Travel like Taylor Swift in Westerly, Rhode Island

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Calling all Swifties – and anyone who enjoys exploring quaint New England towns.

Westerly, Rhode Island is a picturesque city in the beautiful Ocean State – known for its gorgeous beaches and coastline, charming downtown and restaurants, and its most famous resident, a superstar.

Lots of hometown love for Taylor Swift, who lives in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

The town is so fascinating that Taylor Swift not only bought a house here, but was also inspired to write the song “The Last Great American Dynasty” about her Westerly home (and its former resident, socialite Rebekah Harkness).

It’s easy to fall in love with Westerly, whether you’re visiting for just a few hours or making the coastal town the home base for a longer stay.

One of the best ways to get to know a new place is to indulge in its incredible flavors. Downtown Westerly has a variety of restaurants and bars to try, but I was able to sample some of the best by The cafelocated right next to the renovated United Theater.

The burger at The Cafe in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of The Cafe.

The cafe is a fancy restaurant where, as the website says, “stars are treated like locals and locals are treated like stars.” Enjoy a relaxed, casual atmosphere, even in the restaurant’s upscale setting. I sat at the bar and ended up chatting with several patrons who come here often, and I can see why it’s so popular with the locals.

The braised lamb naan “tacos” with handmade chips and harissa-roasted heirloom carrots from The Cafe in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

The Braised Lamb Naan “Tacos” are a special treat that should not be missed. Full of flavour and prepared with tzatziki, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions, feta, greens and harissa, they are simply delicious. The lamb was cooked just right and goes perfectly with the soft naan. They are served with handmade chips that are also perfectly seasoned.

It’s always fun to see an open kitchen and watch the chefs prepare your delicious dishes, like at The Cafe in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

As an additional snack there is Traditional carrots roasted with harissa are also a crowd favorite – and are made with whipped feta, maple lime tahini, pomegranate seeds, and micro cilantro. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself scraping the bottom of your plate to make sure you have all of the whipped feta tahini sauce. It’s a unique flavor combination that you’ll quickly become happily addicted to.

The pan-seared striped bass with saffron-braised chickpeas at The Cafe in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

For the main course I chose the Pan-fried striped bass — which was made with saffron-braised chickpeas and a fennel, citrus and caper salad. If you like fish (which I am), you’ll love this dish—both for the striped bass and the chickpeas. But be warned: They’re so good, you’ll probably want the recipe, because the chickpeas are some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

The chocolate vinegar cake at The Cafe in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

For dessert I was allowed to have the famous Chocolate Vinegar Cake. The description on the menu is simple and reads, “Trust us on this one.” I second that statement and say that it is incredibly good and that if you like even a little bit of chocolate, you will love a slice of this cake.

The three-layer cake is served with a dollop of whipped cream and has a creamy chocolate filling and ganache that’s both decadent…but somehow not too sweet. The portion size is generous, so you can either A) share it easily or B) take it home and eat it for breakfast the next morning. Of course, that’s if you C) don’t gobble it down immediately when you’re served the cake.

The 2022 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Blanc at The Cafe in Westerly, RI. Photo courtesy of the author.

I won’t judge…it really is that delicious.

2022 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Blanc at The Cafe in Westerly, RI. Photo courtesy of the author.

The restaurant offers a full wine and cocktail list with fun names like “Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers” (Say that three times after you’ve downed the drink and I guess you’ll see how tipsy you really could be). I tried the 2022 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Blanc, which was light and delightful.

Business

Get some fun beach vibes at the shop literally named “Fun” in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

Find your Insta-worthy New England look at a variety of charming boutiques that have your beach glam outfits ready for you. There are also cute little shops where you can find fun souvenirs to take home. One is literally called Fun and is packed with delicacies from the sea that are, you guessed it, “fun”.

Charge

Wilcox Park in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

Westerly is home to Wilcox Parka beautiful park designed by Warren H. Manning, a former employee of Frederick Law Olmstead (who designed, among other things, Central Park in New York City).

Street art

The granite industry of Westerly, Rhode Island, has been immortalized in a mural between Shield Martial Arts (39 High Street) and Fret’s Guitar Shop (43 High St). Photo courtesy of the author.

There are several murals on the sides of the buildings. A mural between Shield Martial Arts (39 High St) and Fret’s Guitar Workshop (43 High St) honors the history of the granite industry in Westerly, RI.

Explore

Who says the Victorian ladies of San Francisco have to have all the architectural fun in your feed? Check out the New England-style homes in Westerly, Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the author.

Take a quick stroll past the shops and restaurants into the surrounding neighborhoods to admire classic New England architecture. The vibrant Victorian homes of San Francisco or the brownstones of New York shouldn’t grab all the attention in your feed.