This Rural Road Trip Will Lead You To Some Of The Best Hidden Gems In Rhode Island

Rhode Island's bursting with gems - both those that are familiar and those that are a bit (or a lot) hidden. That makes getting out and exploring so much more fun. After all, we never know what we're going to uncover next. This road trip, for example, will take you to some of the best gems in Rhode Island that you may or may not have heard of. Either way, you're sure to have a blast.

Here are the Google Map directions for this road trip. They're easy to customize, so plug in your address to get started. You can also add or subtract destinations based on how much time you have and on your interests. Ready? Let's go!

This short but sweet road trip spans just 71 miles with a total drive time of less than three hours. However, you'll need to take time to explore each stop, so keep that in mind when you make plans.

1. Jerimoth Hill – Foster

Let's kick this road trip off at the highest point in Rhode Island, where you'll feel like you're on top of the world. Jerimoth Hill in Foster is easy to reach by car. One you arrive, you'll take just a short hike to the exact spot that marks Rhode Island's highest point. Read all about this unique

Rhode Island destination in our previous article.

While in Foster, visit Rhode Island's only covered bridge, Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, and stop by Nickle Creek Winery.

2. Summit General Store – Greene

A good, old-fashioned road trip should include a stop at a classic general store, and that's where our next destination takes us. Billing itself as "Rhode Island's only real general store," this old-school shop dates back to 1888. Grab a bite to each (how about a sandwich?), and explore a bit. You'll find a little bit of everything. Learn more about this Rhode Island general store.

3. The Fantastic Umbrella Factory – Charlestown

Our next stop takes us to one of the most unique shopping destinations in Rhode Island - the Fantastic Umbrella Factory. Shop its five stores that sell everything from jewelry and clothing to pottery and tapestries. Get a glimpse of this one-of-a-kind shop in Rhode Island.

4. Trustom Pond – Wakefield

The only undeveloped salt pond in Rhode Island, Trustom Pond sits in a national wildlife refuge of the same name. Bring your hiking shoes for this stop because you're going to want to follow the 2.5-mile Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge Trail. It's a quiet, easy trail that's brimming with beauty. Discover more about this unique pond in Rhode Island.

5. New Shoreham – Block Island

Our final destination takes us aboard the ferry to New Shoreham on Block Island. If you've got the time, spend at least a day here, exploring all this island has to offer. Make it a priority to visit Mohegan Bluffs, Lewis-Dickens Farm Wildlife Refuge, and the Southeast and North Lighthouses.

Read more about why New Shoreham is the perfect day trip destination in Rhode Island.

What are some of your favorite gems in Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments! If you're up for an experience of a different kind, check out these treetop adventures in Rhode Island.