Literature and film serve as passageways to faraway lands and allow us fascinating glimpses into mystical worlds beyond our borders. But when the last page of the book is read, or the movie credits begin to roll, we are sadly left to sit with a story that often ends far too quickly. Imagine if you could continue the adventure and enjoy an incredible meal at a fantasy-inspired restaurant that feels like you are literally stepping into a Tolkien novel? I recently had the unique opportunity to spend an unforgettable night of cozy candlelit dining at a hobbit house restaurant in Rhode Island, and let me tell you, this immersive dining experience is not to be missed.
The Hobbit Houses are located at The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort, a sprawling 3,500-acre property in Richmond, Rhode Island. Three separate restaurants are nestled into this peaceful setting; each restaurant offers guests a storybook journey filled with upscale cuisine and fine Maker’s Mark bourbon pairings.
This Hobbit House Restaurant Is Straight Out of a Fantasy Novel
During a recent visit to The Preserve, my daughter and I experienced the fantasy for ourselves. We first spent the afternoon exploring the forested grounds, which are filled with luxurious amenities such as a spa, equestrian center, and an 18-hole golf course, as well as a variety of accommodations to suit every visitor’s taste. When it was time to set out on our Hobbit House dining adventure, a friendly Preserve staff member escorted us from the spacious Hilltop Lodge and transported us via golf cart down a serene forested path that led to a quaint fairytale house tucked between giant boulders.
I was so excited to view the interior of this eccentric stone building that would serve as our private setting for the evening. However, I couldn’t help but stop for a moment to take photos in front of its round, blue door, the perfect background for digitally documenting this unique Rhode Island dining experience. The door opened, and we stepped into an intimate room that smelled of freshly baked pastries.
A Rhode Island Restaurant Filled With Hobbit-Inspired Details
As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I looked around and took in all of the building’s charming details. A fire burned before us, and flickering candles melted throughout the stone-walled room. A few were tucked into a crevice of a boulder that served as one of the restaurant’s walls. The whimsical dining room was decorated with large goblets and a few old books. Tiny windows let in the last bits of daylight.
A Rhode Island Restaurant with a Hobbit-Approved Menu
Each Hobbit House dinner offers a private experience for up to eight guests. Since it was only the two of us, my daughter and I had the whole house to ourselves. As we sat down across from each other at a large table made from repurposed whisky barrels, we were greeted by our hostess, Michaela, who spent some time reviewing the prix fixe menu, which was made up of four courses of upscale dishes, each paired with a distinct Maker’s Mark bourbon…