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Westerly, RI

Westerly is a town on the southwestern shoreline of Washington County, Rhode Island. First settled by Elder John Crandall in 1661 it is believed that John Crandall named the town after his birthplace in Westerleigh, England. Today Westerly has many references to his name. In 2010, this community had a population of 23,000, which covers 30.1 square miles (78 km²) of land and 44.7 square miles (116 km²) of water.

Westerly has a friendly atmosphere. Visitors from all over enjoy the calm beaches and the unique shops that the downtown area has to offer.

Understand

Dixon House Square in downtown Westerly

The Pawcatuck River surrounds Westerly on the Western border where it serves a dividing mark for Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Westerly's town crest originates from a special species of Salmon that once resided in the Pawcatuck river. Along Atlantic Avenue by the beachfront lays several salt ponds which serves as an outer wall to the distinct beaches that make this community a large tourist attraction during the summer months (May–September). This community doubles in size during the summer months due to the large attraction of families from all over New England.

Westerly is also known for its textiles and unique type of granite that is quarried from Bradford and Potter Hill regions of Westerly. Griswold Textile Print, Inc. has been family operated since 1937. This plant operates on the Pawcatuck River where they make all their prints in house.

Misquamicut Beach

Misquamicut Beach consists of the 3/4-mile State Beach area, two Westerly Town beaches and a Misquamicut Fire District Beach. Private businesses own their own beaches, and these are generally open to the public. All of the beaches come together to stretch for over 7 mi (11 km) from the Western tip at Watch Hill, and the Eastern tip at Weekapaug Point. This basin design allows for direct flow of Atlantic waves, and also allows beach-goers to have beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Off to the south from Misquamicut Beach you can see Block Island, Rhode Island some 11 mi (18 km) away and on clear days to the southwest you can see the northern tip of Long Island, New York. Behind the State Beach there is a saltwater pond that stretches for four miles to the breachway near Weekapaug. Atlantic Avenue is the main thoroughfare that runs parallel to the beach. At each end there are two roads that allow visitors to get to the beach, one Weekapaug Road, near the eastern end, and the other is Winnipaug Road, which is near the western end of the State Beach, and right near all sorts of restaurants, hotels, bars and beaches.

The dunes help to control the wind coming off of the water and prevent erosion of the already diminishing shoreline. A state law restricts any person to go onto the dunes at any time for they are fragile and impossible to replace. Many species of fish inhabit the waters, including tuna, bluefish and striper bass. Seals inhabit the waters in early spring, before heading north to Maine. Sunfish, a large 5-6 ft fish, enter the waters in late July early August to eat jellyfish who are also looking for warmer waters. Many whale sightings have occurred, as well as sharks, however none have come close and none are interested in humans. The largest Great White Shark ever caught was caught off of Block Island.

Climate

Summer temperatures and weather begin in middle May, and the season closes in middle September. Temperatures are usually in the mid to high 70s (°F) until mid-July, when temperatures tend to stay in the 80s. This continues straight through until early September. There is relatively no humidity because of the strong westerly winds that blow from Watch Hill. Water temperatures stay relatively cold until late June, and by August they are very warm yet still refreshing. Strong thunderstorms tend to form North of the beach and move South, however they move fast and rarely effect the coast for long. Wave heights are normally 2-3 feet, however this all depends on weather patterns and the tide. Misquamicut is no stranger to 10-20 foot waves in times of hurricanes and other storms.

Get in

Map
Map of Westerly

By train

  • Amtrak, 14 Railroad Av., +1-800-872-7245. One of Rhode Island's three stations is in Westerly.

By plane

By bus

  • Ripta Flex Service. Transit designed to serve suburban and rural communities in Rhode Island. Reservation need to make with 48 hours in advance by calling the toll-free Flex Line at +1-877-906-FLEX (3539) or +1 401 784-9500, ext. 220.

Get around

The simplest way to get around Westerly is by a car. Since Westerly is not a large town it can easily be achievable to drive around all the sites and attractions that the town has to offer. Parking is available every where around the town. Downtown parking is free but beach parking is an average of $10.

By taxi

  • Wright's Taxi, 31 Canal St, +1 401 596-8294. Also offers flat rates to destinations around Westerly and nearby attractions.

See

  • Granite Theatre, 1 Granite St, +1 401 596-2341. The Granite Theater occupies a historic restored Greek Revival Church in downtown Westerly and offers Broadway productions from March through December. Shows are everyday of the week mainly 2-5PM and 6:30-8PM. Prices range from $11-20 depending on if it's a comedy or musical. Year round, the Granite Theatre will stage various forms of entertainment including Broadway plays, children's plays, lecture programs, and cabaret acts.
  • Wilcox Park. Features 18 acres (7.3 hectares) of a wide variety of trees, flowers and shrubs. Wilcox Park is a Victorian-era walking park that has been the center of Westerly's historic downtown since the late 1800s. The pond is the highlight of the park where ducks and birds swim. On the east side of the park there is a World War Memorial dedicated to those who have fallen. This memorial is distinct with its granite and blue stone paving. During the midsummer season, Wilcox Park is the setting for the annual Summer Pops Concert, which draws nearly 20,000 visitors from throughout the area.
  • 1 [dead link] Watch Hill Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd (Right off Larkin Road). There is parking on the premises and down on Bay Street, a 15-minute walk from the lighthouse. The lighthouse is not open to the public but in July and August, the museum is opened in the oil house on Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3PM. In 1808, the first lighthouse was built here to warn the mariners of the rough reef that laid in the surrounding ocean. In time this lighthouse had begun eroding and a new lighthouse was built in the same area, but farther from the shore in 1856. This lighthouse still stands with a granite wall around it. You can go sit on the wall and enjoy watching the waves crash up on the rock. Seeing the lighthouse at sunset is a remarkable sight! Watch Hill Light (Q16902974) on Wikidata Watch Hill Light on Wikipedia
  • Westerly Public Library, 44 Broad St, +1 401 596-2877. M-F 9AM-8PM; Th F 9AM-6PM; Sa Su 9AM-4PM. In downtown Westerly, the historic library opened in 1894. Their collection includes a wide variety of books, magizines, CDs, DVDs, and videos, altogether totaling about 170,000 items. Computers are available for use of anyone, and printers are also accessible. The library is a great place to study, read, and hold meetings. Kids will enjoy the Children’s Room, and events held there such as story time. The staff is very friendly and helpful when it comes to research or finding a book you want.
  • The Westerly Post Office, 5 High St, +1 401-596-9537. The historic Westerly Post Office was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. If you like fascinating sites and architecture, you should make your way to here during your visit to Westerly. The immensity and precise detail that has been put into the building since it was built 1913, is truly stunning. The architect, James Knox Taylor, used his Classical Revival style to show off the huge columns and steps leading up to the front doors. If you go here, remember to bring your camera.

Do

Marinas

  • Westerly Marina 41 Margin Street, +1 401 596-1727. A complete array of marina services is offered.
  • Watch Hill Boat Yard, 21 Pasadena Avenue, +1 401 348-8148. This traditional boatyard and marina offers 81 slips for boats of up to 50 ft (15 m) in length, and 27 moorings for sailboats of up to 40 ft (12 m) in length.

Fun

  • The Knickerbocker Cafe, 35 Railroad Ave (across the street and to the left of the train station), +1 401 596-4225, . This popular night life attraction offers dinner, dancing, and music. Purchase tickets to one of their concerts, enjoy dinner, or dance in the Starlight Ballroom. 21+ unless special events otherwise noted.
  • Three D's Charters, 100 Old Post Rd, +1 401 322-0059. This outfit offers sport fishing charters aboard a modern boat that is piloted by an experienced captain.
  • Napatree Point. During the Hurricane of 1938, Napatree was hit hard by the storm surge. The hurricane destroyed all homes and roadways that were on 60 acres (24 hectares) of land. Today the land is a great beach spot where it is a 1 mi (1.6 km) walk from Watch Hill. This area is widely known for its bird watching spots and surfs spots. The land also holds, Fort Mansfield, an old navy post was only operational for a few years before it was sold to create homes in 1928. Today some of the fortified gun emplacements can be seen and structure of the buildings as well. Low tide reveals some of artifacts during that time. If you are visiting in the spring or summer it is recommended to leave your dog elsewhere because of the endangered Osprey that live there.
  • Bay Street, Watch Hill, +1 401 596-7761. Like downtown Westerly, Bay Street offers clothing shops of all kinds, gift shops, and a deli.
  • Babcock-Smith House Museum, 124 Granite St, +1 401 596-5704. The Georgian Mansion (circa 1734) is the former home of the Babcocks and Smiths. The mansion is elegantly furnished with pieces reflecting the Colonial Babcock years, the Victorian Smith years, and colonial restoration of 1928. It is open May 30-Oct 31: Sa 2-5PM. Price: $5 adults, $1 children under 12.
  • Duck Land & Water Tours, One Chamber Way (The Greater Westerly Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce), +1 401 596-7761, toll-free: +1-800-732-7636. Tours are half on land and half on water and a complete ride lasts for 60-70 minutes. You can enjoy historical sites and anecdotes while riding in the authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle.
  • Pond View Racquet Club, 252 Shore Rd, +1 401 322-1100. This location offers courts and facilities for tennis indoor and outdoor.
  • Purple Ape, 17 Winnipaug Road, +1 401-596-6169. Great tourist stop with a climbing tower, paddle boats, and jet ski rentals. Also a souvenir shop.
  • 1 Water Wizz Water Fun Park, +1 401 322-0520. 10AM-6PM. Misquamicut Beach. Seasonal water park with water slides. $22.
  • Atlantic Beach Park, 321 Atlantic Ave, +1 401 322-9283. Provides all day fun for young kids, includes a carousel, ice cream and arcade center.
  • Misquamicut Beach Jet Ski Rental, 17 Winnapaug Ave, +1 401 596-6169. $75 for a half hour and $125 for a full hour of jet skiing and paddle boats. Shop also has beach necessities towels, chairs, sunglasses, and Hermit Crabs!
  • Alley Katz Bowling Center, 116 Granite St, +1 401 596-7474. Alley Katz has been the community bowling center of Westerly since it opened in 1960. It has electronic scoring systems and synthetic lanes. Fog machines and lighting systems were also installed. Within the bowling center is Cleats Sports Club, where bowlers can go to get food or refreshments. There is a special event for every night, which includes the most popular, Rock N’ Bowl on Saturday nights from 9PM to midnight. During these events, music is played while music videos are shown behind the lanes via projectors, and the fog machines and lights are put to use. There is also a game room near the entrance. Alley Katz is a family environment. 9AM-midnight.
  • Cleat's Sports Club, 116 Granite St (in Alley Katz Bowling Center), +1 401 596-4107. Cleats Sports Club was created in 1991. It is a bar and a restaurant, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, grinders, and a wide selection of beverages. Five televisions are placed around the room, so you can view any sports game. There is also a pool table, where you and your friends can play a game for a dollar. Cleat’s is in a great location, where you can eat food while watching sports, or while bowling!
  • Summer Pops, Wilcox Park. Since 1981, the Chorus of Westerly puts on the Summer Pops every June in Wilcox Park. Now, 25,000 people attend this event to start their summer. The concert features the Chorus of Westerly and the Boston Festival Orchestra, and closes with fireworks by Grucci.
  • Spring Festival (in the Misquamicut State Beach parking lot). The first annual Spring Festival was held in May 2011. This event lasts for 3 days and includes a variety of food and commercial vendors, festival games, major rides including a Ferris Wheel, a petting zoo, street entertainers, and live music. Fireworks kick-off the first night of the festival.
  • Fall Festival (in the Misquamicut State Beach parking lot). Similar to the Spring Festival in every way except for the season. The first annual Fall Festival was held in September 2011. This event lasts for 3 days and includes a variety of food and commercial vendors, festival games, major rides including a Ferris Wheel, a petting zoo, street entertainers, and live music. Fireworks kick-off the first night of the festival.
  • Shakespeare Festival, Wilcox Park. This popular event takes place in Wilcox Park in Westerly. It attracts over 20,000 audience members every year. The festival lasts 18 days, in late July.
  • Annual Virtu Outdoor Arts Festival, Wilcox Park (in Wilcox Park). This annual festival started in 1997. Every year on Memorial Day weekend, about 180 artists present their works in the festival, where citizens can observe and buy various items such as paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. These works of art include visual and also performing arts. Food is also available, from fried dough to burgers and grinders.

Beaches

Rhode Island Beach entrance fees (2017):

  • Residents: weekdays $6 per car, weekends $7 per car.
  • Non-residents: weekdays $12 per car, weekends $14 per car.
  • Seniors: 50% discount from above rates

See Rhode Island State Parks for up-to-date information.

  • Misquamicut State Beach, 149 Atlantic Ave, +1 401 322-1206. Generally considered one of Rhode Island's finest beaches, You can find Misquamicut Beach Parking for $10-30 depending on the day. There are several private lots that are easier to access than the state lot. The water is beautiful. It’s normally too cold in June, but warms up at the end of July and stays nice through the beginning of October. Activities include amusement parks with a carousel, mini-golf, go-carts, batting cages, kiddy rides, water slides, paddle boats and jet skis.
  • Watch Hill Beach.
  • East Beach, Larkin Ave (right up from the center of town). Open daily. This beautiful beach, hidden from the road, is a great place to spend a gorgeous summer day. There is a sandy path from the road that leads down to the beach where you will find lots of space to sprawl out and read a book for the day or play football on the beach. This beach is hardly ever crowded as there is limited parking, located downtown, so many of the people at the beach are tourists that live within walking distance to the beach. Parking down town on Bay Street is slightly more expensive than the other beaches in town, about $20 on the weekends and $10 during the week, but completely worth it! There are also lots of shops on Bay Street as well as a few restaurants worth checking out.

Buy

  • Anya Blu, 38 High St, +1 401 315-0700. M-F 11AM-6PM; Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 11AM-4PM. A specialty boutique, Anya Blu has been voted "Best Hipster Clothing" by RI Monthly Magazine. Shop for brands that you won't find anywhere else in town.
  • [dead link] Christina's Ltd, 119 Bay Street, Watch Hill, RI & 1 Railroad Ave, +1 401 315-2240. Open May-September, daily from 10AM to 6PM. Christina's has unique merchandise that includes brands like this summer from Lilly Pulitzer, Free People, Eliza B, and many others.
  • Nigrelli's Jewelry, 27 High St, +1 401 596-4421. Established in 1947, Nigrelli's is a family owned and operated jewelry store. Choose from their great selection or have them make something custom for you. The service is great; everyone who works there is so friendly.
  • Westerly Jewerly Co, 8 High St, +1 401 596-2314. Since 1934. Watches, diamonds and diamond jewelry, pearls, gold chains and tennis bracelets, sterling silver earrings and pendants, engagement and anniversary rings. wide ranging.
  • McQuade’s Marketplace, 106 Main St, +1 401 596-2054. M-Sa 7AM to 10PM; Su 9AM to 6PM. Located on Main Street in Westerly, and also in Mystic, CT and Jamestown, RI, McQuade’s is a well known grocery store. It is also a pharmacy and catering service. There is a butcher shop, baker shop, floral gift department, and a video rental section. They carry fresh seafood and produce, and pre-made “Heat and Eat” dinner items. They also see to specialty services such as cakes, catering, florist services and fruit and gift baskets.
  • Island Outfitters, 109 Bay St, +1 401-348-1035. This small shop, located in the village of Watch Hill within Westerly, is a great place to stop by when you are walking around and are "looking for a new look." This store has many brands, ranging from Vineyard Vines, to Peter Millar, to Jack Rogers Sandals for the ladies. They cater to both men and women and have a wide variety of items and price ranges.

Eat

Downtown Westerly: Home to many shops and restaurants

Breakfast

  • Christina's Place, 75 Oak St, +1 401 596-3406. W-M 7AM-11AM. This small Italian has incredible breakfast meals with large portions. Prices are very reasonable.
  • Bagels and More, 105 Franklin St, +1 401 596-9554. Tu-Sa 6AM-2PM; Su 6AM-1PM. Fresh bagels make for a classic bagel sandwich.
  • Amanda's Pantry, 169 Main St, +1 401 596-7180. Amanda’s Pantry is one of the best breakfast restaurants in town. They are on Main Street, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is excellent. They also serve lunch.

Lunch

  • Friendly's Ice Cream Shop, 140 Franklin St, +1 401 596-9552. Classic meals for a low price.
  • Sandy's Fine Food Emporium, 15 Post Rd, +1 401 596-2004. (Route 1). Sandy's has a wide selection of the highest quality produce and the areas largest selection of organic products. The deli prepares wonderful fresh foods daily. Sandy's also has a variety of unique sandwiches and wraps made to order: Try a "Misquamicut," (hummus, sprouts, green peppers, choice of cheese on a spinach, wheat or tomato wrap next time you visit.
  • Ritacco's Market, 84 Oak St, +1 401 596-1835. Daily. The classic Italian subs to their specialty. Grinders are a great value at $6.50 average.
  • Reale’s Groceries, 122 High St, +1 401 322-2323. One of two old, Italian grinder places in Westerly that are highly regarded. Features soft grinder rolls and they are well known for their meatball grinders. Outside of the meatball this is not the place to go for hot grinders as it is the only one on the menu, and they do not toast their grinders. They also have hard to find Italian meats, such as prosciutto and mortadella, which they feature in their loaded Italian grinder. $4.50-8.00.
  • Ritacco’s Market, 84 Oak St, +1 401 596-1835. This is the second of the old Italian Westerly grinder places that have almost been around longer than cars (barely kidding). Here, they use very hard bread that they bake themselves every morning. They also sell Italian delicacies such as soupy and wandies. The hot grinders are the specialty here, they have meatball, steak and cheese, sausage and peppers amongst many, many more. They also toast every grinder unless you specify you do not want it toasted.
  • Hilltop Café (Pods), 23 Canal St. Hands-down the best pizza you will find in Westerly. Not exactly a family-friendly atmosphere, but if pizza is what you are looking for Pod’s is head and shoulders above everywhere else. There buffalo wings are also terrific, and they have a full service bar. Also, don’t expect to be waited on hand and foot; the service will leave something to be desired.
  • The Cooked Goose, 92 Watch Hill Rd, +1 401 348-9888. Summer-7AM-7PM; winter-7AM-3PM. One of the best places in Westerly to get a sandwich. The Cooked Goose is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. Their menu consists of a variety of delicious sandwiches, along with baked goods, appetizers, soups, salads, and burgers. It is near the beach. They host parties and other events.

Dinner

  • [dead link] Dylan's Steakhouse, 2 Canal St, +1 401 596-4075. Su-Th 4PM-9PM, F Sa 4PM-10PM (dinner); W-Sa 11:30AM-4PM (lunch). A great steakhouse in Downtown Westerly, Dylan's extensively tests various cuts, grades and producers in order to serve you the highest quality meat. Within walking distance to Downtown stores and Wilcox Park. $13-29.
  • Thong Thai Restaurant, 15 Railroad Ave (directly across from the train station), +1 401 348-0511. M-Th 11AM-3PM and 5PM-9PM; F 11AM-3PM and 5PM-10PM; Sa noon-10PM; Su noon-9PM. A small but very nice (with candle light and soft music) Thai restaurant. Mains: lunch $7-13, dinner $11-22.
  • [dead link] Vetrano's Restaurant, 130 F Granite St, +1 401 348-5050. This restaurant will please anyone who loves authentic Italian food. The unique murals on the walls provide for a real Italian experience. $11-20.
  • Primetime Café, 1 West Broad St (Pawcatuck, CT). Primetime is just across the Westerly/Pawcatuck border and has large picture windows that overlook the Pawcatuck River. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They serve a limited menu, if variety is what you are looking for this is not the place for you. However, the portions could feed a small army. It is almost a hole in the wall, but it is definitely worth a try if you want to get away from the beach area.
  • Dunn’s Corners Pizza (DCP), 271 Post Rd (Spindrift Village). They offer your average pizza and grinder selection, pastas, sandwiches and burgers. The burgers are a terrific bargain as you can get a good-sized burger for only $5. The grinders are a little bit light on meat, which is a shame because the bread is fresh baked and delicious. The buffalo chicken pizza is awesome; they mix buffalo sauce with pizza sauce for their own mix. DCP has the feel of a local place, and their prices are the cheapest in the beach area. $6-15.
  • [dead link] W.B. Cody's, 265 Post Rd (in the plaza across from Wal Mart), +1 401 322-4070. M-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Su noon-9PM. This restaurant will become a favorite for all who enjoy Western BBQ. $9-24.
  • Venice Restaurant, 165 Shore Rd, +1 401 348-0055. Dining room and lounge open daily at 4PM. Venice is a restaurant and banquet facility that is located near the beautiful seaside. $16-26.
  • [dead link] 84 High Street, 84 High St (across the street from Wilcox Park), +1 401 596-7871. Su-Th 5PM-9PM; F-Sa 5PM-10PM. In Downtown Westerly, offers Mediterranean dishes, steak, salad, and pasta. $6-26.
  • Chen's Village Restaurant (Chens), 156 Granite St. M-Th 9:30AM-9:30PM; F Sa 11:30AM-10:30PM. Chen's offers quality Chinese food in a casual environment. What sets Chen’s apart from the other Chinese restaurants in Westerly is the dark brown duck sauce. It may seem like a small detail, but it does greatly improve the experience. The service is good and quick and it is never over-crowded. This place offers the best Chinese dinner menu that you will find in Westerly. $5-13.
  • Guytanno’s Café, 62 Franklin St, +1 401 348-6221. Lunch: M-Sa 11AM-3PM. Dinner: Su-Th 5PM to 9PM; F Sa 5PM to 10PM.. This restaurant is best described as an intimate atmosphere but at the same time a homely feeling. Dishes here include a little of everything- international influences on pastas, seafood and steaks, make up this menu sure to have a little of everything for anyone.
  • Olympia Tea Room, 74 Bay St (Watch Hill), +1 401 348-8211. Tu-Su 11:30AM-8PM. Surrounded by many shops, the ocean, and one of the oldest carousels in America, Olympia Tea Room is as beautiful as its surroundings. Closes during the winter; reopens in Spring.
  • Two Little Fish, 300 Atlantic Ave (historic shopping and arts district), +1 401 348-9941. Daily 11:30AM-8PM. Family style seafood restaurant, open since 1997. $7-10.
  • 99 Restaurant, 7 Airport Rd, +1 401 348-8229. A family-like environment, 99 has a wide-ranging menu.
  • Mario's Northend Pizzaria, 61 Friendship St, +1 401 596-9393. Mario’s is one of the many pizza restaurants in the town of Westerly; however it is one of the best. Not only do they have great tasting pizza, but they also serve soups, salads, sandwiches, grinders, seafood, wraps and many Italian dishes. An arcade was put in the restaurant, so your kids will love it! This is a great family environment.
  • Pizza Place, 43 Broad St (in downtown Westerly), +1 401 348-1803. Since 1998 the Pizza Place has provided the town of Westerly with great pizza. Their Ffoccacia bread is loved around town. They serve salads, appetizers, red pizzas, white pizzas, pasta, and grinders.
  • The Brazen Hen, 4 Canal St, +1 401 348-8100. This bar and grill allows for walk-ins, big groups, and service inside and outside. When you walk into this restaurant, you get the feeling like you are in an Irish Pub. You feel extremely comfortable in the setting and they have a pub-style lunch menu: many different sandwiches, wraps, Irish dishes, salads, soups and burgers. They seem to be quite well-known for the french fries.
  • The Haversham Tavern, 336 Post Rd, +1 401 322-1717. Open at 11AM Daily. This restaurant is home of the classic 19th century tavern that makes you feel alive when you stop in. You can stop by for a quick bite to eat, a full meal, or a beer. The bar scene here is quite nice, with plenty of huge flat screen TVs, live music and ice cold drinks on tap.
  • The Sea Goose, 265 Post Rd, +1 401 315-0788. Its sister restaurant, "The Cooked Goose" is primarily for breakfast and lunch. This restaurant features all local seafood for lunch and dinner. You can go into this establishment and order pretty much any type of fish, clam, soup, chowder and they even have a raw bar. Though certain items can get a little pricy, they serve fresh, local seafood.

Ice Cream

  • St. Clair Annex Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, 141 Bay St, +1 401 348-8407. Open 7:45AM-8PM Daily in the summer, and limited hours into the fall until the shop completely closes.. In off season be sure to call ahead for hours. This family-owned business was established in 1887 and has been passed down 5 generations. There is inside dining and a pick-up window to order ice cream from. Be sure to try one of their famous lobster rolls and the homemade ice cream in a wide range of flavors.
  • Downtown Creamery, 37 West Broad St. The Downtown Creamery is in downtown Westerly, on the border of Westerly and Pawcatuck. This is a place where you can eat and enjoy your ice cream in a clean, friendly environment. One of the famous items on the menu is the “Big Kahuna.”
  • Dusty's Ice Cream, 61 Friendship St, +1 401 322-4040. Su-Th noon-9PM; F Sa noon-10PM. Dusty’s is one of the many ice cream shops in Westerly. They offer many specials and are famous around town for selling Del’s Lemonade.

Misquamicut Beach

  • Cafe al Mare, 142 Atlantic Avenue. Local bistro with breakfast and lunch, along with all sorts of beverages.
  • Little Mermaid, 139 Atlantic Avenue. Beachfront snack shack.
  • The Kitchen, 65 Atlantic Avenue, +1 401-348-8200, . Fine dining in Misquamicut.
  • Maria's Seaside Cafe, 132 Atlantic Avenue. Great dining on the main drag in Misquamicut.
  • Sam's Snack Shack, 301 Atlantic Avenue. Beach Side Snack Shack. Excellent food. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks
  • Seafood Haven, 668 Atlantic Avenue. Local seafood stop, order and eat outside. Great food.

Drink

  • Perks and Corks (Perks), 62 High St (in downtown Westerly, down the road from the train station), +1 401 596-1260. “Perks” is a coffee house by day, bar by night and has even been recognized by Best of RI Magazine to be the “Best Day to Night Hangout.” On any given night there is live music at Perks whether it be a local band or an open mic night, a crowd is sure to gather. The place is decorated with comfy couches and living room furniture all around. $3 beers, up to $10 cocktails.
  • Paddy's Beach Restaurant (Paddy's), 159 Atlantic Ave, +1 401 596-2610. Open daily 11AM to 1AM, serving food from 11AM until 10PM. This restaurant/bar is on the ocean’s shore with three different dining areas and two cocktail areas located outside, one on the beach and one on the deck. Paddy’s has specialty drinks made in souvenir glasses that you can buy once for about $20. There are DJ deck parties most weekend afternoons and nightly entertainment (check the online calendar for dates).
  • The Andrea, 89 Atlantic Ave, toll-free: +1-888-318-5707. daily 11AM-1AM. This restaurant/bar/hotel is on the Atlantic with a back deck leading onto the beach. They offer lunch and dinner menus, with a comprehensive seafood menu. At night, there is usually either a DJ or a band, which are listed on their website. Paddy’s can be found just a few doors down, also right on the beach for those that like to move around.
  • [dead link] The Malted Barley (The Barley), 42 High St., +1 401 315-2184. W-M 3PM-1AM. Located the heart of Westerly's historic downtown district, this pub is family owned and operated and boasts an impressive assortment of micro-brews, craft beers, fine wines, and quality spirits from within the United States. They also offer an extensive menu of specialty pretzel sandwiches (including desert and gluten-free pretzels) which are made to order by hand. 'The Barley' is quickly becoming a favorite with locals and area musicians perform regularly.
  • Grey Sail Brewing, 63 Canal St, +1 401 212-7592. Small brewery producing tasty beers that you can try in a comfortable tap room. If you buy the glass, the samples are quite big.
  • Sandy's Lighthouse Bar.
  • Windjammer Bar.

Sleep

  • Aquastar Inn, 110 Post Rd, +1 401-596-2892, toll-free: +1-800-543-8429. From $115.
  • Breezeway Resort, 70 Winnapaug Rd, +1 401 348-8953. Within walking distance to Misquamicut beach, The Breezeway offers modern guest rooms, suites and cottages situated on a peaceful, park-like setting
  • The Hotel Maria, toll-free: +1-800-462-8872. Located across the street from Misquamicut beach, Maria's Suites offers 5 oceanview suites and guests enjoy resort privileges at the Breezeway Resort
  • Pine Lodge Motel, 92 Old Post Rd, +1 401 322-0333.
  • Pleasant View Inn, 65 Atlantic Av, +1 401 348-8200, toll-free: +1-800-782-3224.
  • Point One Resort, 26 Winnapaug Rd, +1 401 348-0320, toll-free: +1-800-557-2050.
  • Grandview Bed & Breakfast, 212 Shore R, +1 401 447-638. Hilltop home with 11 rooms with ocean view. Minutes from the beach and a casino. Rates from $105.
  • Ocean House, 1 Bluff Av, +1 855 678-0364. Constructed in 1868, the Ocean House hotel was once an Victorian-style architectural masterpiece which became a must-have summer home to the wealthy of the 1900s. The hotel was deemed unsafe and beyond repairs and was torn down and rebuilt just as beautiful as the original even keeping some of the original architecture. 49 guest rooms. Amenities also include a spa with hair salon, indoor lap pool, state of the art fitness center and only a few steps away are views of the private beach. There is also one fine dining restaurant on the premises and three other places to grab food on the go. Rates starting from $355 per night.
  • Langworthy Farm Bed & Breakfast, 308 Shore Rd, +1 401 322-7791. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. The B&B offers four rooms and two suites. Each room has a signature name like Weekapaug Room or Langworthy suite that are tastefully decorated and comfortable furnishings. Langworthy farm also has its own winery for wine tastings. $135-260.
  • Paddy's Beach Hotel, 159 Atlantic Avenue. 5 Rooms with beachfront decks.
  • Sandy Shore Hotel, 149 Atlantic Avenue.
  • Sand Castle Inn, 141 Atlantic Avenue.
  • Sea Shell Motel, 19 Winnipaug Road.

Camping

  • Burlingame State Park is a large tourist attraction, and they allow camping, hiking, fishing, and biking. Located off of Rt. 1 North, it is about 15 minutes from Misquamicut and makes you feel at one with nature. State fees do apply, check out www.riparks.com for more information about rules and restrictions.

Jim's Trailer Park allows space for around 35 campers. Located directly on Misquamicut Beach within walking distance of bars and restaurants. +1 401-322-0728. Call for availability and rates.

Stay safe

Never mix drinking with swimming, driving or any other activity. This may result in serious injury or death. Call Wright's Taxi at +1 401-596-8294 or Eagle Cab at +1 401-596-7300 if there is any question in your mind about your alcohol level. Westerly Police and Ambulance have a strong presence in Misquamicut.

Go next

Routes through Westerly
New Haven Mystic  SW  NE  South Kingstown Providence
Providence Charlestown  N  S  Stonington New Haven


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