The General Store, Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown, R.I.

Hidden on Old Post Road in Charlestown, Rhode Island is a small shopping enclave worth a visit. Located in between Westerly and Wakefield (near Narragansett), this cute spot is sandwiched between two Scenic Shopping towns. About 10 miles east of Westerly and about the same distance west of Wakefield, the Fantastic Umbrella Factory makes for a delightful stop while touring Southern Rhode Island, or as a destination in itself for a few hours of pleasant browsing.

The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is operated by David and Linda Turano. It was begun by Robert Bankel in 1968 on the site of an 1800's farm homestead. It has been a place for local artists to showcase their works for sale, especially at Small Axe Productions which was started in 1974 by David and 2 other artists.

Left: An emu at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory farmyard, Charlestown, R.I.
Right: Sign at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown, R.I.

Today, the Fantastic Umbrella Factory is a collection of small locally owned independent shops and a garden center amidst leafy trees and pretty flowers. The shops at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory include: Small Axe Productions, The General Store, Frills Gallery, The Rustic Garden, Bee Suites Candy Etc., Sugaree's, Block Prints Graphics. The Purple Shell, Wicked Candle Co., and Henna Body Art. In these shops you will find all sorts of crafts, artwork, gifts, apparel, jewelry, trinkets, souvenirs and Rhode Island prepared foods.

The nostalgic 60's, 70's and 80's vibe will be apparent in your first stop at The General Store. Old music posters, jewelry, t-shirts with peace symbols and band names can be found along with puzzles, mugs and small toys. Frills Gallery is another shop that has tie-dye apparel, artisan made crafts, scented oils and incense.

Left: Frills Gallery, a shop at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory
Right: Bee Suite Candy Etc., located upstairs from Frills Gallery

Bee Suite and Sugaree have penny candy galore as well as Rhode Island made foods like tea and soup mixes. Below this shop is Frills Gallery with lots of apparel, jewelry, scented oils and incense. The Purple Shell shop was closed the day I went but it has wampum and quahog jewelry, dreamcatchers, pottery and more Narragansett and other Native artisan made creations.

Chickens roaming in the farmyard at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown, R.I.

In addition to shopping, you can buy feed to give to the animals. Ducks, goats, an emu, and hens live here in the small farmyard. The chickens wander around the property popping up when you least expect them as they did when I wandered through The Rustic Garden.

Left: Garden art and flowers at The Rustic Garden, Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown
Right: Chickens wandering around The Rustic Garden, Fantastic Umbrella Factory

There is also a bamboo maze you can walk through and a teepee shaped structure made from bamboo. The maze is a magical place with tall stalks creating shadowy pathways within.

Left: Bamboo forest at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Farmyard and Shops
Right: Tepee shaped structure made from bamboo at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown, R.I.

Skeleton and dolls taking a ride in an old truck during Halloween season at Fantastic Umbrella Factory

Halloween decorations were part of the quirky ambiance as I was there in mid-October. The cafe had closed down for the season, but food trucks occasionally visit the site. You would probably need to seek lunch elsewhere in the Fall. Hours can be limited when it is not the peak summer season so call ahead.

Left: Small Axe Productions, one of the shops at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory
Right: The Fantastic Umbrella Factory sign, 4820 Old Post Rd., Charlestown, R.I.

Left: Greenhouse at The Rustic Garden, Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown, R.I.
Right: Yard decor at The Rustic Garden, Fantastic Umbrella Factory

I'm glad I finally made time to visit the Fantastic Umbrella Factory. I enjoyed meandering from shop to shop and discovering unique gifts, and a few treats for myself. They have re-opened for the Spring season as of March 2024, announcing the addition of a new shop, Lil' Rhody Toys. Check their website, Facebook page, instagram for shop hours and updates on the cafe and activities.