. The Rough Point Museum generates modern attention with its urban storytelling exhibits and various significant houses, such as the Vernon House and its 17th-century pasttime relics.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame may inspire lots of newfound members with its honorary tributes to tennis athletes and championship players. Bowen’s Wharf is a casual stop with fireplace ambiance, breathtaking waterfront views, and wharf nightlife to suit all types of itineraries. For a 17th-century literary escape, one can try the Redwood Library, a research center and museum that is devoted to the rarest books and Neoclassical finds. At Hotel Viking, guests can check out comforting amenities while exploring downtown rooftop bars and luxury spas. Chanterelle Restaurant is great for attractive strawberry dishes and homemade French pastries within a classy resort.

North Kingstown

North Kingstown, a laidback 16th-century destination with lots of undiscovered wonders, sends travelers back in time with cool locales and landmarks. The Seabee Museum & Memorial Park creates a wartime stop with Naval Battalion history and guided tours of Pacific conflicts. Wickford Village offers historical and commercial tourism with its tempting beach shops, festival events, and harbor vantage points for curious minds. At Smith’s Castle, 1670s interpretive tours and costumed roleplayers help make vacationers feel right at home while learning about colonial state history.

Compass Rose Beach makes for a fun Quonset Point beach excursion with its dog-friendly atmosphere and calming waves. Gooseneck Vineyards allows travelers to enjoy romantic evenings with smoked salmon appetizers, white wine festivities, and pomegranate social cocktail hours. Wickford Harbor provides a quaint and serene experience for anyone who loves coastal waters and chill boating vibes. John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve creates a meaningful itinerary with its harbor seal spottings, offshore trails, and beachfront relaxation. After exploring the town, head to Wickford on the Water, where you can find clam chowder and spicy aioli to make any afternoon near beautiful waters more splendid.

Bristol

Bristol is a 1740s historic town full of fascinating highlights. It is also “America’s Most Patriotic Town.” The Herreshoff Marine Museum encompasses lovely tours of yachting displays, Rhode Island coastline history, and over 60 unique boat exhibits. At Coggeshall Farm Museum, visitors may find 48 acres of tenant marsh farms and heirloom gardens; it is also a fun stop for animal lovers. Bristol Art Museum usually has foot traffic thanks to its main gallery artworks, architectural magnificence, and celebrity curator events.

Linden Place has the most endearing porch hangout spot and special arts programs to keep outsiders and residents happy. At Blithewolf Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, vacationers can enjoy Narragansett Bay views and romantically inspiring gardens that will leave a smile on everyone’s faces. For stunning natural views and uncommon detours, the 127-acre Mount Hope Farm provides shoreline amusement around Mount Hope Bay and has pretty farmlands that have been around for a long time. Bristol Town Beach is perfect for sandy adventures and public volleyball activities. The Beehive Cafe is one of the coolest spots in town for homey atmospheres, thoughtful coffee crafts, and wholesome chit-chat.

Little Compton

Formally incorporated in the 1680s as Sakonnet, Little Compton is a special destination that nobody easily forgets about. Little Compton Historical Society provides 1930s educational knowledge about old settlements and Wampanoag upbringing. Within the Little Compton Historic District, also known as Little Compton Commons, there are also some splendors to take in, such as Sakonnet Lighthouse, a stopping point for timeless sights.

Sakonnet Vineyard is commonplace for tourists who have a penchant for gorgeous wine-tasting pastures and beautiful New England coastlines that have been recognized since the 1970s. South Shore Beach is a mesmerizing surfing landmark featuring less crowded tourism and cozy bridge walks for casual travelers. The Young Family Farm has welcoming apple-picking activities and family-friendly farm history for all to appreciate. Donovan Studio is a hidden gem for local artistic talents and unique Sakonnet watercolor paintings. Anyone who dines at The Common’s Lunch will have no complaints when it comes to laidback American cuisine and clam cakes.

Westerly

Westerly is not one to be discounted on any travel list as it boasts many exciting locales and landmarks. Babacock-Smith House Museum is quite historic with its 1730s Georgian granite architecture and local research workshops to help visitors learn more about the Colonial and Victorian eras. At the Living Sharks Museum, outsiders can check out prehistoric and modern shark exhibits with scientific demonstrations and Jaws memorabilia. The Watch Hill Lighthouse is a southeastern hotspot for peninsular history, charming coastline photography, and pivotal Rhode Island memories.

Napatree Point Conservation Area is a nature preserve with Little Narragansett Bay programs and beach cabanas for relaxing moments. The Granite Theatre has restored Greek Revivalism and downtown Broadway-esque entertainment for all ages to fall in love with. Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island caters to social outings and talkative tourists with its group-oriented brew tours and New England hospitality. Manfredi Farms is one of the most colorful locales in Westerly, and it has delightful seasonal produce and friendly animal petting sessions. For a hearty meal, the Cooked Goose has culinary appeal with its housemade deli salads and top-notch customer service.

These small towns in Rhode Island demonstrate true timelessness and unparalleled beauty. With awesome commercial locales and natural or historical landmarks that make for an unforgettable trip, tourists will never want to leave. No matter how familiar or unfamiliar one is with travel, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Ocean State. The New England region awaits anyone who wants to get out and see what history lies in newfound places.

As the birthplace of celebrities like Olivia Culpo and Debra Messing, Rhode Island is known to breed talent. But it also attracts it — Rhode Island’s real estate market is historically known for its A-list buyers.

Many big names have moved to Rhode Island over the years. Perhaps most notably, singer Taylor Swift bought a $17 million waterfront mansion in Westerly in 2013, which she later wrote the song “the last great american dynasty” about.

And of course, the state was home to a swath of rich and famous families who moved to Newport during the Gilded Age.

Here’s what to know about this year’s biggest celebrity real estate stories in Rhode Island.

Comedian Matt Rife buys 80-acre property in Rhode Island

Earlier this year, comedian Matt Rife bought an 80-acre property in Rhode Island, he said on a podcast in August.

In an interview with comedians H. Foley and Kevin Ryan on their “Are You Garbage?” podcast, Rife said he wasn’t initially considering buying a home in Rhode Island – “it wasn’t even in the top 10 states I looked at,” he said – but ended up finding a property that matched what he was looking for.

Rife said he chose the Ocean State in part due to its convenience for traveling, and also because he was looking for a home in an area near a good comedy scene.

“I got all that for probably the price of a 2 bedroom with no yard in LA,” Rife said.

Celebrities with homes in Rhode Island: Some of these you know. Some you won’t.

Other celebrities who own homes in Rhode Island

While there weren’t any other celebrities reported to have bought homes in Rhode Island this year, several other big names already call the state home.

Here’s a list of some of the celebrities who already own homes in Rhode Island:

• Taylor Swift owns a mansion dubbed “Holiday House” in Westerly’s Watch Hill neighborhood.
• Christopher Walken has owned a home on Block Island since 1999.
• Conan O’Brien owns a vacation home in Westerly, which his family bought in 1997.
• Jay Leno has a mansion on Ocean Drive in Newport that dates back to the Gilded Age.
• Judge Judy Sheindlin owns a Newport mansion dubbed “Bird House.”

We likely won’t see much of the sun for the remainder on 2024, certainly not the final weekend of the year!

Clouds are increasing tonight ahead of the next storm system. As temperatures fall below freezing overnight, we’ll be watching for the possibility of freezing rain early Saturday morning.

This could lead to a glaze of ice on roads, driveways and sidewalks. Areas north and west of 295 are the most likely trouble spots, but we could even see areas south and east of this get some.

Temperatures will quickly rise well-above freezing by 10am and will see just plain rain showers, with otherwise cloudy skies.

Sunday morning will be showery as well. We catch a small break Sunday afternoon, but late Sunday night, rain returns and gets heavier into Monday.

The sun makes its final appearance of 2024 on New Year’s Eve Tuesday before yet another round of rain shortly after ball drop into New Year’s Day.

Colder air then builds in for the end of the week, as the beginning of January looks very cold across the Northeast.