Shopping in North Kingstown

Benjamin Thomas Gallery specializes in showcasing mainly the beauty of Rhode Island with Fine Art photographs from Benjamin Thomas. We also specialize in fine art printing; from stretched canvas to fine art matte, glossy, or luster paper of your own work. Our newest gift idea is your own custom jigsaw puzzles in 3 sizes.

Nestled inside a 1728 home that sits next to the watery Wickford Harbor, The Grateful Heart houses books, gifts, jewelry, and services that appeal to the spiritually aware and metaphysically curious. Books such as Always Maintain a Joyful Mind harness Buddhist teachings to achieve contentment in the face of Mayan-predicted and Oprah-corroborated apocalypses ($14), and a versatile array of jewelry bedecks previously unsparkling bodies ($12+). A Kirlian aura biofeedback camera photographs customers and their multi-chromatic auras and energy fields ($20/photo). This Groupon can also be applied toward tarot or psychic readings, which, like coldly formal breakups, need to be scheduled in advance ($45/30 minutes; $85/60 minutes).

By answering any and all questions about their erotic wares, the staffers at Amazing Intimate Essentials have helped promote safe and sensual trysts for more than 40 years. Their selection of massage oils, lubricants, and adult toys—which occupies stores spread throughout the Northeast and Texas—contains goods from such established brands as We-Vibe, Jimmyjane, and K-Y. They staff female-friendly merchandise, as well as products that help couples create more sparks in the bedroom than a master metalworker soldering a "do not disturb" sign to the door. The staff stresses openness and acceptance in regards to romantic endeavors, an attitude that also fuels their unwavering support of the LGBT community.

• For $230, you get a square outdoor fire pit kit (a $460 value). • For $249, you get a round outdoor fire pit kit (a $499 value).

For nearly 85 years, the South County Art Association has fostered the local arts community with exhibitions and classes guided by talented craftspeople. During a 2.5-hour bookmaking class, pupils choose from four different bookbinding styles taught by resident page-master Catherine Flores, making beautiful crane-shaped tomes in an origami day class or taking cues from the envelope-book course to fashion a pocketed book for holding secrets, treasures, or the key to your rock collection's safety-deposit box. An eight-fold accordion-book class leaves students with a handsome, folded mini album that functions like a traditionally bound book, and a non-adhesive book lesson teaches the delicate arts of bookmanship, including pamphlet stitching and the traditional Japanese side stab. Although class times vary, for those that take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., patrons are invited to bring along a beverage of their choosing, and enjoy in a warm and convivial atmosphere.

Every year come springtime, Jamestown Newport Ferry's vessels wake from their winter slumbers to tote passengers around lower Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. Since 1974—when boats finally replaced motorized sea turtles as the main form of water transportation––the service has made summer travels a cinch with one-way and round-trip ferry rides to the region's scenic shores. Passengers enjoy unlimited hop-on, hop-off capabilities that allow them to sightsee, join historical tours, visit museums, and savor new dining experiences. Jamestown Newport Ferry rents out its ships, Jamestown and Katherine, for special events, too, including birthdays, weddings, and company outings.