Thames Street Books

Thames Street Books occupies a prime position on Newport's most famous commercial street, offering a selection as layered and fascinating as the city itself. The sailing and maritime collection is among the finest on the East Coast, spanning everything from technical sailing manuals to literary accounts of ocean crossings. The naval history section benefits from Newport's deep military connections, including the nearby Naval War College. Gilded Age history and architecture titles acknowledge Newport's extraordinary mansion heritage, giving visitors context for their mansion tours. The rare books room upstairs houses first-edition sailing narratives, vintage navigation charts, and early Newport imprints. Summer visitors flock to the beach-read table near the entrance, but the store's year-round customers know the real treasures lie deeper in the stacks.