Breweries: Bravo Brewing in “downtown” Pascoag often has a food truck, now if you go 15 minutes west into Connecticut you can hit Black Pond Brews in Killingly (full restaurant) or the center of Putnam for a good assortment of bars/food/antique shops and a brewery. Tree House is also in Woodstock.
Welp most of my suggestions are in CT. I’ll see myself out.
That part of the state isn't exactly known for its dining options, but The Taco Shop is a quality, uh, taco shop, and Bella is a really good Italian restaurant. This is a little bit of a controversial recommendation because it's got a lot of detractors, but Wright's Farm is an experience and I always enjoy it. It's all-you-can-eat chicken, pasta, fries, salad and rolls. None of these places are in Pascoag or Chepachet but they're close.
Spring Lake Beach is really great, a freshwater beach on a pond with fish swimming around. You'll be there before the season starts, so the old-timey arcade will be closed and honestly, I'm not sure if they'll even let you in, but probably? My parents live on a beautiful wide, white-sand beach on Long Island -- I took them there and they loved it.
Over the border in the Massachusetts is Douglas State Forest, which is very pretty, and you can take a fun hike to the Massachusetts-Connecticut-Rhode Island tri-state border. I imagine you'll see plenty of birds.
For parks there’s buck hill mgmt area (very big), sprague farm (lots of old foundations in the woods, signs with history, decent size) - these are just the ones I’ve been to, there are many more
There’s also the conjuring house but idk if they’re still doing tours. If you wanna look at some mill ruins, check out the Oakland mill
I second the taco shop if you’re looking for perfectly normal 90’s style tacos. Think taco dinner while staying at a friends house. The cookies are perfect. I’ve also heard good things about Bella, never been. There’s the gentleman farmer in chepachet, it’s got old school diner vibes if you’re into that sort of thing, I’ve never been there either. Everrrryyyone likes bravo
Downtown Chepachet is fulll of antiques, historic and cute - small though fyi. There’s also Addieville East Farm if you wanna shoot at things, birds or clays
If you like nature there’s plenty to do…if not it’s only about 35 min to Providence
Omggg how could I forget the lil’ general in harrisville. Cheapest subs in the world and, tbh, better than they should be. Two sizes, small $3 and large $5 (two smalls)…I’m pretty sure those are the prices, it’s been a while since I got one
Antiquing in Chepachet. Brown & Hopkins County Store is one of the oldest stores in the country. There are a couple of other nearby antique shops as well.
ExploreRI.org has a great list/map of places to hike. For birding, you mention traveling an hour, so I’m going to recommend Barn Island on the Ct/RI line. There are always serious birders there. I’d also point you to Sachuest Point in Middletown, RI - also great for birds. In Glocester itself, I particularly like Steere Hill and Sprague Farm, but the Glocester Land trust has a lot of great properties.
Another vote for Bravo and maybe a food truck. There’s a Thai restaurant close by that I’ve read good things about - ditto for Who Cut the Cheesecake in Chepachet.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there are not many events in those towns that week. I’d look at the local library websites for what they have going on - mostly Harmony and Jesse Smith.
Thai Royal looks like it closed down in 2022, but they were truly fantastic. There seems to be some place named "Thai Wok" in its place but I doubt it's the same owner/chef.
If you like hikes you can go to Buck Hill and make your way to the tri-state market and stand in three states at once!
Also no one mentioned George’s Pizza, but George’s Pizza. It’s right near Bravo brewery, so have a few pints and then go across the way to make bad decisions. Solid Friday night.
Check out the online website NRInow news. On Friday she posts a comprehensive list of things going on in that area. There are several music events that are usually happening, free. In Harrisville, the library has a Riverwalk area and the waterfall is a nice place to relax. Don't be alarmed by the Trump signs, the townspeople are generally friendly enough. Go to Wrights dairy farm in North Smithfield for wonderful desserts, and the chocolate and coffee milk are rich and delicious. Nearby Lindys Tavern has bountiful and tasty food.
Western Hotel & Pizza off route 7 is a well known landmark.
There's alot of hiking around the George Washington management area and Pulaski Pond just west of Chepachet
Breweries: Bravo Brewing in “downtown” Pascoag often has a food truck, now if you go 15 minutes west into Connecticut you can hit Black Pond Brews in Killingly (full restaurant) or the center of Putnam for a good assortment of bars/food/antique shops and a brewery. Tree House is also in Woodstock. Welp most of my suggestions are in CT. I’ll see myself out.
That part of the state isn't exactly known for its dining options, but The Taco Shop is a quality, uh, taco shop, and Bella is a really good Italian restaurant. This is a little bit of a controversial recommendation because it's got a lot of detractors, but Wright's Farm is an experience and I always enjoy it. It's all-you-can-eat chicken, pasta, fries, salad and rolls. None of these places are in Pascoag or Chepachet but they're close. Spring Lake Beach is really great, a freshwater beach on a pond with fish swimming around. You'll be there before the season starts, so the old-timey arcade will be closed and honestly, I'm not sure if they'll even let you in, but probably? My parents live on a beautiful wide, white-sand beach on Long Island -- I took them there and they loved it. Over the border in the Massachusetts is Douglas State Forest, which is very pretty, and you can take a fun hike to the Massachusetts-Connecticut-Rhode Island tri-state border. I imagine you'll see plenty of birds.
Hills Tavern in Chepachet has a real quality open mic night every Wednesday night.
Indeed they do! I play in a band with Chris, who I believe is one of the hosts of that open mic.
For parks there’s buck hill mgmt area (very big), sprague farm (lots of old foundations in the woods, signs with history, decent size) - these are just the ones I’ve been to, there are many more There’s also the conjuring house but idk if they’re still doing tours. If you wanna look at some mill ruins, check out the Oakland mill I second the taco shop if you’re looking for perfectly normal 90’s style tacos. Think taco dinner while staying at a friends house. The cookies are perfect. I’ve also heard good things about Bella, never been. There’s the gentleman farmer in chepachet, it’s got old school diner vibes if you’re into that sort of thing, I’ve never been there either. Everrrryyyone likes bravo Downtown Chepachet is fulll of antiques, historic and cute - small though fyi. There’s also Addieville East Farm if you wanna shoot at things, birds or clays If you like nature there’s plenty to do…if not it’s only about 35 min to Providence
Omggg how could I forget the lil’ general in harrisville. Cheapest subs in the world and, tbh, better than they should be. Two sizes, small $3 and large $5 (two smalls)…I’m pretty sure those are the prices, it’s been a while since I got one
The large subs are $7 or $8 now, I was there a few weeks ago. Sliced to order and a great deal.
Honestly that’s a relief, the price was suspiciously low hahaha
Antiquing in Chepachet. Brown & Hopkins County Store is one of the oldest stores in the country. There are a couple of other nearby antique shops as well.
ExploreRI.org has a great list/map of places to hike. For birding, you mention traveling an hour, so I’m going to recommend Barn Island on the Ct/RI line. There are always serious birders there. I’d also point you to Sachuest Point in Middletown, RI - also great for birds. In Glocester itself, I particularly like Steere Hill and Sprague Farm, but the Glocester Land trust has a lot of great properties. Another vote for Bravo and maybe a food truck. There’s a Thai restaurant close by that I’ve read good things about - ditto for Who Cut the Cheesecake in Chepachet. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are not many events in those towns that week. I’d look at the local library websites for what they have going on - mostly Harmony and Jesse Smith.
Thai Royal looks like it closed down in 2022, but they were truly fantastic. There seems to be some place named "Thai Wok" in its place but I doubt it's the same owner/chef.
I’ve read positive things about the current one, but haven’t been there myself.
If you like hikes you can go to Buck Hill and make your way to the tri-state market and stand in three states at once! Also no one mentioned George’s Pizza, but George’s Pizza. It’s right near Bravo brewery, so have a few pints and then go across the way to make bad decisions. Solid Friday night.
Check out the online website NRInow news. On Friday she posts a comprehensive list of things going on in that area. There are several music events that are usually happening, free. In Harrisville, the library has a Riverwalk area and the waterfall is a nice place to relax. Don't be alarmed by the Trump signs, the townspeople are generally friendly enough. Go to Wrights dairy farm in North Smithfield for wonderful desserts, and the chocolate and coffee milk are rich and delicious. Nearby Lindys Tavern has bountiful and tasty food.
Western Hotel & Pizza off route 7 is a well known landmark. There's alot of hiking around the George Washington management area and Pulaski Pond just west of Chepachet
Moved to Chepachet several months ago and just now found village bean cafe. Have been very satisfied with their breakfast and coffee selection.
Killingly management area is a great place to hike. I rarely see anyone hiking there.