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Although jaw-dropping sea cliffs in places such as Newport may make one believe that Rhode Island has nothing else to its name, those familiar with the state know that it is home to some of the most quaint and beautiful downtowns in the United States. You can start with Westerly, and explore its trendy bars, and restaurants 鈥� before heading over to Warren, whose downtown area oozes charm and nostalgia like few other towns in New England.

Westerly

Picture this: You are strolling along Westerly Town Beach, a spectacular stretch along the idyllic New England coastline. It is a warm summer morning, the breeze sweeps across your face as you enjoy the sound of ocean waves gently crashing into the sand. Westerly is on Rhode Island鈥檚 southwestern shore. Its downtown area 鈥� the 鈥淧awcatuck Neighborhood鈥� 鈥� features beautiful, tree-lined streets, local shops, and a vibrant culinary scene. Vesta is a fantastic breakfast spot that locals love for its delicious Morning Glory muffins, danishes, and croissants. An hour here should pave the way for some quietude at Wilcox Park, one of New England's most stunning city parks, complete with nice, meandering paths, well-positioned overlooks, and old trees. Next, catch a mood-lifting show at Granite Theatre, a thoughtfully restored Greek Revival Church that spots a historic, Colonial look. The building has a history that predates the Civil War by more than a decade. You can then explore Watch Hill and its gorgeous seaside mansions.

North Kingstown

North Kingstown has an adorable little downtown area that is charming, walkable, and right on the water. North Kingstown Beach is a calm and shallow beach with a big, beautiful park that strikes the sweet spot between relaxation and adventure. However, the star of the show is the Historic Wickford Village. You don鈥檛 want to miss its charming waterfront, a swoon-worthy stretch speckled with colonial-era buildings, cute boutiques, and art galleries. Start with some mouthwatering sandwiches at Shayna's Place, a charming little spot that will leave a delightful impression on your mesmerized taste buds. Next, check out Different Drummer. You don鈥檛 want to miss the best gift shop in Wickford, and one of the best in the area. After this, stroll down to the dock, and enjoy the ambiance of what could be the quaintest downtown in Rhode Island.

Charlestown

For much of the 1700s, Rhode Island鈥檚 history mostly played out around Charlestown and the area around it. It is the story of the Narragansetts - their traditions, institutions, and historic sites. Today, Charlestown has a downtown area with a town beach that is among the cleanest in the entire state. Stroll along the Charlestown Breachway, a paint-worthy stretch that offers panoramic views of Block Island Sound. Pass by Ninigret Park, where two massive trolls, lounging in wooded nooks, teach enduring lessons about personal responsibility to the environment. If golfing is up your alley, this park features an 18-hole course, where you can stretch your arms, and enjoy a game with newly made friends. After this, swing by The Nordic, especially for some melt-in-the-mouth lobster rolls.

East Greenwich

You may already know that East Greenwich is Rhode Island鈥檚 wealthiest community. Expect, therefore, a noticeably upscale ambiance, where luxury meets style at almost every turn of the eye. Beautiful bay views and waterfront restaurants make East Greenwich鈥檚 downtown area quite a spellbinding space. Blu on The Water, an iconic culinary spot that features Rhode Island's largest waterfront deck, is a great hangout spot for food and views. Although temporarily closed, it is scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2025. If you consider yourself a fan of military history, spend some time at the Varnum Memorial Armory. You will see a variety of militaria, including vintage sabers, flags, and banners. Alternatively, catch an electrifying show at the Greenwich Odeum before heading to one of the town鈥檚 most defining attractions: Goddard State Park. Just so you know, we are talking about Rhode Island's most popular Metropolitan Park.

Warren

Warren is on Rhode Island鈥檚 East Bay, an area that features both sandy beaches and rolling farmland. A stroll around the downtown area shows that the community values art and music, especially considering venues such as Galactic Theatre, known for both yummy hot dogs and live entertainment. Walk to the beach. Warren Town Beach is particularly a great spot to sit, see boats, and watch the water. After this, grab a chair at The Square Peg, and sit down to some of the best tacos in the 海角社区. A few steps away is the Firemen's Museum, which houses an interesting mix of fire department memorabilia. However, keep in mind that it is open by appointment.

Tiverton

Tiverton is a quaint, pastoral town beautifully positioned on the Sakonnet River. Its historic district, known as the Tiverton Four Corners, sports a nostalgic mix of 18th-century buildings, some of which have been repurposed into chic boutiques, cute galleries, and cozy shops. The historic Fogland Farm on Punkateest Neck Road, one of the town鈥檚 most well-known attractions, is a 1730s-era home that sits on a large, beautiful landscape. Explore New England beauty as interpreted through photographic, acrylic, and watercolor media at the still brand-new Four Corners Gallery 鈥� after which a large waffle cone at the iconic Gray's Ice Cream should follow. For perspective, Gray鈥檚 has a fun, fascinating history that predates the Great Depression Years by several winters.

The Takeaway

No words can describe the feeling of strolling down cobblestoned streets, popping inside trendy bars and restaurants, and gawking at old buildings and eye-catching murals that line the streets or adorn the buildings. The good thing about Rhode Island is that most downtowns are easy strolls from the ocean, which means you can always slide into flip-flops, and enjoy an afternoon breeze at the slightest suggestion of the idea. Whether you choose Westerly or Warren, the experience will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away.