Theatre By The Sea, Bistro By The Sea, and Admiral Dewey Inn Make a Summer Night in Matunuck Unforgettable

If you think Matunuck is just for beach days, think again. This seaside village in South Kingstown is my perennial summer go-to for nights of food, entertainment, and lodgings that never disappoint. Plan ahead and buy tickets for a show at Bill Hanney’s Theatre By The Sea (TBTS), make a dinner reservation at on-site restaurant Bistro By The Sea, and book a night (or more) at Admiral Dewey Inn, a two-minute drive away.

My recent plans were centered around opening night of The Sound of Music, which runs through August 17. I checked in early at the Admiral Dewey (pro-tip: call ahead if you’re in the area before 4pm and they may be able to get your room ready early) after a day of exploring the area with my sister visiting from New Jersey (after years of my pleading for her to see a show with me at TBTS); it was nice to spend time cooling off in our room and refresh before heading to the theater.

Admiral Dewey Inn has many charms. It’s a 12-guest late-Victorian style property that was given a fanciful update a few years ago by local business owner Kevin Finnegan. Each room features design-forward focal points like contemporary wallpaper and mid-century fixtures that play nicely with older furnishings. Artwork throughout is a blend of mod prints and vintage Theatre By The Sea posters, and a framed photo of the admiral himself on the main level, which all contribute an eclectic casual feel. 

However, it’s the staff, led by Emily Burns, who give the hotel its warmth and welcoming atmosphere. Summer amenities include a light continental breakfast, beach chairs, towels, and bikes, and even access to most shows at the nearby Ocean Mist, a lively beach bar. The inn’s wrap-around porch is lined with rocking chairs, perfect for taking in the scenery. 

Just a short drive away via Cards Pond Road, we arrived at Bistro By The Sea with time to spare for our 6pm reservation. I’ve been wanting to eat at Duck Press in Wakefield since reading about the eatery in So Rhode Island, so I was excited to experience their food at the Bistro, which is helmed by the same crafty team. The Sweet Corn Bisque starter rivals my usual favorite, New England Clam Chowder (I sampled my sister’s bowl and it was delicious). Topped with lobster rillette, the seasonal take on bisque is wonderfully creamy and satisfyingly sweet. For dinner, they had me at aioli, so I stayed true to my classic order with the lobster roll: a fantastic sandwich served with can’t-stop-eating French fries. 

With time to spare before the 8pm show, we mingled in the Garden Gazebo area, a beautiful spot with a bar, surrounded by lush landscaping and flowers, lamp posts, and strands of bistro lights. Soon the call came that it was time to be seated for the show. The Sound of Music was everything I knew it would be, a joyous musical with a palpable synergy between the performers and audience. Knowing the Rodgers & Hammerstein score from the 1965 Robert Wise film so well, I had high expectations, which the talented cast exceeded. As always, at curtain call everyone at TBTS is on their feet dancing, singing, and wildly applauding – the energy through the pitched wooden roof. 

Back at the Admiral Dewey, a comfortable bed and cool room awaited. My sister and I both liked the bath products, and the room was well stocked with towels and paper goods. The following morning, we followed our noses to the smell of coffee brewing, down the stairs to the dining room, where slices of lemon poppy seed bread were displayed under a glass dome, along with English muffins, jams and butter, fresh fruit, and yogurt. After breakfast, my sister and I sipped from pretty mugs on the front porch before dropping our surfboard keyring into the front desk bowl to check out. 

Not quite ready to depart, we sauntered along Matunuck Beach Road, a strip with beach-goers toting towels and gear, and businesses like SeaView Marketplace and a T-shirt shop. Other visits have included dining at The Pub and Matunuck Oyster Bar, as well as visiting the beach off-season to take photos, but a summer night at the theater in Matunuck is not to be missed. Learn more at AdmiralDeweyInn.com, TheatreByTheSea.com

Upcoming Shows at Theatre By The Sea

The Sound of Music: Through August 17

42nd Street: August 21-September 15