SHOP ALK
Newport
T
THAMES STREET
The very nerve center of the City by the Sea’s bustling downtown area,
Thames Street is lined on either side with a myriad of shops,
restaurants and bars, making it a worthwhile place to stop between
morning mansion viewings and sunset sails. The picturesque setting is
made for window shopping, but don’t be surprised when you find
yourself heading inside places like the Pink Pineapple, Lemon and Line
or the Salty Babe for the latest in East Coast fashions and accessories
(often of the nautical variety). Or, perhaps Newport Sock Exchange
with its kooky knee highs or Virgin and Aged with its gourmet oils and
vinegars will catch your eye. As for dining, you’re welcome to go casual
with quick comfort bites at O’Brien’s Pub or the Red Parrot, mid-range
with raw bar selections from Midtown Oyster Bar or a bit more
sophisticated with a meal at the Bouchard Inn and Restaurant. A stroll
down the area’s cobblestone paths will also give way to Instagram-able
shots of historic homes and unparalleled views of the Newport bridge
over Narragansett Bay.
BROADWAY
Just a few streets over from Thames is the Local Broadway District,
known for featuring “six blocks of awesome,” this more indie, less
mainstream area of Newport is also packed with artisan cafes like
Empire Tea and Coffee; specialty restaurants like Binge BBQ, the Fifth
Element, Malt and Boru Noodle Bar; lively bars like Tavern on
Broadway and Norey’s; unconventional shops like Closet Revival, the
Mad Hatter Bakery and the Vinyl Guru Record Shop; and attractions
like the Firehouse Theater and scenic Washington Square. Plus, here’s
an interesting tidbit for you: America’s fight for freedom technically
began here — yes, before the Boston Tea Party — with the Stamp Act
Riot of 1765. To learn more, you can visit the district’s Old Colony House
and / or the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House.
East Greenwich
Nestled virtually in the middle of the state, East Greenwich’s charming
Main Street is an ideal stretch for strolling, shopping and snacking on a
sunny summer afternoon. And while there’s a wealth of places to see
and things to do in this friendly little community, these are some of our
can’t-miss stops.
SHOPPING
GET: Sweet and eco-friendly treats for Fido at Bone Appetit; a nautical
sweatshirt or tote bag from Bags by Iris; a designer gown from ZuZu’s
Petals (fun fact: they’re named after the youngest daughter in It’s a
32 YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2020
If you want to shop
till you drop (with
some breaks for
food and activities
in between), look
no further.
Wonderful Life); a custom suit from Blueprint 5; fine
home accessories from the Green Door; modern
furniture from the White Elephant; a unique antique,
brooch or painting from Lola’s Vintage Closet;
a “cure for the wardrobe blues” from Therapy
Boutique; and some eccentric treasures and gifts
from the Troll Shop.
DINING
TRY: An iced vanilla latte at MainStreet Coffee and
Toscana; fried chicken and waffles at Dante’s Kitchen; a Besos Board
(la Quercia prosciutto, roasted vegetables, artisanal cheeses, cranberry
and wheat bread) from Besos Kitchen and Cocktails; linguine alle
vongole veraci at La Masseria; a Crazy Bumblebee sushi roll at Kon
Asian Bistro; or a cookie dough cupcake at Silver Spoon Bakery.
ACTIVITIES
DO: Watch a live show at the historic Greenwich Odeum; get a massage
and / or facial at Shimmer Salon and Day Spa; have your nails done at
Naturally Nails; see a bunch of musicians perform at the “Music on
Main Street Stroll” and enjoy tastings from the above eateries and more
during the “Taste of East Greenwich Stroll.”
Providence
HOPE STREET
Hope Street prides itself on showcasing a collection of small, locally
owned businesses that are doing their ‘thang’ on the East Side. The area
also boasts the fitting motto of, “Eat. Shop. Play.” You can Eat a locally
sourced five-course meal at Persimmon, tandoori-style sirloin shish
kabobs at India, an oyster at Pizzico Oyster Bar and scones and biscotti
at Seven Stars Bakery; Shop for quirky prints and t-shirts at Frog and
Toad, well-designed kitchen tools at Stock Culinary Goods and chic
clothing at J Marcel; and Play by joining a sewing workshop at Kreatelier,
attending story time with your kiddos at Henry’s Bear Park, getting a
holistic facial or stone massage at Evolve Apothecary and Spa and by
crashing the annual Hope Street Spring Block Party.
WICKENDEN STREET
Flanked by two of the state’s most well-known colleges, Brown University
and the Rhode Island School of Design, Wickenden Street is a popular
hangout space for students. As such, the area is teeming with trendy
establishments, from independent shops to offbeat art galleries to
original restaurants. Have money to burn? Stop by Nostalgia for vintage
wares and collectibles (or maybe even a tarot card reading), Nava for
contemporary clothing and home decor, Three Wheel Studio for hand-