Food

A gourmet food shop with creative sandwiches (and even more creative names), Provender (3883 Main Rd., Tiverton, 401/624-8084, $3.75–6.75) is a mandatory stop for many Sakonnet beachgoers. Vegetarians will appreciate offerings such as the Great Garbanzo, with spicy orange hummus and mango chutney.

Next door, Gray’s Ice Cream (16 East Rd., Tiverton, 401/624-4500, www.graysicecream.com [1], 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. daily) has developed a near-maniacal following for its homemade ice cream, which features heavy amounts of butterfat and distinctive flavors like peach brandy and grapenut.

Overlooking a small marina underneath the bridge to Newport [2], Evelyn’s Drive-In (2335 Main Rd., Tiverton, 401/624-3100, www.evelynsdrivein.com [3], 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Mon.–Thu.; 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sun., $3–17) is a clam shack reduced to its bare essentials—a weather-beaten hut, and an outdoor patio where diners dive into deep-fried clam cakes, Rhode Island [4] stuffed quahogs and a heart-warming Grape-Nuts pudding.

A favorite among locals, Four Corners Grille (3841 Main Rd., Tiverton, 401/624-1510, 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Mon–Thu.; 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.; 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat.; 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun., $9–20) serves inspired seafood dishes in simple yet cozy surroundings. Favorites include Creole crab cakes and shrimp Mozambique—a Portuguese specialty featuring shrimp and pasta with a spicy pepper sauce.