With a border less than a two-hour drive from Fairfield County, and several hundred miles of coastline, Rhode Island has more than its share of great spots to spend a weekend away. Whether you choose the closest beachside towns, or travel into the state for the glamour and history of Newport, some great short stays await you.
Starting from the westernmost communities, a few ideas:
Watch Hill, Westerly
Step back in time to a magnificent restoration of a classic 19th century resort, with 21st century amenities. Ocean House is a magnificent, five-star hotel with its own health spa, incredible farm to table cuisine and world-class wines, a private ocean beach, and beautifully appointed rooms. It’s the perfect couples getaway: luxurious accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and pampering, “your wish is our pleasure” service awaits. Dinner at the property’s fine dining restaurant, Seasons, is a gourmet tour de force.
Borrow a bike at the Weekapaug Inn and cruise the gentle byways at the shore.
Weekapaug, Westerly
If you’d like to experience the feeling of a private beach colony, just a short ride down the road is a barefoot-friendly destination—the Weekapaug Inn, named for the little village where it first opened in 1899. Now in its first summer season since its total renovation began in 2010, the Inn offers the pleasure and seclusion of a community that has been a largely hidden gem. Situated between sailing-friendly Quonochontaug Pond and a two-miles-long, pristine ocean beach accessible only to Weekapaug residents and Inn guests, this property is a natural paradise—casually and comfortably luxurious—ideal for family groups as well as couples. As the Inn is sister property to Ocean House, each resort’s extensive calendar of activities is available to guests of both properties; there’s a free shuttle service to move between hotels. Or grab a bike and ride between the sites along the water; it’s gentle terrain for all ages.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Newport
Drive another 45 minutes and you’ll find yourself in Newport. Once a homeport for captains of merchant ships and a playground for captains of industry, it continues to lure travelers in search of beauty and luxury. Capture a bit of its storied glitz, and book a room at The Chanler at Cliff Walk. On the same road as the storied “Newport cottages” that draw tourists by the thousands, you can take a stroll along the Walk to admire the homes of your neighbors—in this case, Astors and Vanderbilts. The Chanler has its own excellent restaurant—The Spiced Pear—and offers mansion tours among its specialty packages.
Sometime during your Rhode Island stay, don’t forget to try at least one of the state’s two most popular drinks. Coffee milk, a concoction made with coffee syrup, is available at diners, roadside stands and restaurants. It’s the official state beverage, and narrowly beat Del’s Lemonade—yummy, slushy and refreshing—when the vote came up in the legislature. Del’s is served at its own stands throughout Rhode Island, and you will find a Del’s machine at the bathhouse at the Weekapaug Inn.
Enjoy the Ocean State!