One of my favorite things to do on any trip, no matter the destination, is to stop at every point of interest along the way. It doesn’t matter if it’s a kitschy roadside attraction, a natural wonder, or a diner – I will stop. Growing up in northern Rhode Island, I’ve been to just about every corner of my tiny home state and, yet, always seemed to discover something new-to-me on every outing. While most Ocean State road trips are short (it is the smallest state in the country, after all!), there’s still so much to discover, including one off-the-beaten-path diner in Foster. Let’s discover one of the best road trip stops in Rhode Island you probably never heard of – Shady Acres Diner and Apocalypse Cafe.
Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour
If you’re looking for a classic American diner experience right here in the Ocean State, look no further than Shady Acres Diner and Apocalypse Cafe. Located on Danielson Pike, a scenic, rural stretch of Route 6, less than two miles from the Connecticut border, you probably never knew this place existed unless you were driving through Foster on your way to or from Connecticut. But road trippers who have stopped here rave about the menu, friendly service, and the eclectic decor.
Let’s first talk about the menu. While there are some “typical diner” menu items, such as omelets, French toast, and eggs Benedict for breakfast, and chicken tenders, BLT club sandwiches, and burgers for lunch and dinner, there are some elevated and creative takes on diner cuisine. For example, in addition to a standard selection of diner favorites, there’s a Monte Cristo breakfast sandwich of egg, ham, and Swiss cheese between two pieces of French toast, as well as several breakfast bowls with scrambled eggs, home fries, and a variety of toppings.
For creative lunch and dinner options, how about the Big Kahuna Tuna sandwich made with ahi tuna, greens, and chipotle mayo? Regular customers rave about it! There’s also a falafel plate, perfect for sharing, and a fried pickle burger topped with queso and house-made fried pickles. But one of the most talked-about menu items at Shady Acres Diner is the polenta fries. Growing up in the Ocean State, I had my fair share of polenta dishes, but I never had polenta fries – looks like I’ll need to make a stop here to try this standout appetizer.
Shady Acres is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Plan your road trip to this Rhode Island diner accordingly!
Advertisement
Nearby Road Trip Attractions
Foster may be a small, rural Rhode Island town, but there are a few notable sites you may want to discover while here. First of all, did you know that Foster is home to Rhode Island’s highest point? Located off Route 101 close to the Connecticut border, Jerimoth Hill sits at an elevation of 812 feet and is open from dawn until dusk daily if you’re curious to see it yourself. A short 0.3-mile trail leads to the point, which is surrounded by trees.
If you love visiting historic sites, take some time to visit the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. Built in the mid-1990s, yet evoking the charm of a historic 19th-century covered bridge, it’s the only covered bridge in Rhode Island.
Open seasonally on weekends starting in May, Nickle Creek Vineyard is a small, family-owned vineyard and winery with a tasting room. Reservations are not required to visit, and guests are welcome to stroll the grounds and bring a picnic to enjoy while sipping Nickle Creek wines. (Please note that those under 21 are not allowed on the property.)
Best Road Trip Stops in Rhode Island
Photo courtesy of Shady Acres Diner and Apocalypse Cafe” loading=”lazy” width=”1200″ height=”630″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ class=”standard-img w-full w-full h-auto” style=”color:transparent” bad-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/41oFIVfh0t2MgZfdXmDMQw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02NTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_only_in_your_state_153/de6b7377574aab3cab592f65d8acbca2″/>
Shady Acres Diner may be off the beaten path, but it’s absolutely worth it for its hearty dishes that will satisfy any hungry road tripper. Have you taken a detour or gone out of your way to have a meal at this family-friendly diner, one of the most unexpected places in Rhode Island? For a menu and location information, visit the Shady Acres Diner website, and check out the Facebook page for dinner specials.
What are some unexpected places in Rhode Island you would suggest road trippers visit? Please tell us why they are worth a stop when you fill out our nomination form. You can discover more exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations in Rhode Island when you use Only In Your State’s Travel Planner.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 29, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 29 drawing
03-19-35-51-67, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Advertisement
Winning Numbers numbers from April 29 drawing
Midday: 1-3-6-5
Evening: 8-2-7-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from April 29 drawing
15-18-28-31-35, Extra: 03
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Advertisement
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 29 drawing
05-10-17-21-42, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
A proposed expansion tied to submarine builder General Dynamics Electric Boat is drawing opposition from Rhode Island pilots and aviation advocates after plans surfaced to remove a crosswind runway at Quonset State Airport (OQU),
The airport is a joint civil-military facility serving general aviation alongside the Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143rd Airlift Wing. FAA data show roughly 19,400 annual operations. OQU currently operates two runways: primary Runway 16/34 (7,504 ft.) and secondary Runway 5/23 (4,000 ft.).
Under the proposal, Runway 5/23 would be removed to clear space for new manufacturing facilities tied to Electric Boat’s continued expansion. According to the Providence Journal, supporters say the redevelopment could ultimately support about 3,000 jobs.
Advertisement
However, airport advocates including the Rhode Island Pilots Association( RIPA) are opposing the change arguing Runway 5/23 provides a safety net for pilots. Quonset’s secondary runway is still actively used—and often preferred by light aircraft—because its alignment better matches prevailing southwest winds, reducing crosswind landings that can be more challenging for smaller aircraft.
But despite those concerns, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) approved a plan April 9 to petition the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to advance the project.
RIPA President Sal Corio called the decision disappointing, saying removing a “vital runway” without a replacement crosswind option would negatively affect safety and operations. He also said the group is working with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to oppose the change though the outlook is not promising.
Meanwhile, the plan still needs FAA approval which is expected to take about six to eight months.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 28, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from April 28 drawing
Midday: 5-0-6-6
Evening: 0-7-7-7
Advertisement
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from April 28 drawing
02-03-08-36-37, Extra: 31
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 28 drawing
11-21-34-39-45, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Advertisement
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
