Living in the New York area, people always think of the Hamptons as the place to go during the summertime. Sure it’s beautiful and fun and has great beaches, but it’s not the only retreat around for busy New Yorkers. Of course there’s the Jersey Shore, the Connecticut countryside, the Adirondacks, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, the list goes on…and there’s also the state of Rhode Island. A 3-4 hour drive from New York City, Rhode Island offers historical seaside towns, long sandy beaches, and a low-key vibe, all without the heavy traffic of Long Island. That’s perhaps what I love about Rhode Island the most- just how easy it is to get there. A straight shot up north on I 95 (or the leafy Merrit Parkway for part of it) and before you know it you’ve crossed the Connecticut border and are in the land of some of New England’s most beautiful summer vacation destinations.
Here you will find the picturesque village of Watch Hill, the mansions of Newport, the happening beaches of Narragansset, and the escape-from-it-all Block Island, among other popular destinations such as Jamestown, Portsmouth, Little Compton and Providence. Rhode Island, small as it is, offers a lot!
I have personally spent a lot of time in Watch Hill and Newport, as I for years visited a good friend in Watch Hill every summer (including family trips in recent years), and went to high school in Newport. Rhode Island will always have a piece of my heart. It’s very family-friendly, and a great choice if you just want to get in your car and go, and not deal with crazy traffic or ferries, excluding Block island of course! (I should mention that the drive isn’t always without traffic – there is some of course, especially around the New Haven area, but if you leave at the right time it’s so much more significantly less than some other destinations) . My first post on this summer destination state will cover the scenic town of Watch Hill.
Watch Hill
Just past the Connecticut border is the charming village of Watch Hill, located on a peninsula that jets out into the Block Island Sound. With water surrounding all three sides, it’s an ideal location. Watch Hill has always been an upscale summer destination for New England residents, but low-key ones at that. A sleepy little village atop a hill with lush, green vegetation and stunning views of the ocean, it’s a great spot for those to enjoy their favorite summer pastimes: swimming, boating, biking, beach walks, a turn on the town’s historical horse carousel – said to be the country’s oldest working carousel – and an ice cream on its quaint main street.
Though the tourist level and buzz has reached an all time high with its most famous recent resident, Taylor Swift, it’s still a discreet town full of second-homers and visitors wanting a quiet summer retreat. The Hamptons it is not. But definitely be forewarned of the gawkers and tourists hoping to get a glimpse of T Swift – people do swarm and it’s annoying – but I’m a mom of two girls so I’m not pointing any fingers! All they talk about since the last time we were there was how they could see her house from the beach…
Photo credit: mapio.net
Watch Hill is also home to the iconic, historical Ocean House, a high-end resort set on the cliffs of Watch Hill, with panoramic views of the ocean. It’s quite a spectacle, and one to definitely go see, but also quite expensive, so for lodging you may want to look into the Watch Hill Inn or the Watch Hill Court, or even hotels in nearby Westerly. But of course, if you do not want to pay hotel fees, which can be substantial anywhere during high season, I always say to check out Airbnb.
As for things to do, Watch Hill is known for its long, sandy beaches, biking and the Watch Hill Lighthouse. Watch Hill Beach, also known as Carousel Beach, is located right in town next to the carousel. Because it’s so convenient, the beach gets crowded, so for a more serene experience head to East Beach, east and over the hill from town. Like any beach town, parking is tough so you might have to do some walking. My biggest piece of advice would be to go super early and pay attention to the signage for how long different parking spaces offer. If you’re looking for a food store to go to pack a picnic, head to the Cooked Goose, just outside of town. It has delicious gourmet sandwiches and salads that you can get to go. But again, go early, as the lines develop quickly.
Photo credit: NewEnglandtravelplanner.com
After the beach, spend some time in town, as Watch Hill has one of the cutest main streets around, called Bay Street. The carousel is at one end, with the harbor being toward the other, and lots of beachy stores in between. Grab an ice cream at the St. Clair Annex and peruse around, and enjoy a break on a bench by the harbor for some seaside views. The Olympia Tea Room is also a popular place to go for a snack or meal, and has been around forever. Watch Hill really is one of the most peaceful towns around and you will be sure to get your r & r in. The name says it all!
Photo credit for lead photo: Rimonthly.com
We keep talking about renting a car for a weekend and exploring that area – your post is definitely persuading me that we should!
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You def should! Also nearby is Stonington, CT (I wrote another post on it) which is adorable too. Such a pretty area, hope you make it!
The space you have in America, and those big sprawling beach houses, are always enticing.
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I know – I love walking on the beach and admiring all the houses. My girls’ favorite, of course, T Swift’s.
But of course! 🙂
like in the movies:)) #monday escape
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Yup..thanks Tanja:)
Sounds idyllic!
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It is – you would love it Joy! I feel like I know what types of places you like – after a year of blogging – and it’s right up your alley!
Rhode Island looks really beautiful. When you’re in New York City, it’s hard to believe that those scenic, white sand beaches are such a short distance away.
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I know – there’s actually so much so close to the mega city you’d be really surprised. One of the reasons I started this blog actually:).
You are so lucky to have so many wonderful coastal towns to visit near NYC,. I’ve always wanted to visit many of the places you’ve listed especially The Hamptons (so Revenge and SATC!) and Nantucket. Rhode Island looks fabulous though. Another to add to the list! #MondayEscapes
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Thanks Ting – more on RI to come. We are going to Nantucket this summer too so will be posting about that as well. I’ve been a bunch before but want better photos before I do a post. I try to post with only my own photos but hard as clearly I didn’t with this one!
You’ve really made me want to visit! I can’t bear getting stuck in traffic – it’s got to be the biggest drawback of going to Cornwall in the UK, so this sounds perfect on every level. Thank you so much for introducing it to me. I didn’t know about the Taylor Swift connection either. Where she goes, everyone follows! Sounds like the perfect family holiday.
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Thanks! It’s a little strange she has a house in Watch Hill since it’s so small but I think it’s cool that she went there and not a place like the Hamptons where so many celebs go. My girls are on me to get back there – and a concert!
This is one of my favorite NE beaches. There’s just something so classic and chill about Rhode Island. Such a reward for such little effort! #MondayEscapes
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Yes totally, Jo – that is the whole point!
I like the sound of Rhode Island. It’s a mighty long walk for me though 🙂
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Yes Jo it is! Which is why we travel bloggers have each other – to live vicariously :).
Great photos! Looks like a fantastic spot for a weekend away! #MondayEscapes
Kate | http://www.petiteadventures.org/
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Thanks Kate!
Sounds great Corey…How about the end of August?
Beautiful- seems to make a case for itself 😉
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Thanks Jay!
Ah I love the look of Rhode Island! The beach reminds of the book “Nights in Rodanthe” which actually takes place in South Carolina I think. I really need to explore more of the East Coast! Good thing my mom moved to Kentucky! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
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Ahh so that’s your connection to Kentucky!
Ya my parents moved there last year! 🙂
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Another region of the U.S. to explore..