2022 Best of Rhode Island: Editors’ Picks

Our editors scoured the state for the best food, shopping, fun and beauty businesses in Rhode Island.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

In need of a tasty pick-me-up or some tranquility? Plan a visit to these mind-and-body beneficial businesses.

Loose-Leaf Tea

The Black Leaf Tea and Culture Shop

How about a sip of Money or Sunday Morning? Chicago transplant Amber Jackson provides sensational tea blends with a side of culture with the Black Leaf Tea and Culture Shop, launched to spread her love for the comforting hot beverage as well as to celebrate and engage with the Black community. The cleverly named tea blends inspire conversation, alleviate the long workweek blues and prepare you for anything that comes your way. Providence, theblackleaftea.com

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Amber Jackson of the Black Leaf Tea and Culture Shop.

 

Personal Training

Aussiefit HQ

People of all backgrounds and body types are experiencing full body transformations at AussieFit HQ. Using weight training, clients learn how to become better, faster, stronger versions of themselves. Aussie Fit proves that body recomposition is a thing, and even the most fitness-phobic can make a positive change. 310 Bourne Ave., Rumford, instagram.com/aussiefithq

 

Group Fitness Classes

Core Fitness

Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed early or hit the gym after work, but if you have upbeat fitness instructors counting on you, it makes it easier to show up. Core’s music-fueled fitness classes, including cycling, strength and cardio and boxing, as well as Lagree, are motivating to move in ways that make you look and feel good. 229 Waterman St., Providence, 273-2673, corefitprov.com

 

Reiki Therapy

White Lotus Healing

Connect your body, mind and spirit through tarot readings, reiki healing, Integrated Energy Therapy and other services as well as workshops and training classes. The holistic approach is practiced by certified Integrated Energy Therapy master instructor and life and business coach Veronica Cintron. 100 Lafayette St., Suite 303, Pawtucket, 415-0789, whitelotusspiritualhealing.com

 

Glow Up

Estela’s Lash and Skincare Studio

Rather than relying on phony filters, why not get a facial and lash upgrade for reals? This lash and skincare studio can help improve your skin while also adding length and volume to your lashes. Book the Pura Vida facial treatment, and a lash lift and tint or extensions, and strut out looking like a new and improved version of yourself. #NoFilter. 746 Hope St., Providence, 999-0704, elsstudio.com

 

Brow Enhancement

The Brow Beautician 

Up the ante of your appearance by enhancing your brows. Kristi Scialla of Studio B Salon takes barely existing, faded or overplucked brows to wow with a noninvasive process that’s like a reverse perm. The forty-five-minute treatment includes applying a straightening solution, followed by a neutralizer and tinting, then nourishing keratin gel. No pain. All the gain. Studio B Salon, 334 Knight St., Bldg. #11, Warwick, 437-8688, instagram.com/thebrowbeautician

 

Cruelty-Free Sweets

Celebrated

Savoring plant-based goods just got sweeter. Display your affection for charmingly decorated treats in a cruelty-free manner at Celebrated. Salivate over the summer macaron collection and cookie dough truffles on the signature menu or create a custom order for a special occasion. 901 Warwick Ave., Warwick, 787-4017, celebrated.co

 

Curly Hair Exclusive Salon

The Loft Hair Studio

Let your hair down at a salon where women with all textures can truly embrace their waves and curls. Clients seated at one of the Loft Hair Studio’s chairs are reminded that their natural hair pattern has so much potential for a variety of styles. Get your mane prepped for a wedding, family celebration or just another day in Rhode Island. 182 Taunton Ave., East Providence, 642-6767, theloftmedford.com

 

CAFES AND EATERIES

CBD-Infused Goodies: A+mosphere CBD Cafe

Step into a positive atmosphere stocked with CBD-infused goodies, from the Queen Bey milkshake made with coffee ice cream to the Wondah Breakfast sandwich. Choose your preferred level of CBD (250 milligrams is the highest you can go for an ultra-soothing time) or opt for a tasty CBD-free meal. Check out the gummies, pet treats, lip balm and other worthwhile products. 287 Taunton Ave., East Providence, 808-6611, apositiveatmosphere.com

 

Healthy Grab-and-Go Meals: Drift Cafe

This chic boutique cafe offers wholesome items to start your day right including energy-boosting lunch bowls and fruity smoothies with quality ingredients. Swing from the hanging white basket chairs while savoring every bite of a classic Drift acai bowl topped with blueberries, banana, cacao nibs and shaved coconut, or the Mother of Dragons bowl made with blended organic dragon fruit and sprinkled with coconut flakes, banana and housemade coconut chia pudding. 190 Thames St., Newport, 619-2828, driftnewport.com

 

Vegan Coffee Shop

Thrive Tribe Cafe

Sip on a nourishing cup o’ joe with the Thrive Tribe, where every food item is vegan and deliciously nutritious. Pair your organic espresso or specialty drink made with Guatemalan, Colombian or Ethiopian coffee with a variety of meal choices, like the black bean arepa garnished with mozzarella, butter, avocado, black bean hummus and rose Sriracha sauce, and the hOMie crepe made with a hazelnut spread, bananas, strawberries, coconut shavings and a chocolate sauce drizzle. 60 Maple Ave., Barrington, 264-0110, thrivetribecafe.com