Shop talk
NEWPORT
The very nerve center of the City by the Sea ’ s bustling downtown area , THAMES STREET is lined with a myriad of shops , restaurants and bars , making it a worthwhile place to stop between morning mansion-viewings and sunset sails . Though it ’ s prime for windowshopping , don ’ t be surprised when you find yourself heading inside places like Island Outfitters , Pink Pineapple or Lemon and Line for the latest East Coast fashions and accessories ( often of the nautical variety ). Or perhaps gourmet oils and vinegars at Virgin and Aged , pretty glass creations at Thames Glass or the mesmerizing art at Blink Gallery will catch your eye .
Just a few streets over from Thames is the LOCAL BROADWAY DISTRICT . This more indie , less mainstream area of Newport is also packed with artisan cafes like Empire Tea and Coffee ; specialty restaurants like Binge BBQ , Diego ’ s , Malt on Broadway and Boru Noodle Bar ; unconventional shops like Closet Revival , Anchor Steam Tattoo Gallery and the Vinyl Guru Record Shop ; and attractions like scenic Washington Square .
PROVIDENCE
HOPE STREET prides itself on showcasing a collection of small , locally owned businesses on the East Side . The area also boasts the fitting motto of : “ Eat . Shop . Play .” You can ‘ eat ’ a locally sourced meal at Persimmon , Tandoori-style sirloin sheesh kabobs at India and scones and biscotti at Seven Stars Bakery ; ‘ shop ’ for quirky prints , T-shirts and gifts 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 , finding some fun stories and puzzles with your kiddos at Henry ’ s Bear Park and getting a holistic facial or stone massage at Evolve Apothecary and Spa .
If you want to shop till you drop ( with some breaks for food and activities in between ), look no further .
Right in the heart of downtown Providence , WESTMINSTER is a charismatic , brick-lined metropolitan street bedecked in trees and string lights . It borders local city-dweller favorites like Craftland , Queen of Hearts / Modern Love , the Vault Collective , Small Point Cafe , Kleos , Providence Coal Fired Pizza , the Malted Barley and more . Plus , Westminster Street also lays claim to the “ Superman Building ” ( you ’ ll know it when you see it ) and the Arcade — the nation ’ s oldest indoor mall .
CRANSTON
GARDEN CITY CENTER has served the area for more than seventy years . A true New England village , GCC brings commerce and community together around a common green space , creating a setting that ’ s equal parts relaxation and inspiration . See for yourself : There ’ s Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel for the home decor enthusiasts ; ModMama for the stylish parent ; J . Crew , FatFace and Chico ’ s for the trendsetters ; Sephora and Mini- Luxe for the beauty gurus ; L . L . Bean and Lululemon for the adventurous ; and Williams Sonoma for the foodies by trade and / or Avvio , Bistro 22 and Chaska for the foodies by taste . Plus , a number of its retailers and restaurants are exclusive to the area , with Garden City Center being the only Rhode Island location for the likes of the Container Store , Legal Sea Foods , Anthropologie , Ethan Allen , J . Jill and more .
WICKFORD
Originally established as a fishing village in 1709 , present-day WICKFORD VILLAGE delivers enchanting waterfront streets bestrewn with remarkable storefronts , first-rate eateries , historic churches and colonial homes . Take a minute to admire the boats in the harbor before looking for the following : unique nautical
ABOVE : Watch Hill anchor bangle from Lemon and Line on Thames Street in Newport . BELOW : Flowers , Birds and Berries collection from Three Wheel Studio on Wickenden Street in Providence .
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 teeming with both trendy and offbeat establishments . Stop by Nostalgia for antiques and collectibles , Nava for vintage clothing and home decor , Three Wheel Studio for hand-painted ceramics and Olympic Records for your favorite artists on vinyl . Feeling famished ? Visit Brickway on Wickenden for a falafel wrap , the Wickenden Pub for a pint , the East End for some littlenecks , the Coffee Exchange for an espresso or the Shop for a Morning Glory muffin .
TOP : COURTESY OF LEMON AND LINE ; RIGHT : COURTESY OF THREE WHEEL STUDIO . YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2021 31