How To Spend 12 Hours In One Of Rhode Island Most Beautiful Towns

When I say Charlestown (RI), the 1st place that may come to mind is the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, a quirky mix of indie shops, barnyard animals roaming around, and colorful gardens that dates back to 1968.

Or Galapagos, the boutique in the red house on Old Post Road which ultimately gave rise to Dave’s Coffee. (Peruse some of the most stylish apparel for women and men and then grab a coffee later in the Dave’s next door.)

Maybe that favorite beach that for obvi reasons, you don’t want absolutely everyone finding out about, lest you won’t be able to secure a spot for your blanket and umbrella this June.

How about the 2 Thomas Dambo TROLLS at Ninigret? Pics do not do them justice! Please go and see these (and the others in NK, EP, and Exeter) this szn. We are so lucky to have 5 right here in RI.

Photo Of Patty J With Thomas Dambo By Trisha Kelley Photography

Well, here are 6 more places in C-Town that you’ll want to add to your Spring or Summer itinerary whether you’re there for the day, the weekend or a whole week.

1️⃣ Go Here For Breakfast Or Lunch

Cafe Bar has opened a 2nd location inside the historic Wilcox Tavern (it was a stage coach stop back in the 1800’s) on Old Post Road, and I’m here for it!

Go for a flavored latte and some brekkie or lunch (see ours in the pics above); stay for the old-time-cozy, comfy atmosphere that includes several fireplaces and antique looking furnishings.

2️⃣ 2 Floors of Coastal Bliss

Simple Pleasures is a multi level (over 8,000 square feet) coastal-home-themed boutique, featuring home decor, jewelry, and more.

Browse and buy for yourself or the aspiring coastal grandma in your circle.

3️⃣ Even More Local Delights

Go for the fresh produce and flowers, Juniper Hill Apothecary candles, Peter Pots Pottery, and prepared foods. Stay for the made-on-the-premises bread (everyone raves about it), pizza (ditto), and sandwiches.

Quonnie Farms is part scratch bakery and part grocery. Folks in the area absolutely ADORE it. I say this because a friend of mine who has a summer house in the area recommended it to me.

Once you’ve shopped there, you’ll know why.

4️⃣ Rhody Rustic With A Splash Of Whimsy

This colorful shop definitely caught my eye while driving by.

Mills Creek Market is an amazing stop either before or after the beach, and has a fab selection of whimsical and uplifting gifts for your friends, family or yourself.

To quote Sophie Kinsella, “when I shop, the world gets better…”

S.K., in case you’re not familiar, wrote the best selling novels which were later turned into the 2009 movie Confessions Of A Shopaholic starring Isla Fisher.

5️⃣ Sights To See

Directly across the street from Mills (and technically situated on the grounds of the area Public Library) you’ll find the Charlestown Historical Society and an adjacent tiny white building that’s been painstakingly restored inside and out to its former glory as a 19th century schoolhouse.

Also, the in-season garden out front that the URI Master Gardeners Program has created is the maraschino cherry on top of the sundae.

If you’re interested in doing an actual tour, CHS is open to the public in the summer on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 12noon.

6️⃣ Celebrity Sightings

Restaurant lovers (were you born to dine out, as the IG trend goes), Rhody history fans, and anyone who cherishes time in Southern RI (especially in the “nice” weather) will want to bookmark the revamped General Stanton Inn on Old Post Road.

Book a table at the Tavern for dinner (or Sunday brunch). Word is everyone from Tallulah Bankhead and Al Capone to Teddy Roosevelt, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson all visited this Inn over the years (the original structure dates back to 1740).

As always, if you visit any of these places after reading THIS, please do let them know you heard about them via Patty J and PattyJ.com.

12 Hours In One Of The Most Beautiful Towns In Rhode Island