The Fantastic Umbrella Factory

Cool spot… great gardens, nice little shoppes… One complaint is that some of the shops sold cheap crap… like imitation Rayban sunglasses that the worker told me were authentic… you dont have to be an expert to spot cheap garbage…
The grounds are awesome, def worth checking out… they have a bamboo forest with paths that was really cool to walk through…
I Highly Recommend!!!

If you love animals, gardens, real food, eclectic shopping, this place is for you.
Pros: the small café serves wonderful, fresh food (some sourced from their own gardens). The bamboo forest was a hit even with my teens. Cool farm animals and the emus were fun to interact with. Some of the shops were truly amazing – especially Axiom (I have never seen a collection of vintage eyewear before – truly a must «see» for those of us who like cool glasses). Another shop had beautiful sea glass jewelry and crafts displays from local artists. Plenty of parking. Tip: a lot to see – be sure you have 2 hours minimum if you plan a trip.
Cons: some of the little shops sell a lot of made-​in-​china stuff – not true crafts. They need better street signage – for some reason my Google maps app did not like their address and a couple of signs would have been a big help. Need to put out some trash cans – I find myself picking up other peoples’ littler in a place so pretty like this, but I had no place to put it.
This will become a regular stop when we are in Charlestown.

This is an interesting spot. Eclectic stores and various gardens for wondering. The bamboo trail and the animals were probably my favorites. Good for an afternoon with the kids. Lot for them to look at.

I love a place like this. The unique jewelry, bags, gifts, relaxing bamboo forest, oh my! Make sure you bring cash. Everyone seems to take a credit card but some of the stores have a minimum. The henna tattoo lady does a great job. I had a specific request and she did a great job. My only criticism is I think they need some help making smoothies. Something isn’t quite right there. I think they are not making them with ice. Other than that, it’s a fun place to visit.

We’ve been visiting the Umbrella Factory-​in it’s various forms– since I was a kid. These past two years have seen a total overhaul with a recommitment to botanicals, animals, and hippie life. Love this place. Always find a tiny treasure to take home. My one year old thought it was incredible, too. #bigfan

It’s funny
I remember coming here in my high school & college years
I loved everything but had no money to buy it all
Now
I have the money
Yet there’s not much there that interests me
It’s cute here however and a fun experience

This place is a discovery every time I come here. If your a rhode Islander you have been here sometime in your life or you just found out about this little gem from others. Ither way you need to visit and bring someone who has never been. I have been coming here for years now, my sister took me here when I was younger and usually come once or twice a year. A lil hippie shack, café, general store, petting zoo, flower shop. Bring some change to feed the animals the kids will love it.

I only got to go into one store and it was dark outside, but I had a fun half hour there on my way back to Providence from CT.

What happened to the Fantastic Umbrella Factory… sigh. This used to be one of my favorite local stores to visit. The multiple shops always had really cool unique items you wouldn’t find anywhere else. The bigger shop that used to be there had halloween costumes, toys, scented oils, greeting cards, and a plethora of trinkets.
The Small Axe, which is still there is just as great as it always was, it’s full of handmade goods and Reggae music selections.
I’m sad to say that out of the other shops that use to be there, two appear to have disappeared, they must have been torn down. The shops that do exist now are replicas of each other with the exception of some art and the Small Axe. There is also a greenhouse/​market type thing there now. All of the the basic stores there now sell the same type of cheap stuff you’d find beachside in Watch Hill or another beachy tourist place.
I’m extremely disappointed with the lack of unique items that I’ve always known the Umbrella Factory for. I wish I could bring my children to that same awe inspiring hidden gem off the «highway», unfortunately that’s no longer an option.
Not to mention that most of the items in the stores there now are kept very low and on tables and shelves that are very easy for toddlers and children to grab. Most of the stuff is very bright colored so it attracts children and being at the right height just screams «grab me!». Therefore, the stores aren’t great for younger kids anymore, I found myself telling my kids not to touch stuff constantly and unable to even relax for a second in the shops because of the poor product displays, poor product placement and the lack of space in the shops.
I am glad that the animals have remained, my children do love seeing the Emu’s and other animals they have there, they also enjoy walking through what store paths remain.
I have to say that the star of this place now is the bamboo forest, it’s amazing, takes you to what feels like another place. So tall and just amazing. If nothing else I would go back just to walk through the bamboo.
This place is no longer a must see for an RI trip in my opinion. If you have extra time to kill it’s a good place for that but don’t bother making time for it, you’ll probably be disappointed.

A neat little hole in the wall with a lot to offer. I lived in the area and had never been until last summer. Upon arriving, it’s a little confusing as to what exactly you’re walking into. the property has such a neat nature feel everywhere you turn. They have some really cool walkways with overhanging shrubbery.
They have a gift shop with fun knick knacks and some interesting learning toys. The café was a cool stop for a bite to eat-​the food was good and the staff was helpful. They also have a spot selling local art and crafts, which is always a nice thing to showcase. There’s a greenhouse/​plant area that is pretty vast. And I can’t forget to mention the area with all the animals-​probably the most fun for kids. Everywhere you walk feels like a maze of sorts leading to the next place.
This is a quirky and fun place to stroll for a couple hours on a nice day, especially for families.

I’m still not quite exactly sure how to define The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, but I do know that I love it! It seems like a hippie commune that is for some reason open to the public, but I’m not sure if that’s true.
Anyway, on the grounds there are several shops that sell all sorts of hippie stuff (some of it really nice, some of it run-​of-​the-​mill), a farm with chickens, emus, and goats, beautiful gardens, and a bamboo forrest!
The café is actually surprisingly good, as well. I’ve had the tacos there and they were quite delicious. The Umbrella Factory is a great place to stop by on your way to or from the beach, or if you are looking for something to do outdoors.
My one complaint is the lack of proper restrooms. There is only one indoor bathroom and it is only for patrons of the café. When I went yesterday, the toilet was out of order, so I ended up having to use the single porta-​potty (yuck). If they’re going to go that route, then they should at least have more than one.
All in all, I’m a fan of The Umbrella Factory, and I’ll continue to visit!

Wow this place has changed since I’ve last been here and that was when I was 10. Very commercial now, but still has it old charm. I miss the old umbrella factory but this still has the cute stores. Less animals and smaller general store. The penny candy is where they really went sour. Where’d it all go??? Lol. Anyways still cute but not the same.

This is the kind of place you only discover from a RI local — which is exactly what happened today. I was enjoying East Matunuck beach with some co-​workers, when one of them asked if the Umbrella Factory was still around. The umbrella what?
Well, it certainly was. When the clouds became too much on our beach day, we buzzed over in the Verti, with the top down, and meandered through the shell lined paths to see many a greenhouses, plants, trees, gardens, animals, and all sorts of gifties. I love goats and they have them. I am fascinated by emus and they have them. I find the word cock funny and they have one too along with a bunch of hens that roam freely.
Get lost in a min bamboo forrest where pachouli abounds, musicians strum, henna is an option, and you can really zen out. Great for families and if you buy nothing it’s all for FREE.

What a beautiful place they have here. The little shops. The café and all their jewelry and clothing. Handmade. Just awesome. Brought the kids and we all had a really nice time. Glad we came.

Over the years I have driven by this place many times scarcely realizing it was there. This year I stopped and I am so happy I did, there are many shops featuring local artisan merchandise from paintings, jewelry, silhouette art, furniture, clothing, homemade jams and jellies, all at very good reasonable prices. The shoppes are located amidst garden paths that meander through out the property. There are caged roosters and chickens, Emu (s), goats and guinea fowl and other such things to amuse the children. Of particular interest to me, was the bamboo forest maze, what and incredible experience winding your way through this very tall bamboo forest. This stop was a true pleasure and I believe there were some very real bargains to be had, particularly amongst the homemade furniture items. The only way you will be disappointed is, if you don’t stop when you are in the area.

I have to steal the phrase «rambling hippie place» from another review. It’s spot on. What a unique, odd place. It’s a bunch of tiny buildings with a store in each, plus a small café and animals. Most of the items for sale are a bit quirky and unusual, but the prices are reasonable, until you get to the greenhouse. Some of the plants are very unusual and in great shape, but you will pay through the nose for them. Off in one area you will find hens, ducks, goats and emus. You can buy feed for them if you would like. Watch out for the emus. One of them nipped at my husband through the chicken wire fence. If you are in the area it’s worth a stop.

Since my initial review almost 4 years ago now, I’ve visited The Fantastic Umbrella Factory every summer, at least a couple of times each summer. I made my first visit of 2014 last weekend and I was TOTALLY impressed with the work they’ve done to make this place EVEN better than it was before. There is even an art gallery open!
The General Store and Small Axe Productions are by far, my favorite shops. They both offer such a diverse mix of home décor, jewelry, candles, clothing, gifts, etc., that it makes a fun experience to spend a good amount of time looking at everything and trying to take it all in.
After some shopping, stop into the Small Axe Café for a delicious smoothie and fresh green salad and be sure to pick up some food for the emu’s and goats!

Off the beaten path in more ways than one, the Fantastic Umbrella Factory promises visitors an interesting experience.
I went down here with my brother because he wanted to take a ride. He loved all the little stores and was very excited that he could feed the emus and goats.
Yep, for $.75 you can fill up an ice cream cone with feed for the animals. Though, I’ll warn you, the goats and ESPECIALLY the emus know what’s up. My brother had the cone snatched out of his hand by the emu pretty quickly — guess it was hungry!
Guinea hens roam around freely, as well as a pretty intimidating looking duck. You’ll even catch the odd chipmunk or two zipping across the main green near the goat and emu pen.
It was a great place to hang out for a while, sit down, and spend some quality time together. Go check it out, especially if you’re not quite sure what you’re in the mood to do.

Went for a little early season action before the major crowds as it was both mine and my date’s first time going.
I would describe this as a hippie commune with a nautical twist. The grounds were pretty as the first signs of spring are emerging. A few daffodils here, a few tiny purple buds there, and an entire bamboo forest to wander through. Natural crushed quahog shell paths lined the way between the animal areas, the small shops and green houses.
For 75 cents you can purchase an ice cream cone full of animal/​bird feed and give the chickens, goats and emus an afternoon (or anytime really) treat. This is done on the honor system folks, so don’t lie, cheat or steal. The whole place has a very earthy feel to it, much of the goods in Small Axe productions is very… crunchy? Rasta? I’m not sure. I did buy a gorgeous pair of handmade earrings in this building. The artisans loft has some pricier items as well as paintings, some being done as you shop by artists in residence. I was also genuinely surprised to see Axiom, a small eyeglasses frame purveyor. She had tons and tons of vintage and dead stock frames for both prescriptions and sunglasses including Rayban.
The Small Axe Café was closed, but is to be reopening as a new incarnation in May. The greenhouses will soon be packed to the gills with annuals and succulents and the tropical fish will be showing their colorful little heads.
Go down and give it a walk around. The emus and goats are friendly as are all of the employees I encountered.

You will find this hidden gem just off the exit surrounded by many trees and foliage.
It has a very rustic-​vintagey-​hippy vibe to it. The array of garden sculptures and rusting vehicles outside just somehow ‘fits’ in it’s own nonsensical way. The place is surrounded by an wild-​grown garden with pathways leading you to several shack-​like shops. Along the way you will find a bamboo garden, funky paint-​chipped signs, a mini fountain, koi fish and a petting area with emus!
Most of the staff are pretty laid-​back and allow you to freely wander through the shop.
It’s definitely not the type of store you walk into with something already in mind if you haven’t been there before.
Each shop has random trinkets and unique finds. They have some exotic sculptures, artwork, funky jewelry, antique eyeglass frames and local pottery.
I highly recommend taking a stroll around this place during the summer time. The garden is really something to appreciate and its a great place to browse around.