A Holiday Shopping Daytrip to Pretty Wickford Village
The historic waterside locale paints a picture-perfect backdrop for holiday home decor shopping.
Historic Wickford Village is nestled by the sea in North Kingstown. The appeal is the quiet harbor setting and unique shops and restaurants. Plus, the pace is gentler than that of the nearby seaside city of Newport. It’s a hidden gem where both visitors and locals can stroll, stop and shop for wares like upcycled furniture, handmade art, vintage finds and a plethora of other home decor goods. And while this seaside locale is loaded with undeniable charm in any season, Wickford Village is especially enchanting during the holidays.
Shops
Beauty and the Bath; Photography by Brittany Semco
This modern apothecary is a go-to stop for cozy home accents and bathroom accessories. Here you’ll find handmade bath bombs, candles including the ever-so-popular Fraser Fir by Thymes and even oven mitts with funny sayings. Laundry isn’t a chore when you’re washing your garments in lavender laundry fragrance and who says you can’t purchase a stemless wine glass (pick up a bottle from Gooseneck Vineyards while you’re in the area) to practice a little self-care during a pandemic? Beauty and the Bath adds every bit of comfort to your home. 11 W Main St., North Kingstown, 294-3576, beautyandthebath.com
Beauty and the Bath; Photography by Brittany Semco
Beauty and the Bath; Photography by Brittany Semco
This second-generation family-owned small shop has been a mainstay of Wickford Village since the ’80s. It’s not hard to see why: They’ve got intricate stained-glass art, coastal lamps that reflect stacked rocks, heavy duty wind chimes, beautiful glass sculptures, a selection of cozy decorative pillows and other tabletop decor — and that’s just scratching the surface. 17 Brown St., North Kingstown, 295-0757, yesgallery-com.3dcartstores.com
The name says it all: Find something out of the ordinary, perhaps different, to incorporate into your home. While the store sells mostly jewelry and cards, you can also find hand-thrown and painted pottery pieces plus whimsical stained-glass art that is sure to catch every ray of sunlight. Plus, the prices are just right. 7 West Main St., North Kingstown, 294-4867, different
drummerri.com
Wickford Village Antiques and Collectibles
Seek the unique and pick out a piece with history for your home. Whether it’s a vintage wicker rocking chair, a stately China cabinet or a complete set of fine dishware, you can breathe new life into an old treasure. 93 Brown St., North Kingstown, 294-1117
The selection at this home furnishings and accessories store runs the gamut. Think: restyled furniture to handmade signs to Vance Kitira pear candles and everything in between. Did we mention the tea towels, beautiful glassware and love rocks mugs? You name it, Eclectic Bungalow’s got it. 1 Brown St., North Kingstown, 667-0747, eclecticbungalow.com
The shelves are loaded with a variety of Harry and Elizabeth Spring’s functional pottery including several styles of bowls, some with handles and some with inscriptions, as well as large and small vases, pitchers, brie bakers, pie and baking dishes, platters, mugs and a whole lot more. Running a bit late or strolling by afterhours? Just knock on the door; they live there.
14 Brown St., North Kingstown, springpottery.com
Wickford Gourmet Factory Outlet
Wickford Gourmet; Photography by Brittany Semco
Each nook is filled with everything you need for your kitchen, from measuring cups to pots and pans to mixing bowls and more. With two full floors of merchandise, you’re sure to find kitchen knickknacks you never knew you needed: nautical-themed butter knives, floral linens and then some. Similar to a restaurant supply store but for homeowners, and at discounted prices. 21 West Main St., North Kingstown, 294-8430
Wickford Gourmet; Photography by Brittany Semco
Wickford Gourmet; Photography by Brittany Semco
Serendipity; Photography by Brittany Semco
Shop local and handmade goods including whimsical coasters, quirky custom glassware, light switch plate covers, vintage hand-stamped spoons with fun sayings like “sundae funday,” “go with the flow” and more. If not for your own home, then shop for a friend. You surely can’t leave here empty handed. 3 Main St., North Kingstown, 486-5532, serendipityri.com
Serendipity; Photography by Brittany Semco
Serendipity; Photography by Brittany Semco
The Captain’s Table; Photography by Brittany Semco
Items range from sweet – milk chocolate truffles and almond toffee bars, to neat – fresh linens including tea towels, table runners, napkins and aprons, plus serving ware including platters and wooden cutting boards, cheese boards, glass pitchers and oyster shucking knives. 31 W Main St., North Kingstown, 667-2615, thecaptainstableri.com
The Captain’s Table; Photography by Brittany Semco
The Captain’s Table; Photography by Brittany Semco
Sights to See
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! Bundle up and get carried away in the holiday season (post shopping, of course) and take a carriage ride around historic Wickford Village. A half-hour ride for up to four people costs $75. 75 West Main St., North Kingstown, 295-4490, newdealcarriage.com
Make spirits bright with a glass of holiday cheer at Gooseneck Vineyard’s Wickford winery location. Sip five award-winning varietal tastings for $16, plus purchase a bottle to-go and keep the glass after. 4 Brown St., North Kingstown, 294-4289, gooseneckvineyards.com
Where to Refuel
This family-owned and operated cafe and juice bar is a hidden gem that has gotten quite a bit of attention. Here’s why: The sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients, the chocolate chip cookies are particularly tantalizing and the drinks are crafted to quench your thirst. Bite into the Judy’s Farm sandwich, made with black forest ham, sliced pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, tomato, romaine, whole grain mustard and mayo on ciabatta, and pair it with a smoothie from the juice bar. Looking for something different? Try the well-known and loved avo toast or an acai bowl. Food is available for purchase through curbside pickup and a takeout window. 45 Brown St., North Kingstown, 294-8740, shaynasplaceri.com
Shayna’s Place; Photography by Brittany Semco
For ultimate views of the harbor and a bite to eat, swing by this casual waterfront spot. Have your catch of the sea with seafood-heavy dishes including the lobster cobb salad, lobster roll or fish tacos. Landlubbers need not fret: chicken sandwiches and burgers can be found on the menu, too. Make spirits bright and sip a maple walnut old fashioned made with Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Black Walnut Bitters, maple syrup and a splash of soda water. Cheers! 85 Brown St., North Kingstown, 294-7900, wickfordonthewater.com
Feel like a guest at an old seaside boathouse, one that boasts inviting dining areas that are both casual and comfortable. Bite into classics including clam chowder, lobster bisque, shrimp scampi and fish and chips or opt for a burger, salad or other non-seafood options. Every taste bud is covered here. Make reservations to dine in or order takeout. 16 West Main St., North Kingstown, 294-5771, tavernbytheseari.com
That’s amore! Delve into hearty Italian dishes from a one-pager menu. Start with an appetizer like fried calamari or meatballs, followed by a main dish of pork ragu or veal saltimbocca. The parmesans have their own section: chicken, veal or eggplant. No matter which you choose, this quaint Italian spot doesn’t disappoint. 64 Brown St., North Kingstown, 294-0000, tatesitaliankitchen.com
Micky’s Pizza
Swing by for a New York-style slice to refuel while shopping or if you just want a quick, no frills bite to eat. Might we suggest a side of garlic knots, too? 60 Brown St., North Kingstown, 294-0044
