Tag Archives: Misquamicut

Posted on by

Misquamicut Fest Rings in the Unofficial Start of Summer

Misquamicut Fest from Ryan Jacobson on Vimeo.

 

The parking lots have finally been cleared of the remains of one of the most horrific winters in recent memory. Winter is finally over, and summer is rapidly approaching. Nothing says summer is right around the corner more than the Misquamicut Spring Fest, held at Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, RI.

This is not like any other “summer kick off” festival around the country. This festival is located on the beautiful shore of the “Ocean State”; one of the most popular summer destinations in New England.

You can smell the salty ocean, and hear the pounding of the waves as you line up for your favorite rides and refreshments. Even though it is not yet warm enough to lay on the beach or go into the ocean, you still can get the feeling of summer, because your senses are familiarizing themselves with the sounds and smells of summers past.

“This festival is the unofficial kick off to summer, so, for a town that is known for their beaches and summer entertainment, this is the most exciting time of the year”, s

ays Matthew Morin, one of the head directors of the festival.”

From the rides, and games, to the shopping tents and live entertainment, the Misquamicut Spring Festival has something for everyone. Couples on dates were competing in a rock-climbing race against each other. Newlyweds were enjoying a fine glass of wine, while tasting the local chowder. Couples with children were enjoying their day with rides and carnival games. And elderly couples, among many others, were relaxing and listening to the live music from local great, Jason Cardinal.

There truly is something for everyone at the Misquamicut Fests. However, do not worry if you could not attend this weekend’s festivities. This weekend marks the unofficial opening of Misquamicut Beach, so many of the opportunities at the fest, can be found somewhere along the shore of Misquamicut, along with a slew of other forms of entertainment that can keep you occupied for an entire season.

Posted on by

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Misquamicut Beach this Summer

 

Misquamicut Beach, 2015: Photo by Ryan Jacobson

            Misquamicut Beach, located in Westerly, Rhode Island has seen its fair share of distress throughout the past few years. From Hurricane Sandy, which destroyed most of it businesses, to multiple blizzards and volatile weather. Yet, despite all it has endured, Misquamicut has rebuilt, and is as beautiful and popular as ever. But, with so many beaches in Rhode Island, and neighboring Connecticut, to choose from, why visit Misquamicut this summer?

  1. Live Music

What is better than live, outdoor music? How about live outdoor music while sipping a cocktail and listening to the crashing of the waves, as you are relaxing on the beach?

“Misquamicut is quickly becoming very well known for its live music” says Erin Burke, bartender at one of Misquamicut’s most popular bars, The Windjammer.

Every Monday evening, from June to late August, Westerly Town Beach hosts, Monday Night Jams, which invites locals to have a relaxing picnic on the beach with friends and family, as they listen to some of the best local music. In addition, Westerly Town Beach hosts the wildly popular Blues on the Beach Wednesday nights.

“People come from all over Rhode Island, and Connecticut for Blues on the Beach. Most of the crowd walks down to The Windjammer after the show is done, because they are having so much fun, and do not want the night to end” says Burke.

Whether it is live music on the beach, or live entertainment on the outdoor patios at one of the restaurants or bars, there is something that fits just about everyone’s music preference during the summer months in Misquamicut.

  1. Entertainment for the whole family.

Misquamicut Beach can keep an entire family entertained for days. Waterslides, mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, arcades, batting cages, and rides, are just a few of the activities that kids of all ages can enjoy at Misquamicut Beach. In addition to these attractions, Misquamicut Beach also hosts a weekly Drive-In Movie, and movies on the beach, which features family friendly films, including the always popular, Jaws.

“Waterslides are not just for kids, I have many customers coming to grab a frozen Pina Colada or Strawberry Daiquiri after spending an exhausting 40 minutes on the waterslides” says Burke. “In fact, a lot of employees love to take a ride on the waterslides to cool off after a long shift.”

  1. The Beach Bars

-The Windjammer in the winter. Preparing to open their doors for the 2015 season.

Misquamicut is home to some of the best beach front bars in Southern New England. Bars such as Paddy’s, The Andrea, and The Windjammer, have New Englanders driving hours just to visit their favorite summertime hangouts.

“We have a few regulars that come every week, and they live in Northern Massachusetts. They drive 4-5 hours, not including traffic, just to be here” says Burke.

Each of the restaurants/bars are unique in their own way, and there is a place for you to feel welcomed and at home, no matter what age you are. Beach goers of all ages flock to Misquamicut for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.

  1. Spring/Fall Fest

Summer in Misquamicut is bookmarked by two huge events; the Spring Fest, and Fall Fest. At each of the events, the State Beach parking lot is transformed into an amusement park on the beach. Amusement rides, petting zoos, and car shows, are just a few of the exciting activities offered at Spring/Fall fest. There are also food vendors, live entertainment, and of course, fire works.

“Spring Fest is really a kick off party to summer” says Burke. Once we see the carousel erected, we know that summer has un-officially arrived.”

For more information on this year’s Spring Fest and Fall Fest, click here.

  1. The Beaches/Surf

Despite all that Misquamicut has to offer, what attract the most visitors is simply the beautiful beaches. Misquamicut has some of the best beaches in Southern New England, and is one of the best surfing spots around. With breathtaking views of Block Island, Long Island, and even Taylor Swift’s mansion in Watch Hill (which is a part of Westerly), Misquamicut is simply the ideal summertime getaway for families, singles, and people of all ages.

“I often tell people that if one of the biggest celebrities in the entire world chooses to make Westerly home for the summer months, there must be something very special about this place.” Says Burke.