We hope you enjoyed our last post, where we explored Groton, CT and the surrounding area. Groton is home to Pfizer, and the MCPHS/Pfizer fellows. Over the years, the fellows have gotten to know the greater-Groton area, which includes Westerly, RI and the surrounding area. Read on to find out more about their favorite places!
Pranita Chilakamarri is a first year, Global Clinical Supply fellow with MCPHS/Pfizer. Zach Kogut is an MCPHS/Pfizer fellowship alumni from the class of 2021.
Westerly
For folks looking to live in a beach town, Westerly, RI is a great choice. The city is home to several beaches and offers special beach passes to residents. This coastal location has also attracted the likes of Taylor Swift, who owns a house in the area. With a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops in town as well as beachfront venues, there is plenty to do after work. Westerly is a great town for fellows looking for an active downtown and an opportunity to put their feet in the sand.
For a public beach that dodges the crowds and offers free parking, spend a day on the shores of Quonnie Beach
Take a tour of the facility or unwind in the garden with a local brew at Gray Sail Brewery
When it’s time to impress with a fancy dinner on the beach, it’s hard to beat a reservation at the Ocean House
Newport, RI
Newport is famous for the spectacular seaside lookouts and the famous Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue. With this rich history and beautiful ocean views, it is the perfect weekend getaway!
Enjoy the beautiful Cliff Walk which runs through the eastern shore
Try the finest fresh-caught seafood with harbor views at the Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Block Island
Block Island is a go-to summer vacation location for folks across Connecticut and Rhode Island. The island is serviced by ferries year round and goes from a busy summer destination to a secluded island community in the cooler months. For great beaches and a variety of lighthouses to tour, it’s a can’t miss location.
Enjoy a frozen drink and live music on the beach at Ballard’s Beach Club
Rent a bike or moped from Island Moped to explore some of the more remote parts of the island
Before hopping the boat back out, stop for lunch and a coffee from Persephone’s Kitchen
Off-the-Grid Locations (CT and RI)
Another great aspect of the southwest New England area is the ease of access to nature preserves, parks, and outdoor locations that allow you to disconnect and experience the great outdoors
Just outside of Westerly, you will find Burlingame State Park and access to 3100 acres of woodland that surrounds Watchaug pond. The park offers both cabin and tent camping, and a number of hiking trails, including access to Rhode Island’s North/South trail, which runs from the coast up to the state border with Massachusetts
About 40 minutes northeast of Groton you will find Gillette Castle State Park. The highlight of this park is a 24-bedroom medieval style castle. This park also features a three mile hiking path along the private railroad track that used to cross the property
All photos courtesy of Pranita Chilakamarri and Zach Kogut.
MCPHS Biopharmaceutical Fellows' Network 