A Perfect Summer Weekend Getaway in Rhode Island
Curated By
Katie Brady
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Curator’s statement
Rhode Island is the perfect serene coastal getaway. From the expansive beaches to the fantastic local food and wine, you will be swept off your feet. With its calming and relaxing atmosphere, it is sure to provide a peaceful vacation spot for couples and families alike. The best thing about it? It's less than a 3 hour drive from New York City and less than 2 hours from Boston!
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Things to do in Rhode Island
Beach: When I’m in Rhode Island, I love to soak up my time on the beach, everywhere from Weekapaug beach to East Beach. Many beaches in rhode island are private beaches, but you will have access to them when staying at hotels like Weekapaug Inn or Ocean House.
Saltwater ponds: Rhode island is home to many saltwater ponds where you can explore.
Fishing: If you love fishing, Rhode Island is the place for you! There's everything from blue fish, striped bass, fluke, and sea bass. Be sure to check out local fishing charters!
Biking: Take a leisurely beach bike ride through the coastal neighborhoods of Rhode Island.
Water Activities: Take advantage of various water activities from paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing and sailing!
Matunuck Oyster Farm Tour: An hour boat tour showing you the local oyster and shellfish farms.
Tour Mystic: One of my favorite places to stop for a fun afternoon! Home to some of the cutest restaurants and shops. Make sure to stop into seabags for a sail bag or sift bakehouse for their famous chocolate chip cookies. You also can’t forget about a stop to Mystic Pizza!
Explore Watch Hill: Another beautiful coastal Rhode Island town! So many great shops to stop in from WH20, Coco and Lala, and the amazing Jeanette Vertentes art shop. Here you’ll also find the oldest carousel in America!
Places to eat & drink in Rhode Island
WESTERLY, RI
Breakfast
Weekapaug Inn: Breakfast with the most amazing view of the saltwater pond. They have a large menu with breakfast classics including fresh juices and delicious muffins and scones.
Stick + Fin: A new coffee shop serving up delicious craft coffee, juices, smoothie bowls and various eats. My go-to is the Hollywood Bowl and almond milk matcha latte!
Dave's Coffee: One of my favorite places to stop for amazing coffee and treats (lots of gluten free options here as well)! Be sure to stop by the boutique attached, Galapagos!
Lunch
Malted Barley: Known for their homemade pretzels & good eats! Their salads and sandwiches are a great meal on the go.
Surf Cantina: Delicious guacamole, tacos and drinks.
Dinner
Matunuck Oyster Bar: A local hotspot. definitely a place you need to make reservations at! here you have to try the local freshly shucked oysters and amazing seafood. I highly recommend the potter pond poke bowl or the seared scallops.
The Cafe: A cozy new spot in downtown westerly, rhode island. delicious salads, fresh local ingredients — their menu does not disappoint!
Weekapaug Inn: Incredible atmosphere with local rhode island seafood specialties on the menu. Be sure to sit on the deck, so you can view the pond at sunset and end the night with s’mores by the fire!
NEWPORT, RI
Lunch
Newport Vineyard: Amazing fresh local foods from salads and cheese boards to burgers and flatbreads. My personal favorite is the Newport Vineyards Wine, specifically the Gemini Red or Rochambeau. Eat lunch here or do a wine tasting!
Clarke Cooke House: Cozy New England-style restaurant with delicious clam chowder. One of our favorite places to sit by the fire inside.
Dinner
Castle Hill Inn: Amazing food with an even better view. Come here even just for a cocktail on the lawn sitting in an Adirondack chair overlooking the water.
WATCH HILL, RI
Breakfast
Cooked Goose: A great local spot for breakfast with a large array of baked goods to eat there or take on the go!
Lunch
Ten Sandwiches: Stop here for a great sandwich to go. My fiancé’s favorite is the six aka chicken, bacon, avocado & chipotle mayo on a ciabatta!
St. Clair Annex: Stop here for a classic American style lunch and the best ice cream to top it all off!
Dinner
Ocean House: Another incredible Rhode Island view, whether dining on the veranda or down by the beach. We love coming here for their lobster boils!
Olympia Tea Room: A great place for cozy coastal Rhode Island dining.
MYSTIC, CT
Breakfast
Rise: Stop here for the most amazing egg sandwiches.
Lunch
Mystic Salad: Perfect for on-the-go salads
Red 36: Gorgeous waterfront dining in mystic with great seafood, salads, burgers and beyond.
Dinner
Engine Room: One of the places to go in Mystic. Delicious salads, burgers and some of my favorite fries!
Sweet Treats
Del’s Lemonade: Rhode island’s famous frozen lemonade. You’ll find various locations throughout Rhode Island.
Allie’s Donuts: A must go-to if you love donuts. go early, there tends to be a long line! pro-tip— you can order donut cakes in advance if you have a special event you’re celebrating!
Day trips in Rhode Island
If you’re staying down near the beaches of Rhode Island, I recommend a day trip to Newport! There are great places for lunch, lots of shopping and so many places to explore from cliff walk to the Newport mansions.
I highly recommend hopping over to block island for the day (or more if you can!) Whether you want to take an adventure by riding your bike, renting a moped to tour the island or bringing your car over aboard the Block Island ferry— there are plenty of options to explore! There are so many beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants and shops to visit while in Block Island.
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Katie Brady
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