It's not often that I find myself on Federal Hill with time to spare, and it's even less often that…read moreI find myself on Federal Hill with time to spare during the day. Well, I've certainly been missing out because during my recent daytime mosey of this mob scene of a strip (complete with old timers taking a bus tour of Scialo Bros... oy vay!) I happend upon the treasure trove that is Diva's Palace. Clearly I've heard of it. Clearly I knew it was going to be good. But, THIS good? I had no idea. The boutique is quirky, beautiful, insane and fun - exactly what you want in a shopping experience, right? The electric blue and gold walls are lined with eccentric pieces like floaty leopard print skirts, adorable denim over-all dresses and even a few airy cotton tops. But the sweet spot? Their jewelry. Oh. My. Goodness. Truth be told, I went a little insane. I've been looking for a cool yet classy statement necklace to go with a somewhat demure dress, and I had no idea the mother load that was within Diva's Palace. Most of their pieces are made in-house and are totally exquisite and truly one-of-a-kind. I zeroed in on a three-stranded black pearl masterpiece that I thought I couldn't live without, until the darling and kind Jimmy pulled out an absolute show-stopper of a crystal necklace strung with salvaged Murano glass beads that were originally part of a chandelier. Sounds over-the-top, perhaps but I assure you, it's elegant and chic and very cool. After falling in love with that item, he brought me a geometric plate bib necklace that happened to go perfectly with the ensemble I wore that day. I was in love with both, and he knew it. What this man did next was so old school and so charming, it will keep me going back to Diva's palace again and again - he went into the back, where the owner, Michael, was making more of these treasures and they discussed the pricing options if I decided to purchase both. With a generous discount applied and heaps of style advice from Michael and Jimmy, I walked out of Diva's with a spring in my step, two gorgeous necklaces and a new favorite West Side shopping destination. Thank you, boys. Bravo!

Afraid to share this fashion secret with the rest of the world…read more.. But the staff and designers are too nice to do that to. Project Runway meets your closet. The guys will dress you & make you feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. If you're looking for awards-show attire, this is it.

Amazing selection of sterling and semi-precious stones. The service has been excellent every time I…read morestop in. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. They also carry Bluemoonstone Creations which are gorgeous creations by a local RI jewelry artist. They also often have sales I got a great deal on a small sterling and onyx pendant here during the Fall. Great selection of sterling chains as well. Highly recommend! Inquire about their frequent buyer card!

I went in looking for a gift for my mother's birthday and was very impressed by the service and…read moreselection! She loved the earrings!

Really cool location and spot. I love the aesthetic and how many different businesses they have in…read morethis space. I just worry about safety sometimes because they have many doors and not seem to be monitored or locked.

Artist studios. Yoga studio. Massage and personal care, salon, event space, photographer,…read morerestaurants, farmers market, bakeries, tutors, kids arts and crafts, coffee, escape room, loft apartments. An old mill complex has been turned into a multi-purpose space. Rhode Island history is full of mills and I love that they re-purposed these buildings instead of knocking them down. There is on street parking, some in a courtyard (a tight squeeze for the larger vehicles) a small lot across the road on Main Street, a smaller lot on Dudley street and a large lot at the bottom of the hill behind the mill. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find your parking spot.

Summer camp, art lessons, beautiful gallery space, host an event - The Jamestown Arts center is…read moregorgeous on the inside and out and serves many functions for the community. The space itself is incredible. It used to be a boat building workshop - every major studio and gallery space has big garage doors that can open right up to the outside. Talk about nature inspiration! Don't miss the current exhibit by Lisa Barsumian!

Recently attended the "Afternoon with Three Rhode Island Poets". There were two poet laureates,Tom…read moreChandler and Lisa Starr as well as the current RI state poet Rick Benjamin. Poet Jay Primiano, opened the event. This is a terrific space with art work and great light, small enough for a poetry reading and large enough for art, or film. The readings themselves were wonderful and there were light refreshments. Glad to discover this new adddition to the arts scene in RI!

This is a great little gallery that hosts free events with free beer/wine and free snacks with a…read morerotating selection of local art. Again, it's FREE! No entrance fee, no obligation to buy, although with all the beauty surrounding you from the well curated selection here, you'll likely be very, Very, VERY tempted. Events and hours change so make sure to check out the website and social media before you go. What a lovely spot, and I for one can't wait for the next event!

Candita is a gracious host for cocktail events. I would highly recommend checking out her space if…read moreyou're planning a party! The Gallery is committed to showcasing fine local art and usually has a great mix of paintings, drawings, pottery, etc. I appreciate the mix of mediums, rotating exhibits, etc. Candita is also a fierce activist for the arts and making art originals accessible to any art lover regardless of budget. Scheduled Hours during the week are scarce, so plan ahead, call for an appt, etc. Or just drop in if you happen to be at Hope Artiste!

Best clothing boutique in the state by far! The owners are very conscientious about the designers…read moreand clothing they carry. You are buying investments pieces that are slow fashion made and sourced from responsible designers. The prices are comparable to the quality. They have great sales and you gotta love their ReDish section.

Fabulous clothes, including fabrics, selection, and accessories. Service is excellent.read more

Enjoyed looking around this store. They have some unique art and glass pieces. They carry…read moreeverything your typical head shop carries plus all types of cool art/artwork. It fits right in on Thayer Street! With Brown University so close - I'm sure they sell a lot to college students. They were a bit on the pricier side (in terms of the art anyway). Although I'm not sure how much "Art" (such a vague term) goes for- so I could be incorrect. The owner/sales associate was extremely friendly and helpful! He was on a call when we first walked in and asked to call them back- which was surprisingly polite- most sales associates would have just taken the call & ignored the customers!!! So was really happy to check this place out and if you're in the market for a unique glass piece- give this spot a try!

After ordering online and sending multiple emails inquiring when my order would be shipped or…read moreupdated they still have not responded in any way shape or form. It has been over a week with still no update or progress. They clearly don't give a damn about online customers. For a delivery going in the same city the business is located it's a bit ridiculous. Update: they have now refunded my order without saying a word to me as to why, or what the issue was. Never wasting my time or money on this business again.

The best $20 rug sale everrr! Quality products, great selection of sizes and colors, easy to…read moreclean. Very happy with the 5 rugs I bought for $107!!!

Located right across from Lorraine Fabrics, I've been wanting to check this place out for awhile…read more I was finally drawn in during their annual sale. As soon as I walked in, I wondered why it had taken me so long to check it out. Located in an old warehouse, CMI doesn't have that warehouse feel. A good size room, filled with hand-braided rugs and baskets, the place is cheerful and inspiring. Even though I wasn't looking to buy anything, I just couldn't resist purchasing a Pawtucket rug (made from scraps of fabric) and a basket (perfect for storing those odds and ends). The staff were friendly and helped with moving rugs, giving the background to how they are made, and helping to roll them up for take away. While I was there during a huge sale, it seems that even the normal prices are pretty reasonable, as it was, I got a full area rug for less money that my IKEA rug cost me. And it is more beautiful, better made, and local. S This place has been there for 20 years, and is still a hidden gem.