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The Most Charming College Town In Rhode Island Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More

East Greenwich, Rhode Island, offers a charming escape with historical sites, shopping, dining, and seasonal events.

Published Sep 7, 2023

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Rhode Island is known for a lot of things but none are quite as charming as its many small towns. When we’re utterly exhausted from the fast-paced daily life, we can visit one of these enchanting small towns, slow things down a bit, and enjoy a stress-free adventure. For a delightful day trip or a weekend getaway, make the charming college town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island your next adventure.

With a population of just over 13,000, East Greenwich is home to a mix of year-round residents and college students at the New England Institute of Technology.

A quiet street in a small town at dusk, featuring shops, trees, and a church steeple in the background.
digidreamgrafix/iStock via Getty Images Plus

The eighth oldest town in Rhode Island – it was founded in 1677 – East Greenwich’s main hub for visitors is along Main Street and Water Street, which are brimming with restaurants and shops.

A fisheye view of a street corner with shops, a car, and a lamppost under a colorful sky at dawn.
digidreamgrafix/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Stroll down both streets for a bit of shopping and dining. Whether you’re shopping for a new outfit or you’re craving a scrumptious sandwich, you’ll find a little bit of everything in this small town in Rhode Island.

Aerial view of a charming town with colorful houses, trees, and a river under a dramatic sunset sky.
Facebook/Main Street Association of East Greenwich

Make sure you visit during Christmastime, too, when the town is awash in twinkling lights and adorned with seasonal decorations.

If you’re a history buff, you might think you’ve landed in paradise with all of the historical destinations in town. Visit such notable sites as the First Swedish Church/Boy Scout House, Varnum Armory, and Greenwich Hotel.

Historic building with a theater entrance, red and yellow facade, and parked cars on a street.
Google Maps

Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air with a visit to Scalloptown Park, which offers a walking path and picnic tables.

A park path splits into two, with a bench on a grassy area under a clear blue sky.
Google/Michael Ferland

A stroll in the autumn promises gorgeous views of the fall foliage.

East Greenwich also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the Turkey Trot, outdoor movies during the summer, and a concert at summer’s end.

Aerial view of a vibrant street with people walking, surrounded by historic buildings and lush green trees.
Facebook/Main Street Association of East Greenwich

You can even go ice skating and sledding in this darling Rhode Island town.

Aerial view of a small town at sunset, with colorful clouds and a church steeple silhouetted against the horizon.
Facebook/Main Street Association of East Greenwich

Learn more on the official website of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Or, stop by the Facebook page of the Town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Have you been to the charming college town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! How about treating yourself while you’re in town? Indulge in a tasty ice cream treat at Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream, an ice cream shop in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Since you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking in this darling college town in Rhode Island, be sure to wear a pair of comfy shoes.

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