2025 Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Picks

INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & BEAUTY

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SHOPPING

Where to shop till you drop for stylish fashion, home goods and more.  

 

Local Souvenir Shop

Wink Gift Store

Where to find a cozy piece of Rhode Island to bring home? Head to Wink for the softest sweatshirts and tees emblazoned with a nod to Bristol. The shop stocks glasses, jewelry, candles and fun gift ideas for anyone partial to the East Bay. There are Rhody-themed beach towels, beautiful wooden wave boards for serving and look-alike Lilly Pulitzer dresses for the preppy set, too. 17 State St., Bristol, winkgiftstore.com

 

One-Stop Gift Shop

Windie’s

Downtown Westerly’s whimsical new addition, Windie’s, has just the thing for that impossible to shop for friend, funky finds for the home, local art, everything you need to play the perfect but not pretentious hostess (think: quirky drinks and specialty foodstuffs like cheese, dips and jam), and gems that founder Emma Sills describes as “gifts and goods for joyful living.” 80 High St., Westerly, windieswesterly.com

 

Everyday Women’s Clothing 

Coco Goose 

This women’s store has shelves devoted to the latest premium denim from midrise to wide leg styles in every shade range as well as an array of sweaters, dresses, blazers, footwear and accessories. It’s the perfect spot to get a stylish wedding guest outfit, a new Herno jacket or high-quality basics that you’ll have in your closet forever. 195 Wayland Ave., Providence, shopcocogoose.com

 

Closet of Curiosities

Pretty Snake

Whimsical fashion and artfully made home goods share shelf space in this vibrant closet of curiosities on the East Side where textile designer Joseph Aaron Segal showcases his one-of-a-kind work. Clothing is crafted from custom fabrics printed with Segal’s and other artists’ illustrations depicting the Salem witch trials, gothic scenes, oddities and creatures, but sewed into feminine silhouettes or button-down shirts. Home goods in the Snake Den feature sheets, beaded curtains, throws, bedspreads and even a giant silk and velvet lumbar pillow shaped like a snake. 142 Brook St., Providence, 388-0660, prettysnake.com

Luxe Luminary

LMNRY

Since opening LMNRY (pronounced “luminary”) last summer, Sierra Jones has illuminated spaces near and far with hand-crafted coconut soy wax candles in a variety of scents. On a mission to make luxury feel accessible, her storefront — the only Black woman-owned business on Thames Street — is also where she leads the Pour Your Heart Out candle-making experience, a hands-on workshop designed to spark creativity and share the joy of craftsmanship. 547 Thames St., Unit B, Newport, 516-0143, shoplmnry.com

 

Elegant Home Decor

Sayles Livingston Home

Longtime designer and event planner Sayles Livingston opened her namesake shop in April in Tiverton Four Corners, filling the space with endless layers of texture, color and whimsical touches. Indoor and outdoor furnishings rub elbows with antique and new finds, with gifts, puzzles, original artwork, framed prints and fresh flowers all beckoning browsers. The store also offers an interior design studio where Livingston and her team will help turn your vision into a stunning reality. 3847 Main Rd., Tiverton, 625-5814, sayleslivingstonhome.com

 

Cheese Shop

Rind 

Several cheese shops have popped up in the state, but Rind stands out for its artfully designed charcuterie boards (a snack box starts at $10) and crudite platters with housemade dips. An added plus: The refrigerator is stocked with macaroni and cheese, mozzarella and prosciutto sandwiches, olives and European butters. 24 Bosworth St., Barrington, 246-1011, rindcheeseshop.com

Custom-Made Dinnerware

Myrth 

Chic, restaurant-grade porcelain dinnerware from owners Abby and Eric Smallwood is made in an old mill on the banks of the Seekonk River. Everything is custom-made, including the unique glazes — all crafted to mix and match on the table. The best part is you can buy the pieces in sets, by place settings or individually. 310 Bourne Ave., Suite 14-1, Rumford, myrth.us

 

Nautical Decor

Epilogues

This Bristol storefront fuels your love for living by the ocean with cool coastal finds mixed with antiques. It’s a great spot for a housewarming gift or new home decor finds like crab bottle openers from RISD artist Matthew Hall, nautical-inspired artwork and sculptural ceramic vases. 278 Hope St., Bristol, 451-8353, instagram.com/epiloguesbristol

 

Art and Antiques

Nick Haus

Located in Warren’s waterfront district, this small jewel box of a shop is thoughtfully curated with a constantly rotating inventory. In the summertime, you can explore abstract paintings and 1950s sculptures among the gardens, and during the winter months you can browse midcentury candlesticks and one-of-a-kind handmade pottery while being warmed by a cozy fire. 51 Broad St., Warren, 903-2005, nickhaus.com 

 

Casual Men’s Clothing

Beau Menswear

It can be challenging to express personal style as a guy when your only options are oxford shirts, button-downs and tees. But Beau Menswear stocks all these styles in colorful patterns and comfortable fabrics, along with shorts and pants that can go from the golf course to a casual night on the town. Shelves are filled with unique gift ideas for the man in your life from heirloom-worthy whiskey decanter sets to captivating colognes, fun socks, boxers and more. 435 Hope St., Bristol, 253-1314, beaubleuboutique.com

 

Coastal Vintage Shop

Cabana Co.

This vintage store in Tiverton Four Corners sets itself apart with a ’60s surfer aesthetic and a cool coastal vibe. From porcelain fish plates and handmade rattan bags to coastal artwork and fun T-shirts, this shop curates a great mix of homewares and clothing for the vintage lover. 31 East Rd., Tiverton, cabana-co.com

 

Luxe Homewares

Homeport 

Newporters who love to entertain have a new place to shop. This store just moved to Bellevue Avenue where it sells chic coastal housewares, tabletop and home goods. You can scoop up gorgeous pepper mills in pale blue and sage green, luxe soaps from France, rattan coasters and botanical-printed tablecloths for that special dinner party. 200 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 619-8421, homeportri.com

 

Petals and Positivity

Michael Florist Ltd.

Spruce up a special celebration with a vibrant array of fresh flowers, or show your significant other some appreciation with a “just because” bouquet. The family-owned floral shop offers a boost to your day with the ever-changing signage outside that invites others to spread positivity, while the artistic flower arrangements and charming decor delight the eyes and the nose. 1171 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, 724-4800, michaelfloristri.com

 

Plant Shop and Services

Pothos Plant Shop

The ultimate spot for (plant) pot heads. Choosing your next plant baby is both easy and fun in this quaint corner shop, where luscious greens placed high and low greet those who enter. Repotting and plant revival services are also available if your houseplant needs a refresh. Keep an eye out for workshops and events on social media. 198 Ives St., Providence, 400-2578, pothospvd.com

 

Repurposing Old Into New

Painted Karma

Duran and Kristy Searles of Painted Karma take pleasure in thinking outside the box while giving an antique or vintage piece of furniture a new purpose. Perhaps a dresser could live a new life as a nifty kitchen island? Whether it’s a different coat of paint or a complete restructuring of a piece, these sustainable and innovative practices help clients see potential, save money and deflect a trip to a big box store. 2528 Kingstown Rd., Kingston, 789-4536, instagram.com/painted_karma

 

Tea, Spice and Everything Nice

Ocean State Spice & Tea Merchants

Ocean State Spice & Tea Merchants’ specialty salts and sugars, spice blends and other essentials will take your dishes to the next flavor level. It’s where you can find almost any hard-to-find ingredient, from Aleppo chili to a cranberry maple rub. If you’re a tea lover, you’ll fully embrace the shelves stocked high — and alphabetically! — with all manner of loose leaf teas. 225 Wayland Ave., Providence, 424-9858, instagram.com/oceanstatespiceandtea

 

Consignment Shop

Jackie on Broadway

Jackie on Broadway takes the time and effort out of thrifting by curating clothes and outfits for you. The consignment shop opened in 2022 and has since become well-known in Rumford, with shoppers knowing store employees by name and making frequent stops into the shop. The store recently started carrying kids secondhand clothing as well, helping customers save money (and the environment, while they’re at it). 324 North Broadway, Rumford, 935-3233, jackieonbroadway.com

 

Bohemian Boutique 

THRYN Boutique

Newport’s buzzy Thames Street has no shortage of shops with the latest trends gracing the windows, but THRYN feels more like entering your coolest cousin’s closet — you know, the one who effortlessly stands out from the rest. The carefully curated shop is the vision of Katie Linekin, whose fabulous finds lean a little bit coastal and a little bit country, with some global style in-between. Clothing dominates here, but you’ll be delighted by a handful of shoes, jewelry and unique accessories. 433 Thames St., Unit 4, Newport, 324-5464, thrynboutique.com

 

Therapeutic Threads

Existential Thread Co. 

In times like these, we could all use a little retail therapy. Fortunately, Existential Thread Co., a new secondhand shop on the West End, is overflowing with “supplies for coping with the burden of awareness.” Such provisions include vintage apparel, accessories, decor and sports memorabilia. Its space is also quite the hidden gem, with a restored checkered tile and Terrazzo floor, so stop by and treat yourself to a little sightseeing and go home with a little something to soothe your soul. 139 Knight St., Providence, instagram.com/existential.thread.co

 

Crafty Home Decor

The Rustic Rhode 

Cheri Fera loves to share the joy of creativity with others. So once her three kids were grown, she decided to open the Rustic Rhode in Warwick. The studio hosts various workshops and sells monthly subscription boxes for DIY home crafting. You’ll end up with a lovely display sure to wow all those who visit — and have the added satisfaction of name-dropping yourself as the creator. 1800 Post Rd., Unit 9A, Warwick, therusticrhode.com

 

ARTISANS TO WATCH

Four creatives to discover.  

Honestly, 9 Priscilla Way had us from “I could be meaner.” Created by a local mother of two, Victoria Silvestri, the online shop is known for its tongue-in-cheek embroidered and graphic-forward apparel. Customizations are also on the table: Just take one of Silvestri’s designs, like the simple “Undiagnosed but something ain’t right” text, pick the color and then decide between a T-shirt, crewneck or hoodie. 9priscillaway.com

Jenny and her daughter, Vivi, draw inspiration for their handmade polymer clay earrings from their home state, and more specifically, its ties to the water. Shoppers can expect classic seashell-shaped and ocean-hued collections from Coastal Cute, as well as new additions like Mist, a gorgeous 18-karat gold-filled bracelet with amazonite beads. coastalcute.square.site

Nothing quite captures the magic and serenity of the ocean like watercolors, and the proof is in Aimee O’Connor’s paintings. A data analyst by day, the South Kingstown-based artist moonlights as the creative behind Rhody Watercolors. Peruse the online shop for everything from depictions of the Narragansett Towers and Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island to natural phenomena like colorful shells and flowers. rhodywatercolors.com

Tanya O’Brien creates modern cross-stitch patterns for those who need more Little Rhody love in their homes. We’re talking cutesy and memorable designs like the state outline, Autocrat coffee syrup bottles, Dunkin’ iced coffee cups, Narragansett Beer’s “Hi-Neighbor!” logo and more. Better yet, Savory Stitch sells downloadable patterns and instructions so you can stitch them up yourself. etsy.com/shop/savorystitch

 

Swanky Finds

Esten Ave Vintage

Walking into Esten Ave Vintage feels a bit like walking into your grandparents’ rec room bar, circa 1965, but way cooler. The shop features treasures from six collectors, with everything from vintage frocks and midcentury modern furniture and decor to comic books, records and tchotchkes all under one roof. You may not be able to nurse a Tom Collins and a cigarette during your visit, but you can buy a swanky Collins glass and a chunky ashtray just perfect for your retro pad. 25 Esten Ave., Pawtucket, instagram.com/esten_ave_vintage

Bright Idea

Night Light Neon 

Artists Nick and Cassie McKnight started Night Light Neon to keep the craft of neon alive and well. They also wanted to push the boundaries of the medium. Safe to say, they’ve accomplished both goals. Their signs are found at some of the state’s trendiest venues, including Riffraff, Pretty Things PVD, G Pub and D’s Spot. Meanwhile, the portfolio of client work spans from sentimental backdrops to artsy wall renderings to customized phrases we can’t repeat in print. 217 Oak St., Providence, 865-0558, nightlightneon.com

 

New Bookstore

Book Around

Part bookstore, part community hub, Book Around is the brainchild of Alyssa Flori, who also owns the author consulting agency Flori Fundamentals. While working to promote books by local authors, Flori struggled to find shelf space for her clients’ work and decided to create it herself. Book Around specializes in used books in all genres and new works by local writers. Its location inside Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village puts it at the center of the city’s creative hub, an ideal location for author readings and community events. Follow along on social media for pop-up shopping hours. 1005 Main St., Unit 1205, Pawtucket, 480-5804, bookaround.net

 

Timeless Clothing

ISLE

Chic wardrobe staples like denim and striped knits share space with racks of colorful printed dresses and two-piece sets perfect for days and nights out on the coast. Everything is thoughtfully curated at this airy and bright Newport shop. There are also great accessories such as raffia bags, locally made beaded jewelry, scented candles and gifts. 144 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 619-2315, islenewport.com

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INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & BEAUTY

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