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Many who visit Rhode Island often plan trips to Newport or Providence (which are places I do highly recommend), but there are so many small Rhode Island towns full of New England charm that are worth a visit.

Five Small Rhode Island Towns

Westerly/Watch Hill

A town that has somehow remained under the radar even with Taylor Swift purchasing a mansion on the water. My mom and I always joke that she should let us use her house when she isn’t there…I mean, why leave it empty?

Downtown Westerly is growing into the most darling town with new businesses popping up and adding one of my favorites, knead doughnuts. After getting coffee or lunch (Cinder Restaurant and Grey Sail Tap Room/Brewing Company are on my list for next time) head to Watch Hill to soak up sometime near the water.

Once parked in Watch Hill, I recommend walking along the water lined street with little shops and then head up to Ocean House for drinks and appetizers – all walkable once you park!

In the summer the Hydrangeas are blooming and it is a beautiful quaint summer destination if you find yourself in Rhode Island during the warmer months.

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Narragansett

A place close to home, and one of the beaches I grew up spending summers. There are a few places you can explore in Narragansett (Point Judith Lighthouse being one), but here is what I recommend for an ideal day or evening in this beach town especially if you only plan to spend a little time there:

Walk along the wall near the towers before grabbing a drink at The Coast Guard House. Have a few stuffed quahogs and a glass of wine in the back – you can’t get much closer to the water there! It is a wonderful setting.

Have dinner at Monahan’s Clam Shake (one of my favorite cold lobster rolls) and continue to walk on to Narragansett Beach to savor the sunset and your food. Narragansett Beach is a private beach, so you need to buy a pass, but I suggest going there after 5PM when it is free.

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Wickford

Wickford sits on the Narragansett Bay, and is wonderful to visit during most seasons. I love the foliage you see in the Fall, the outside drinks by the water in the summer, and the holiday dressed up version in the winter.

There are many small Rhode Island towns that will fill that New England ambience, and Wickford is one of them. They have a wonderful house store along with many other shops, too.

Morning smoothie at Alma’s Juice Bar & Market, lunch at Shayna’s Place and drinks at Wickford on the Water are my suggestions.

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Little Compton

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I recently spenda night in Little Compton and it inspired me so much for New England travel, especially in the month of July. You can read about our gorgeous stay and some places to eat in my post here.

Highlights of spending time in Little Compton were biking along the water, walking on the pebbled beach with a view of the lighthouse, and a morning at Groundswell Bakery.

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Matunuck

Matunuck will always have a special place in my heart and is one of my favorite little beach towns in Rhode Island. Another beach I grew up going to (East Matunuck Beach), it makes for a perfect day to enjoy the ocean.

It is important to note this is a state beach, so you either have to have a season pass or if you are a visitor, simply pay for parking. Make sure to get their early so you can get a parking spot!

Favorite Places to grab food or a drink:

Coffee & light breakfast – Visit Skip’s Cafe or Surfside Coffee.

Brunch – Ocean Mist is a a really fun for mimosas or bloody marys on the ocean.

Lunch – Sit by the harbor at Jim’s Dock and enjoy the view with a casual seafood bite to eat.

Dinner – Matunuck Oyster Bar is one of my favorite restaurants in Rhode Island, and the last few years it has become everyone’s go to for a summer meal on the water. I love seeing local businesses thrive, but this does mean you need to make reservations ahead of your trip. Reservations open up three weeks in advance.

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If you have been following me for a while, you know visiting Rhode Island is always my favorite trip. Summer brings some of the most nostalgia, with my favorite foods and salt water views. I crave home most seasons, and hope you get a chance to see why Little Rhody is the perfect place to relax or explore – I suggest booking a trip.

Best,

Katherine

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