Best Shopping

For a wealth of products made in the Ocean State, visit the Only in Rhode Island shop located in Newport's Long Wharf Mall. It's the ideal spot for souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. You can purchase a can of legendary Black Pearl clam chowder, the tasty soup that's straight from one of Newport's most popular restaurants. There's also a large shelf of Rhode Island-specific books. Candles, soaps and other homegrown products are also available.

Bellevue Avenue is known for the palatial mansions that stand sentry along it, but it's also an outstanding shopping destination, with unique specialty shops and art galleries offering quality merchandise and one-of-a-kind works. The street stretches for almost 2.5 miles and is noted to be the city's longest and widest. If you visit one of the mansions, try to stop at the gift stores available at The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms and Marble House. Each carries a fine selection of gifts, jewelry, books and stationery.

Situated along the waterfront near Washington Square at Thames Street and America's Cup Avenue, the Shops at Long Wharf offer shoppers plenty to do. The roster of stores includes select gift shops as well as boutique clothiers and specialty food stores.

Head for the lower part of Thames Street if you're looking for a wide range of shops intermingled with plenty of dining options. From sea chests to books and specialty gift items, the ecletic and unique shops along this popular street are packed, proving to be a true shopper's paradise. Enjoy a stroll along this waterfront street and experience the draw that is distinctly Newport.

This small street offers a wealth of antique shops just waiting for treasure hunters to plumb the depths of the vintage wares they have for sale. Among the stores on Franklin, you'll find dealers of fine porcelain and china, European antiques, Americana and folk art. From furniture to jewelry and clocks, these shops stock a diverse mix of goods.

If you're into antiques or simply love fine crafts, jewelry or unusual folk art, put a trip to Spring Street on your personal best list. This charming street hosts a number of shops with exclusive wares, including the ceramics at MacDowell Pottery, the fine furniture at Antiques at the Drawing Room and many other interesting shops and galleries.

Situated between Old Port and Bowen's Wharf, this historic spot once served as a major hub of activity during Colonial days. Today it's still a popular destination with a blend of art galleries, boutique and specialty shops, cafes and restaurants, most notably the Clarke Cooke House offering Continental cuisine. The Cooke House also includes the Candy Store Lounge and the rocking Boom Boom Room. Jewelry, specialty coffee, handbags, accessories and clothing are just some of the goods you'll find at the Bannister Wharf shops.

Located along America's Cup Avenue, this historic wharf offers trendy waterfront shopping and upscale dining options. Enjoy the area by traversing the brick walkways with someone special; you're sure to discover a small boutique or gallery tucked away in its own hiding spot. You'll definitely fall in love with the select inventory lining the shelves, everything from unique gifts to the latest fashions in clothing and accessories and home decor items.

While tooling around the lower half of this popular street, don't forget there's an upper section that holds its own as well. The district initiates at the crossing of Thames and Farewell Street (dubbed such because of the two cemeteries adjoining the street). A number of restaurants, nightspots and shops have congregated in this area, making it an excellent destination for a good time. It also includes Washington Square which has the largest concentration of Colonial buildings in the U.S.

Located at the crossroads of the popular Thames Street and America's Cup Avenue, the Brick Market Place tenders some of the best shopping venues in the city. You'll find an exclusive mix of gift shops, specialty stores and eateries. You're sure to enjoy the charming ambiance that pervades this seaside entertainment destination, with its outdoor benches, brick walkways and nautical feel.