Fantastic Umbrella Factory

When the back-to-the-land movement was in full swing during the 1960s, a pocket of hippies took up residence in the backwoods of Charlestown [1]. There they created the Fantastic Umbrella Factory (4820 Old Post Rd./Rte. 1A, Charlestown, 401/364-6616), a curiosity shop and flower nursery that has grown over the years into a veritable Wonka-esque fantasyland.

Guinea fowl and emu prowl the grounds among shops selling African masks and rain sticks, while a greenhouse full of Technicolor perennials dazzles the eye.