We have come to love Rhode Island, for a small state it offers so much. We needed to get away for an overnight in August and chose Rhode Island, with the main purpose of going to one of our favorite beaches.
After scrolling Hotels.com we found a room just over the boarder in Pawcatuck, Connecticut that was just under $200 a night and close to what we wanted to do.
We left our home in New Hampshire around 11am with a couple stops planned before checking into our hotel.
Beavertail State Park: Located in Jamestown is an ocean front state park. We saw a lot of people relaxing in chairs either reading or just enjoying the views. There are hiking trails with ocean views.
There is a lighthouse that you can go in at certain times that provides history of the are. There is also a small aquarium with a touch tank to explore local marine life.
My guess is the sunset would be pretty from this park. I did not see any picnic tables, but there are restrooms. We spent a little over an hour exploring Beavertail State Park.
Trolls: Like the Botanical Gardens in Maine, the wooden trolls have come to Rhode Island. Located in Ninigret Park in Charlestown is two large wooden trolls that were constructed this spring. When we entered the park there was a seafood festival going on so it was pretty busy. The trolls are a little difficult to find. After we drove by the playground we did see signs that said “Troll” marking where one troll was.
We parked on the side of the road and walked a little over a quarter of a mile to the first troll.
We thought we could walk from here to the next troll which is near a pond, we could not figure out how to get there. We got back in the car and drove toward Little Ninigret Pond where we could see the next troll from the road. We did park on the side of the road and walk up to it.
I am not sure if the trolls are permanent or just there for a short time, but they were worth checking out.
Misquamicut State Beach: After visiting the trolls we checked out a state beach in Westerly. There was a storm coming so the waves and sky were pretty impressive.
There was plenty of parking for a fee. There are some food options within walking distance to the beach. The beach is long so you can spread out or take a walk. We would come back to swim and spend the day here.
La Quinta Hotel: We picked up some food from a local grocery store and checked into our room. The staff was friendly and prompt. Our room was updated and clean. There is a small pool and continental breakfast, but we did not use either service. Even though we were only here one night, we would stay here again.
The Next Morning:
The Pantry: Since we were spending several hours at the beach we wanted to have a more filling breakfast than what the hotel provided. The Pantry had a great breakfast menu. My husband got a breakfast quesadilla, my daughter French toast and I got a scramble with Greek filling. Everything was delicious and our server was friendly and prompt. We would absolutely return.
East Beach at Watch Hill: If you are a Swifty you know that Taylor Swift has a home in Watch Hill. Right below her home is one of my favorite New England Beaches. East Beach has beautiful views, impressive waves and a relaxing environment. The beach can get packed so there is a chance of not getting much personal space. You also need to get there early to get a parking space as the parking lots fill up quickly. To park on the street you have to be a resident.
Downtown Watch Hill: After several hours at the beach dodging waves we took a little walk around the downtown area of Watch Hill. There is a small carousel, access to other beaches and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Matunuck Oyster Bar: After leaving Watch Hill my husband really wanted oysters. As we started to make our way back to New Hampshire I found Matunuck Oyster Bar in Wakefield, Rhode Island. They highly recommend reservations. When we arrived they valet park your car due to limited space. Since it was in the middle of the afternoon during the week we only had to wait a few minutes to get seated. They have a variety of seating options from a porch, roof top deck, bar and inside. We sat on the porch which was covered and had views of a canal. We got oysters and all three of us got salads. My daughter a goat cheese and beet salad, my husband a seared tuna salad and I got a garden salad with lobster salad on top. All of the food was fresh and delicious. Our waiter was friendly and prompt. We would absolutely return to this restaurant.
After our wonderful meal we headed home. We had a fun 24 hours away. It was just what we needed to recharge. I cannot wait until we can get back to Rhode Island to do more exploring.
