Rhode Island Monthly April 2020 | Page 79

Walk the beach at Napatree Point before the summer season begins to beat the crowds. { LIST } THE { where to eat } The Malted Barley How can you go wrong with pretzels galore and a stocked craft beer bar? From pale ales to porters and stouts, beer lovers won’t walk out of this popular establishment disappointed. We recommend pairing your drink with a pretzel stuffed with smoked Gouda and chipotle pepper — definitely a winner in our book. 42 High St., Westerly, 315-2184, themalted barleyri.com. A SHORT DRIVE AWAY The Charlestown Rathskeller The Rathskeller, with its restored murals and ma- hogany bar, has been remodeled to embrace its past as a speakeasy. With live music, ice-cold beer and famous fries, this restaurant is a great spot for a night of fun. Try a drink at the bar and you, too, will be speaking easy. 489A Old Coach Rd., Charles- town, 792-1000, thecharlestownrathskeller.com. { where to shop } Savoy Bookshop and Cafe Is your inner bookworm looking for a bestseller or the next installment in a favorite series? If the answer is yes, then visit Savoy Bookshop and Cafe. Peruse a multitude of shelves or buy a coffee milk latte. But don’t forget to check out the author luncheon and dinner events. 10 Canal St., Westerly, 213-3901, bank squarebooks.com/westerly-store. { where to explore } A SHORT DRIVE AWAY Grills Preserve The Fantastic Umbrella Factory The trails at the Grills Preserve are wide enough for The Babcock-Smith House Shop for eclectic clothing, gifts and unique home several activities including hiking, biking, hunting, Visit this historic Georgian mansion, built in 1774, to furnishings at this unusual emporium. Founded in bird watching and snowshoeing. Follow the Pawca- discover its storied past. Learn how the granite in- 1968, the Umbrella Factory offers a space for local tuck River or walk through heavy forests in the dustry affected Westerly and the Smith family while artisans to sell their goods. Bring the family along to 550-arce preserve. Make sure, however, to wear they lived in the house. Go for a tour, attend an event shop, eat and see the emus or feed the goats. 4820 fluorescent orange clothing during hunting season. or shop at Joshua’s store. 124 Granite St., Westerly, Old Post Rd., Charlestown, 364-1060, fantasticumbrella 198 Bowling Ln., Bradford, westerlylandtrust.org/ 596-5704, babcocksmithhouse.org. factory.com. portfolio/grills-preserve. Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly TAKE A HIKE Wilcox Park Check out Westerly’s local art scene at this coopera- Napatree Point and Conservation Center Considered nationally significant by the National tive gallery. Featuring a new theme every month, Take a sunset stroll and watch for birds at this con- Register of Historic Places, Wilcox Park was designed the fine arts gallery is free and open to the public. servation center. Founded in 1945, this area was to feature walking trails, an open meadow and few The ACGOW is a nonprofit organization with a mis- designated for the protection of nesting and resting trees. Visit downtown Westerly and explore the sion to help artists and nurture the visual arts within birds. Visit after Labor Day to avoid the beach crowds monuments, fishpond and perennial gardens the community. 7 Canal St., Westerly, 596-2221, and try to find your favorite types of shorebirds. located within the park. High Street., Westerly, 596- westerlyarts.com. Watch Hill, Westerly. 2877, westerlylibrary.org.  RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l APRIL 2020     77