Need a charming coastal escape with historic streets and harbor views? Head to East Greenwich! This quaint town along Narragansett Bay is one of Rhode Island’s oldest and most picturesque, filled with colonial homes, waterfront dining, and peaceful marinas. Whether you're strolling Main Street or sailing into Greenwich Cove, East Greenwich is classic New England charm without the crowds.
East Greenwich, RI Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Sail or kayak from Greenwich Cove – Launch into Narragansett Bay and explore scenic inlets and harbor views.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Varnum Armory Museum – View military memorabilia and learn about East Greenwich’s colonial and Revolutionary War legacy.
- For Shoppers: Stroll Main Street boutiques – Find antiques, handmade gifts, and locally owned fashion and home stores.
- For Couples: Dine at a waterfront bistro at sunset – Enjoy fresh seafood and wine with serene marina views.
- For Families: Visit Goddard Memorial State Park – Picnic, horseback ride, or enjoy the beach at this expansive park on Greenwich Bay.
Best Time to Visit East Greenwich, RI
The best time to visit East Greenwich is from May through October. Summer is ideal for boating, dining al fresco, and strolling the harbor. Fall brings crisp air, colorful foliage, and a quiet, cozy atmosphere.
How to Get to East Greenwich, RI
- If you are traveling by car: East Greenwich is located just off Route 4 and Route 1, about 25 minutes south of Providence and 1.5 hours from Boston.
- By Air: The closest airport is T.F. Green Airport (PVD), just 15 minutes away.
- By Train: Amtrak and MBTA commuter rail serve nearby Warwick and Providence with easy car or taxi access to East Greenwich.
Where to Stay in East Greenwich, RI
- Recommended for Families: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (near Warwick) – Just minutes away, with modern amenities and easy access to East Greenwich and Goddard Park.
- For Couples: Christopher Dodge House (Providence) – Stay in a historic B&B with cozy touches and a short drive to the coast.
- For a Boutique Stay: The Beatrice (Providence) – Elegant boutique hotel offering luxury in downtown Providence, about 25 minutes away.
Best Things to Do in East Greenwich, RI
⮕ Varnum Armory Museum
See military artifacts and explore unusual weapons from American history.
Built in 1913, the Varnum Armory Museum is certainly hard not to miss on the corner of Main and Division Streets with its medieval-style architecture. Over the years, the building has been used as the headquarters for Varnum’s Regiment and housing for the National Guard.
Today, the site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places is home to a comprehensive collection of military artifacts from weaponry to uniforms and patriotic propaganda posters from the colonial days until now.
Varnum Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818, Phone: 401-884-4110
⮕ Varnum House Museum
Tour colonial rooms and admire romantic 18th-century architecture on a quiet visit.
Built by General James Mitchell Varnum, a lawyer and prominent figure during the Revolutionary War days, the Varnum House Museum is a Georgian-style mansion on the National Register of Historic Places.
The landmark has attracted famous guests through its doors from George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette and Nathaniel Greene, among others. Visitors to the site will see historic artifacts spanning the 17th to 19th centuries including an officer’s chair dating back to 1690, children’s dolls and antiques from China and Persia. Docent tours take place on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in July and August.
Varnum House Museum, 57 East Peirce Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818, Phone: 401-884-1776
⮕ New England Wireless and Steam Museum
Discover vintage tech and explore exciting inventions from steam to radio.
In the late 19th century, Rhode Island was at the forefront of the stationary steam industry. Today, the history of radio and steam power lives on at The New England Wireless and Steam Museum through its fine collection of innovations and other items including the original Massie coastal wireless station, which was used to communicate with marine shopping and is considered a catalyst to the electronics industry.
Other highlights on display include a Marconi distress transmitter similar to the Titanic’s, an Edison 1882 diode, the first of all radio tubes, and the first commercial transmitter.
New England Wireless and Steam Museum, 1300 Frenchtown Road, East Greenwich, RI 02818, Phone: 401-885-0545
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Greenwich Odeum
Catch live performances and enjoy an affordable night of local entertainment.
Housed in the original building of The Greenwich Theater built in 1926 during the height of vaudeville, the Greenwich Odeum continues the tradition of promoting the performing arts. Since opening in the fall of 1994, the venue has survived a closing and reopened to much excitement in 2013.
Today, the event calendar boasts a range of entertaining events from film screenings to live music performances by established and emerging acts, and more.
Greenwich Odeum, 59 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818, Phone: 401-885-4000
⮕ Kentish Guards
Watch historic drills and learn about this unique sight on a quick stop.
Originally chartered in 1774 during the Revolutionary War, the Kentish Guards, an elite militia established to protect the town of East Greenwich, has a fascinating history, from being present during the Siege of Boston in 1775 to serving guard duty during the War of 1812, along with other significant moments.
Along with their service, the Guardsmen are also very visible, taking part in cannon and musket competitions and ceremonial duties. In fact, The Fife and Drum Corps is considered one of the finest in the nation. Today, the Kentish Guards Armory, a Greek Revival-style building on Peirce Street, is where this group calls home.
Kentish Guards, 1774 Armory Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818, Phone: 401-821-1628
Where to Eat in East Greenwich, RI
⮕ La Masseria
Savor Italian dishes and enjoy a romantic evening in a rustic setting.
Boasting the feel of a rustic and relaxed farmhouse on the Italian countryside, La Masseria is the culinary creation of renowned restaurateur Peppe Iuele and partners, who own a sister restaurant in New York City.
Open for lunch and dinner, the Rhode Island establishment turns out classic dishes with the finest ingredients such as Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese and Terra Mare del Tavoliere with grilled octopus and cuttlefish, with broccoli rabe on a bed of fava beans for instance. As for the dining space, expect artful displays and a nod to Old World charm.
La Masseria, 223 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818, Phone: 401-398-0693
More Places to Eat in East Greenwich, RI
- Recommended for Families: Jigger’s Diner – A retro-style diner serving classic breakfasts and comfort food favorites in a cozy downtown setting.
- For Seafood: Finn’s Harborside – Fresh seafood, patio seating, and views of the marina right on the water.
- For a Romantic Meal: Besos Kitchen and Cocktails – Creative American fare in a stylish, modern space with a vibrant cocktail menu.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Fans: East Greenwich Summer Concert Series (July–August) – Free live music outdoors at Eldredge Field.
- For Art Lovers: Main Street Strolls (Spring–Fall) – Local artists, music, shopping, and food trucks transform Main Street monthly.
- For Holiday Fun: East Greenwich Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (December) – Carolers, lights, and Santa in the heart of town.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of East Greenwich, RI:
- For Coastal Views: Narragansett (30–35 min) – Surf the waves, walk the seawall, or enjoy seafood at the beach.
- For History Buffs: Newport (35–45 min) – Tour grand mansions, stroll the Cliff Walk, or sail the harbor.
- For Culture: Providence (25–30 min) – Explore museums, see WaterFire, or catch a show at PPAC.
- For Nature: Arcadia Management Area (30–40 min) – Hike or bike through forests and along rivers in this quiet nature preserve.
- For Wine Lovers: Newport Vineyards (40–50 min) – Sample local wines, dine at the onsite bistro, and enjoy vineyard views.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Question: When was East Greenwich established, and what makes it historically significant?
- Answer: Established in 1677, East Greenwich is the eighth oldest town in Rhode Island and is rich in history dating back to the days of the Revolutionary War, with many landmark buildings in the area.
- Question: Where can visitors find dining, shopping, and entertainment in East Greenwich?
- Answer: Much of the dining, shopping, and entertainment activity takes place on Main Street and Water Street, making it a place definitely worth discovering.
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