Westerly Rhode Island

Westerly is a town that is found on the southeastern coast of Rhode Island, and is located in Washington County. It is a beachfront community that is primarily known for its incredible expanses of beaches that it offers visitors and residents alike to explore, both on the ocean and the riverfront.

The Pawcatuck River flows on the western border of Westerly, and once produced salmon for which the town was well known. Westerly is, aptly, the most western portion of the state – the Pawcatuck River also serves as a border between Rhode Island and Connecticut. Predictably, during the summer months the population of the town swells, and some say that it nearly doubles. Most come for the charming town atmosphere as well as the beautiful beaches. Westerly is definitely a great place to spend a summer evening or two if you’d like to see New England at its finest during the summer in an area that is slightly less clogged with tourism as compared to Cape Cod and other larger attractions in the area.

For those who would like to check out some history as well as beaches, Westerly has plenty to offer in this arena. In particular, the entire Main Street area is designated as a historic district, and you can spend quite a few hours rambling among the attractive storefronts and the historical ambience of the area. It goes without saying that Westerly also offers some exquisite dining options, many of which are centered around seafood.

While today Westerly is a major tourist destination, it is historically known for its granite quarries, which were located in Bradford and Potter Hill. You can still visit these areas to soak up the atmosphere and check out the remains of the granite quarries. Geographically, Westerly sits atop a glacial moraine, or a series of small hills that were created by glaciers back in the Ice Age. You can visit the trust that houses these formations.

Be sure to check out Westerly the next time you’re in Rhode Island – there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a long time!

• Not a Frown in the Town