In 1988, Kevin Finnegan purchased the building that we now know as the Ocean Mist with a commitment to preserving the building’s history and providing a live music venue for South County. Since then, the Ocean Mist has become a place of community for locals and a destination for visitors from all over the globe. People come to enjoy the ocean view, menu offerings, and cocktails. The Ocean Mist is known for its dedication to the music scene and features regional and national touring artists making it one of RI’s premier intimate concert venues.
In 2018, The Mist celebrated its 30th anniversary, an impressive achievement! With 34 years of business under his belt, you would think the owner would be just enjoying the ride of a successful time-tested business. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
Over three decades later, Kevin Finnegan continues to stay true to his word by preserving the nostalgic way of life in Matunuck while focusing on the revitalization of the village. By acquiring the several businesses adjacent to the Ocean Mist, Kevin Finnegan has been able to maintain these thriving businesses rather than watch them be replaced by oceanfront homes.
The result is a family of businesses within walking distance from each other known as the Village of Matunuck. The Village of Matunuck is made up of the Ocean Mist, The Pub in Matunuck, Matunuck Pizza Pie Co., Surfside Coffee, Matunuck Surf Shop, Point Break Cottages, and the newly acquired Admiral Dewey Inn. Within the family of businesses but not within walking distance, is the Block Island Pizza Pie Company located on (you guessed it) Block Island.
The Village of Matunuck hosts two special seasonal events to support local businesses and artists: the Village of Matunuck Holiday Stroll in December and a Matunuck Spring Stroll in April. The strolls are a night of shopping local artisans, gathering with friends, and enjoying tasty food & festive drinks! The fun strolls include raffle prizes and live music.
Here’s a little snapshot of the businesses you will find on your next visit to the Village of Matunuck:
The Pub in Matunuck (formerly known as Joyce’s Pub and Tara’s) is an Irish pub with an extensive menu that also includes breakfast. Entertainment is offered at The Pub on a smaller scale than its sister Ocean Mist next door. The mid and rooftop decks at The Pub provide a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean with Block Island in sight on a sunny day. In addition to music, The Pub often has special events like their signature Pub-E-Okie on Sundays, Trivia on Wednesdays, and Rooftop Raw Bar on Thursdays. www.thepubmtk.com
Located across from the beach you will find the Matunuck Pizza Pie Company & Surfside Coffee, a quaint takeout pizza shop serving gourmet calzones and pizzas specializing in New York style thin crust. The menu also features appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. A cozy outdoor seating patio makes for a fun in the sun place to enjoy a slice or two on a nice day. Delivery is available in select areas on the weekends. Surfside Coffee operates within the Matunuck Pizza Pie Co. offering morning breakfast sandwiches, pastries, treats, and of course coffee. www.mtkpizzapiecompany.com. The Block Island Pizza Pie Company located at 125 Corn Neck Road on Block Island offers a similar menu to their sister Matunuck location. www.bipizzapie.com
Founded in 2018, the Matunuck Surf Shop has been serving the local surf community and visitors with an array of surfing products, repairs, rentals, and gear. The staff at the shop is a team of experienced surfers who are knowledgeable, personable, and always willing to help with your surfing needs. The Matunuck Surf Shop is open year-round and is located next to the Matunuck Pizza Pie Company. www.surfmatunuck.com
Located next door to The Pub in Matunuck you will find Point Break Cottages, a collection of 6 cozy cottages for rent located on Matunuck Beach. Each cottage has 2 or 3 bedrooms and includes a deck with ocean views and beach access. The Cottages on the beach have their own private section of beach with The Pub and Ocean Mist just steps away. Rental offerings include two cottages across the street (2 & 3 bedrooms) with a more private setting. Just down the street, the 3-bedroom Pond House is also available for rent. The Pond House has 3 bedrooms and overlooks Potter’s Pond which is ideal for kayaks, paddle boards, or even a small motorboat. www.pointbreakcottages.com
The Admiral Dewey Inn located on 668 Matunuck Beach Road is the newest addition to the Village of Matunuck’s family of hospitality businesses. Built in 1898 as a family-style 15-bedroom boarding house that offered travelers room, board, and access to seaside enjoyment. The seaside enjoyment remains today at the Admiral Dewey Inn with 12 guest rooms as well as common guest areas including dining room, guest kitchen, front parlor, and a wraparound front porch. The inn is just a five-minute walk to the Ocean Mist and the other Village of Matunuck venues. www.admiraldeweyinn.com
And of course, we have the Ocean Mist, where it all began, and the heart of the Village of Matunuck. For over three decades, the Ocean Mist has remained a destination for top-shelf live entertainment and great food. Their menu includes appetizers, burgers, wraps, tacos, grilled flatbread pizzas, entrees, and more. Breakfast is served daily until 2:00pm. The Ocean Mist wears many hats, breakfast joint, beach bar, restaurant, nightclub, and concert venue. When it’s all said and done the Mist can be wrapped up in one word, FUN.
Summer weekends at the Ocean Mist are packed with nonstop entertainment. Regional and national live bands perform every Friday and Saturday night. Saturday afternoons feature live music from the Ocean Mystics with a special feature artist each week from 2pm – 5pm. Sunday Fundays at the Mist is the perfect way to wrap up your weekend. Each Sunday there is a rocking band from 4pm – 700pm. Come to listen & dance to some great music while enjoying your favorite beverage and a bite to eat.
In addition to live bands, the Ocean Mist often has special entertainment and food events like a Wing Night, Taco Night, Bingo, and Movie nights. These events typically can be found during the cooler months of the year when the beach is not the star attraction. The Ocean Mist and family of businesses encourage you to visit their village neighbors: Seaview Market, Theatre by the Sea, and The Original Vanilla Bean.
To stay up to date on all artists, entertainment, and specials at the Ocean Mist visit www.OceanMist.net and www.facebook.com/TheOceanMist. The Ocean Mist is located at 895 Matunuck Beach Rd, South Kingstown (Matunuck), RI. RI Blogger has put together a list of Ocean Mist events not to be missed on our calendar below:
june, 2023
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