Nestled in rural northern Rhode Island, Smithfield is bustling with locals and travelers who enjoy the town’s food scene, outdoor activities, and shopping experiences. From rambling walking trails that transport nature lovers to a world of quietude to commercial centers where creatures of convenience can shop the day away, Smithfield provides countless things to do when class isn’t in session. Start with these seven activities as you explore all the town has to offer:
1. Visit the local farmers market: At Blackbird Farm Farmers Market (660 Douglas Pike, Smithfield; 2.3 miles from campus), you will find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goodies from local vendors. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday now through Oct. 6 (weather permitting).
2. Test your trivia skills: Gather a group of friends for a weeknight outing to play trivia. The Thirsty Beaver (45 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield; 4.7 miles from campus) hosts trivia every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Wing Power (5 Sanderson Road, Smithfield; 5.4 miles from campus) holds trivia every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and music bingo every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
3. Take a hike: Fall foliage is just around the corner and what better way to see the vibrant yellow, red, and orange hues than to take to the trail? Explore the woodland paths of Wolf Hill Forest Preserve (Waterview Drive, Smithfield; 3.4 miles from campus), Mowry Conservation Area (41 Old Forge Road, Smithfield; 1.9 miles from campus), and Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge (12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield; 5.3 miles from campus).
4. Explore independently owned shops: The beauty of small towns is exploring local shops that turn out to be hidden gems. If you’re looking for jewelry, handbags, clothing, and natural beauty products, Flaunt Boutique (425 Putnam Pike, Smithfield; 5.2 miles from campus) is the store for you. For LEGO lovers, visit Providence Brick Exchange (9 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield; 5.4 miles from campus), which buys, sells, and trades sets, minifigures, and pieces. Another hidden gem — literally — is Apple Valley Minerals (7 Homestead Ave., Smithfield; 4.5 miles from campus), which carries minerals, crystals, and fossil specimens from around the world.
5. Enjoy The Crossings at Smithfield: A prominent shopping center that is always bustling, The Crossings at Smithfield (371 Putnam Pike, Smithfield; 5.1 miles from campus) is home to a variety of store favorites. From Target and Barnes and Noble to Old Navy and Bath and Body Works, you could find yourself scanning clothing racks for hours. If you get hungry, the center also has several restaurants, including Uno Chicago Grill, Chili’s, and Crumbl Cookies.
6. Tour the Smith-Appleby House Museum: Dating back to 1702, the Smith-Appleby House Museum (220 Stillwater Road, Smithfield; 2.6 miles from campus) is one of the town’s many historic buildings and features unique early New England cabinetry, stenciling, faux-finished floors, and period furniture. Hosting events throughout the year, the museum is open for house tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1. Tickets are $8.
7. Go ice skating: Glide on over to Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink (109 Pleasant View Ave., Smithfield; 4.1 miles from campus) where you can put your skating skills to the test. The rink is open for public skating from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Admission is $5 and skate rentals are an additional $5. The rink also runs public hockey from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. $5 admission for players. Goalies are free.
Looking for more places to visit? Take a quick trip over Smithfield’s border to Lincoln Commons, which is equipped with laser tag, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. Also in Lincoln, R1 Indoor Karting is home to an axe bar, go kart racing, an arcade, challenge-based entertainment, and darts area.
