Bringing up the rear, but still finishing as one of our favorite downtowns is Bristol, R.I. Known as the “most patriotic town in America,” Bristol has American flags displayed throughout town, a red, white and blue painted median strip in its downtown and the oldest Fourth of July celebration in America (it’s truly a spirited celebration!). Bristol seems like the proverbial “all-American” town where everyone seems to know each other, and stores that serve residents and tourists, alike (books, toys, photo supplies, coffee shops, and other delightful local small town storefronts).