This sprawling town in the southern and most westerly corner of the state has several personalities. There’s the beach town, sometimes honky-tonk, along miles of Misquamicut Beach. There’s the genteel village of Watch Hill, filled with mansions overlooking the sea, where at least five grand hotels once drew wealthy vacationers. And there’s downtown, filled with old brick buildings, churches, and a railroad station, the Westerly that was once famous as a producer of granite. But it’s hard to think of this collection of villages without thinking of the ocean. The twists and curves of this section of Rhode Island’s coast ensure that, in the right spot, you can watch a gorgeous sunset over the water.
Set it in stone: It’s all about the beach
Stay
Many of the waterfront inns in Watch Hill and Westerly are closed in winter, but Watch Hill Inn Apartments (38-44 Bay St., www.watchhillinn.com, 401-348-6300, starting at $250), situated along the marina, is an exception. The modern apartments, studio to two-bedroom, rent by the night and are some of the nicest rooms around, created when the old inn was converted to residential. Grandview Bed and Breakfast (212 Shore Road, www.grandviewbandb.com, 401-596-6384, starting at $105) isn’t quite on the ocean, but you can see the water from the inn’s second floor. Just down the street, Langworthy Farm (308 Shore Road, www.langworthyfarm.com, 401-322-7791, rooms from $120) offers wine lovers’ weekends where guests can receive private tours and tastings at the farm’s own winery.
Dine The Up River Cafe
(37 Main St., www.theuprivercafe.net, 401-348-9700, dinner entrees $11-$26) lies along the Pawcatuck River and serves small plates and more formal entrees in its cozy brick-walled dining room. It also has an impressive wine list. Bruna’s Table (12 Canal St., 401-637-4888, www.brunastable.com, dinner entrees $14-$23) serves excellent Italian meals. Near Wilcox Park in the center of town, 84 High Street (84 High St., www.84highstreet.com, 401-596-7871, dinner entrees $13.99-$25.99) is a more casual place that specializes in seafood, steak, and pasta.
During the day
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