Dining at the shack …

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

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/

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 mul- tiple devastating hurricanes. flosclamshacks.com/

Flo’s Clam Shack - Middletown

Located at the border of Middletown and Newport (across from “First Beach), https://www.flosclamshacks.com/

Flo’s is open five days a week this time of year.

The region is bursting with opportunities to enjoy live music this time of year. Here are 9 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 returns to its waterfront venue at Independence Park alongside Bristol Harbor. Concerts are nightly from June 20 to July 2, with acts ranging from classic rock to country to today’s hits and Jimmy Buffet and Dave Matthews 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. www.westportrivers.com/ events-sunset-music

4. The City of Newport hosts a “Family Night Concert Series” on Tuesdays in July and August at Easton’s Beach (“First Beach”). Shows begin at 6 p.m., and parking is free. www.cityofnewport.com/visiting-newport/east- ons-beach/special-events/familynight-concert-series

5. Newport Live and the Norman Bird Sanctuary collaborate on a concert series featuring shows in June, 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