Knew England Magazine

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table of contents

contributors

STA N DA R D S

anne graves brian sousa david scharfenberg

Founder's Note page 5

shane conroy

Letters to the Editor page 4

jennifer chan

Contributors page 26

jacob dietrich

karen cooper brennen waters

What To Pack page 27

jessica emery

Photo of the Month page 7

louise coulibaly

Events page 25

russell kerr elizabeth mccormick

WA N DER

STAY

last month volume 02

Festivals & Feasts page 45

From Guest to Friend

Southern Rhode Island is loaded with festivals — we're here to make sure you don't miss a single one!

page 34 Skip the hotels and motels and seek refuge in a coastal B&B for a unique experience.

Beaches of South County

Postcards page 41

page 8 The best beaches to scope out while you stay in South County.

Find out where other travelers stayed and what they feel are must-sees in South County.

Coast of Maine

this month volume 03 South County, Rhode Island

next month volume 04 The Berkshires

A Rich History page 24 Natural beauty and a rich heritage have drawn families to the Ocean House for centuries. Legendary experiences are infused with traditions past, unfaltering attention to detail, and uncompromised personal service for their guests.

NATI V E Local Flavor page 6 Cruise on over to the Ocean Mist for some crazy drinks, and even crazier stories. Quickly — this dive bar will soon dive into the sea, leaving behind only memories.

Tourist to Townie page 33 Ever heard the term "Shoobie"?

Here's how to avoid hearing the term directed at you.

A B SOR B

Talk of the Town page 16

South County Spirit page 39

A hand-picked list of the best local products, hang outs, restaurants, and shops in the area.

Grasp the spirit of the coast.

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letters to the editor

COAST OF M AINE volume 02: April 2013

I loved last month's Kennebunkport,

Thank you for creating a magazine that

I noticed in last month's issue that you

Maine feature. It was so great to read

pushes travelers beyond typical New

would be focusing on South County

the recommendations made by the

England attractions. I am so glad I pick-

Rhode Island in the month of May. How

Kennebunkport Business Association

ed up your last issue and look forward

exciting! I have been summering in

(KBA). My husband and I have made

to future issues! I am a NE native, yet I

South County since I was a child. It is

plans to visit one of the B&B's that was

am realizing there is still so much to

funny to see how many people flock

featured in your last issue. Thank you

discover in this area! I look forward to

to the touristy destinations along the

for such an great description of the area .

seeing issues relating to my home in

coast. There's much more to explore!

We have been visiting Kennebunkport

Western Massachusetts — t here are

for years and found ourselves nodding

hidden gems here that are often over-

along to each suggestion in your "Talk

looked. Many folks travel to this part

of the Town" article. Great stuff!

of the state to visit the BigE in the Fall

A fellow traveler, Carolyn McCarthy

or Six Flags NE in the Summer, but few know about the beautiful scenery of the Berkshires and the quaint towns.

Keep up the good work, John DeMarche

I live in a small village called Quonnie which receives very little tourists. It will be interesting to see how your articles affect these little-known towns and villages. I know many locals worry about tourists infiltrating the area!

Knew England seems to be very respectful of locals, so I am not too concerned.

Looking forward to the next issue!

Best, Taylor Raleigh

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founder's note

REINVENT TR AVEL We believe that our readers are the avid travel — travelers who seek a different experience in often-visited locations. You are a curious group, and travel is an integral part of who you are.

Since the launch of knew england magazine, we have established ourselves as the voice of experiential travel in New England. We encourage our readers to be unlike your average traveler. knew england strives to uncover the true essence of each New England destination, focusing on what makes that location unique according to those who know it best — the natives. More and more people are look-

let's get in touch Questions, Concerns, or Corrections?

email: info@knewengland.com write: Knew England Headquarters 108 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02115

ing to experience a place the way the locals do, and to go beyond the typical escapist vacation.

I hope your upcoming excursions open your eyes and bring you all that travel can.

Good travels,

Jenna Carando cofounder & ceo

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local flavor

YOU'RE DRINKING The Mary Ann A devastating concoction named after the equally unique bartender who created it — a bizarre combination of butterscotch schnapps, Bailey's, Kahlua, chocolate syrup, vanilla vodka, Jameson, espresso vodka, and just a touch of iced coffee.

LOCAL LORE The Ocean Mist is the type of place where the owner, Kevin Finnegan, a pony-tailed, flip-flopped surfer, will sit down across from you at the bar and quietly order a pint.

The deck of the Mist — m ade up of only a tiny tiki bar called the Bomba

DAV ID SCH A RFENB ERG

The shoreline at the Ocean Mist Bar in Matunuck

That sort of fatalism seems to be the norm at

is swiftly eroding. But the regulars are more than

the Ocean Mist. But it doesn't keep anyone away.

willing to follow the watering hole into the sea. Few

Indeed, it seems a strange sort of beacon. "This is

houses of sin inspire the allegiance that attaches

my Titanic," said Alan Price, standing firm on the

Mecca. It juts out over the tides, with a view of adjoining beaches, Block Island, and many of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. Surfers crowd the end of it to check the waves, locals blow

to the Ocean Mist, a gloriously run-down watering

deck. "I'm going down with the place." Donna and

hole that offers up live reggae, pool, and no great

Jeff Yorty regulars of the Mist since 1980 claim

assurance that it will remain upright.

that "Whenever there's bad weather, we gravitate

below and order another pitcher to

here. We want to be here when it happens, and

combat the hot sun. This is the scene

The place is solid for now, but the long-term prognosis isn't good — the beach at its foot is eroding worse than any stretch of shoreline in all of southern New England.

Kevin Finnegan, who has owned the bar since

we just happen to like the view of the storm."

Destruction is not inevitable. Retreat, needless to say, is not all that popular in Matunuck. "We're not the French Army," said the bar owner. "Stand

1988, recalls a time when the degenerates on the

and Fight" seems to be the mantra. And the Mist,

porch could pass down drinks to the beach below

Finnegan assured me, will be here for a long time.

with no trouble at all. One woman told me she recently passed out beneath the deck and awoke with a ball of seaweed in her hand and piles of

Yet, the ocean continues its steady creep. What, I asked him, if the unimaginable came to pass?

"It's wood," he said. "It would float."

smoke rings on the edge of the deck, drinkers check out the sunbathers

that led Esquire to vote the Ocean Mist one of the best bars in America.

The Mist is full of memories for me.

I remember sneaking into concerts there; having friends yank us over the railing after we’d climbed the smooth, sea-bleached pilings. The place could get to be so crowded with dancers that the floor would threaten to sink

sand in her pockets. She calls it the "Jack Daniel's

into the sand.

effect." Drunken disregard for the elements seems

The Mist endures, too; most recently

to be a defining feature of the Ocean Mist crowd.

Other Mist lovers speak to a more transcendent charm — a strange alchemy of ocean air, live music,

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Shack, and a few tables, is the Mist’s

making it through Hurricane Sandy with the kind of stubborn luck and pride that we all wish we had. Next

and comfortable mingling of the classes. "It's going

time you’re there, if you do see Kevin,

to be a very sad moment when this place falls into

buy him a beer on me.

the ocean," she said. "It's bound to happen, though."

— brian sousa, matunuck resident

knew england

photo of the month

“ SERENITY ” Katherine Gilpin

ke: Tell us a little about your photo — where was it taken and what inspired you to snap the shot?

gilpin: Last summer, I was vacationing in Charlestown in a small village called Quonochontaug. The entire area seems to embody serenity. I came across this beautiful boat, "Amelia Buccolo," while walking along the docks on Quonnie Pond. I couldn't resist snapping a photo!

submit a photo volume 04: Groton Long Point, CT email to: photocontest@knewengland.com

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AN N E G RAV E S

south county is a real state of mind, locals arE ABSOLUTELY ferocious about it knew england

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there's a beach, and a beach town, for everyone in this pocket of the ocean state

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east beach This beach, located between two breachways, this beach is perfect for those who don’t want to be disturbed by the hoards of tourists while surfing or sunning. Surfers can often be found at East Beach, either along the shore or in the beautiful water, waiting to catch the perfect wave.

the ocean house The stunning Ocean House perches above the ocean.

The inn, originally built in the late 1800’s, is both a popular destination for tourists and a source of pride for the locals.

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UNINTERRUPTEd, UNDEVELOPED MILES OF SAND

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quonochontaug A small village located in Charlestown, is home to six beaches. Each beach offers a view of the beautiful Block Island Sound, and on most clear days the silhouette of Block Island is fully visible.

“Quonnie” is home to many families who have owned homes there for generations.

Picnic Rock in East Beach is shown to the right, while Central Beach is below.

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narr aganset t Gansett offers some of the best surfing in New England.

If surfing isn't exactly your speed, beach-goers can go fishing or crabbing.

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A hand-picked selection of bites, boutiques, and brews by those who know the area best — the locals.

CH R ISTI NA'S Westerly & Watch Hill

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Westerly

BA K ERY Charlestown

For nearly 25 years, Christina’s Ltd.

Sandy’s offers the finest selection of

Born in 1993 with the belief that food

has been offering beautifully unique

organic produce, gourmet groceries,

should be fun, taste good, and have

clothing, jewelry, accessories and

coffee and teas, and freshly baked

morals. Open early and often empty

gifts set against a backdrop of antique

breads and pies. The deli department

within hours, the Bakery shuts down

porch columns, paneled windows

boasts “Sandy’s Own” freshly made

for the day at 11:30am. Locals know to

and assorted architectural treasures.

soups, salads, entrees and side dishes.

get there as early as possible to get

Christina’s also showcases their own

Their famous deli sandwiches make

secure the best baked goods in the area.

brand, Vintage Green — a line of bags,

Sandy’s a daily destination for beach-

The Bakery offers a wide variety of

embellished denim, dresses, quilts,

goers. Each sandwich is named after

freshly baked goods, coffee, tea, and

and dresses — made with vintage lace,

a local town, and natives love boasting

a breakfast sandwich for everyone —

fabrics, and linens.

which town’s sandwich is best.

from vegetarians to carnivores.

SOA P WOR K S

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SA N DY 'S

ACH I N BAC K

DADDY 'S BREAD

Chepache

Charlestown

RI Soap Works has become a local

Mac Hedgepeth of Achinback farm is

Daddy’s Bread is a one of a kind place:

delicacy. Inspired by the methods used

best known in Southern Rhode Island

a bakery with not a single human in

by past generations, Soap Works uses

as “the bee man.” What started as a

sight, just loaves of homemade bread.

natural herbal ingredients. All products

hobby back in 1989 with several bee-

A sign hangs in the bakery explaining

are handcrafted in small quantities so

keeping classes, Mac embarked on

the honor system. There’s a small slot

as to preserve the distinctive quality

a hobby that rapidly became a passion,

through which to slide a five dollar

and variation of items made by hand.

and later a profession.

bill for every loaf picked up.

Matunuck

MATUNUCK OYSTER BA R Matunuck

AUNT CA R R IE'S

ST. CLAIR ANNEX

Matunuck Oyster Bar provides local favorites to a crowd that is always willing to wait. Their menu and unique

Narragansett

Watch Hill

wine list complement the vibrant

Aunt Carrie’s is best known for their

This eatery and ice cream shop has a

flavors of local products from Rhode

clam cakes, which are still as great as

history that spans five generations!

Island farmers, harvesters, and

they were 85 years ago. They pride

For many Rhode Islanders, it wouldn’t

bakers. Their seafood comes fresh

themselves on their take-out, where

be summer without ice cream from

off of the boat daily, lending to a

families can sit and enjoy a summer

St. Clair Annex. This small restaurant

constantly changing variety of specials.

afternoon with cool ocean breezes and

and ice cream parlor has been a very

Outdoor seating offers an amazing

gorgeous views. Aunt Carrie’s has

popular fixture in the small Watch Hill

view of the docks, especially at sunset.

been loved by locals and tourists alike

village for nearly 70 years.

The raw bar places you right in front

for years. Customers can count on

of all the action, as clams and oysters

the unforgettable taste of traditional

are shucked right before your eyes.

Rhode Island seafood and cooking.

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BA K ERY Charlestown

Born in 1993 with the belief that food should be fun, taste good, and have morals. Open early and often empty within hours, the Bakery shuts down for the day at 11:30am. Locals form lines early in the morning to secure the best baked goods in Charlestown.

The Bakery offers a wide variety of freshly homemade baked goods, coffee, tea, and plenty of breakfast sandwiches to satisfy both carnivores and vegetarians.

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DAVE'S COFFEE Charlestown An old South County farmhouse is quite

GR EY SA IL BR EW ING

L A NGWORT H Y FA R M WINERY

a bizarre place to find a craft coffee roaster. The hot pink shingled building is home to a cozy coffee shop with a very

Westerly Grey Sail is a new craft brewery on the

Langworthy Farm was built in 1875

a unique line of coffee products, such

scene, specializing in fine, handcrafted

on the historical homesite of Governor

as a Rhode Island classic , Coffee Syrup.

ales and session beers. The brewery

Samuel Ward. Langworthy's winery

Dave’s is a Certified Organic Coffee

currently distributes a Flagship Ale and

offers wine tasting year. Their wines

Roaster and a member of Farm Fresh RI.

a Leaning Chimney Smoked Porter

are named after local communities —

to bars and restaurants in Rhode Island

Weekapaug White, Misquamicut Merlot,

and eastern Connecticut. Grey Sail

and many more. The wines can be pur-

offers tours and tastings every Saturday

chased at the winery or at local stores.

from 1 to 5 pm, opening their doors to locals and tourists alike.

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Westerly

relaxed atmosphere. Dave's Coffee boasts

NARR AGANSETT BR EW ING CO. Founded in Narragansett Gansett, as it is affectionately called by locals, adopted the ever-friendly “Hi Neighbor, Have a Gansett” advertising campaign after the second World War. Luckily, the slogan stuck. By 1955, Gansett was the number one choice of consumers and the largest selling beer in New England. By 1957, the Narragansett Brewing Company was the last remaining brewery in the small ocean state. Locals cherish the brand as a sign of empowerment for Rhode Island. Gansett still pushes the “Hi Neighbor” campaign to this day, embracing the neighborly sentiment common of many Rhode Islanders.

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