GROCERY STORES

Wakefield/Narragansett has two large super markets that are about 15 minutes away - Stop & Shop and Shaws.  Wakefield also has a slightly upscale grocery store called Belmont that is similar to a Whole Foods.  Ten minutes away in Charlestown is a small grocery, Charlestown Mini Super, that has a great butcher and may seafood items including oysters.

FESTIVALS

There are many festivals in the area over the summer.  Some you may want to check out include the Charlestown Annual SeaFood Festival & the Newport Jazz Festival every August and RiverFire every Thursday night in downtown Wakefield.  The fourth of July is a big celebration. Green Hill has its own neighborhood parade every year, usually from 11-12 on the holiday. Look for signs posted on telephone poles for details. The town of Wakefield always has a large fireworks show each year with food and music from 8-10pm.

THEATERS

For those interested in catching a show, don’t miss the summer line up at Theater by the Sea - ten minutes down the road (you can also catch a dinner at Bistro by the Sea) or Contemporary Theater Company in downtown Wakefield.  Movie theaters are north at Entertainment Cinemas in South Kingstown or south to Regal Stonington, near Westerly.  There are also many summer movies held on the beach or at drive-inn theaters in Narragansett & Misquamicut.  

BIKING

Put a carload of bikes on the bike rack and head out to the South County Bike Path - 7 miles of beautiful private trails (each way) starting at the Kingston train station following the easement of the old Narragansett Pier Railroad passing through the villages of Peace Dale, Wakefield, and Narragansett and will end near the Narragansett Town Beach.  The trail is covered in a canopy of trees almost the entire way. Be sure to look for small, hidden walking trail offshoots along the way where you can stop and explore inside the forest with small wooden pathways and walkways - a delight for kids and adults alike. Stop for lunch in Narragansett before you head back and at Brickley’s in Wakefield for ice cream (it’s right off the trail). For a day trip, take the bikes to Block Island and bike on the 7.5-mile bike route around the island stopping for amazing views at the lighthouse, cliffs, farm with exotic animals and other spots before you return on the ferry. For a simple trip, ride your bikes from the house down Matunuck School House Road over to the Vanilla Bean for an ice cream. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful views by looking out past working farms toward the ocean. If it’s dusk, you’re likely to see some deer in the fields.

NATURE & HIKING

Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is just around the corner.  Stop by for a beautiful walk to see frogs, deer, swans and many other wildlife.  Drive down the road ten minutes to Ninigret Wildlife Refuge at Kettle Pond to visit nearly 900 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats.  Frosty Drew Observatory, located inside Ninigret Park about 15 minutes down the road, is typically open for the public to stop by on summer evenings and catch a glimpse of the stars. Rhode Island has an incredible number of hiking trails from easy to challenging. Make sure you save some time to explore the natural beauty of the area.

ICE CREAM & COFFEE

Ice cream is a must have - visit Brickley’s in downtown Wakefield for some of the best homemade ice cream & Vanilla Bean, located right on the beach in Matunuck (ride your bikes over for a nice afternoon outing).  And stop by a Dave’s Coffee - a Rhode Island local and one of the best coffee shops anywhere.

RESTAURANTS

Phil’s Main Street Grill in downtown Wakefield for a great diner breakfast, Matunuck Oyster Bar for an incredible seafood dinner (no reservations and be prepared to wait in-season. It’s been ranked as one of the top 20 seafood restaurants in America.  You can also book an oyster farm boat tour with them), Tavern on the Main in downtown Wakefield, Jim’s Dock for a simple seaside fish & chips where kids can play in the bay while you wait for your lunch.

FISHING

Pick up your fishing needs at Breachway Bait & Tackle.  The breachway is a great fishing spot as is most beaches for surfcasting.  Wind your way to Snug Harbor Marina to book a sport fishing tour.  This is also a great spot to stop and purchase lobsters to take home for dinner.

SHOPPING
Many opportunities for shopping in the area. There are a lot of spots for antique hunting, small shops in downtown Wakefield and Westerly - and an outdoor shopping mall, Garden City Center, in Cranston about 40 minutes away.

MASSAGE & YOGA

Stop by All That Matters in downtown Wakefield for yoga classes or a massage. They also host summer yoga on the beach sessions all summer long. Massage on Main also provides a great spot to stop for a massage. The Ocean House in Watch Hill draws crowds from far away.