n Fresh from the markets
n Strike up the bands
n See the land, from the sea
n Family adventures
n The sweet sips of summer
Welcome to the most glorious time to live in a glorious part of the world. Summers in the East Bay of Rhode Island and South Coast of Massachusetts can be spectacular. There will be scattered days of scorching heat and violent hours of nasty storms, but on the whole, this is a wonderful time of year.
If you’ve lived here long enough, you may be familiar with everything contained in the following pages. You may have visited every beach, shopped at every day-trip destination, and sampled the wines at every local vineyard.
My family and I have — almost. Collectively, the pages of this Summertime Guide illuminate nearly 80 local opportunities to experience summer, whether that be hiking a remote nature trail, picking through bins of locallygrown produce, or enjoying a meal a few feet from the water. Sometimes with the kids, sometimes alone, my wife and I have
visited about 90 percent of the destinations featured here.
We were an active family preCovid, but the pandemic launched a new level of local exploration. Rather than sit home and get on each other’s nerves, when venues were shuttered and sports and activities took a pause, we went exploring, often outdoors and frequently to new places.
We went hiking in Weetamoo Woods, and we climbed to the top of High Rock (if physically able, you must do it!). We visited every farmers’ market in the region, many times. We joined a Newport Harbor cruise and loved it. We took the long walk to the shore at Mount Hope Farm and experienced the small thrill of an explorer who has found a hidden land (if you’ve never been to Cove Cabin, you must). We found new farmstands and sampled their unique baked goods. And even though the pandemic has faded into the past, we’ve never really stopped exploring.
In these wonderful summer months, we go to food festivals. We travel for clambakes and chowder. We stop at the vineyards, relax into Adirondack chairs and admire the rolling acres of green. We sip morning coffee on a warm morning at Tiverton Four Corners and decide the next destination.
We bring chairs and coolers to watch live, outdoor concerts on lush lawns and seaside venues. We go to the beach, ride the waves, and traipse back to the car with pounds of sand clinging to our bodies and gear. We reach these summer months and long to experience as much as possible of what this sea-
son and this region have to offer. If you’ve lived here long enough, perhaps you have been to all these places. If not, I encourage you to try. There are so many opportunities, in so many locations — literally from East Providence down to Little Compton, Westport and Dartmouth — to soak up great summer experiences, that you could spend every offday, every holiday and every weekend trying to reach them all and still not cross everything off the list.
So consider this Summertime Guide a guide not just for this summer, but for the next few summers. You live in a glorious region, and I (and my family) encourage you to invest even more time in sampling all that it offers. Put down the devices, set off to new destinations, and explore new places. You may be surprised by what you find, and you may just discover that you love this region even more than you realized.
There are countless destinations if you’re interesting in being outside this summer in beautiful spaces. Here are 9 great spots to consider visiting if you never have (or even if you have) …
1. Weetamoo Woods - Tiverton
This enormous 650-acre, wooded area in the heart of south Tiverton borders another 250-acre conservation area, Pardon Gray Preserve. From the entrance and small parking area off East Road (less than a mile east of Tiverton Four Corners), visitors can access 7 miles of trails, pass by streams and climb (carefully) to the top of “High Rock.” East Road, Tiverton, R.I.
2. Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge - Warren
The Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, managed by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, offers picturesque views of the Kickemuit River that are well worth the trip. The property is full of hardwood forests and fields of flowers that attract butterflies in the summer months. The shorter length and flat terrain make this an easy stroll for children and families. A one-mile trail traverses the property. 99 Touisset Road, Warren, R.I.
3. Osamequin Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary - Barrington
This large area off the northbound lane of the Wampanoag Trail (Route 114) has 42 acres of trails and pristine saltmarsh property along the western shore of the Barrington’s majestic Hundred Acre Cove. The property is jointly managed and maintained by the Barrington Garden Club and the Barrington Land Conservation Trust.
Along the Wampanoag Trail, just north of the “White Church”
4. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium - Bristol
The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is home to a natural history museum offering interactive exhibits that explore local habitats and wildlife found in the Ocean State. Visitors discover creatures that live in a tidepool, observe marine life from Narragansett Bay, visit with Common Raven Zach, and peek inside a 33-foot life-size model of a North Atlantic Right Whale.
Situated on the 28-acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, ADA-certified walking trails start in at the Palmieri Pollinator Garden and wind through upland mead-
ows to a ¼-mile boardwalk through fresh and saltwater marshes to a majestic view of Narragansett Bay. Located along the East Bay Bike Path, the trails allow bikers and walkers access to the refuge's natural beauty.
1401 Hope St., Bristol, R.I.
The Audubon’s Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge is a lovely parcel of woods and salt marsh with winding trails that run along the Sakonnet River. The trail system weaves through deciduous woods and red maple swamp with many places to stop and enjoy the beautiful view of the river. There are 1.6 miles of easy trails.
116 Seapowet Ave., Tiverton, R.I.
From the white barn to the meandering trails and crystal-clear brooks, the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge is a place frequented by nature enthusiats and wildlife alike. With nearly 200 acres of fields, forests, streams, and ponds, Caratunk offers miles of well-marked trails is one of Audubon's most popular properties.
301 Brown Ave., Seekonk, Mass.
Lesser known but equally spectacular is this large wooded area in the heart of Tiverton. Accessible by a small parking area across from Tiverton Town Hall, this area is both natural and historic. Fort Barton itself includes a tower and fortifications from the Revolutionary War and the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island. The open
space includes 83 acres, with 3.5 miles of trails.
343 Highland Road, Tiverton, R.I.
8. Whitehead Preserve at Dundery Brook - Little Compton
The 188-acre Whitehead Preserve is a charming hideaway managed by The Nature Conservancy. Careful, historic plantings of native shrubs and wildflowers host a multitude of birds, butterflies and other pollinators. An easy, winding path circles three farm ponds surrounded by woods and open meadows. The preserve also includes a fully accessible, wooden boardwalk, which is particularly suitable for younger children and anyone with limited mobility. Forested wetlands, swamps and old fields support a changing variety of wildlife throughout the year.
374 West Main Road, Little Compton, R.I.
9. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge – Middletown
One of the grandest outdoor spaces in all of Rhode Island, Sachuest is home to a rocky coastline where visitors can see more than 200 bird species throughout the year. Nearly 3 miles of trails loop around Sachuest Point. The refuge includes 40 acres of salt marsh lands and steep rocky shorelines around the perimeter. Most visitors enjoy year-round birdwatching, and elevated observation platforms along the trails provide unobstructed views of the refuge.
769 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, R.I.
Most families know this corner of East Providence is home to one of the region’s unique treasures, the century-old Looff Carousel that has been designated a National Historic landmark. The carousel is a great destination throughout the summer, but the East Providence Recreation Department is creating even more reasons to visit the Riverside waterfront, with a series of Thursday night concerts, outdoor movie nights and a Summerfest in July.
crescentparkcarousel.org/events
Save the Bay Aquarium
Dive beneath the waves of Narragansett Bay at Save The Bay’s new Hamilton Family Aquarium in downtown Newport. The one-of-a-kind, 7,500-square-foot facility at the northern end of America’s Cup Boulevard allows guests to come face-to-face with the creatures and species that live beneath bay waters.
savebay.org/family-fun/aquarium
Bristol Fourth of July Carnival
Everyone knows about the big parade on July 4 in Bristol — home to the nation’s oldest, continuous Fourth of July celebration — but Bristol gives families a reason to visit every night for two weeks. From June 21 to July 4, the Rockwell Amusements carnival sets up on the historic Town Common in downtown Bristol, with rides, games and classic carnival amusements.
fourthofjulybristolri.com/carnival
Explore sailing through hands-on activities and exhibits that are fun for the whole family. Visitors take part in a personalized journey through thematic areas that begins with the selection of a boat. For sailors, they can select from one of seven on the screen; those experiencing sailing for the first time will be given the option of a short quiz that will help them select a boat. For all, this boat will become their avatar throughout their museum experience, guiding them through the interactive elements, several of which will be specific to their selected boat. The thematic areas are: Wind & Water, The Making of a Sailor: Mental, The Making of a Sailor: Physical,Teamwork, and Competition. The museum experience is selfguided and last 45 to 90 minutes. It is open daily.
thesailingmuseum.org
The Fourth of July Carnival
Longplex sports complex in Tiverton is opening its doors for “Summer Family Nights” every Saturday throughout the summer. Families are welcome from 5 to 11 p.m. for inline skating, bounce houses, cornhole and more. longplex.com
Recently ranked as one of the best parks in the United States for summer collegiate baseball by Baseball America Magazine, Cardines Field, home of the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, has a rich history involving the great American Pastime. Games begin at 6:35 p.m. on nights
throughout the summer. newportgulls.com
Prescott Farm
Prescott Farm is a colonial farm site in Middletown. See early American history in a charming country setting featuring an 1812 windmill, historic buildings, gardens and walking trails. Access to the site is free and open daily to the public.
The region is bursting with opportunities to enjoy live music this time of year. Here are 8 venues for outdoor concerts …
1. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum (Bristol) hosts a summer-long concert series on Wednesday nights. The “Music at Sunset” series takes place on the great lawn, with Narragansett Bay as a backdrop. Gates open at 5 p.m., concerts begin at 6 p.m. www.blithewold.org/event/music-atsunset-summer-concert-series/
2. The Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series draws big crowds to its waterfront venue at Independence Park alongside Bristol Harbor. Concerts are nightly from June 21 to July 2, with acts ranging from classic rock to country to today’s hits and Jimmy Buffet, Foo Fighters, Chicago and Billy Joel cover bands.
fourthofjulybristolri.com/concertseries-line-up
3. Westport Rivers Winery hosts a popular Friday night concert series in a gorgeous setting beside their vineyards, with shows 6 to 8 p.m. through August. By the time you read this, many shows will be sold out, but a limited number of tickets are released throughout the summer, so check for availability.
www.westportrivers.com/eventssunset-music
4. Norman Bird Sanctuary hosts a concert series with shows in July and August. All shows are at 7 p.m. at the sanctuary. Learn more at: https:// www.eventbrite.com/cc/newportlive-summer-outdoors-norman-birdsanctuary-2208699
5. Herreshoff Marine Museum hosts a “Summer Sunset Music Series” every Thursday beginning July 11. Enjoy concerts along the water, under the large tent, with shows from 6 to 8 p.m.
herreshoff.org/concerts/
6. East Providence hosts "Concerts in the Park" on Thursdays at 6 p.m. through Aug. 29 at Rose Larisa Memorial Park, across from the Looff Carousel in Riverside.
crescentparkcarousel.org/concerts
7. The Warren Summer Concert Series takes place at Burr’s Hill Park across the street from the Town Beach. Free shows are Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in front of the bandshell. Bring a blanket and chairs. www. townofwarren-ri.gov/town_government/departments/parks_and_recreation
8. The Barrington Summer Concert Series takes places Sunday nights in July and August. Free shows are 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Latham Park in the Bay Spring neighborhood. More info here: www.barrington.ri.gov/440/SummerConcert-Series
The Quencher pays homage to its past and brings Italian comfort food from scratch with fun cocktails, the classics, international wines and features live music, comedy & karaoke.
A brand new rooftop bar and deck with three season availability with the most unique and iconic view of Newport harbor. Only a few minutes walk to Perrotti park where Newport Ferry's arrive and depart.
Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Every weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to get something fresh for dinner (or snack, or lunch, or breakfast, or the home). Check out these farmers’ markets taking place regularly throughout the region …
1. The Hope Street Farmers Market
Filling a large green space at the intersection of Hope Street and Chalkstone Boulevard on the East Side of Providence, this market has been happening for many years and has a large following. Expect dozens of vendors with produce, meats, plants and homemade products. It also pairs most weeks with the Providence Artisans Market, with booths and tables from dozens of artists.
WHEN: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. hopestreetmarket.com/
2. Mount Hope Farmers Market
This popular market takes place year-round (winters in the barn and summers in the South Pasture) at one of the most iconic properties in the region. Dozens of farmers and makers
attend every week.
WHEN: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. mounthopefarm.org/farmers-market
3. Tiverton Farmers Market
Another year-round market with a growing following, it spends winters inside Tiverton Middle School, but this time of year it enjoys the fresh air at the Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, just north of Tiverton Four Corners.
WHEN: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. tivertonfarmersmarket.com/
This popular market takes places twice a week at two different locations. On Saturdays, it happens at 25 Enterprise Drive in Middletown. On Wednesdays, they set up on Memorial Boulevard, between Chapel and Edgar in Newport.
WHEN: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. aquidneckcommunitytable.org/aquidneck-growersmarket
5.
The front lawn of Hope & Main in downtown Warren comes alive every
Wednesday evening with locally-made foods, drinks, dinners and products. It takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. weekly. makefoodyourbusiness.org
A few experiences must be part of every summer in this region — softserve ice cream, a Del’s lemonade and a true New England clambake. Add a trip to the local clam shack to the list. The Narragansett-Point Judith region is home to some of Rhode Island’s most famous clam shacks, but these places rival any of them and are much closer to home …
Blount Clam Shack – Warren
Set atop a layer of white clam shells (as it should be) and sitting neatly along the Warren River, Blount has everything one would expect: clamcakes, chowder, lobster, clam strips, beer, wine, picnic tables, live music and a dock for boaters. blountretail.com
Macray’s - Tiverton
They have their own food truck and they do catering too, but they’re best known for their award-winning fried clams and clamcakes. Take out or dinein. They also have a full bar. macraysseafood.com/
Evelyn’s - Tiverton
Evelyn’s has been a local favorite for
more than 50 years. Tucked off Main Road alongside Nanaquaket Pond, it has all the favorites, outdoor dining and an indoor dining space. They’re open seven days a week this time of year. evelynsdrivein.com/
Flo’s Clam Shack - Portsmouth
Set in the charming Island Park area,
Flo’s has everything you’d expect in a clam shack, as well as a rich history that began back in 1936 — and survived multiple devastating hurricanes. flosclamshacks.com/
Flo’s Clam Shack - Middletown
Located at the border of Middletown and Newport (across from “First Beach), Flo’s is open five days a week this time of year. https://www.flosclamshacks.com/
Sometimes familiarity leads us to overlook and under-appreciate what’s right in front of us. Such is the case with Rhode Island’s premiere destinations.
We’ve all been to Newport before, so it feels all too familiar. Think again.
Rhode Island is home to beautiful spaces with unique appeal. There’s a reason why the Ocean State attracts more than 20 million visitors every year. Close your eyes, clear your head and open your mind to these five great daytrips right here at home …
You may not be able to spend an entire day at historic Tiverton Four Corners, but you can easily get lost for half the day and then head down the road to visit a winery, hike in a conservation area or spend the second half in the quaint village of Padanaram in south Dartmouth. Tiverton Four Corners is a quiet and relaxing destination for shops, eats and art. Dine in a rocking chair on an historic porch, relax in Adirondack chairs, or sit on a stone wall to enjoy some of the best homemade
been, Tiverton Four Corners is a mustsee.
The City by the Sea is a remarkable hive of activity in the summer. Stroll down the 3.5-mile oceanside Cliff Walk, take in the sights of the Gilded Age as you tour the iconic mansions, and take a ride down Ocean Drive to see the opulence and magnificent vistas. Head downtown to explore the vast array of shops and boutiques along Thames Street and America’s Cup Boulevard, hop on a charter boat for a harbor tour, catch a Newport Gulls baseball game at cozy Cardines Field, or stop in for a bite and a cold cocktail at hundreds of delicious waterfront or outdoor restaurants.
Nestled by Point Judith, Narragansett, is the quintessential coastal town of Galilee. Complete with charter boats, fresh seafood markets, locally owned shops, and some of the most authentic Rhode Island seafood in the state, this bustling Block Island Ferry, there’s no better place to go if you want a jampacked day of summer fun! If you’re looking for a more relaxed outing, Galilee still has you covered; enjoy delicious food and drinks at George’s as you watch a parade of boats
seaside drive-in movie theater.
Block Island
Westerly, the southernmost town in Rhode Island, is the perfect place for a day trip. Explore Napatree Point Conservation Area, swim and relax at East Beach, take a boat tour, or wander through the shops of Watch Hill. For some classic summer fun, take to Misquamicut, where you’ll find not only the state beach, but an arcade, bumper cars, a water park, and a
A staple Rhode Island summer adventure, just off the coast, is Block Island! Whether you choose to hop right off the ferry and spend the day beach-side or at the famous waterfront watering holes, or explore the vibrant array of boutique shops downtown, Block Island is the perfect day trip destination! While on the island, you can try horseback riding, parasailing, snorkeling or many more activities. Or escape the hustle-bustle as you walk, bike, or scooter towards the bluffs, lighthouse, and the Clay Head Preserve.
Not everyone living in this coastal region owns a boat (or is close friends with someone who does). For those looking to see these spectacular shorelines from a different vantage point, there are many ways to shove off and appreciate the region’s beauty with waterside views.
More than 150 years old and lovingly restored by a group of volunteers, Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is a great destination for all ages. A shuttle boat departs from Cranston and 10 minutes later docks at the magnificent lighthouse jutting vertical from the Riverside shore. Towurs run several times per week all summer long.
pomhamrockslighthouse.org
The Warren River Company hosts entertaining cruises up and down the Warren River, loaded with tales of local history. The captain leads daytime cruises, cocktail cruises and sunset cruises throughout the summer.
warrenrivercompany.com
More than a dozen enterprises offer
tours that launch from Newport Harbor. Learn about tours and cruises aboard
sailboats, catamarans, classic yachts and more.
discovernewport.org/things-to-do/ family-fun/
A great way to see all of Narragansett Bay is aboard the Seastreak Providenceto-Newport ferry. It carries passengers between India Point Park in Providence and Newport Harbor, with stops in Bristol as well. It can be a great day-trip excursion, where the ride is half the fun. seastreak.com
The Prudence Island Ferry brings vehicles and passengers between Bristol and Prudence Island daily. prudencebayislandstransport.com/
The largest boat club in the world has five locations in Rhode Island, including three in the East Bay. Members can launch boats from Barrington, Portsmouth and Newport. freedomboatclub.com
’Tis the season for sunscreen and shades, sun and sand. Here’s a guide to some of the region’s beaches — the big and the small — and what you need to know before going.
The big and the bold (these face the Atlantic Ocean)
Perhaps the busiest and most popular of all, it’s very likely this parking lot will fill up by late morning on a gorgeous weekend day. So get there early, or get there late (when the early crowd starts to pack up and go home), or go during the week when it is likely to be less crowded. Visitors will find a mile of some of the best sand and best waves in the region, a snack bar, restrooms and a surfing area. The beach is managed by the Town of Middletown. A seasonal pass is $180 for non-residents; daily fees are $35 on weekends and $25 on weekdays.
This beach literally welcomes visitors to Newport, at the beginning of Memorial Boulevard. Overlooking the beach’s western end is the famous Cliff Walk. If Second Beach is 1a in the region, this beach is 1b. With nearby bathroom facilities and a playground, it often draws families. Parking fees are also slightly lower: $100 for a season pass; $25 per day on weekends; $15 per day on weekdays.
Horseneck is a state beach managed by the Massachusetts Parks & Recreation Department. Located at the western end of Buzzard’s Bay, the beach extends for 2 miles and is accompanied by an enormous parking area. There are great waves and wonderful sandy areas, but areas of the beach can also be rocky (get there early to get the best spots). Parking passes are $14 for Massachusetts residents but $40 for out-of-state residents.
One of the hidden treasures of this region, this town-managed beach gets rave reviews — if you can get there. With preference given to locals, and with a relatively small parking area, it isn’t easy for out-of-towners to get a spot to enjoy a great beach. If they can, beach passes are $250 for the season; $25 per day on week-
ends; and $20 per day on weekends.
The small and intimate (These face bays and rivers)
This is one of the nicer “town beaches” anywhere, with a long stretch of sand facing Narragansett Bay. There is an area monitored by lifeguards and a fairly large parking area. Non-resident parking fees are $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Barrington residents can purchase a season pass for $30 or pay $5 per day.
Very small and intimate, this beach has a particular draw for families. It features a
recently improved playground and a very calm, lifeguard-monitored swim area along the Warren River. Parking fees (for the parking lot at Burr’s Hill Park across the street from the beach) are: $10 per day on weekdays and $20 per day on weekends for non-residents. Warren residents can purchase season passes.
This relatively large beach on Narragansett Bay is located near the entrance to Colt State Park. Accompanied by a playground and the town’s large sports complex, it draws both families and adults. Parking fees are $30 on weekends and $20 on weekdays for non-residents. Bristol residents can purchase season passes for $20.
This shallow, natural beach is located on the Sakonnet River at the end of Sandy Point Avenue and is great for families. Sandy Point Beach is equipped with picnic tables, and changing rooms and restroom facilities, which are open when the beach is staffed with lifeguards. Portsmouth residents can get a beach sticker for free parking. Out-of-towners pay $15 Monday to Thursday and $20 Friday to Sunday.
Though located just around the corner from Second Beach, this beach has a totally different vibe. Facing east toward the mouth of the Sakonnet River, it has fewer waves and typically fewer people.
This small, family-oriented beach in the heart of Tiverton has a small, lifeguard-monitored swim area facing the Sakonnet River. There is parking for about 50 cars. Parking fees (which apply to both Grinnell’s and Fogland) are: $150/year for non-residents; $20 per day on weekends; and $10 per day on weekdays.
A larger beach off Fogland Road in south Tiverton, this area is very popular with windsurfers and sunbathers. The parking lot holds about 200 vehicles. It includes restrooms, picnic tables and a playground. Parking fees are the same as Grinnell’s (above).
If you live in this region, you’re familiar with some of the grand, majestic properties just down the road. When’s the last time you visited them? Here are 7 places worth visiting any time of year, but especially in the summer …
1. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Located near the southern tip of Bristol, Blithewold delivers more than most — a grand, historic “summer home” from the 19th century; 33 acres of paths, gardens and beautiful spaces; and one of the world’s most unique, diverse arboretums. A great visit all year, Blithewold comes alive in the summer. blithewold.org/
2. Mount Hope Farm
It’s hard to imagine that the entire estate belonged to one family. Rich in history and beauty, the 127-acre estate along the southern Bristol shore of Mount Hope Bay includes historic buildings, gardens, trails, walking paths and a not-to-bemissed Cove Cabin at the far eastern reaches of the property. Popular for weddings and a year-round farmers’ market, it is open daily. mounthopefarm.org/
3. Linden Place
Often called the architectural “Crown Jewel” of historic, downtown Bristol, Linden Place is more than just a mansion (built in 1810). Its historic property is home to a magnificent ballroom, outbuildings and sculpture gardens. It is open for self or guided tours and has a charming gift shop. lindenplace.org/
4. Herreshoff Marine Museum
Not to be missed by sailors or lovers of
the sea, this museum overlooking Bristol Harbor is a result of more than 50 years of careful documentation, acquisition and restoration. Today the museum boasts more than 60 significant boats, ranging from the 8½’ dinghy, Nathanael, to the 75-foot Defiant, built in 1992 for the successful defense of the America’s Cup. herreshoff.org/
Coggeshall Farm Museum brings to life the history of middle-class farm families in the late 18th century. Set on 48 acres of coastal farmland in Bristol, the farm recreates the daily experience of tenant farmers on a salt marsh farm through live interpretation, historic structures, heirloom plants, and heritage-breed animals. coggeshallfarm.org/
6. Green Animals Topiary Garden
Home to more than 80 topiary animals and other figures for more than a century, Green Animals, built circa 1860, also blazes with colorful flowers from midApril through mid-October. The 7-acre property overlooks Narragansett Bay. Green Animals will host the exhibition “Sean Kenney's Nature Connects”through Sept. 10. newportmansions.org/mansions-andgardens/green-animals-topiary-garden/
7. The Newport Mansions
Everyone knows of the grand houses of the City-by-the-Sea, which offer a unique trip through 250 years of American history, architecture, art and landscape design. The collection includes nearly a dozen different properties, half of which are typically open for tours and visitors on any given day. newportmansions.org/
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Several families have invested decades into preserving their land and cultivating their arbors to produce a rich array of local wines. These 4 belong on the summer “must-do” list …
1. Newport Vineyards
Despite bearing the Newport name, this winery is actually located in Middletown. Most people pass it while driving down to “Second Beach.” The winery is a hive of activity, with tours, many special events and live concerts. The property is also home to two restaurants, a brewery, a tasting room and more. www.newportvineyards.com/
2. Greenvale Vineyards
Nestled off the beaten path along the Sakonnet River in Portsmouth, Greenvale is a sixth-generation farm producing small quantities of exceptional wines. They host food trucks and live music on the weekends, and they are always open for tastings and tours. www.greenvale.com/
3. Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards
Set on 169 acres of land in Little
Vineyards
Compton, this vineyard has been producing wines for more than four decades. They are open Thursday to Sunday for both tastings and grab-andgo food options. Guests are welcome to sit on the lawn or patio to enjoy. www.sakonnetwine.com/
Set on 400 acres of working farmland, this winery has been producing for four generations. They are open for tours, tastings and special events Monday to Saturday, they often have a food truck on site, and they are closed on Sundays. westportrivers.com
If you haven’t noticed, there’s a beer movement spreading through the region, where nearly every town has a craft brewery already in operation or on the way. Here’s a quick tour of the stops …
1.Narragansett - Across from India Point Park, the Narragansett Brewery is a large facility home to a four-sided bar, large dining area, enormous deck for outdoor dining, kitchen, taps and special events.
narragansettbeer.com/pages/providence-brewery
2. Crook Point Brewing - One of the newest to the scene, Crook Point overlooks the Seekonk River, the Red Bridge and the East Side of Providence. Housed in a building that was a hammer factory 100 years ago, the space is loaded with reclaimed furniture and period charm. They do not run their own kitchen, but frequently partner with food trucks, popups and local vendors.
crookpointbrewing.com
3. The Guild - The Guild, nestled in the Tourister Mill complex, is a large facility with long outdoor patio facing the Warren River and Barrington Yacht Club, a big dining area, a full restaurant and dozens of taps.
theguildwarren.com/
4. Six Pack Brewing - A nano brewery in the middle of Bristol, they are dogfriendly, offer 10 different brews, and are open five days a week. They hosts special events like a Tie-Dye Party, Pizza Night, Home-brew Workshop and more. 6packbrewing.com
5. Twelve Guns - Another small brewery in the middle of Bristol, they offer a rotating selection on eight taps, and they often partner with food trucks or pop-ups for food.
twelvegunsbrewing.com/
6. Pivotal Brewing - Pivotal has become one of the big draws to the newly Unity Park, a renovated former industrial park downtown. Pivotal typically has
week, hosts live music, outdoor parties, comedy nights and special events. rejectsbeerco.com/
9. Taproot Brewing - Taproot is on the grounds of Newport Vineyards and is accompanied by its own restaurant by the same name. They’re open seven days a week, host special events and outdoor cookouts and are part of the winery’s regular festivals and concerts. newportvineyards.com/brewery/
more than a dozen brews on tap, partners with food trucks and hosts an eclectic mix of special events, along with live music. pivotalbrewing.com/
7. Ragged Island - Newly opened as a farm brewery, Ragged Island is open seven days a week with a robust schedule of special events. raggedislandbrewing.com/
8. Rejects Beer Co. - Located just around the corner from “First Beach” in Newport, Rejects is open seven days a
10. Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling - Recently reopened after a large expansion and renovation, Newport has an enormous outdoor patio and beer garden, located not far from the Pell Bridge. newportcraft.com/
11. Buzzards Bay Brewing - Set in the rolling fields of south Westport, this brewery often has a dozen beers on tap, a food truck parked outside and live music on weekend nights. buzzardsbrew.com/
Sunday 12 noon – 8 pm Mon – Thurs 10 am – 8 pm Fri – Sat 10 am – 9 pm
SUNDAE FOOD TRUCK FUNDAY: Aug 11 CRUISE NIGHT: Aug 18
