Where do you like to spend your Rhode Island summers? Given the fact that we’re called the Ocean State, the answer is probably the beach. And while our beaches are certainly second to none, we’ve also got plenty of hidden gems worth exploring that aren’t on the shoreline. Pawtuxet Village is one of them.

Pawtuxet Village is a small section of the cities of Warwick and Cranston.

Matt / Flickr The little village sits nestled at the point where the Pawtuxet River flows into the Providence River and Narragansett Bay.

While the area was originally occupied by the Sononoce Pawtuxet tribe, Rhode Island founder Roger Williams purchased the property in 1638.

Matt / Flickr Settlers in the early 18th century constructed mills and created one of America’s premier shipping ports.

These days, Pawtuxet Village is considered to be one of New England’s best kept travel secrets.

Friends of Pawtuxet Village / Facebook While it isn’t as developed as some of the area’s more popular historic coastal towns, it has its own unique character you can’t help but love.

Here you’ll find dozens of preserved Colonial structures, both homes and shops.

Friends of Pawtuxet Village / Facebook The quaint downtown district is full of cafes, specialty shops, and restaurants.

When you arrive, feel free to park your car – this is a wonderful walking village.

Friends of Pawtuxet Village / Facebook And you’ll love strolling through the historic streets while taking in the charming scenery.

While most of the public events and gatherings have been canceled or postponed this year, it’s worth mentioning that this is normally a fantastic place to find street markets, art shows, food drives, and more.

Friends of Pawtuxet Village / Facebook If you’ve ever been on Halloween, you know just how seriously they take trick-or-treating here.

While some modifications have been made, most Pawtuxet Village restaurants and shops are open for business.

Friends of Pawtuxet Village / Facebook Stop by this summer and prepare to fall in love with Pawtuxet all over again.

Pawtuxet Village is one of the oldest settlements in America. Luckily, its character is timeless.

Matt / Flickr

The little village sits nestled at the point where the Pawtuxet River flows into the Providence River and Narragansett Bay.

Matt / Flickr

Settlers in the early 18th century constructed mills and created one of America’s premier shipping ports.

Friends of Pawtuxet Village / Facebook

While it isn’t as developed as some of the area’s more popular historic coastal towns, it has its own unique character you can’t help but love.

The quaint downtown district is full of cafes, specialty shops, and restaurants.

And you’ll love strolling through the historic streets while taking in the charming scenery.

If you’ve ever been on Halloween, you know just how seriously they take trick-or-treating here.

Stop by this summer and prepare to fall in love with Pawtuxet all over again.

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Address: Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI 02888, USA