A Classic is Back
By Susan Farewell
Several years ago, while visiting the Weekapaug Inn on the Rhode Island coast, my husband and I met a woman and her two kids. The next afternoon, she was gone, but the kids were still there, only now with the dad.
“We have joint Weekapaug vacation rights,” he explained to us. “Neither one of us was going to give this place up because of our divorce."
I can see why.
Keeping Weekapaug in the family is a tradition that dates back to 1899, when it was first opened as a small inn by Frederick Buffum and his wife Phebe. It was owned and run by members of the Buffum family for four generations. Year after year, guests would return during the summer to enjoy the simple by-the-sea pleasures of boating, swimming and beachcombing. Seeing members of the Buffum family was always part of the experience, as was socializing with other returning guests.
As beloved as it was (not only for guests, but to the whole Weekapaug community), it was time for a change and so Weekapaug closed in 2007. Surely there were lots of long faces then—including my own.
Fast-forward five years and Weekapaug is back. Now, better than ever and…open year round.
After a $20 million renovation, the shingled Cape Cod-style beauty has reopened its doors. With the support and cooperation of the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission, the building is true to its historic heritage BUT at the same time, the modern luxuries we all love are there too. Think heated floors and towel racks. If you race in looking for your old room, you may be disappointed though. They have gone from 67 to 27 rooms with an additional four two-bedroom suites—giving all the rooms more space to spread out.
One of the many things northeastern families have always loved about Weekapaug is the feeling that you’ve gone to a remote seaside destination without actually traveling very far. From Boston, it’s an hour and a half drive; from New York City, about two and a half hours.
 Once there, it’s all about relaxing with your family or partner and enjoying the seaside. Weekapaug is set on Quonochontaug Pond, which is quite shallow and generally calm--perfect for wading, boating, and clamming. Follow the sandy paths from the inn’s entrance however, and you’ll come to the Atlantic beach where you can park yourselves in the sand and watch the waves fling themselves at the shore or jump in and try to wrestle them.
Weekapaug has kept all its simple lawn activities including bocce ball, shuffleboard and horseshoes but it’s also added a 75-foot lap-pool and a fitness center. There’s a resident naturalist who connects guests to the environment via educational outings including guided kayak paddles, bird watching, barrier beach walks, fly-fishing seminars, bicycle trips, clamming and astronomy sessions.
Another tradition that has endured the many generations are the meals at Weekapaug. You can count on getting all your coastal New England favorites here including cla m chowder and native lobster. There are two dining venues—one is simple while the other is a bit more dressed up and elegant. In both, meals are prepared predominately with ingredients from local farms and agricultural sources.
Also new…guests at Weekapaug have access to sibling resort, Ocean House’s activities and facilities including its OH! Spa (its Relaxation Room pictured right). Talk about wanting to keep something in the family…
Room rates vary according to the season and whether it’s during the week or weekend. In general, Pond View Deluxe rooms: $220 per night (September-April), $445 per night (May & June) and $525 July & August). Rates include breakfast. Both Weekapaug Inn and Ocean House are part of the Relais & Châteaux collection. Website: Weekapauginn.com.
Contact Farewell Travels to arrange your stay. You can reach us by e-mail here or call 203-222-7238 (EST).
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