South County is a wonderful place to vacation in the summer because of the beaches, sun, and charming small towns, but have you thought about visiting in the winter?
The good news for those looking for a winter getaway is that South County has plenty of events to keep you occupied, even around the holidays.
In fact, there’s a surprising abundance of New Year’s Eve events in South County to meet anyone’s tastes.
Here’s a look at some of the best ways to ring in 2022 in coastal Rhode Island.
Various Concerts and Parties
Of course, one of the primary New Year’s Eve events you might want to attend is a concert or party. Fortunately, South County has you covered.
Ocean Mist, which sits right on the water in South Kingstown, is hosting a concert by Steve Smith & the Nakeds on the night of December 31. The show starts at 8:30 PM and continues until midnight, featuring many of the band’s rhythm and blues hits from their 48-year career. The concert costs $30 per ticket.
The Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston is hosting a dance party on New Year’s Eve featuring the music of Fabulous Neal & The Vipers. The show starts at 9:00 PM and continues past midnight, as the band will perform a mix of original music and all-time classics. Tickets are $25 and are available online.
If your vacation rental is located in Watch Hill, the annual Gala at Ocean House is worth checking out. This event, which starts at 9:15 and continues into the early hours of the morning, includes dinner, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and a private table. There’s also a band. You’ll need to reserve your spot ahead of time, and tickets are $250 each.
The Windjammer Surf Bar in Westerly is hosting a party, too, featuring Never Enuff and a special New Year’s menu. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with dinner starting at 6:00 and the band taking the stage at 9:00. Tickets aren’t necessary, but booking a table through the restaurant’s website is recommended.
Dinner at Coast Guard House or the Breachway Grill
Those looking for something a little quieter, such as an excellent meal before returning to their vacation rental for midnight, will also have options in South County.
The Coast Guard House, one of the region’s best-known restaurants, is hosting a special New Year’s dinner featuring favorites like surf and turf, saffron bucatini, and grilled porcini risotto.
Likewise, the Breachway Grill in Charlestown serves a dinner buffet starting at 7:00 PM. The meal costs $75 per person, and there’s the option to add an open bar for $30. Entertainment by Larry the Piano Man is included, too.
New Year’s Eve Stargazing
Why not head to the Frosty Drew Observatory at Ninigret Park in Charlestown for some New Year’s Eve stargazing?
This event runs from 7:00 until 9:00 PM on December 31 and provides the opportunity to view the Orion Nebula, Albireo, Uranus, and potentially a comet using a high-powered telescope. The Town of Charlestown is also hosting a bonfire in the park, so you can make a night of it.
New Year’s Eve Stargazing is free to attend, although there’s a suggested donation of $5 per person.
New Year’s Yoga at the Studio at NBX
Perhaps the most off-the-radar New Year’s Eve event in South County is the yoga class at the Studio at NBX, a small room on the top floor of a bike shop.
The class includes the healing sounds of instruments like chimes, bells, steel drums, singing bowls, shakers, and a gong. There will also be a special guest playing the didgeridoo.
This yoga class starts at 8:00 PM on December 31 and lasts about an hour, leaving you more than enough time to center yourself before moving on to another event. The class costs $25 per person, and reserving a spot ahead of time is recommended.
Plenty of Options on New Year’s Eve
As you can see, you’ll find things to do for New Year’s Eve in South County, no matter how you feel like spending your evening.
If you’re looking for a party, multiple venues have you covered. However, those searching for something a little quieter will also have numerous options.
And you can always participate in the New Year’s Day Penguin Plunge at Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett the following day if you’re feeling up to it.
No matter what you’re looking to do this New Year’s Eve on the Rhode Island shoreline, you won’t be disappointed.