While it’s technically a village of South Kingstown, Wakefield is a bustling center of life in South County, home to the area’s only mall, an excellent hospital, and a Main Street made for strolling.
Wakefield Mall (160 Old Tower Hill Rd.) has the necessities you might have forgotten while packing for vacation – along with specialty shops like STEM-themed toy store Pow! Science! and 2nd Time Around Sports with new and used equipment. The walkable Main Street has all the things you never knew you needed. Refresh your wardrobe with The Purple Cow’s (205 Main St.) fun and funky women’s fashion and gifts, classic and trendy women’s apparel from Therapy Boutique (343B Main St.), cute and colorful clothing from Pink Pineapple (357 Main St.), and quality consignment from One More Time (406 Main St.). For art and accessories, tucked away low tide jewelry co. (1070 Kingstown Rd., Building 9) features beachy pieces, Kosmic Kitty (329 Main St.) stocks eclectic finds and self care, Picture This Framing Center & Gallery (552 Kingstown Rd.) offers framing services and gifts, and MarMar Boutique (253 Main St.) with handmade jewelry. Create your own masterpiece at Rebekah Cook Art (344 Main St. Unit 103), a studio that offers pottery painting, art lessons, and paint parties. The Glass Station Studio (446 Main St.) – home of the beloved Block Island Glass Float Project – displays hand-blown decor and jewelry. If you’re looking to jazz up your living space, start at Store Four (673 Kingstown Rd.), a premier destination for home accessories and luxury gifts with expert staff ready to offer design and style tips. Browse the rug gallery at Dove & Distaff (365 Main St.), for the perfect area rug, new bedding, or even cozy pajamas. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat or two at Main Street Candy (324 Main St.), and a nice bottle of bubbly for later from Wakefield Liquors (667 Kingstown Rd.). Dining in or picnicking on the beach? Belmont Market (600 Kingstown Rd.) has all the grocery provisions and prepared foods you could need.
A newcomer to Main Street’s lively dining scene, Purslane (318 Main St.) gained a following for slinging sandwiches from their food truck ButterHead before opening their brick-and-mortar eatery adding oysters and seafood to the mix. Duck Press (333 Main St.) is a modern bistro with old-world elegance. The Mews Tavern (456 Main St.) is a Rhode Island dining icon, offering creative comfort food and 69 beers on tap at any given time. Their upstairs Celtic Pub has 200 Scotches and 40 whiskies and bourbons to sample… just not all at the same time. The rooftop bar at Phil’s Main Street Grille (323 Main St.) is a rare find in South County, offering up scenic views and delicious cocktails. Downstairs, there are two restaurants – a casual diner and a more upscale dining room – to whet your appetite. Tavern on Main (195 Main St.) offers creative pub fare, baked pasta, and all-day weekend brunch. Dragon Palace (733 Kingstown Rd.) is your go-to for classic Chinese cuisine. Recharge with avocado toast and a cuppa from Caf Bar (396 Main St.), and if you have a craving for carbs, South County Bread Company (333 Main St.) has you covered with homemade breads, doughs, and even quiches. Off Main Street, Maiz (58 High St.) just opened in Wakefield with authentic Mexican fare. Find South County Barbeque Food Truck making its rounds in South Kingstown and beyond (follow for schedule @southcountybarbeque).
Waiting out the door and in line at Brickley’s Ice Cream (322 Main St. with a second location in Narragansett) is part of the experience. With over 45 homemade flavors to choose from, you’ll spend more time
deciding on which to indulge in than in line. Settling nicely into bigger and better digs, Green Line Apothecary (245 Main St.) offers visitors a real treat – an old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream bar, along with an exceptional pharmacy. Sweenor’s Chocolates (21 Charles St.), a fourth-generation family business, makes smooth and delicious chocolate novelties, truffles, fudge, and more. A dozen cupcakes or a custom cake from Sweet Althea’s (542 Kingstown Rd.) is sure to liven up any summer soiree.
The Village At South County Commons (50 South County Commons Way) is a one-stop destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, and more, including boho clothes and gift shop Frills of Galilee LLC, salon Hair Crew International, and Luxe Fitness. Pasquale’s, arguably one of the best pizza places in all of Rhode Island, serves authentic Neapolitan pizza from its wood-burning oven, and prepared Italian food, gelato, and more from its sister restaurant Neapolis Food Emporium. Enjoy a hearty scratch-made breakfast at Rachel’s Cafe, Thai food from Tong-Ta, Hawaiian seafood bowls from Pokemoto, or sip a coffee-infused cocktail served up by Bachelor In Paradise fan favorite couple Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon at Audrey’s Coffee House and Lounge.
The Contemporary Theater Company (327 Main St.) stages unexpected and under-the-radar dramas and comedies. Catch performances of Patio Musical: An Improvised Musical on the Patio, Shakespeare on the Saugatucket, and their summer season of shows, plus AfterGlow Concerts on Thursdays during the town-wide RiverFire revelry. A nonprofit artist collective focusing on women’s art, The Hera Gallery (10 High St.) has been an institution in South County since 1974. History buffs won’t want to miss the World War II Museum (344 Main St.), open Wednesdays through Saturdays or by appointment.
The Farmer’s Daughter (716 Mooresfield Rd.) is a must-see garden destination, known for elaborate greenhouse floral displays, gift shop, and special events and workshops. Lavender Waves Farm (3814 Commodore Perry Hwy.) is a gorgeous flower farm where you can purchase cuttings and products made from lavender harvested on site.
Grab your bike and hit the South County Bike Path, a seven-mile stretch from Peace Dale to Narragansett that runs throughout Wakefield. Stedman’s Bike Shop (196 Main St.), a full-service shop near the path, offers a variety of bike rentals as well as sales. Try beach yoga led by All That Matters (315 Main St.) or a hot vinyasa flow at Bottega Yoga (730 Kingstown Rd.), and pick up a racket for a lively game with Ocean State Pickleball (217 Church St.). Wind down with a relaxing massage from Jeka Wellness Center (512 Main St.), and treat yourself to a mani-pedi at Universal Nails (532 Kingstown Rd., #A).
A district on the National Register of Historic Places, this village has beautiful open spaces and a handful of stores and restaurants.
Recently opened Willie’s Place (1283 Kingstown Rd.) specializes in Native American fusion, including frybread tacos. Cakelicious Bakery & Cafe (1227 Kingstown Rd.) bakes up scratch-made sweet goods, lunch, and desserts. Whalers Brewing (1174 Kingstown Rd.) offers locally made craft beer inside its on-site taproom. Flatts Smokehouse (501 High St.) is a casual BBQ spot that serves mouthwatering sandwiches and ribs.
If you like to bike, head to the William C. O’Neill Bike Path (1 Railroad Ave.) commonly known as the South County Bike Path. From its start at Kingston Station all the way to Peace Dale, you’ll encounter a gentle hill, but ride through to the end and you’ll be at Narragansett Town Beach. The bike path also connects to Tri-Pond Park, known for its hiking trail. Other trails to note include Old Mountain Field (Kingstown Rd.) which loops around Indian Run Reservoir; the eight trails maintained by the South Kingstown Land Trust (SKLT.org), and the trail at Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge (1040 Matunuck School House Rd.), which offers pond and ocean views.
An indoor climbing facility, Rock Spot Indoor Climbing (1174 Kingstown Rd.) has nearly 12,000 square feet of climbing walls and offers a summer program for youth. Part guitar-making school, part concert venue, The Pump House Music Works (1464 Kingstown Rd.) traditionally offers live music every weekend. Learn the delicate art of stained glass at Bosgraaf Studio (1214 Kingstown Rd.) or explore the many ways you can help the community through the Jonnycake Center (22 Kersey Rd.).
A village of South Kingstown, Kingston is home to an Amtrak station, RI’s largest state university, and a lot of historic charm.
Fayerweather Craft Guild (1859 Mooresfield Rd./Rte 138), housed in a small white cottage, is the place for handmade goods by local member artisans, along with demonstrations and craft fairs; across the road discover Painted Karma (2528 Kingstown Rd.), a funky spot for furniture and vintage items. Peter Pots Pottery (494 Glen Rock Rd.) is a Rhode Island staple, crafting beautiful and functional stoneware since 1948. For a fresh look, Crops Barber & Beauty is a fun and funky unisex barbershop, and Superior Tanning is a must to get your summer glow on, both in the Kingston Emporium (99 Fortin Rd.).
Brewery and taproom Shaidzon Beer Company (141 Fairgrounds Rd.) incorporates local love and herbal notes in creative brews, including one celebrating South Kingstown’s 300th anniversary this year. Watch for food trucks popping up on the patio all season. TLC Coffee Roasters (3362 Kingstown Rd.), a nearby specialty cafe, roasts its own beans and serves 21 iced coffees on tap. Not far over the Kingston border is coffee shop Sophie’s Brewhouse (699 South County Trl.) and Rhode Island’s original farm brewery, Tilted Barn (1 Hemsley Place), both in Exeter.
Zip over to the Kingston Emporium (99 Fortin Rd.) on the University of Rhode Island (URI) campus for some of the best wings and waffles around at Stack House; a breakfast sammie and coffee from Providence Bagel; and a hot sub, burger, or any sandwich imaginable from Albie’s Place.
Kingston is best known as the home of URI (45 Upper College Rd.), which is perfect for a picturesque stroll any time. The South County Art Association (2587 Kingstown Rd.), a member-based artist organization, offers a variety of educational programs, classes, and exhibits to the public throughout the year. Musical performances at the Courthouse Center for the Arts (3481 Kingstown Rd.) range from classic rock tribute bands to family-friendly concerts. The Kingston Chamber Music Festival celebrates 35 years of bringing together established international musicians and up-and-coming talent with shows running July 26-Aug 6 (visit KingstonChamberMusic.org for tickets).
Swing by the South Kingstown Farmers Market (25 W. Independence Way) Saturday mornings for picnic provisions from local farms before heading to Kenyon’s Grist Mill (21 Glen Rock Rd.), which, since 1696, has been grinding cornmeal used in Rhode Island’s iconic johnnycakes – savory corn pancakes available at diners all over South County. In addition to the bucolic setting, Kenyon’s also offers kayaking on the Queen’s River. Stretch it out with a hot yoga class or vinyasa flow at Bend Yoga Studio (99 Fortin Rd.). The water park at Yawgoo Valley (160 Yawgoo Valley Rd., Exeter) opens in July with slides and pool-side relaxation, and tee up at Laurel Lane Country Club (309 Laurel Lane).
This tucked-away South Kingstown village is where you’re most likely to find locals enjoying beachfront restaurants and live entertainment all day and night.
Whether you’re a surfer or beach bum, Matunuck Beach Road is a must-stop before hitting the waves. Looking for souvenirs? Head to SeaView’s Matunuck Tees (682 Matunuck Beach Rd.), part of SeaView Marketplace, a local fave for grabbing lunch – SeaView sandwiches are perfect for bringing to the beach. For farm-to-table goods and garden center products, stop at Carpenter’s Farm (522 Matunuck Beach Rd.). And of course, Matunuck Surf Shop (920 Matunuck Beach Rd.) has all your watersport essentials, including boards, wetsuits, and paddleboards for rent. Next door, discover the Shaun Rock Art Gallery (706 Matunuck Beach Rd.).
Matunuck Oyster Bar (629 Succotash Rd.) is on the short list of must-try restaurants, not just for its preparations of fresh, local fish, but also because owner Perry Raso raises his own Matunuck Oysters, available from the always-packed raw bar, and grows his vegetables at Matunuck Vegetable Farm. Across the street, Cap’n Jack’s (706 Succotash Rd.) and sister restaurant Salt Marsh Pub and Raw Bar serve up traditional New England fare, with an attached bakery that’s impossible to resist. Bring your own wine to Jim’s Dock (1175 Succotash Rd.), where you can pick your own lobster and eat it on picnic tables on an actual fishing dock.
The Ocean Mist (895 Matunuck Beach Rd.) is the quintessential beach bar: great pub fare, cold beers, and easygoing patrons. By day, the O Mist is a family-friendly restaurant perfect for post-beach grub; by night, it’s a live music venue and coastal nightlife spot – reserve tickets for shows online. Next door, The Pub (907 Matunuck Beach Rd.) has traditional Irish food, as well as several decks, beach access, and lots of live music; across the street is Matunuck Pizza Pie Co. (920 Matunuck Beach Rd).
Daddy’s Bread (805 Moonstone Beach Rd.) is a hidden bakery where you’ll never see a baker. Choose from baked-daily loaves like Parmesan Dill Garlic, known as the “PDG” or Apple Cinnamon, leave your cash in the honor system till, and just try to make it back to your car before you tear into them. Looking for ice cream? The Vanilla Bean (757 Matunuck Beach Rd.) is a summer staple.
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge (1040 Matunuck School House Rd.) is a great place for a walk or small hike; locals also traverse Succotash Road, which is surrounded by marshes. A good homebase for your explorations is Admiral Dewey Inn (668 Matunuck Beach Rd.), surrounded by farmland and sea and close to dining and shopping.
Matunuck is renowned for its quality surfing spots (check for daily reports at Surfline.com). Taking a beach break? Bring the kids to Brousseau Park (208 Succotash Rd.), which has baseball and soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, a small playground, basketball court, and parking.
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