Westerly, Rhode Island // New England Pt. 7

Read Pt. 1 // Pt. 2 // Pt. 3 // Pt. 4 // Pt. 5 // Pt. 6

While in New England, we spent a lot of time in Rhode Island. I’d never been, before, and it was exciting to explore our smallest state. It rained most days, which meant that any time I spent on my hair was a complete waste, but it also meant that there weren’t any crowds (Not that there would have been many, anyways, since it was the off-season.) and the Autumn atmosphere was amplified.

From mouthwatering snacks to bamboo forests, Westerly, and the surrounding areas, have so much to offer! Here are a few of my favorite things we did…

Savoy Bookstore & Cafe

My favorite spot, that we visited in Rhode Island, was definitely Savoy Bookstore & Cafe. It’s a charming shop, filled with the smell of freshly baked cookies and new books. I couldn’t resist picking up a few things, including a couple of small, table books and an adorable fox plush, which I have named “Savoy”, in honor of my favorite RI shop.

The floor at the entrance of to Savoy.

The interior of Savoy is stunning—with antique fixtures and flooring, elaborate trim, and even a few fairy houses to discover.

The most delicious chocolate chip cookies and Del’s Lemonade (made in Rhode Island).

Very happy with my purchases, the seasonal and reusable shop bag from Savoy, and rain-soaked hair.

Westerly Library & Wilcox Park

Another beautiful and historic spot, located in Westerly Rhode Island, is the library and Wilcox Park. The Westerly Library is filled with mosaic floors, creaky stairs, an art room where local artists get a chance to display their work, and a big fireplace surrounded by overstuffed armchairs.

Just outside the library you’ll find Wilcox Park, located at what I assume is, the heart of downtown Westerly. This greenspace is filled with large trees, a pond (complete with turtles), and plenty of walking path to satisfy any park-goer.

Beautiful afternoon light, flooding the big reading room, inside Westerly Library.

The Malted Barley

Just down the street sits The Malted Barley, where they serve two things—beer and gourmet pretzels. These pretzels truly are amazing and are served with your choice of gourmet butter. I couldn’t decide which butter to try, so I decided to get two—the apricot and spinach and artichoke. I highly recommend both!

Since I am not an alcohol drinker, I opted for their Capt’n Eli’s Root Beer (at Steve’s recommendation) which is another New England staple. It easily puts other root beer brands to shame and lived up to all the hype Steve was giving it.

Rhode Island Beaches

Being a coastal state, Rhode Island has no shortage of beautiful beaches. Even the celebrities have noticed (aka Taylor Swift). In the Summertime, these beaches become the perfect weekend getaway for New Englanders and travelers, alike. But in the off-season, when the clouds are dark and stormy, you’ll probably find that you have them to yourself. While exploring the Westerly area, we visited Weekapaug, Watch Hill, Misquamicut, and Spray Rock. Each of these beach areas are beautiful and unique; I’m not sure I could pick a favorite.

We found this beautiful butterfly clinging onto a lone leaf, in the wind and rain, at Watch Hill. Of course I couldn’t just leave him, so I scooped him up (gently, of course) and placed him inside a sheltered flower box. Hopefully he was able to warm up and continue his journey South.

Misquamicut Beach

I love the fences along the sand. They remind me of one of my favorite book series I read as a child.

Weekapaug Beach

This beach was filled with black sand, woven in with the lighter sand.

Spray Rock

This beach is well-named, as you can see. Stacked with large boulders, here the waves crash up against the shore at Spray Rock, just feet from the beautiful homes that line the narrow streets.

Downtown Westerly

Town center, in Westerly Rhode Island, is small but beautiful! We visited multiple times, and for good reason. This is where you’ll find Savoy, Malted Barley, the Library, and more.

B&B Dockside

My favorite restaurant we tried, in Westerly, was B&B Dockside, no question. This burger and fry combo was insanely delicious! I ordered the Gyro Burger with their sweet potato fries.

The Fantastic Umbrella Factory

The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is a little shopping center filled with whimsical stores and garden areas. The highlight, in my opinion, is their bamboo forest. Go on a breezy day, if you can, so you can listen to the sounds of the bamboo branches swaying in the wind.

If you ever get the chance to visit Westerly, Rhode Island, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! It definitely offers an abundance of New England charm.