North Kingstown

North Kingstown has played an important role in American aviation, naval development, and innovation. 

SHOP

Driving along Post Road you’ll find the usual strip mall businesses but keep your eyes peeled for eclectic shops like Rē (7511 & 7512 Post Rd.) which specializes in antiques, art, jewelry and more. White Elephant (7535 Post Rd.), which just moved from East Greenwich, is known for giving new life to old things in the form of upcycled home decor.

DINE

You won’t go hungry in North Kingstown, that’s for sure. Allie’s Donuts (3661 Quaker Ln.) is a must-stop. Famous for their delicious donuts, the bakery also makes (equally amazing) custom donut cakes. The Carriage Inn (1065 Tower Hill Rd.) offers family favorites in a historic setting, and its owners also recently opened The Frozen Cow Ice Cream Shoppe and Roy Boy’s Clam Shack (6710 Post Rd.). It’s all about comfort food at the newly expanded Rome Point Cafe (820 Boston Neck Rd.), which serves eclectic breakfast and lunch, plus vegetarian options. Oak Hill Tavern (565 Tower Hill Rd.) is all about big portions at great prices. Upscale dining and sipping can be found at Sonoma Bistro and Wine Bar (7366 Post Rd.), and lunch gets a big city upgrade at The Provisioner New York Deli (7669 Post Rd.). New this year, North Kingstown gets a brewery: West Passage Brewing (7835 Post Rd.) pours pale ales to pair with a curated menu of good eats. For homemade ice cream, Inside Scoop (30 Ten Rod Rd.) impresses with over 64 flavors of soft-serve, nonfat yogurt, and even ice cream cakes.  

EXPLORE

Smith’s Castle (55 Richard Smith Dr.) is one of the oldest homes in the state, and houses 400 years of New England history. Known for hosting events and tours in period-dress, they’re continuing to monitor and re-assess the scheduling of upcoming events on a regular basis. 

Never heard of Gilbert Stuart? Check your wallet. Stuart painted the portrait of George Washington that’s on the $1 bill. The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum (815 Gilbert Stuart Rd.) is a time capsule of Rhode Island in 1750. The gorgeous scenery itself makes the place worth a visit. 

History and trivia buffs will enjoy a ride into Quonset Point, a small peninsula, once known for manufacturing Quonset huts. The historic area was once home to the Quonset Point Naval Air Station, the northeast’s major base during WWII and the Atlantic Seabees. Today, it’s Quonset Business Park, home to nearly 200 businesses. The Port of Davisville is a major point of entry for shipping on the East Coast, and is one of the top ten auto importers in North America. 

PLAY

Biomes Marine Biology Center (6640 Post Rd.) is New England’s only private marine education facility and the most hands-on aquarium in the region. With daily kids programming and a touch tank, visitors learn all about what’s living in Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.