Rhode Island Monthly Summer Guide 2020 | Page 39

t O G R O F ? g n i h t e som Here are the best local stores to hit up for those essential things you neglected to pack. NEED A SWIMSUIT AND A BEACH UMBRELLA? Go to: Ocean State Job Lot Locations: Coventry, Cranston, Johnston, Lincoln, Middletown, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, Westerly, Woonsocket and Wyoming. Why: With humble beginnings as a single-store operation in North Kingstown in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot has since expanded to run more than 130 operations throughout the Northeast. Still, each store sticks to the goal of selling high-quality, brand-name products at closeout prices, and lives up to its namesake by fulfilling all of its patrons’ beachy needs. You can also get: Beach cover ups; sweatshirts; beach chairs; beach towels; beach pails and shovels; baseball caps and wide- brimmed hats; and flip flops and water shoes. NEED SUNSCREEN, BUG SPRAY AND CHAPSTICK? Go to: CVS Pharmacy Locations: Too many to list! Just know there’s at least one situated in just about every Rhode Island town. Why: Sure, you might think CVS Pharmacy is a national chain (and you’d be right), but did you know that it has local ties? It’s true: University of Rhode Island alum, Tom Ryan, was its CEO and president from 1998 to 2011. Nowadays, you can not only fill your prescription at each location, but also purchase everything mentioned above and below, plus much more. You can also get: Sunglasses, chargers, any and all toiletries, pain killers and first aid kits. NEED SNACKS AND GROCERIES? Go to: Dave’s Marketplace Locations: Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Smithfield, North Kingstown, Warwick and Wickford. Why: Whether you need some trail mix and granola bars to keep on hand while you’re out and about or some fresh deli meats and homegrown veggies to cook up for dinner at your Airbnb, Dave’s Marketplace should be the first stop on your to-do list. The locally owned business has been in operation since 1969 and is celebrated for being Rhode Island’s largest independent grocery store chain. NEED A BEACH TOWEL OR A PICNIC BLANKET? Go to: The Christmas Tree Shop Locations: Warwick and Newport in Rhode Island; Foxborough, North Dartmouth and North Attleborough in Massachusetts. Why: We know what you’re thinking: “You’re sending me to a place with ‘Christmas’ in the title… In the summer?” And our answer is yes — yes, we are. Another local success story (the chain originated as a small holiday gift shop on Cape Cod), the Christmas Tree Shop is well-known for its year-round bargains on kitchen essentials, home decor and various knick-knacks. It’s also a great place to pick up a souvenir, including a Rhode Island-themed ornament for your Christmas tree. You can also get: Picnic accouterments and a thoughtful gift for that wedding you’re in town for. NEED AN OUTFIT? Go to: The Warwick Mall Location: Warwick Why: This enclosed shopping center has a catchy commercial tune that every Rhode Islander knows to be true: “There’s something for everyone at Warwick Mall!” Here, you can shop the likes of Macy’s, Target, New York and Company, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Torrid, Express, Sephora, Nordstrom Rack and more. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute barbecue outfit, something to wear to an outdoor concert or a light sweater to throw over your shoulders while you take in the sunset, it’s safe to say that the Warwick Mall’s eighty-plus retailers have you covered. You can also get: A bite to eat at the food court or one of the on- premises restaurants, plus a spin on the indoor carousel. Opposite page, clockwise from top center: Providence Skyline T-Shirt, $26, Frog and Toad, Providence, frogandtoadstore.com. Rhode Island 3% Bigger at Low Tide T-Shirt, $20, Westerly Gifts, Westerly, facebook.com/westerlygifts. Rhode Island Red T-Shirt, $26, Rhody Craft, Providence, rhodycraft.com. Paris London Tokyo Cranston T-Shirt, $25, Frog and Toad. Providence Biltmore Hotel T-Shirt, $22, Craftland, Providence, shop.craftlandshop.com. Rhode Island ~ Little Rhody T-Shirt, $15.99, Ocean State Souvenirs, Warwick, oceanstatesouvenirs.com. Rhode Island Umbrella T-Shirt, $30, Craftland. Westerly Sailboat T-Shirt, $20, Westerly Gifts. YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2020     37