While it’s technically a village of South Kingstown, Wakefield is a bustling center of life in South County, home to the area’s only mall, an excellent hospital, and a Main Street made for strolling.
Wakefield Mall (160 Old Tower Hill Rd.) has the necessities you might have forgotten while packing for vacation, and Main Street in Wakefield has all the things you never knew you needed. The walkable area is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Purple Cow (205 Main St.) focuses on fun and funky women’s fashion and gifts, Therapy Boutique (343B Main St.) offers both classic and trendy women’s apparel, Pink Pineapple (357 Main St.) is known for cute and colorful clothing and accessories, and One More Time (406 Main St.) is your go-to for quality consignment. A nonprofit artist collective focusing on women’s art, The Hera Gallery (10 High St.) has been an institution in South County since 1974. Create your own masterpiece at Rebekah Cook Art (344 Main St. Unit 103), a studio that offers pottery painting, art lessons, and paint parties.
If you’re looking to jazz up your living space, start at Store Four (673 Kingstown Rd.), a premier destination for home accessories and luxury gifts with expert staff ready to offer design and style tips. Browse the rug gallery at Dove & Distaff (365 Main St.), a textile heaven and recent Rhody Gem, for the perfect area rug, new bedding, or even cozy pajamas.
The Village At South County Commons (50 South County Commons Way) is a one-stop destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, and more, including salon Hair Crew International and Luxe Fitness. Pasquale’s, arguably one of the best pizza places in all of Rhode Island, serves authentic Neapolitan pizza from its wood-burning oven, and prepared Italian food, gelato, and more from its sister restaurant Neapolis Food Emporium. Rachel’s Cafe serves up creative comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Tong-D offers Thai specialities and tropical-inspired cocktails.
The Mews Tavern (456 Main St.) is a Rhode Island dining icon, offering creative comfort food and 69 beers on tap at any given time. Their recently refurbished upstairs Celtic Pub has 200 Scotches and 40 whiskies and bourbons to sample… just not all at the same time. The rooftop bar at Phil’s Main Street Grille (323 Main St.) is a rare find in South County, offering up scenic views and delicious cocktails. Downstairs, there are two restaurants – a casual diner and a more upscale dining room – to whet your appetite. Tavern on Main (195 Main St.) offers creative pub fare, baked pasta, and all-day weekend brunch. Dragon Palace (733 Kingstown Rd.) is your go-to for classic Chinese cuisine. BOL (318 Main St.) is a plant-powered, health-conscious cafe focused on smoothie bowls, shakes, juices, superfood waffles, and lattes free of dairy and gluten. Of course, if you have a craving for carbs, South County Bread Company (333 Main St.) has you covered with homemade breads, doughs, and even quiches.
Waiting out the door and in line at Brickley’s Ice Cream (322 Main St. with a second location in Narragansett) is part of the experience. With over 45 homemade flavors to choose from, you’ll spend more time deciding on which to indulge in than in line. Settling nicely into bigger and better digs, Green Line Apothecary (245 Main St.) offers visitors a real treat – an old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream bar, along with an exceptional pharmacy. Sweenor’s Chocolates (21 Charles St.), a fourth-generation family business, makes smooth and delicious chocolate novelties, truffles, fudge, and more.
The Contemporary Theater Company (327 Main St.) stages unexpected and under-the-radar dramas and comedies. With masks and social distancing in place, catch performances of Patio Musical: An Improvised Musical on the Patio, Shakespeare on the Saugatucket, and RiverFire Cabarets, plus their summer season of shows.
The Farmer’s Daughter (716 Mooresfield Rd.) is a must-see garden destination, known for elaborate greenhouse floral displays, gift shop, and special events and workshops. Lavender Waves (3814 Commodore Perry Hwy.) is a gorgeous flower farm where you can purchase cuttings and products made from lavender harvested on site.
Grab your bike and hit the South County Bike Path, a seven-mile stretch from Peace Dale to Narragansett that runs throughout Wakefield. Stedman’s Bike Shop (196 Main St.), a full-service shop near the path, offers a variety of bike rentals as well as sales.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here