Between freezing temperatures and blizzards dumping feet of snow that last for weeks, Rhode Island can be brutal in the winter. Once it gets warm enough for ice-cream stands to put out their “Open” flags and hydrangeas to bloom, though, everything changes.
As a lifelong local, I’ve always believed that summer in New England is well worth the long, dreary winter. Luckily, my hometown in Rhode Island is the ultimate shoreline spot, with waterfront restaurants, a quaint downtown, and a beach near Taylor Swift’s iconic summer house.
When I crave something a little different for the day, though, I just hop in my car and drive to Charlestown, Rhode Island — a quiet, stunning beach town about 45 minutes from Providence.
There’s no place more perfect for a peaceful summer day.
I always start my day by picking up coffee and lunch before going to the beach
Charlestown is home to the iconic, cozy Dave’s Coffee, which serves locally roasted coffee and pastries. I always order a latte and then head to the café’s peaceful garden to sit for a bit.
Pro tip: Dave’s also sells delicious coffee syrup, which is a perfect way to spruce up your coffee at home.
Before a relaxing beach day, picking up lunch is a must, too. Along South County Trail, Rippy’s Liquor & Marketplace might look like a convenience store from the outside, but its deli is a hidden gem.
They have the best sandwiches, perfect for a beach lunch. My personal favorites are the chicken salad or the chicken cutlet. I can also never go wrong with a turkey club.
From beaches to shopping, there’s something for every traveler
There’s never a shortage of beaches to choose from. East Beach, running three miles, is a peaceful spot, along with Blue Shutters Beach, where you can lay down a checkered blanket and soak in the sun for the day.
Visitors looking for something different can set up camp at Ninigret Pond, where kayakers paddle throughout the salt pond. Keep an eye out for artist Thomas Dambo’s giant wooden trolls nestled along the park’s trails.
Once I notice my skin’s getting pink (or if it’s one of those rare days when I’m not feeling the beach), I venture to the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, a quirky, fun village of shops tucked away in the woods.
Since I was little, I’ve loved wandering the grounds and shops there — like Small Axe Productions, where I can spend hours browsing handcrafted jewelry before making my way upstairs to check out beautifully carved musical instruments.
While I’m there, I also usually stop by the General Store for socks with fun slogans and a bag full of penny candy. Then, I’ll take time to soak in my peaceful surroundings, walk through the bamboo forest, and even run into chickens roaming the gardens.
There are many local seafood restaurants to choose from
Dinner in Charlestown is always a game-time decision, simply because there are too many excellent local spots to choose from.
As soon as you see the long line, you’ll know you’ve reached Monahan’s Clam Shack. I love a good chowder-and-clam-cake combo — with New England-style creamy chowder, of course — and Monahan’s has one of the best.
The flounder-fish tacos with mango salsa are also fresh, tasty, and perfect for sharing.
When I’m in the mood for a sit-down meal, the Charlestown Rathskeller is a local classic with live music all summer long. My favorite dish is their chicken pasta fresco, which I believe is the ideal light summer meal.
Their famous loaded fries are worth saving room for, too.
When I’m ready to head back home, I’ll stop by Quonnie Farms to pick up some ears of corn or a delicious homemade pizza. In the summer, there’s even an ice-cream stand — perfect for those nights when the only right answer is ice cream for dinner.
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