Watch Hill Update
The big news is SIFT! Adam Young, baker extraordinaire and fresh from winning Food Network’s Best Baker in America (!), has opened a second location in Watch Hill. Head here for ethereal macarons, a real croissant, sandwiches to haul to the beach, and baguettes to take home for dinner, plus all those stunning patisserie francais. 102 Bay Street
Sadly, Christina’s has abandoned Watch Hill, but fashionable shoppers can still find their mix of contemporary and beachy merch at their flagship in Westerly. You’ll find plenty of Free People, cute cover-ups, and beachwear at Rochelle’s, next door to Christina’s old space at 114 Bay Street.
I’m a bit mad for WH2O Collection, one of those intriguing shops that the more time you spend, the more you find. It’s packed, but well merchandised with beach bags, home decor, jewelry (from fun to fine), and these mesmerizing and minimal works of seashell art. 92 Bay Street
Boston designer, Sara Campbell, opened her eponymous shop last year but I didn’t make it over. My daughter and I stopped in at the beginning of the season and took full advantage of their 20% off sale. Sara’s aesthetic treads the fine line between classic, contemporary, and prep which means you’ll be hard-pressed not to come away with something. I snagged a pair of their notchback slim pants in a stretch linen blend (size down). You’ll find lots of easy summer dresses, cozy cashmere wraps, and these fresh and fun pieces. Knowledgeable sales help, too. 1 Bay Street
Foodies will flock to Charlotte Julienne for their meticulous selection of artisanal and small-batch foodstuffs. This food-blogging couple has stocked their shop with goodies to bring to the beach, bring home, or gift, like speculoos s’mores, Hayden flour mills pancake mix, gin kits, and those irresistible Torres truffle chips. 109 Bay Street
Huxster has sadly closed, but Element is moving in, with a selection of boho caftans, beach bags and, just in case you’ve forgotten the pail and shovel, sand toys for tots.
Hankering for homemade gelato? Find it at Gramma’s Gelato Cafe, next door to our (and everyone’s) perennial favorite stop, The Candy Box, on Fort Road. 12-14 Fort Road
We just couldn’t make it out of Christina Stankard without buying a new necklace; this is a must stop for locally crafted jewelry, cards, and gifts. The delicate baubles here are made from semi-precious and precious gems, and the prices are reasonable. Of course, I loved the most expensive item: this “Navajo” necklace, a rainbow of multi-colored sapphires at $375. 100 Bay Street
And for those that just can’t get enough of Lily Pulitzer, there’s an entire shop full, where the Ocean House boutique used to be at 31 Bay Street
Top image: classic barley pops from The Candy Box!
Here’s what we had to say about shopping in Watch Hill previously.
