These 8 Towns Are Rhode Island's Best-Kept Secret

For a small state, Rhode Island is filled with a great deal of small towns that are filled with charm, heart, and even a dash of adventure. There is surprisingly no shortage of things to do on the island and in these small towns with so many historical points of interest scattered throughout. By far, any experience on Rhode Island is a postcard holiday of an experience.

But underneath all of that, there are particular points of interest that are worth getting to. While places like Providence or Warwick can draw in crowds, there are so many small towns that have their own appeal. Consider visiting some of the following places for quiet getaways and fresher experiences.

Little Compton

You can't get any more coastal than Little Compton, as this town is wedged between the ocean and the Sakonnet River. All this natural beauty makes it perfect for swimming during the spring and summertime down by South Shore Beach. Little Compton also hosts a local vineyard, Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard, where you can enjoy some wine. They also host local events and music there.

For more sightseeing, it's best to walk through the Whitehead Preserve at Dundery Brook. Garden lovers will enjoy the beautifully tended flowers and rolling fields of the Sakonnet Garden. In addition, swing by the Wilbor House Museum, where you can learn about farming and trades and why Little Compton's historic homes look so unique.

New Shoreham (Block Island)

Despite being famous to tourists in the know, New Shoreham still makes the list for its out-of-the-way route to get there. In order to explore New Shoreham and subsequently Block Island, you'll need to take a ferry ride from the mainland. New Shoreham has a lot to offer with landmarks like the Southeast Lighthouse. In addition, the Mohegan Bluffs, as well as the bevy of beaches to swim or sunbathe to enjoy. For beaches in particular, Mansion Beach is a particularly secluded beach with big waves. It's recommended to bike there, as parking is very limited.

New Shoreham is also wonderful if you're a foodie too, as every restaurant offers its own distinct choice of foods. If you've got a hankering for Barbacoa tacos, swing by Mohegan Restaurant and Bar. Alternatively, The National Hotel Tap & Grille offers unforgettable dining experiences with a beautiful ocean view from its front porch.

West Greenwich

A sportsman's paradise, West Greenwich is perfect for hunters of all kinds. The main draw is the Big River, a 8319 acre area that is composed of multiple rivers, including Nooseneck River, and Congdon River. The surrounding forested land makes it ideal for hunting.

Even if you're not big into hunting or fishing, there are some other activities that you can enjoy at your leisure. Stepping Stone Ranch is great for families, as you can enjoy horseback riding, hayrides, hiking, and camping. Rattlesnake Ledge is excellent for rock climbing with a challenge too. There is even a vineyard to sit back and relax in at Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery.

Hopkinton

Registered in the National Register of Historic Places, Hopkinton is a historic town that offers more than just a share of history. As a whole, Hopkinton is ideal for families and people looking to explore the area in its natural beauty.

For a more casual look around, you can enjoy a round of golf at one of the handful of golf courses in Hopkinton, like Fenner Hill. For more active exploration, you can hike, backpack, or bike through the Narragansett Trail. If you want to take things slower, boating, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking is ideal in the Wood-Pawcatuck River. Alternatively, there is the lake beach at nearby Beach Pond that you can experience too.

Jamestown

For an island escape in the continental United States, Jamestown is one of the better options. For some panoramic views of the surrounding coast, the best spot is thenearby Beavertail Lighthouse Museum located within the Beavertail State Park. As a whole, Beavertail is also excellent for saltwater fishing and has hiking trails you can enjoy too. Alternatively, some other great views are offered by the East Ferry Deli, where you're treated to wonderful views and a nice meal. You can round out the day by checking out Windmist Farm, which houses the cutest farm dogs and kitties in the area. This is in addition to all the gorgeous views that Jamestown offers.

Charlestown

Between the world-class food, quaint shops, expansive wilderness, and an observatory, Charlestown has something to offer to everyone. Taking advantage of that expansive wilderness, Charlestown has five national wildlife refuges for you to explore, including the 858 acres of Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Within the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find a blend of habitats as well as significant locations such as Kettle Pond and the Charlestown Naval Airfield Memorial.

Outside of exploring nature, you have the Charlestown Historical Society Archive & Museum, which is located in the historic village of Cross Mills. If you ever wanted to relive or experience what it was like to be a young student in the late 1830s, this is the place to go. And of course, no trip is complete without a visit to Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center. Visit on Friday nights, and the Observatory, Sky Theater, and telescopes are open to the public for free stargazing. It also opens up when there are expected meteor showers, eclipses, and other celestial events.

Foster

A small town with a big heart and a tight-knit community, Foster offers plenty for people to see and do. For the outdoor adventures, Jerimoth Hill is perfect for mountain views. You could also head off to Nickle Creek Vineyard and enjoy a great bottle of local wine surrounded by lush greenery. It's a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Another common pastime for visitors in Foster is the fishing and kayak scene at Killingly Pond. You can also round off the day with a lovely stroll through the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. All in all, whether you're travelling alone, as a couple, or as a family, there is a lot to enjoy about this place.

Exeter

Classified as one of the few remaining rural communities in Rhode Island, and our last pick, Exeter is steeped in history but also great scenery. For starters, the Arcadia Management Area is an expansive forested area for fishing and hiking for the family. The Yawgoo Valley Ski Area Sports and Golf Course also provides year-round sporting with a water park area and a small golf course during the summer. During the wintertime, the golf course is converted into skiing slopes.

For history buffs, they'll enjoy the Tomaquag Museum, which is the only museum on Rhode Island dedicated to talking about the state's original inhabitants. And if you believe in the supernatural, The Grave of Mercy Brown tells the tale of an alleged vampire and one of the most well-documented cases of rituals used to banish the undead.

From the quirky but popular island of Block Island and New Shoreham to Charlestown's natural beauty or Exeter's unique piece of history, Rhode Island has a lot to offer. Tucked away in those small towns are calming moments, intimate experiences, and a lot of outdoor fun and exploration. All that's really required of you is for you to get out there and experience it for yourself. So don't delay, check out some of these secret places and enjoy them to the fullest.