For everything you need to assemble a picnic on the beach or to dine in with South County’s summer bounty, you can’t go wrong with the Charlestown Land Trust Farmers Market (4150 Old Post Rd.). In its 16th season, the market runs every Friday through September 1 on the grounds of the Church of the Holy Spirit, selling local fruits and veggies, honey, shellfish, prepared dishes, baked goods, and more (and shop while grooving to live music, too!). Complete your home-cooked meal with a bottle of wine – choose from a wide selection, plus beer and spirits, at Charlestown Wine & Spirits (4625 Old Post Rd.). And if you forgot any travel essentials or are looking for a snack, find everything you need – from toiletries to lotto tickets to fresh produce – at Charlestown Mini Super (4071 Old Post Rd.).
Now curated by The Field of Artisans, The General’s Market at The General Stanton Inn (4115 Old Post Rd.) is enjoying its next chapter of Rhode Island’s longest running market of 57 years. Every Sunday through fall, browse art, antiques, vintage, and one-of-a-kind treasures while connecting with local artisans at the circa 1740 historic inn just minutes from the beach. (Pro-tip: round out a day of shopping with a bowl of New England clam chowder and other hearty Ocean State fare at The Tavern at the inn.)
Contrary to its name, the Fantastic Umbrella Factory (4820 Old Post Rd.) does not make or even sell umbrellas. This whimsical destination defies description, but is a great place to spend a few hours. Since 1968, the 19th century farmyard has been a sort of artist collective and international bazaar where you’ll find everything from penny candy to local art. The expansive property is filled with flowers, sculptures, and places to sit and take everything in. The Umbrella Factory Gardens is an on-site greenhouse that sells unique plants and florals. There’s a bamboo maze and a barnyard filled with emus, goats, and chickens.
After you’ve explored the Umbrella Factory, recharge with a cup of joe, baked sweets, or breakfast sandwich from The Beach Rose Cafe (1 Charlestown Beach Rd.). For a heartier meal, in the same building is The Breachway Grill (1 Charlestown Beach Rd.), which offers a huge menu – pizza, burgers, steaks, and day-fresh seafood in a casual patio environment, plus Vintage Cigar Club & Lounge on the upstairs deck. The Cove (3963 Old Post Rd.) is a family-friendly restaurant with a massive menu filled with pasta, seafood specialities, burgers, and more. The Nordic (178 Nordic Trl.) is a lakeside restaurant known for bringing in
customers by the busload, literally, to get a taste of their legendary seafood; they’re currently open for outdoor seating with reservations required on Sundays, and drop-in dining on Fridays and Saturdays. With 2023 James Beard Award winner chef Sherry Pocknett at the helm, Sly Fox Den Too (4349 S County Trl.) is a can’t-miss destination for authentic Native American cuisine using seasonally foraged, hunted, and farmed ingredients cooked by traditional methods. Dave’s Coffee (5193 Old Post Rd.) serves their own roasted blends in their cafe, or grab their beans by the bag. The gourmet shop also makes and sells its own coffee syrup – used for making Little Rhody’s official state drink – coffee milk!
Ninigret Park (5 Park Ln.) is a 227-acre park with a playground, ball fields, bike path, tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas, and freshwater pond with a beach. Inside the park, Frosty Drew Observatory (62 Park Ln.) offers nighttime stargazing and an educational nature center (with Celebrate the Milky Way gazing events select Saturdays this summer). Ninigret Park is a hopping spot this season, hosting the famous Charlestown Seafood Festival (August 4-6) and music fest Rhythm & Roots (Sept 1-3).
The Charlestown Art Gallery (5000 South County Trl.) is a must-stop for contemporary American art and A Shore Thing (2183 Matunuck School House Rd.) is a beautifully renovated 1830s farmhouse now home to accommodations and a gift shop.
Established 1933, the Charlestown Rathskeller Tavern (489a Old Coach Rd.) is where it’s at – whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away to live music (watch for their outdoor festival-style seating shows in their Down Back venue) or toss a horseshoe after enjoying a burger and brew.
For the comforts of home on your getaway, there’s Charlestown Urgent Care (3769 Old Post Rd.) next to Rhode Warrior Gym (3769 Old Post Rd.). Treat yourself to some R&R at full-service, upscale hair salon Jennifer’s (4259 Old Post Rd.) and pamper your pet with acupuncture services from Atlantic Animal Hospital and Wellness Center (5001B South County Trl.).
Nature lovers, don’t miss the Watchaug Pond Trail – a favorite among birders for its many migrating, resting, and nesting songbirds – which goes through Burlingame State Park and Campground (1 Burlingame State Park Rd.), a popular spot for camping, picnicking, and swimming. Hit the water via a boat launch, and once you acquire your freshwater fishing license (visit DEM.RI.gov), plan a relaxing day reeling in catches.
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