7 Best Places to Shop in East Side, Providence

This public gallery at Providence's private Wheeler School exhibits works from Rhode Island's extensive population of local artists, including past and current attendees of the nearby Rhode Island School of Design. Attached to Wheeler's library, the gallery features winners from about a half-dozen juried art shows it sponsors annually, in a variety of media.

Clothing, housewares, fair-trade handicrafts, and novelty items can all be found at this small curiosity shop and gift boutique, which stocks one of the best collections of Rhode Island--made goods in the state. A second location is at 713 Westminster St. downtown.

Antiquers (and maybe yard-salers, too) could get lost for hours in this three-story shop that offers a collection of "curiosities, oddities, and treasures from another time" for sale. Fed by more than 200 dealers, the shelves here burst with every imaginable kind of antique item, including clothing, furniture, statuary, mid-century appliances, housewares, and vintage swag from local schools.

This gallery stocks folk art from around the world, including carvings, weavings and rugs, clothing, jewelry, masks, and musical instruments.

Whimsy and practicality converge at this shop devoted to goods lovingly conceived and handmade in little Rhody. Each item, whether something useful for your kitchen or baby or a decidedly frivolous indulgence, is curated to make you smile.

This shop associated with RISD's art museum has a selection of inspired toys, totes, gifts, and jewelry, plus accessories by Rhode Island School of Design students and alumni, including designer Andrea Valentini's sustainable-fabric bags.

Gourmet treats and useful, whimsical, and always well-designed utensils, stemware, dishes, and culinary gifts are the specialty of this foodie paradise with an industrial kitchen vibe.