Julianna & Sean
Julianna & Sean
There are so many great restaurants & fun activities that embody New England culture & history! Below are recommended options for food & fun, sorted by location! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! We hope you can enjoy some of our favorite spots in our charming New England towns!
———WESTERLY, RI———
Westerly, RI is Julianna’s hometown, known for its beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, & for its profound history rooted in the granite industry. Downtown Westerly sits along the Pawcatuck River, which is the border between Rhode Island & Connecticut. Go Bulldogs!
FOOD -Westerly
The Café
This is a must-go spot for Jules! On any given night out in Westerly, you can find Jules & friends sitting at the bar, sipping on The Cafe Buzz Cocktail trying out all the snacks while chatting up the bar staff! This lovely spot is located right in Downtown Westerly.
The Cafe is located alongside United Theatre -a great spot to catch a movie or live show! https://unitedtheatre.org/
Nana's Westerly
Another favorite of Jules’! Nana’s is a wonderful spot to grab a coffee & sourdough baked good, a yummy breakfast and lunch, or a delicious dinner! It is great for takeout, and also has the cutest interior for an eat-in option! Jules loves to grab a matcha latte & sourdough donut to take on a stroll through Wilcox Park (located right next to Nana’s)! Espresso approved by Sean!!
River Bar
An amazing new spot (run by the same group as Nana’s) located in Downtown Westerly situated right on the Pawcatuck River. Highly recommend this spot for a sit down meal, fun atmosphere, and amazing food!
Cinder Restaurant
Great spot for lunch or dinner! Located right along the Pawcatuck River, it is a wonderful spot to dine. Takeout is also available!
High Tide Juice Co.
A favorite local spot for Jules! Say “Hi” to Rose & grab a freshly blended smoothie! The ‘Toes on the nose’ smoothie & a buffalo chickpea wrap is Jules’ go to order! With beachy vibes & the freshest of ingredients, High Tide is an awesome spot for a healthy breakfast/lunch/quick snack!
PizzaPlace
A fun family-friendly atmosphere with great pizza, located right in Downtown Westerly! The Chopped Pasta Salad is a local favorite!
Pooch's Pour House
Another great family-friendly spot! Fun atmosphere to catch a game & enjoy yummy food!
High Hope Tavern
Great cocktails & food in a cool New England vibe! Located right in Downtown Westerly!
Longo Ristorante & Pizzeria
Yummy Italian spot located in Downtown Westerly
Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island
Brewery with indoor & outdoor seating options! About a 5-10 minute walk from Downtown Westerly, Grey Sail is located along the river & is a fun spot to grab some beer & wood fired pizza!
Perks & Corks
A bar located in Downtown Westerly, known for their HUGE martinis & grilled cheese sandwiches
KNEAD Doughnuts
Fun flavorful donut shop located in Downtown Westerly!
The Cooked Goose
A local fave spot for breakfast! Located near Watch Hill! Fun fact: Taylor Swift has frequented this spot!
Junk & Java
The local coffee spot! An eclectic atmosphere where you’re sure to get the best brew & meet all the hometown folks!
Old Man Joe’s
Super cool newer spot in town! Opened morning & night for good food & drinks! Fun spot to catch live music!
STICK + FIN
Surfer vibes!!! Coffee, fresh juice, & more!
Dave's Coffee
Technically located in Charlestown, RI (a town over from Westerly)! Another favorite hometown stop for Jules! Great coffee, approved by Sean a.k.a. The coffee expert! Jules loves to order the coffee milk latte & bring it for a drive along the beaches!
Out of towners: definitely be sure to try coffee milk while in Rhode Island! It is a Rhode Island classic!
Del's Lemonade
Del’s Lemonade is a frozen treat, made famous in Rhode Island! A must try for those visiting the area!
Sandy's Fine Food Emporium
A great little market to pick up an amazing sandwich & prepared foods! This is a must stop for a beach picnic!
Reale's Grocery
A cute hometown favorite! Located a quick walk from Downtown Westerly, a Reale’s Italian grinder is a great on the go option!
Matunuck Oyster Bar
The best spot to grab a nice dinner on the water! Oysters on the half shell & a lobster roll? Yes please! Definitely try to make a reservation ahead, this place is always poppin’ but totally worth the 30 min drive from Downtown Westerly! (a great pit stop if you’re driving to/from Newport from Westerly)
Things to do in Westerly, RI
Check out Watch Hill, a village in Westerly that attracts many tourists during the summer months & is home to the oldest operating carousel in the United States. It even survived the Hurricane of 1938 which devastated the area. It is a right of passage as a child to get to ride the carousel each summer & try to get the brass ring! https://merrygoroundbeach.com/
Fun fact: Taylor Swift’s summer beach house is located in Watch Hill! (The locals know it as the Harkness House) Read about the history here: http://smallstatebighistory.com/rebekah-harkness-the-scorned-socialite-of-watch-hill/
Watch Hill is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches & nature reserves in RI. Be sure to take a walk on Napatree Point Conservation Area, & check out Fort Mansfield! https://thewatchhillconservancy.org/napatree/about-napatree/
East Beach is another beautiful beach with multiple access points. A great spot for a walk or beach picnic! Fun fact: Sean & Jules had their very first date right on East Beach!!! They sat and talked for hours & took a dip in the ocean, followed by buff chick pizza from Midway Pizza, eaten on the Silver Fox (the Morrone Family Boat)
Ocean House
The OH will definitely catch your eye on a drive through Watch Hill, & is a fun spot to grab a drink at the bar or lunch on the veranda. There are multiple dining options, & beautiful grounds to check out! Valet your car & live the life of the rich & famous at this beautiful 5-star resort!
What else is there to do in Westerly? Hit up some more beaches of course!
Check out the Westerly Town Beach in the village of Misquamicut to see where Jules grew up boogie boarding & building drippy castles!
Drive a bit further down the road & head into the village of Weekapaug! Park your car at the Weekapaug Overlook, roll the windows down, & take in the salty air! This is a great spot to watch surfers when the waves are rippin’!
Weekapaug is also home to the Ocean House’s sister hotel, the Weekapaug Inn https://weekapauginn.com/
For a great walking loop, & some fresh air, check out the Avondale Farm Preserve! Sometimes the farm animals will be out to say hello! Located very close by to the Cooked Goose (a fave breakfast spot!) https://www.avondale-ri.org/history
Downtown Westerly is the heart of our beautiful town! Charming & lively all in one! As mentioned above, downtown is home to many restaurants & shops! It also encircles the local public park, Wilcox Park & our beautiful library, Westerly Public Library. Wilcox Park is a great spot to go for a stroll & say hello to the ducks in the pond!
https://www.westerlylibrary.org/
For our artsy friends & fam, check out Get Fired Up, where you can paint pottery & hang out! http://www.getfiredup.net/
Below are a few of fabulous local shops/boutiques, all located in downtown, definitely worth checking out!
Also below is BarreCoast, the best spot to squeeze in a workout!
BarreCoast
A place that feels like a second home to Jules! The best spot to squeeze a workout in, & shop around for a cute workout set!
Fun fact: Jules used to work the front desk here!
BarreCoast offers so many amazing classes with the best instructors! Barre, yoga, TRX, boxing, HITT…all offered in studios at BarreCoast! Say ‘hi’ to Kristen, the amazing owner, when you pop in for a class!
This is definitely where Jules will be sweating for the wedding!
woodees a boutique
Say ‘Hi” to Anna & pick out the cutest outfit! Clothes for all at woodees!
Christina Ltd.
Cute clothes and a great little gift shop!
Woodmansee's Gifts & Boutique
Located right next door to Woodees! A great place to find a stylish outfit!
Fun
A super FUN place to shop! Great souvenirs and quirky gifts!
———Stonington, CT———
Stonington lies between Westerly & Mystic, offering great wineries & a quaint historic borough definitely worth checking out! Fun fact: the Stonington High School Bears and the Westerly High School Bulldogs football teams have the oldest rivalry in the country. It began in 1911 and the tradition continues today! They go head to head on Thanksgiving every year!
Stonington Borough is among Jules & Sean’s favorite local areas! They had their second date at Noah’s, followed by a walk by the water near the beautiful historic lighthouse.
Some favorite spots to check out:
Jonathan Edwards Winery
Located in North Stonington, this is a favorite local spot to grab a glass of wine on beautiful countryside grounds!
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Another fabulous winery!
Noah's
An awesome spot located in historic Stonington Borough! A fave place for a breakfast bite! Fun fact: Sean & Jules had their second date here!
Dog Watch Cafe
Located on the docks in Stonington Borough, a great place to get some seafood!
Indulge Coffee and Sandwich Co.
Coffee, desserts, sandwiches! Grab a bite & go for a walk along the docks & historic streets of Stonington Borough!
The Stonington Lighthouse Museum
Check out this historic lighthouse!
The Velvet Mill
A cool collective of shops & eats, with art to see! Some favorite stops in here include, Beer’d Brewing Co., Winecrest Eatery, & The Flour Shop!
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area
This is a beautiful spot to take a family friend nature walk among the salt marsh! Sean & Jules love this spot!
B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill (seasonal)
Looking for classic New England fall vibes? Come to Clyde’s for a fresh cider donut & warm cider fresh from the mill! Beware of bees & long lines, recommend coming first thing in the morning!
———Mystic, CT———
Mystic feels like a place out of a Hallmark movie (oh wait…it really was in a Hallmark movie!) And, not to mention, the cinematic classic, Mystic Pizza (yes, you can eat there, but I have some even better recommendations!)
Mystic is a very special place for Sean & Jules, as they spent many of their first few months dating enjoying the local spots! It is about to become even more special, as it is where their wedding reception is located!
There are so many magical spots to visit in Mystic! Here are some of our favorites!!
FOOD -Mystic
The Shipwright's Daughter
This is Jules’ fave place for brunch and dinner in Mystic! Enjoy unique spins on classic dishes & delectable cocktails! This nautical spot is located right in Downtown Mystic! A must-go spot for sure!
The Port of Call
The upstairs bar transports you to feeling like you’re a guest on the Titanic, with amazing cocktails & bar foods! Journey downstairs to find a hip ‘underwater’ bar! You have to try the kimchi hot dog on a boa bun…delish!
Oyster Club
Another favorite stop for Sean & Jules! And yes, of course they are ordering oysters from the raw bar!! Amazing food, great atmosphere!
If the weather allows, enjoy their outdoor dining experience at The Treehouse at Oyster Club! So cool and magical!
Engine Room
This rustic spot is great to grab a burger & bourbon, or maybe a beer & some Carolina Hush Puppies! You can’t go wrong ordering lunch or dinner at this hip spot!
Rio Salado
An upscale hip Mexican spot! Cozy rustic vibes! Jules & Sean both love the ‘El Jefe” burrito! In fact, that is the meal they both ordered on their third date before sharing their first kiss in the parking lot!
This spot is great & located across the street from Mystic Village!
Red 36
A favorite for both locals & tourists alike, Red36 is always sure to fill your belly & warm your heart! Great waterfront views & even better food! Definitely order a cup of New England clam chowder!
Bravo Bravo
Right on Main Street, Bravo Bravo is serving up homemade contemporary Italian dishes! “Eat, drink, and be Italian with us!” This is the perfect spot for a classy date night!
Mix Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Located above the famous bakery, Sift, Mix Rooftop is a fabulous culinary experience! Enjoy a fancy cocktail & charcuterie while overlooking the Mystic River on this heated/covered rooftop spot! Definitely a place Jules & friends frequent!
Nana's Mystic
Remember that spot in Westerly? Nana’s is so good that they even have a second location in Mystic! So, no excuses, no matter what town you’re staying in, you have to give Nana’s a try for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or for all!)
Lis bakeshop
This hole in the wall bakery is a local favorite! Jules frequented this spot regularly when commuting to RI from CT. Walk up, order your homemade pastry, breakfast sandwich, and coffee, and take it to go! It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast bite to take with you on a stroll along the Mystic River!
Sift Bake Shop Mystic
Made famous by Adam Young, who won on the TV show ‘Best Baker in America,’ Sift is the place to go for a delectable ham & cheese croissant & hot chocolate flight! So many yummy pastries & baked goods, homemade breads, & coffee!
Young Buns Doughnuts
If you loved Sift, but now you’re craving donuts, this is the place for you! Adam & Ebbie Young also own this donut shop, right down the road from Sift & Mix!
Karma Kitchen Mystic & Juicery
Trying to eat a bit healthier? This is the spot in Mystic for you! The chocolate avocado milkshake (add peanut butter) is Jules’ go-to order here! They have freshly made juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, & salads! Great spot!
Mystic Salad Company
Another healthy stop right in Downtown Mystic! It’s like a Chipotle but for salads! Create your own salad & have a side of homemade soup! Great spot to grab takeout and eat on a bench along the river!
Mystic Market East
A yummy market to get prepared foods & grab a bite to eat! Delish!
Things to Do in Mystic, CT
Mystic is known for being a seaport, and has a rich history surrounding that!
Downtown Mystic sits along the Mystic River & is home to many local businesses. There are so many cute shops & restaurants to check out!
Here are a few favorite activities to check out in Mystic:
Mystic Aquarium
A great place to take the family, kids of all ages! This is a childhood favorite for Jules & her brothers! The best memories were made here! Jules’ favorite exhibit is the beluga whales! Also, be sure to check out the sea lion show! Interactive, educational, & fun for all!
Argia -the sailing ship
Experience Mystic from the waters. Sean & Jules can attest to how wonderful of an experience this is! Buy your tickets & go on a day sail or sunset sail! See the beautiful views & learn more about the history & geography of Mystic!
Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum takes you back in time to what a 19th-century seaport village was like! Definitely a great way to learn about the history of Mystic & boating!
Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mystic Village was created to mimic a 1720s-style colonial village. Filled with shops for all, a theatre, & some great food spots, this is a great place to spend a few hours walking around & exploring!
Mystic Knotwork
Is it even a New England summer if you aren’t wearing a rope bracelet on your wrist? Check this spot out for nautical goods!
trove
A really cool shop, especially for the man in your life! Jules has definitely found some great unique gifts for Sean at this cool store!
Bank Square Books
Who doesn’t love a small town bookstore?
Rochelle's On Main
A fun boutique for the ladies!
Other spots in Rhode Island
For those of you wanting to venture out of the Westerly/Mystic area, here are some recommended towns to visit & a few spots in each to check out!
Newport, RI
Restaurants:
-Bar’Cino
-Wally’s Wieners
-Cluck House
-Pasta Beach
-The Nitro Bar (coffee shop)
-Newport Vineyards
Things to Do in Newport:
-Cliff Walk (walk along the water, great views of the mansions)
-Newport Mansions (take a tour of one of the mansions) https://www.newportmansions.org/
-Brenton Point State Park (great views of the water)
-Rail Explorers (super fun activity for all, pedal along the railway with great views of the water) https://www.railexplorers.net/tours/rhode-island
Narragansett & Wakefield are two towns nestled between Westerly & Newport, great for visiting or making a pitstop!
Narragansett, RI
-grab a bite to eat at Crazy Burger
-grab dinner at Celeste
-check out Boon Street Market, a fun new food hall with lots of options for drinks & food, outdoor games, TVs to watch the games, etc.
-Iggy’s & Aunt Carries both offer fried seafood…definitely order some chowder & some clam cakes, and doughboys for dessert!
-go for a stroll along the seawall & watch the surfers
-Grab a yummy meal at the Coastguard House while overlooking the water
Wakefield, RI
-stroll through the downtown area & along the river, many cute shops
-grab dinner & wine at Duck Press
-grab a coffee & some avocado toast at Caf Bar
-want a bowl of ramen? Check out New Wave Kitchen
-enjoy a really cool ambiance & yummy dinner & drinks at Purslane
Branching out of RI into Boston?? Here are some recs for there:
Restaurants:
Buttermilk & Bourbon (southern comfort food, a fave of S&J’s when in Boston)
Citrus & Salt
Bricco (Italian)
Neptune Oyster
Kava Neo taverna (Greek)
Nautilus (Asian fusion tapas)
Saltie girl (Newbury St)
Grotto
Salty Pig
Crazy Good Kitchen (newbury st)
Dirty Water Dough (Newbury St)
Things to do:
Duck Boat Tour
Boston Commons (park to explore)
Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall (market, food hall, shops)
Freedom Tour (historical tour around Boston visiting many revolutionary era landmarks)
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe (cute bookstore & yummy cafe beneath it! A fave spot of Jules’)
Newbury St/prudential center (lots of good shopping)
-The View (top of the
Prudential)
North End (cannoli from Modern)
Salem for the day (for Halloween)
Museum of science
Swan boats in the public garden
Fenway park tour
Richardson’s (mini golf and ice cream- outside the city)
Walk the esplanade along the Charles River
Breweries:
Trillium
Harpoon
Night shift brewing
Cisco