Living in one of the densest states means that most things are readily available and just a short drive away! Because of how close so many things are, we Rhode Islanders tend to avoid places that involve a long car ride, or searching. What many of us don’t realize is that some of Little Rhody’s best attractions are actually what would be considered in the “middle of nowhere.” These 10 places might require some driving, but they’ll be so worth visiting once you’re there.
- Beef Barn, North Smithfield
Facebook/Beef Barn
Facebook/Beef Barn Found on 1 Greenville Road is one of Rhode Island’s most unique and memorable restaurants. Known as the Beef Barn, this restaurant serves amazing freshly prepared roast beef sandwiches in an old bar that has been transformed into a quirky eatery.
- Fort Wetherill, Jamestown
Flickr/Juli
Flickr/Juli This abandoned military fort stands on the east passage of Narragansett Bay on Conanicut Island. The state park in which it is situated is a stunning place to visit and explore.
- Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, Little Compton
Facebook/Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard Found in the charmingly small and remote town of Little Compton is this gorgeous winery and vineyard. It might be a bit of a drive, but visiting this place for a tour and wine tasting is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
- Green Animals Topiary Garden, Portsmouth
Flickr/Christine Riggle Found on a historic waterfront property in Portsmouth on Aquidneck Island is the oldest Topiary Garden in the country and one of the largest around. It features dozens of breathtaking topiary sculptures and is certainly worth the visit to the island.
- The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown
Flickr/Luvzdollz Visit a collection of unique vintage shops, an old fashioned general store, cafe, and so much more at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory. The rural drive along old Post Road is also a lovely experience.
- Wright’s Farm Restaurant, Harrisville
Facebook/Wright’s Farm Restaurant
Facebook/Wright’s Farm Restaurant Enjoy fantastic family style dinner at this beloved Rhode Island restaurant. It can be found on Inman Road in the rural town of Harrisville in Burrillville.
- Trustom Pond, South Kingstown
Flickr/cisc1970 Trustom Pond is a closed tidal lagoon in South Kingstown and offers a stunning place to enjoy a hike with gorgeous scenery.
- Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island
Flickr/Joy These gorgeous clay cliffs stand brilliantly at 150 feet tall on Block Island. The secluded beach at the base of the cliffs is a perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet and reflect on the immense beauty of the state.
- Rustic Drive-In, North Smithfield
Facebook/Rustic Drive-In This retro drive-in might take a while to get to (in Rhode Island terms), but is definitely worth it. Find them out on Route 146.
- Summit General Store, Greene
Yelp/Brian S. This old fashioned general store has everything from gardening products to groceries, and so much more! Find them in the middle of nowhere on 25 Old Summit Road in Greene.
For more information on the Beef Barn, the first destination on this list, click here.
Facebook/Beef Barn
Found on 1 Greenville Road is one of Rhode Island’s most unique and memorable restaurants. Known as the Beef Barn, this restaurant serves amazing freshly prepared roast beef sandwiches in an old bar that has been transformed into a quirky eatery.
Flickr/Juli
This abandoned military fort stands on the east passage of Narragansett Bay on Conanicut Island. The state park in which it is situated is a stunning place to visit and explore.
Facebook/Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard
Found in the charmingly small and remote town of Little Compton is this gorgeous winery and vineyard. It might be a bit of a drive, but visiting this place for a tour and wine tasting is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Flickr/Christine Riggle
Found on a historic waterfront property in Portsmouth on Aquidneck Island is the oldest Topiary Garden in the country and one of the largest around. It features dozens of breathtaking topiary sculptures and is certainly worth the visit to the island.
Flickr/Luvzdollz
Visit a collection of unique vintage shops, an old fashioned general store, cafe, and so much more at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory. The rural drive along old Post Road is also a lovely experience.
Facebook/Wright’s Farm Restaurant
Enjoy fantastic family style dinner at this beloved Rhode Island restaurant. It can be found on Inman Road in the rural town of Harrisville in Burrillville.
Flickr/cisc1970
Trustom Pond is a closed tidal lagoon in South Kingstown and offers a stunning place to enjoy a hike with gorgeous scenery.
Flickr/Joy
These gorgeous clay cliffs stand brilliantly at 150 feet tall on Block Island. The secluded beach at the base of the cliffs is a perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet and reflect on the immense beauty of the state.
Facebook/Rustic Drive-In
This retro drive-in might take a while to get to (in Rhode Island terms), but is definitely worth it. Find them out on Route 146.
Yelp/Brian S.
This old fashioned general store has everything from gardening products to groceries, and so much more! Find them in the middle of nowhere on 25 Old Summit Road in Greene.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.