Rhode Island, the smallest US state, packs extraordinary variety into 1,545 square miles: the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the creative dining scene of Providence, sweeping barrier beaches in South County, and Block Island's untouched bluffs. Despite its size, the Ocean State offers world-class sailing, colonial history dating to 1636, and some of New England's finest seafood.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Autocrat Coffee Syrup (for making authentic coffee milk) — available at any grocery store
Del's Frozen Lemonade merchandise — Del's locations statewide
Newport Mansions gift shop items (Preservation Society prints, books, gifts) — at any mansion entrance
Sea glass jewelry from Newport artisans on Thames Street
Local seafood seasonings and Rhode Island clam chowder base — at seafood markets
WaterFire Providence artwork prints and merchandise — at the WaterFire Gallery, 475 Valley St, Providence
RISD Museum store art prints and design objects — 20 N Main St, Providence
Block Island craft items from the summer ferry artisan market
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Hope Street Farmers Market
Local produce, artisan cheese, local honey, fresh-caught fish
Where: Providence
Hours: Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM (May–November)
Armory Farmers Market
Year-round market; vegetables, breads, prepared foods
Where: Providence
Hours: Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM (year-round; indoor November–April)
Block Island Craft Fair
Local artisan crafts, sea glass jewelry, handmade items
Where: Block Island
Hours: Summer weekends (check visitblockilsand.com for dates)