9 Small Towns in Rhode Island to Visit for a Weekend Getaway
Welcome to the magical world of Rhode Island, the forgotten treasure in New England. The smallest state in America, Rhode Island, is packed with small scenic towns that ooze with unmatched charm and character. Tour nine such enthralling towns, leaving you inspired for a weekend getaway to remember. The essence lies in the exploration of the lovely coastlines and historical streets. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or need a peaceful retreat, you will not be disappointed.
Newport
Newport transcends being a mere tourist destination; it is a lively affirmation of the opulence of American affluence. Imagine yourself strolling through the prestigious Bellevue Avenue with its magnificent homes. The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff are architectural wonders featuring extensive lawns, decorative gables, and opulent interiors. They are more than just houses; they symbolize the era of the Gilded Age when wealth and opulence knew no boundary. You can go on a visual trance while wandering along picturesque Thames Street.
Still, the ultimate destination in Newport is The Chanler at Cliff Walk. It is not just luxurious lodging but a tribute to a private coastal paradise. At The Chanler, every room is a lecture on historical elegance that takes guests to the past. They are packed with luxurious fabrics, one-off antiques, and the royal touch. The Chanler at Cliff Walk is not just a getaway; it is where the luxury of the past effortlessly mixes with contemporary natural beauty.
Westerly
As a tapestry of contrasts, Westerly, Rhode Island, blends the elegant grace of Victorian architecture with easy-airing aspects of oceanfront life. Watch Hill stands out as a Victorian splendor when you drift towards the coastline. Enter the iconic Ocean House nearby, a yellow-clad grande dame of the Victorian era presiding over the shore in red-roofed grandeur. Ocean House is refurbished to its original splendor and epitomizes the luxurious summer holiday resorts of the late 19th to early 20th century.
The beautifully restored historic Margin Street Inn is a time capsule. In Westerly, there is something magical and timeless about Victorian architecture combined with the rhythmic lapping of ocean waves and everything else. It is one town where history is not just retained, but it lives and waits to be discovered.
Bristol
Bristol is a town on the beautiful Narragansett Bay. The sense of pride in the town is evident, more so during its famous Fourth of July Parade, which is not just a march but a distinctive portrait of ideals, heritage, and togetherness. Since 1785, this event that celebrated its 179th anniversary is known to be the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States. Spanning 464 acres, Colt State Park captures the essence of Rhode Island's coastal allure with its gorgeous views of the Bay.
As you stroll down Hope Street, you are enveloped by the New England charm at its essence. Bristol life takes on its maximized form of a personalized, comfortable stay at the Bristol House Bed & Breakfast. All the rooms in the B&B are filled with carefully chosen décor and local works of art.
Jamestown
Jamestown, on Conanicut Island in the quiet waters of Narragansett Bay, is a small town retreat boasting a treasure trove of history. Connected to the mainland by the picturesque Newport Pell Bridge and the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, it links Jamestown to the vibrant cities of Newport and North Kingstown, respectively.
The dramatic granite cliffs of Fort Wetherill State Park in Rhode Island provide an impressive panoramic view of Narragansett Bay and beyond. This park is renowned among scuba divers. Its cliffs that drop straight into the ocean offer a rare opportunity to step down into the water directly and set out for underwater adventures.
Lionel Champlin Guest House is a cozy mix of historical flavor and contemporary convenience. Its guestrooms, furnished with period pieces and local art, tell the island's maritime and colonial story.
Little Compton
Little Compton, Rhode Island, can take visitors right back to country villages with loose fields and quiet lanes; this town casts a spell of peace and rustic serenity. Sakonnet Vineyards, nestled in the lush landscape, is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to the art of winemaking. Known for its diverse range of locally produced wines, the vineyard provides a delightful sensory experience. Stone House, located within this peaceful ambiance, marries historical grandeur with country serenity. There is a little of both the simple elegance of rural life and the refined beauty of wine country in Little Compton, culminating in an enchanting escape where tranquility reigns, and modern life seems a world away.
Narragansett
It is in Narragansett, Rhode Island, where boundless surf culture and rich history merge. This coastal town is renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant history. At Narragansett Town Beach, right in the midst of this seaside town, things are alive with activity. Surfers enjoy riding waves; families picnic on the white sands; visitors bask in the coastal atmosphere amidst fine sand and clear waters.
The Towers, Narragansett's historic centerpiece, overlook this scene. These landmark remnants of the once-great Narragansett Pier Casino from the 1880s are now a cultural center, hosting events and recording Narragansett's rich history. The Tower House Bed & Breakfast, a Victorian-style gem in Narragansett, offers beautiful ocean views and a glimpse of The Towers from its roof deck.
East Greenwich
East Greenwich, on the sparkling waters of Greenwich Bay, is perfect for maritime activities where locals and visitors engage in sailing, fishing, and kayaking. With its tranquil waters and picturesque shore, this bay offers an intimate connection to the sea.
Standing with grace and grandeur, the Greenwich Odeum is a blend of an intriguing air of historical resonance with modern comfort. Often hosting shows and events, Odeum offers its guests an ideal destination to discover East Greenwich. For accommodations, head to Best Western West Greenwich Inn or Hampton Inn Coventry-Warwick Area, and the following day, set out to the Big River Management Area.
New Shoreham
New Shoreham, a hidden paradise situated off the shores of Rhode Island’s coastal region on Block Island, is a different world where natural beauty lives. The Mohegan Bluffs rise over 200 feet above the sea and afford a splendorous view of the Atlantic Ocean. These cliffs, which rise spectacularly from the coastline, are a fantastic natural overlook and bear layers of geological history; photographers have frequented them for an excellent point of view. The trails, including the Clay Head Trail and the Greenway Walking Trails, are doorways into an untouched land.
The Spring House Hotel is a symbol, sitting on a hilltop, where guests are treated to an evergreen escape that perfectly complements the island's natural splendor. Painted with sharp cliffs, gentle trails, and ancient buildings, Block Island forms a utopia for nature lovers and those looking for relaxation, a place where the beauty of the earth and sea converge in harmony.
Chepachet
Chepachet's village center has well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings and is an endearing site of historical integrity that is rare in this modern world. Nearby, the Smith and Sayles state fishing area is a different kind of natural escape on the 172-acre Smith and Sayles Reservoir. The Grace Note Farm Inn defines Chepachet’s rural appeal. Guests are offered a rare experience of a working farm at this bed and breakfast. It is an opportunity to live the farm life: waking up by the rosters, enjoying fresh vegetables, and maybe getting involved in the farm's daily assignments.
Although small, Rhode Island is full of unique and fascinating towns that make up a colorful mosaic of its stories. Rhode Island has a different picture to present: from the extravaganza in opulent mansions of Newport telling tales of times past to the rural reverie of Chepachet, where time appears to have stopped long ago. The lodgings do not just provide accommodation – they are part of the experience that will enliven your journey and strengthen your connection to each different location. So grab your stuff and go. Step out on a tour of discovery where the little towns of Rhode Island are waiting to surprise you and show you a good time.
