Summer Fun Close To Home Thursday, July 9, 2020
rhodybeat.com
Getty Images
Get Away Without Going Away
5 family staycation ideas that won’t break your budget (eLivingtoday.com) Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time, money or travel restrictions make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter. However, a staycation ‑ a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) - can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel. Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together. Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out
of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-theway restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before. Camp out in the backyard. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations. Set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to
the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy. Have a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish. Visit an amusement park. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value, as well as their COVID-19 protocols. Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com.
AREA BIKE PATHS Ten mile river Greenway
4.6 ★★★★★ 162 Google reviews Hiking area in East Providence, Rhode Island “Dog friendly and great for biking! Will visit again!”
lincoln Woods state Park 4.6 ★★★★★ 2,524 Google reviews State park in Lincoln, Rhode Island “Lincoln Woods is a staple of Rhode Island. With a large lake swimming area, expansive hiking trails and mountain biking trails, bouldering areas, and tons of natural beauty, this is a great place to visit if you are visiting in Rhode Island.”
blackstone Greenway (biking trail) entry
Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve
Lincoln, RI
Nature preserve in Tiverton, Rhode Island
4.6 ★★★★★ 111 Google reviews
“The whole path is paved, flat, and river-scenic. Starting at the far end in Woonsocket we went about 8 miles without crossing any roads.”
east bay bike Path
4.8 ★★★★★ 117 Google reviews Park in East Providence, Rhode Island “Amazing ride from Providence to Bristol. Sun, shade, water views, birds and cool people. Do yourself a favor and take your family, a friend or go alone. Can’t miss great time.”
calf Pasture bike Path Parking 4.8 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews
Park in North Kingstown, Rhode Island “GREAT BIKE PATH”
Trestle Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 103 Google reviews Park in Coventry, Rhode Island “My wife and I tried this bike path today and we can’t stop talking about what a great experience we had. By far the best around!! enjoy.”
4.6 ★★★★★ 147 Google reviews
“Short but good technical mountain biking; well maintained trails with roots and rocks.”
ryan Park 4.5 ★★★★★ 181 Google reviews Noth Kingstown, RI “Great place for mountain biking. Easy to hike. More fire roads than trails. No long loop trails. Expect a three mile experience.”
belmont Park
4.0 ★★★★★ 84 Google reviews Warwick, RI “Love riding my quad there and my son on his dirt bike nice and close to home ride the street there.”
arcadia management area 4.8 ★★★★★ 56 Google reviews Hope Valley, RI “The whole path is paved, flat, and river-scenic. Starting at the far end in Woonsocket we went about 8 miles without crossing any roads.”
big river management area
snake den state Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 620 Google reviews
4.4 ★★★★★ 2051 Google reviews
Nature preserve in Rhode Island
Johnston, RI
“Great place to mountainbike. Miles and miles of trails, but unfortunately they aren’t marked. Make sure to ride with a group that knows the area, or run a GPS app to find your way out. Most of the trails
can be found on the Trailforks app..”
“Such a fun place to mountain bike. You are bound to get your butt kicked here but it’s a ton of fun. So many trails to ride. Different difficulties. Something for everyone. Like.”
Don’t go without your Favorite Mexican Food!
Now offering Curbside Pick Up & Delivery with Grub Hub for our FULL MENU as well as our Family Style Taco or Fajita Dinners Place your order online at condesarestaurant.com
Condesa
restaurante mexicano & tequila bar
Authentic Mexican Cuisine - Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options 721 QUAKER LANE, WEST WARWICK, RI 02893 • 401.828.1005 970 DOUGLAS PIKE, SMITHFIELD, RI 02917 • 401�349�3935
DON’T FORGET TO GRAB OUR FAMOUS DON MARGARITA MIX....
Just add your favorite tequila!
INDOO R& PATIO DININ G N OW O P E N!
Maximize time spent in the pool METRO One of the advantages of having a pool right in the backyard is the convenience of being able to take a dip anytime you so desire. Spending time in the pool is a great way to kick off summer vacations — especially if that vacation is a staycation. The pool also is a fun gathering place for casual barbecues or hangouts with friends. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals says there are 10.4 million residential swimming pools in the United States. The Pool & Spa Marketing group has found that the number of pool permits issued in 2018 in Canada (the most recent year for data) was the third highest in the last 14 years, indicating a booming pool market that continues to show promise, especially considering that the data does not reflect many of the rural areas that do not require building permits for pool construction. With hazy summer days on the horizon, it’s time to dive into ways to maximize pooltime fun. • Carefully consider pool location. Those who are installing a new pool should spend time in their yards looking at the landscape, how the sun travels overhead and any obstructions that can get in the way of the pool. Then the pool can be properly located for ideal results. • Select upgrades. Certain upgrades can be added when pools are being built; otherwise, aftermarket additions can enhance the pool experience. Zero entry effects can reduce the number of steps or ladders needed, while a water shelf,
also known as a Baja bench, enables swimmers to play or cool off without being completely immersed in water. Diving boards or water slides can complete the package and provide some extra thrills. • Stock up on toys. Anything from aqua volleyball nets to climbing walls to floating golf games and even
inflatable hamster balls that float on water can amp up the fun factor. • Lather up the SPF. Pool time can be cut short if people are not diligent when applying sunscreen. Follow package directions regarding application, being sure to reapply regularly. Even waterproof products will need to be reapplied frequently.
• Offer a shady escape. Like a sunburn, heat exhaustion can compromise a fun day in the pool. Provide a shady respite, particularly one stocked with refreshing drinks like water or lemonade. Time spent in the pool can be enhanced with various additions and smart safety guidelines. SL206011
Take a world cuisine dining tour close to home
Enhance staycations with themed fun days METRO Staycations are an option for budget-conscious vacationers or people who simply do not want to travel too far from home due to mobility issues or other restrictions like a pandemic. Enhancing staycations with entertaining themes can improve the fun factor. While any themed day can be inspired by an active imagination, these ideas can get the creativity flowing. • Superhero day: Embrace your favorite superhero by dressing up in his or her colors, donning a superhero T-shirt or watching an action-packed superhero movie. • Pajama day: This is a fun theme for rainy days when Mother Nature keeps you indoors. Stay in your pajamas all day and enjoy a cozy, lazy day. • Alma mater day: Parents and children can pull out their trusted college T-shirts, sweatshirts or other school attire. Bake up some tasty treats in school colors and then find some old photos or look for highlights of your alma mater’s sports teams online. • Throwback day: Take a step back in time by playing games or engaging in activities from your youth. Teach youngsters about the toys you enjoyed or watch movies from the era in which you grew up. • Crazy hair day: Embrace bed head, plug in the curling iron, double down on hair gel or pomade, or put those wacky coiffures into full effect. • Cultural day: Tap into your personal heritage by researching your family tree and then preparing a meal that coordinates with your heritage. • Arts and crafts day: Get crafty by tackling a creative project that the family will enjoy. Or engage in individual projects before comparing the final results collectively. Push staycations to the next level with entertaining days based on certain themes. SL206013
METRO During these times when travel is not recommended, a staycation can be perfect a way to rest and recharge without having to travel far from home. A break from meal planning and preparation is part of the allure of traditional vacations. But just because you’re choosing a staycation does not mean that you need to forgo the respite from cooking nightly meals. In fact, staycations can be ideal times to explore the various dining opportunities your local community offers — even providing a way to “tour the world” through global cuisine. Many small towns and cities boast various types of restaurants offering a wide array of foods from countries around the world. The following are tips for maximizing your staycation dining experience. • Utilize technology. Let technology work for you when looking for restaurants. While a simple Google search will yield plenty of results, the app LocalEats can narrow down options to restaurants touted by foodies who prefer local businesses rather than chain restaurants. Rely on other apps for recommendations on places to dine, such as Yelp, Foursquare, OpenTable, LocalEats, and Zagat. • Plot your map. Make a list of the types of cuisines you want to sample based on regions of the world and match them to nearby
recommended restaurants. Your culinary tour can be narrowed down to a specific geographical region, such as Germany, or broadened depending on the restaurants in the area. • Learn about the culture. Do a little research into what comprises the menu of certain cultures so that you can select truly traditional dishes rather than Americanized versions. This brief history lesson also may offer insight into particular traditions behind food preparation methods. • Use their expertise. Ask the chef or restaurant staff to make their recommendations on what you should try for authentic dishes.
Many restaurants are anxious to share information and put together a tasting menu, even if it isn’t on the main menu. • Support local businesses. An added benefit of this hometown global cuisine tour is that you will be keeping money in the community by supporting local businesses. Encourage others to do their own restaurant tours by recommending certain establishments and sharing positive experiences on social media. Dining out is a key component of vacations and travel. Staycations also can incorporate a tour of culinary delights without having to stray far from home. SL206009
Summer Fun Close To Home Give Your Home a Whole New Look
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING & REMODELING
• KITCHENS • BASEMENTS • CEILINGS • BATHROOMS • GAME ROOMS • FLOORS We Handle Your Project from Start to Finish. No Project too Small!
Matola Remodeling & Painting Services, LLC Call Today for a Free Estimate
821-8411 or facebook.com/MatolaRemodeling
Insured RI Reg #21649
GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES
EcoView WINDOWS of Rhode Island
• Premium Quality Replacement Windows • Expert Registered & Insured Installation • All Inclusive, Transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty • Family Owned & Operated with Over 40 Years Experience
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 1745 Main St., Unit 5, West Warwick, RI
www.EcoViewWindows.com
(401) 615-5164
Reg. #42639
Summer Riding Camps for and Children ForAdults Kids and Adults
SIGN UP TODAY! LIMITED ENROLLMENT Aug. 5-9: Kids’ Camp
We are following all COVID-19 Safety measures to ensure a healthy,Hiking learning&experience for your children. Aug. 12-14: Horse Clinic
Feeling Stressed? We offer AdultCamp Stress Programs Aug. 19-23: Kids’ Trail Riding Please Visit www.steppingstoneranch.com For More Info Visit for a complete list of Summer Camps
www.steppingstoneranch.com Sign up Today!
Stepping Stone Ranch 201 Escoheag Hill Road West Greenwich, RI 02817 Barn: (401)397-3725