Rhody Gem: The Salt Shack

July 2023

Photography by Elyse Major

Posted Friday, June 30, 2023 12:00 pm

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

By Elyse Major

What it is:

A snug coastal-themed gift and apparel shop that is anything but beachy-kitsch.

Where to find it:

Along the part of Route 77 that skirts Mount Hope Bay, look for a stand-alone cottage with window boxes and a charming entrance. If you see a long line of people at the never-sleepy Coastal Roasters, it’s right next door.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

This little shop is a seaside lover’s dream – the back window even looks right out onto the sparkling water! Inside find soft cotton shirts with the shop’s adorbs logo and other graphic Ts with local appeal. There’s also a range of items for both home and table perfect for infusing a salt life vibe into any space or gift bag. Owner Emily Wheeler, who opened the shop in 2011, says, “When the space became available, we thought it would be a perfect complement to our sister store Salt in Tiverton Four Corners. While Salt is primarily clothing, accessories, and gifts, The Salt Shack places an emphasis on coastal and Rhode Island-themed merchandise to cater to our Rhody residents and visitors. Plus, you can’t beat the view – and the coffee!”