'''Watch Hill''' is a district in Westerly, which is a town in Rhode Island. Watch Hill is a wealthy, summer tourist district comprised of two main streets. Most of the homes are summer mansions. In the winter, almost all of Watch Hill shuts down, apart from two stores.
Understand
If you're not planning on staying in Watch Hill, the district makes a perfect day trip, with shopping, restaurants, beaches, and the historic carousel. Many people from Florida to North Carolina take their yacht to Watch Hill and sleep on their yacht, rather than staying in a hotel in town.
History
Watch Hill was occupied in the seventeenth century by the Nianticks, a part of the Narragansett Native American tribe. The area we now call Watch Hill was used as a watch point in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War by Europeans. This is how Watch Hill got its name! In 1882 the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations purchased Watch Hill from the remaining Nianticks for $5,000.
Get in
By plane
'''Westerly Airport''', 56 Airport Road, (401) 596-2357, Even though it does have its own airport code, don't expect flights to leave from this airport to leave for big cities like Las Vegas any time soon. It's more of a private airport, with scheduled trips to Block Island as well as avionic related sales and maintenance. It also has it's own association which is dedicated to the preservation and development of the airport as a resource to the community as well as the region.
By train
'''Amtrak''', 14 Railroad Avenue, Westerly, RI, (401) 596-2335, Unfortunately for travelers, the train station is not located near any bus stops. Due to this, upon arrival one must either wait to get picked up, take a taxi to get around, or just walk to their desired location.
By boat
'''Watch Hill Boat Yard Inc.''', 13 Pasadena Avenue, (401) 348-8148
'''Watch Hill Municipal Docks''', (401) 596-7807
Get around
Summer parking is a hassle in Watch Hill. There is a limited amount of two-hour parking along Bay Street, but other than that non-Rhode Island residents cannot park on any other streets; they must park in selected parking lots for a varied fee, but usually a $20 fee on the weekend and a $10 fee during the week.
See
'''Watch Hill Light House''', 14 Lighthouse Road, (401) 596-7761, This is a beautiful place to visit! Be aware that there is no parking at the light house. Parking is located in town, and there is a 15 minute walk. Bring comfortable shoes! The light house is a nice place to visit in the winter, too. There is a great view of all three Watch Hill beaches and a view of the Connecticut coastline. If you don't mind breaking a few rules, you can risk driving on the private road to the light house, which passes through a small neighborhood of mansions. Drive slowly on this road, however, because it is only one lane and residents and visitors often walk here.
'''Watch Hill Yacht Club''', 1 Ford Road, (401) 596-4986, This is an exclusive club, but you can definitely take a walk along the water to look at all the beautiful yachts docked there. The yachts travel up to Watch Hill from as far as Florida! Many weddings are also held here, too.
Do
Amusement
'''Watch Hill Carousel''', 151 Bay Street, (401) 348-6007, This is one of Watch Hill's main attractions! An official National Historic Landmark, the Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States. Rather than built on a wooden platform, the horses are suspended by chains and fly as the carousel increases speed. The original horses are still used on the carousel. The hair on the horses is even made of real horse hair! This activity is only available to children, as the seats are built to fit only small children 12 and under. Many families buy popcorn in front of St. Clair's to feed the swans near the carousel, too!
'''Watch Hill Beach''' You have to pay to use this beach. Watch Hill Beach is exclusive. Payment gets you an umbrella, parking, restaurant, and cabana use. Also, placed in the water is a black "dock" where people can swim to and play on. It is a big hit for the children.
'''East Beach''' This is a public beach with no fee. Located near the top of Watch Hill, this beach is pretty hidden. You have to walk on a sandy path from the road to get to it. This beach has great waves and attracts many surfers. If you are interested in a long walk, Misquamicut Beach, located in Westerly, is about a 30 minute walk to the right.
'''Napatree Point''' This is also a public beach, located right next to Watch Hill Beach. Napatree Point is an official Conservation Area, protecting endangered species that inhabit the dunes, such as the Roaseate Tern, Piping Plover, Osprey, and American Beach grass. Be aware that no dogs are allowed on this beach May 2 through Labor Day, from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. This rule is strictly enforced by beach patrol. After Labor Day, however, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach. Napatree is great for a casual jog--the length of the strip is about 1 mile.
'''Sport fishing on the Bonita II''', Captain Tim Terranova, (401) 596-6433, For those hardcore fishers out there, take a trip on the Bonita II! Catch bass, blue fish, marlin, tuna, swordfish offshore. This activity is sponsored by Watch Hill Outfitters. The dock is located to the right of Watch Hill Yacht Club.
Arts
'''Lilly Pad Gallery''', 1 Bay Street, (401) 596-3426, This art gallery features landscape, still life, figure, marine, and abstract art. Local art and artists are also featured in the annual "Local Color" exhibit. Lilly Pad also has family activities, too, with summer art classes for children.
Buy
Most of the stores located in Watch Hill are in a shopping plaza called Larkin Square, comprised of Bay Street and a tiny street called Fort Road. Along with the stores listed below, there is Comina, Island Outfitters, The Sunglasses Shop, Elle Summers Shoes, Hall Marine Supply, Coppola's, Kisses, Yvonne's, J.C.'s of Watch Hill, Aqua Shop, and Seaport Next Door. Note that there is 2 hour parking located along both Bay Street and Fort Road. Larkin Square is a great place to grab a cool drink, buy a Watch Hill sweatshirt, or enjoy an upscale dining experience.
Jewelry
'''T.L. Keller Jewelers of Watch Hill''', 58 Bay Street, (401) 348-0306
'''James Gerrad Estate Jewelry''', 92 Bay Street, (401) 596-6530
Apparel
'''Christina's Limited''', 14 Bay Street, (401) 348-9041, Only open in the summer through September. There is usually an annual sale at the end of the summer, in preparation for the off-season. Christina's has unique, vintage jeans and quilts. This store is pretty big, with a wide variety of high priced clothing, and a lot of sale items in the back. But, it is very tight inside. There is not much room to move around and only one fitting room.
'''Jan's Boutique''', 2 Fort Road, (401) 348-8306, Jan's is one of only two stores open in Watch Hill during the winter. You can buy jewelry, kid's clothing, and beach wear here. The apparel is on the expensive side, but worth it if you want a Watch Hill memento! Walk right across the street to see the Watch Hill Yacht club and a little further for Napatree Point!
'''Rochelle's''', 114 Bay Street #3, (401) 596-1035, Rochelle's is a women's boutique "for the love of fashion and all that is fabulous." They have a great Website that has all the same clothes that the actual store has. So, when they are closed in the winter you can still shop for all the latest fashion.
'''Seaport Studios''', 122 Bay Street, (401) 348-9010
'''Small Axe Productions''', 182 East Avenue, (401) 596-7506, Small Axe is known for their "Bohemian" style of clothing. They sell lots of tie-dye, including long dresses and skirts. This store is very original. If you buy something here you won't find it anywhere else!
'''Gabrielle's Originals''', 4 Fort Road, (401) 348-8986, Gabrielle's only sells infant and children's clothing. High in price, but really cute!
'''Special T Etc''', 66 Bay Street, Special T is a typical beach town store. They sell a lot of Watch Hill apparel, including children's sizes. Special T also carries Life is Good brand.
'''Monelle''', 6 Fort Road, Monelle is one of only two stores open during the winter. This is a tiny, up-scale boutique, offering designers such as Juicy Couture, Molly B, and Kate Spade. If you're looking for a prom dress, you might want to try this store for a unique find. Monelle is right across the street from the Watch Hill Yacht Club, and a stone's throw from Napatree Point.
Beach Wear
'''Diane's Beachwear''', 124 Bay Street, (401) 596-3330, Located right across the street from the carousel. Only open May through Columbus Day. Carries beachwear, shoes, jewelry, and beach toys.
'''Seaport Surf''', 106 Bay Street, (401) 348-4007, This is the perfect store for teenage girls. Seaport Surf sells brand name bathing suits, clothing, and purses.
Miscellaneous
'''Book and Tackle Shop''', 122 Bay Street, (401) 596-0051, Open May through October. This is a great used book store offering antique books, especially about fishing and boating. Book and Tackle also carries postcards with local images, which are great for tourists visiting Watch Hill. There is a wide variety of children's books sold here, too.
'''Bay Breeze Interiors''', 84 Bay Street, (401) 348-0722
'''Old Firehouse Antiques''', 31 Bay Street, (401) 596-5650
'''The Basket Shop and More''', 12 Fort Road, (401) 596-8140
Eat
'''Cafe Espresso II''', 98 Bay Street, (401) 348-0103, Gelato is a popular seller at Cafe Espresso. There are tons of different flavors that all taste amazing; mango is a favorite. They also sell all different types of coffee and flavored drinks, including classic Italian pastries. The strawberry-banana smoothie is to die for!
'''Olympia Tea Room''', 74 Bay Street, (401) 348-8211, Olympia is open seasonally in the Spring and Summer. The menu often changes, as the Olympia Tea Room supports the local fishing industry. It is also known for a wide selection of wines. Be sure to try the uniquely designed ice cream swan dessert; it's actually in the shape of a swan!
'''Bay Street Deli''', 112 Bay Street, (401) 596-6606, Whatever type of deli grinder you could possibly think of, Bay Street Deli has it. This is a small family-owned business that makes great wraps, including tuna fish and chicken salad. The prices are a little high, but definitely worth it. Stop in for a cold drink, or a quick bite to eat. Bay Street also sells ice, which can come in handy for beach coolers!
'''Seaside Cafe - Watch Hill Inn & Restaurants''', 38 Bay Street, (401) 348-6333, Seaside is open from June 20th to September 7th. Seaside Cafe offers indoor and outdoor dining. Eat out on the sunset deck for a beautiful view, opening right up to the water. Be aware that the menu is limited and it is considered "high end" dining.
'''St. Clair Annex''', 141 Bay Street, (401) 348-8407, This restaurant and ice cream shoppe is always busy in the summer. St. Clair's attracts the old and the young looking for a nice grinder or just a simple cup of ice cream to cool you off during a hot, summer's day. Located right in the heart of Watch Hill, and probably the least expensive restaurant around, St. Clair has great service and great food. Try their homemade lemonade! It's the perfect drink to give you a nice, sweet kick.
'''The Candy Box''', 14 Fort Road, (401) 596-3325, Known for their amazing fudge and chocolate selection, The Candy Box is definitely a popular pit stop for the locals and also the tourists. They sell sugar free chocolates and fudge for those of you looking to watch your weight. Along with delicious chocolates, The Candy Box sells a variety of sour and sweet candies sold in little plastic baggies that are perfect for the beach. The prices aren't too bad, either. They have the best flavored Mentos! On your way out of The Candy Box, take a casual stroll on Napatree Point beach.
'''Lighthouse Pizza''', 12 Fort Road, (401) 348-5008, The only pizza plaza in Watch Hill, grab a pizza, calzone, salad, or grinder and make your way down Larkin Square or Napatree Point!
Sleep
One of the greatest things about sleeping at Watch Hill is the fact that there is more than one inn that doubles up as a restaurant. A convince for those that may be on vacation and need a place to eat and sleep that is close to the beach.
The Inn At Watch Hill. 18 Bay Street. 401) 596-0665. , Located near the end of Bay Street where it becomes Fort Road, it has an amazing view of the ocean from the front.
Watch Hill Court. 0 Bay Street,. 401) 348-8273.
Watch Hill Harbor House. Bay Street. 401) 596-7500.
Watch Hill Inn & Annex. 8 Bay Street. 401) 348-6300. , This inn actually offers year-round accommodations. The annex is separate from the inn and includes the studios and townhouses whereas the inn itself is the main building. Don't worry, the whole annex faces the ocean and it has a closer view than most other inns located within the Watch Hill area.
Cope
There is only one public restroom in Watch Hill, located right behind the carousel. While restaurants would also have restrooms, those are generally reserved for their customers.