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.) is known for giving new life to old things in the form of upcycled home decor, and Honey Gallery (6465 Post Rd.) sells unique handcrafted gifts and hosts rotating art exhibits. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, spa experience, or other treatments at Island Rose Spa (7417 Post Rd.). Need new frames? Rhode Eyeland (74 Frenchtown Rd.) carries high-fashion eyewear and designer brands.
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 opened The Frozen Cow Ice Cream Shoppe and Roy Boy’s Clam Shack (6710 Post Rd.). It’s all about comfort food at Rome Point Cafe (820 Boston Neck Rd.), which serves eclectic breakfast and lunch, plus vegetarian options. Oak Hill Tavern (565 Tower Hill Rd.) dishes up big portions and live music. Upscale dining and sipping can be found at Sonoma Bistro and WineBar (7366 Post Rd.), and delicatessen lunch inspired by the Big Apple can be found at The Provisioner New York Deli (7669 Post Rd.). West Passage Brewing (7835 Post Rd.) pours pale ales, hard seltzers, and more to pair with a curated menu of good eats. Last but not least, for homemade ice cream, Inside Scoop (30 Ten Rod Rd.) impresses with over 64 flavors of soft-serve scoops, nonfat yogurt, and even ice cream cakes. For fans of Jiggers in East Greenwich, their second location – Jiggers South (640 Boston Neck Rd.) dishes diner classics along with baked goods, hot weiners, and more inside or on their open-air deck.
One of the oldest homes in the state, Smith’s Castle (55 Richard Smith Dr.) contains 400 years of New England history. Along with tours and docents in period dress, watch for afternoon teas, evening lectures, and more.
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, while the museum – open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – and events offer a glimpse of 18th century life touring the home, gristmill, herb garden, and even a fish ladder aiding river herring on their journey.
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 (2574 Davisville Rd.), 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, and where you board the Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry (reservations strongly advised and bring cash for the parking lot) which runs from Quonset to Oak Bluffs.
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. If you can’t get enough marine life experiences, pay a visit to A’s Aquatic & Pet Store (6637 Post Rd.) across the street to peep the pet fish for sale. Tech-oriented fun more your speed? The Rhode Island Computer Museum (1130 Ten Rod Rd., Building C Suite 103) not only houses a collection of vintage computers but also hosts hands-on STEAM programming for all ages.
Feeling crafty? Bring the family or friend group to Hammer & Stain (7671 Post Rd.) to make a memento of your summer, with public workshops available or private bookings for a party (reserve ahead at HammerAndStainWickford.com). Before diving into your own creations, a visit to The Mill at Shady Lea (215 Shady Lea Rd., Studio 111) on open studio days is sure to spark inspiration, or reach out about guided tours and workshops at the artists’ spaces.
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