Cities and Towns in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with Excellent Downtowns and Main Streets

Boston’s downtown is the heart of the city and one of the defining centers of commerce and culture in the New England region. However, it is hardly alone as the only scenic and exciting downtown in the area. Many neighborhoods and cities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island offer quaint downtowns with excellent shopping and dining options. Let’s look at some of the top downtowns and main streets in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Lowell is a city with a rich history as an important manufacturing hub. This city, located 25 miles outside of Boston, has a gorgeous downtown along the Merrimack River and some winding canals. The bridges and parks along the water give this town a distinct look. Lowell has excellent dining options, including an array of international cuisines, busy shops and malls. 

Edgartown is a popular destination, particularly in the summer. Its location on Martha’s Vineyard means it has gorgeous coastal scenery and pleasant beaches to explore. Edgartown’s main street area is quaint and appealing, with colonial architecture and harbor views. Edgartown is known for its great shopping, with boutique stores, artisan shops and antique treasures. There are also cozy restaurants for dining. 

Great Barrington is a small town in one of the most beautiful parts of Massachusetts: Berkshire County. This scenic and historic city has a small town charm and a downtown lined with brick stores and restaurants. Head to Main Street to walk along a place with an intriguing history, and browse the eclectic collection of shops and eateries. There are cafes, fresh cheese stores, vintage shops and much more.

Providence is the busiest city in Rhode Island and is situated only an hour’s drive from Boston. This thriving city has a downtown filled with historic architecture and incredible museums. There are walking paths along the Providence River and trendy breweries and cafes serving up delicious meals. The shopping in Providence is also top-notch, making this an area that will have something for everyone.

Newport is a Rhode Island city famed for its boating legacy. It is located on Aquidneck Island and hosts one of the biggest sailing regattas in the country, the America Cup. Newport’s downtown is defined by Thames Street, the town’s primary commercial center. Thames Street has charming shops selling handmade items and clothing, casual and sophisticated dining options, and historic buildings and homes. 

Northampton is a community famed as an artistic center of its area. It has a hip, bohemian vibe with many cafes, live music venues and art galleries. Smith College makes this town extremely popular for young people and its downtown is busy with restaurants and independently-owned shops. 

Falmouth is a historic New England community located on Cape Cod. It is a popular summer destination due to its great beaches and excellent boating and fishing spots. Falmouth’s downtown is lined with quaint colonial buildings and mom-and-pop shops offering locally-produced food items. There are numerous galleries to explore for art lovers, and people with children will find tons of family-friendly attractions.

Newburyport is a coastal community north of Boston with a rich history and an appealing New England style. Its harbor is constantly filled with ships, and the town’s historic downtown area has a postcard-worthy look. The downtown has boutique stores, art galleries, and shops overlooking the water. There are also delicious restaurants offering freshly-caught seafood options.