South County Serenade

Self Guided Tour

Are you a Swiftie? Are you fascinated with Taylor Swift's music, her famous Watch Hill mansion that she wrote about in her hit, "The Last Great American Dynasty" and where she goes and what she does while vacationing in her South County home? This is the tour for you. We have put together a self-guided itinerary that will be a Swiftie delight. But you don't need to be a Swiftie to enjoy this South County itinerary. 

Stay

There are many options at different price levels, so everyone can enjoy this experience.

1. Ocean House

Stay at this opulent and storied hotel almost right next door to Taylor Swift's Watch Hill mansion. Ocean House is a Forbes Triple Five Star rated resort, for its accommodations, restaurant and spa. You can play croquet on the lawn or enjoy the beach - all with a view of Taylor's house. Even if you don't stay there, definitely enjoy a cocktail on the veranda or a meal. 

2. Watch Hill Inn

Ocean House's sister property, the Watch Hill Inn, is just steps away from Ocean House, but offers a little more space, with balconies, and suites with full kitchens. You can enjoy all the amenities at Ocean House, with a great view of Watch Hill Harbor. 

3. Weekapaug Inn

Another sister property of Ocean House, but set further away by Weekapaug pond, the inn offers laid back luxury. Enjoy s'mores by the fire pit overlooking the peaceful pond, paddle board, look for hidden fairy houses and enjoy some of the darkest stretch of night sky between Boston and NYC and stargaze. 

4. Watch Hill Harbour House Inn

This charming 100 year old inn located in the heart of Watch Hill is just steps from the beach, the shops on Bay Street, close to Ocean House, restaurants and more. 

5. The Villa B&B

Step into the Italian countryside at this gorgeous villa bed & breakfast tucked away just a few minutes drive from Watch Hill. Spacious rooms, a beautiful pool, gracious hosts and lots of privacy await. 

6. Margin Street Inn

Stay closer to downtown Westerly by the river at this quintessential New England bed & breakfast. Innkeepers Sarah & Chris Cooper are warm and welcoming. Enjoy a home cooked breakfast every morning. Stylish, spacious accommodations will make you feel right at home. The inn is a nine minute drive from Watch Hill and a walk to downtown Westerly where there are shops, restaurants and the United Theatre. 

Dine

Breakfast:

The Cooked Goose

While currently temporarily closed due to a fire, this breakfast and lunch spot is a place Taylor has been consistently spotted having breakfast at while she's in town. It's a favorite with both locals and visitors. 

Dave's Coffee (Charlestown, RI)

Dave's Coffee is a Rhode Island staple. Try their innovative coffee or tea concoctions, their baked goods or breakfast sandwiches and take home a bag of your favorite roast and some coffee syrup for later, or as gifts.

Ocean House

Even if you're not staying at Ocean House, breakfast there is something special and a great way to experience the quiet beauty of this storied hotel and the spectacular views. 

Sift Bake Shop

The Watch Hill location of this classic French bakery is right on Bay Street, steps from Ocean House, Watch Hill Inn or Watch Hill Harbour House. Their pastries are scrumptious and the coffee is excellent. It's great for breakfast pastries, or desserts for later in the evening. 

Nana's Westerly

THE place for brunch in downtown Westerly. Homemade breads, fantastic coffee, and creative cocktails. 

Lunch:

Ten Sandwiches

Ten sandwiches, not more, not less - that's the menu at this popular lunch spot in Watch Hill. There's also four salads. Their names are just their numbers. There's something for carnivores to vegans and everything is delicious. 

The Verandah Raw Bar at Ocean House

The Verandah sweeps across the southern facade of Ocean House. The outdoor terrace overlooks the pristine croquet court, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Little Narragansett Bay (and Taylor Swift's mansion). Fresh shellfish from nearby waters — succulent local oysters, clams, jumbo shrimp, and lobster — are shucked to order. The menu also includes savory light items such as a daily ceviche, signature lobster rolls, and an assortment of delicious sandwiches, flatbreads, and entrées. With oversized chairs and low tables, The Verandah beckons you to relax and enjoy a refreshing cocktail paired with a heavenly bite as you watch the waves crash along the shoreline.

Dinner:

Ella's Food & Drink

One of South County's finest dining establishments, Ella's is also where Taylor Swift and Lorde were seen taking cooking lessons from Chef Jeannie Roland. The menu changes with the seasons, but is always full of fresh, local, organic ingredients and always innovative and delicious. 

The Olympia Tea Room

Its slogan, "Famous, not fancy," perfectly sums up the Olympia Tea Room. This quirky Watch Hill staple, over 100 years in business, with pink walls, 1920s decor and paintings by part-owner Marcia Felber is a favorite among locals and visitors (and apparently, Taylor Swift). Lobster rolls served on croissants, creative cocktails and more all make this a must-visit restaurant. 

COAST at Ocean House

One of Condé Nast Traveler's "World Best Waterfront Restaurants" - the only one recognized in New England. COAST offers a prix fixe menu that changes with the seasons showcasing the finest ingredients from local farms. 

River Bar

Located in downtown Westerly by the river, hence the name, River Bar has a wonderful atmosphere, offering local ingredients and New England classics. They were named "Best new restaurant, 2024" by Esquire Magazine.

The Café

"Where stars are treated like locals, and locals are treated like stars." That's their motto over at the The Café and possibly why this would attract Taylor Swift here. Creative comfort food and equally creative cocktails, this is the place for a romantic dinner before a movie or a show next door at the United Theatre. There is even a machine that prints out literary blurbs - how cool is that?

Sweet Treats

We all know TayTay loves sweet treats and often bakes herself. Here are some places to indulge while you're here:

St. Clair Annex

Grab an ice cream as you walk around Bay Street in Watch Hill at this South County staple since 1887.

Knead Doughnuts

Who doesn't need a doughnut every once in a while? These are not your typical doughnuts. Extra large, extra fluffy and so delicious, you'll be addicted. Check out the Westerly location while you're here.

The Candy Box

If you've got a sweet tooth for candy, this family owned candy shop in Watch Hill is a must for candy lovers.

Shopping:

While we don't know (and can't share) every place that Taylor has been spotted shopping at in South County. Here are some we either know she's been to, or think she'd definitely go to:

McQuade's Marketplace - Taylor Swift has been spotted buying groceries at this Westerly market.

OMO Jewels - Great for gifts as well as clothing and accessories.

Galapagos Boutique - clothing and accessories for men and women in Charlestown, next door to Dave's Coffee.

Bay Breeze Interiors - We could see Taylor shopping for house things and gifts at this Watch Hill shop.

J. McLaughlin - Perhaps there's something for both Taylor and Travis at this classic clothing shop in Watch Hill.

Walker & Wade - Something for the whole family at this beachy boutique.

Pearls & Plaid - It could be a Taylor Swift song title, but it's a boutique full of cute fits.

WH2O - Great gift shop with unique items. 

Three Island Lifestyle - We could see Travis in some of these colorful, island vibe threads.

Quonnie Farms - For groceries, flowers, ice cream, coffee and even gifts, this farm and farm store is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Martin House Books - We know Taylor loves to read. This bookstore is a book lover's dream. They also serve coffee, beer & wine, and some light food. It's a great place to spend a rainy day or pick up your next beach read.

To See & Do:

There's so much to see and do while visiting South County. Be sure to relax on one of our beaches. Stay close to Taylor and visit East Beach. Visit the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country at the Watch Hill Merry Go Round. Hike Napa Tree Point and walk out to Watch Hill Light House. Take a walk through Wilcox Park, designed by Warren H. Manning, a former associate of Frederick Law Olmsted (who designed New York's Central Park) and founding father of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Don't miss the United Theatre in downtown Westerly. It's a great place to catch a movie, or a show. Did you know they just launched a partnership with Nashville, Tennessee, called Nashville North, a concept of Taylor's dad, Scott Swift, creating a cultural bridge between Nashville and Westerly, Rhode Island, focusing on music education and creative collaboration. By connecting local educators and students with Nashville’s rich musical heritage, the initiative empowers the next generation of artists and educators, strengthening community ties and opening new opportunities for growth and exchange. Enjoy the water as much as you can, take a boat ride, paddle board, surf or kayak, or gaze at the landscape from above with a helicopter ride.

A Beautiful Bride

Every bride wants to look perfect on her special day and South County’s local B Lovely Studio is the place to go. Since opening B Lovely Beauty Studio, Brianna Hamilton has succeeded in building a team of professionals that go above and beyond to provide beauty and confidence to each and every client that they service. The B Lovely Beauty team consists of highly trained and qualified beauty professionals that know everything there is to know about the beauty industry. They take the time to get to know their guests and they understand the importance of listening to their wants and needs. The B Lovely team uses only high quality products including TEMPTU airbrush makeup, HD cosmetics and top of the line hair products. Whether your style ranges from natural to glamorous or vintage to modern the beauty professionals at B Lovely Beauty Studio can master any look for your special event.

Let their highly trained team of hairstylists & makeup artists beautify you and your wedding party at the convenient location of your choice whether it be in the luxury of your home, hotel, venue or at our studio location.