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Nature & Luxury in South County

Three days of nature, luxury, dining, exploration, and relaxation

Now is the perfect time for a weekend escape, and Weekapaug Inn, located along the shore in South County, Rhode Island, is just the place for a naturally relaxing getaway.  The historic property has been beautifully renovated and features sweeping views of the sea and salt marsh.  Crackling wood-burning fireplaces throughout the public rooms radiate lovely warmth and beckon guests to pull an antique rocker close.  The Inn is surrounded by nature and it employs a staff naturalist, who leads outings and activities to explore the wonderful natural attractions of beach and bay, as well as the history of the region.  Guests are invited to participate in as many or as few of the activities as they desire.  Weekapaug and the Rhode Island coast are so easy to get to from New York or Boston, yet when you are here it feels like you are hundreds of miles away.

Day 1

If you arrive in the area by lunchtime, swing through downtown Westerly and visit the historic business district. It is lined with independent shops and restaurants and can easily be covered on foot.  Enjoy a specialty sandwich from Simply Delicious or stop by  The Bridge restaurant which has a varied menu and large windows looking right out on the beautiful Pawcatuck River. The Savoy bookshop is an enchanting place to browse and enjoy coffee and baked treats from the in-store café.

Check-in time at the Inn is 4 pm and you can look forward to a warm welcome. Arriving guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and after a quick tour of the property are escorted to their room.

Follow-up your explorations with one of the Inn’s signature cocktails, enjoyed in an antique Stickley rocker by the wood fire, and then dine in The Restaurant –  (they also serve breakfast and lunch)  which features Chef Andrews's tasting menu where you can create your own 4-star meal.   After that, it’s off to bed, so that you are well rested for an active day two.

Day 2

Start your morning off with Dave’s coffee, locally roasted and a regional favorite.  The Inn serves its own custom roast.  Breakfast is served in the restaurant and will give you energy for a full day. You can chat with the Weekapaug's naturalist at breakfast for help planning your nature vacation, ask questions about local wildlife and habitats, or participate in the tours, activities, and presentations he conducts. 

Post breakfast, take a nature tour along the local beach, where the naturalist will identify and discuss landscape features and lighthouses and points out various species of plants, animals, and birds. Keep your eyes open for sea glass and beautiful small stones that have been polished smooth in the tumbling waves, because later in the morning the Inn offers a beach stone jewelry workshop, where participants design and make a delightful piece of jewelry to take home. All supplies are included, as are expert instruction and assistance.

By midday, you might want a little something and the Weekapaug clam chowder makes a tasty and filling light lunch. After lunch you will want to size up the variables and make a choice – take a nap on the sofa next to the Searoom fireplace, or sign out one of the Inn’s complimentary Volvos and head out and explore. Newport is within an easy drive and offers shopping, attractions, sightseeing, and beautiful views. The Inn is also a fine place to cozy up and read, and the bookshelves contain numerous volumes on local history and nature.

Late in the day, take a ride to nearby Watch Hill, and enjoy the views leading up to the Watch Hill Lighthouse, as you arrive in time to watch the sunset over the sound.

Cocktails in the bar are always a popular way to reflect on the day’s adventures and then it’s off to the dining experience of your choice. Looking to explore and try another venue. Coast at the Ocean House is popular for a special night out (get all dolled up) or the Matunuck Oyster Bar is much loved for great seafood in a comfortable setting with a water view.

Day 3

You’ve been busy and now is a fine time to sleep in.  Breakfast is available until 10:30 and there are additional morning beach walks and mid-day birding outings around local hot spots.  If you are headed back towards New York, consider taking Rt.1 south through Mystic. You can visit the shopping district on the way and both Mystic Seaport and the aquarium are fascinating and close to Rt. 95. If you are headed toward Boston, take Rt. 1 along the coast and stop in Narragansett or Wickford Village. Both are beautiful and no more than a short diversion off your direct route.