Newport, Rhode Island, USA by Martin de Lusenet via Flickr Creative Commons

The shopping in Rhode Island revolves around nautical furnishings and locally made arts and crafts. There are some talented artisans living in this state, so visitors will find unique and interesting shops in just about every town. Newport is a particular standout spot for shopping, primarily because of its reputation as a posh resort town. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering around the downtown waterfront area where Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, and the Brick Marketplace boast more than 60 diverse and eclectic shops.

Newport’s Lower Thames Street is another great area to browse one-of-a-kind shops, while Spring Street is known for its antiques, folk art, jewelry, and crafts. Intersecting Spring Street is Franklin Street, a hot spot for antiques shops. High-end home décor can also be found along Bellevue Avenue. In the capital Providence, the shopping scene isn’t so extensive, but Thayer Street is a good area to browse around. This is the main commercial strip for the university, hosting a range of bookshops, clothing stores, and other businesses.

Spas

There are plenty of opportunities to incorporate some spa treatments into your visit to Rhode Island. Newport is home to the most spa resorts and some of the finest in the state, including the Hyatt Regency Newport, Newport Marriott Hotel, and Hotel Viking. In Providence, the historic Biltmore Hotel is home to the Red Door Spa by Elizabeth Arden, while in the South Shore village of Watch Hill, Ocean House contains one of Rhode Island’s most luxurious and modern facilities.

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