With Rhode Island’s high population density despite its small size, it’s hard to imagine that there’s enough space in the state to even allow for towns to be tiny. It’s true that there aren’t exactly many of them, but there are a few and many of them border the ocean and exude a classic New England coastal charm that’s hard for anyone to resist.
1. Tiverton
Location: Southeastern Rhode Island on the Massachusetts border
Why It’s So Dreamy: Widely considered an underrated gem, this small coastal town is close enough to bigger cities to offer the widely appreciated amenities that come with that, as well as maintaining a rustic, historic feel. The downtown area is mainly comprised of the Tiverton Four Corners, which is a village of buildings preserved from the 18th century to house shops, galleries, inns, and more. A close knit community, locals would rather use goods from the nearby farms and seafood from the fisherman than any commercial goods.
2. New Shoreham
Location: On Block Island
Why It’s So Dreamy: A quaint town on an island already feels dreamy in and of itself, but when you add the classic coastal New England appeal that seems to pour out from every surface, it’s easy to see how special New Shoreham is. With an unusually clear stretch of ocean, as well as ponds, cliffs, and trails that seamlessly connect the island’s natural landscapes to a charming small town with Victorian and New England shingle style buildings, this area feels unblemished by over-modernization.
3. Narragansett
Location: On the coast of Southern Rhode Island…