for the HOLIDAYS
TIFFANY PEAY
JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS
Explore the power of gemstones with Tiffany’s
3851 Main Road • tiffanypeay.com • (401) 816 0878 @tiffanypeayjewelry
THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET
SAKONNET VINEYARD
Showcasing New England's special terroir through high quality wines @sakonnetwine • Sakonnetwine.com
MICK'S ARTFUL ODDITIES & ANTIQUES
Explore the world of oddities, unique antiques & unusual props.
3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 • @thecheesewheelri
MILUKAS STUDIO
with locations in Tiverton & Newport. Full www.loulousdecor.com
Art sessions offered for all levels, weekly multi-media painter and sculptor. kellymilukas.com/events • @kellymilukas COURTYARDS
FOUR CORNERS GALLERY
New Artists & New Art Works!
Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry
Hours: Tuesday-Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm Saturday 9:30am-5pm • 3848 Main Road fourcornersgalleryri.com • @fourcornersgalleryri
with fun & unusual gifts for everyone throughout the seasons.
WRIGLEY STUDIO & GALLERY
Companion portraits are special holiday gifts!
Brenda, a studio artist and educator hosts monthly visiting artists and weekly painting groups.
(401) 339 9676 • @wrigley_studio
CEDIAN PAINTING
Studio-Gallery of artist Jennifer Jones Rashleigh. Nature inspired wildlife painting, pillows & tiles. 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting cedianpainting.com
LOU LOU'S DECOR
The Buzz
7 Six stages showcasing Scrooge
12 How an impressionist’s home mural came to transform a Newport boutique hotel 16 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
18 VOICES OF THE BAY: The Middletown baker serving British family faves
20 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s
Home & Style
A17 HOME: A coastal condo gets a stylish refresh, ready for entertaining
A24 TREND: Create bespoke jewelry at this city boutique
A28 INFLUENCER: Meet the Barrington ballet dancer behind the mask
A30 RHODY READS: Six new releases for your TBR list
A32 RHODY GEM: Find seaside scents on Newport’s Thames Street Feature
55 Gifters get crafty with the help of East Bay arts centers
Food
& Drink
61 Classic holiday treats from a Warren-based bakery
66 Taste-testers invited to sample Rhody ice cream flavors
70 FOOD TRENDS: Gourmet gifts for foodies 72 PIC OF THE BAY
Cover Story
ULTIMATE RHODY WINTER FUN GUIDE: Sled, skate, and celebrate all season long
Photo courtesy of Blithewold
Photo courtesy of Portsmouth Art Guild
Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs
Photo courtesy of Wright’s Creamery
THE COVER: Newport Winter Festival is ice cold! Photo by David Hansen, courtesy of Discover Newport.
Photo by Elyse Major
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Social Security benefits can be a financial lifeline for many, yet the complexity of the system often leaves significant opportunities unnoticed. There are many rules and formulas that can be difcult to understand—and the Social Security Administration won’t inform you that you have unclaimed benefits. We recently worked with a client who uncovered more than $10,000 annually in unclaimed benefits. This success story provides a glimpse into the persistent efort needed to navigate the system.
Client Success Story: Maximizing Social Security Benefits
Our client was eligible for an unexpected financial boost by claiming SS benefits from both her ex-husbands, one deceased. With our guidance, the client will now see an increase of almost $850 per month in social security benefits. The process wasn’t simple, requiring multiple in-person appointments, documentation such as marriage and divorce certificates, and a lot of patience. However, the outcome clearly demonstrated the value of persistence and thoroughness in optimizing Social Security claims.
Strategies for Social Security Optimization
At AAF Wealth Management, we emphasize the importance of exploring all potential
sources of benefits. Our team uses simulation software to analyze claiming strategies, ensuring that clients make the most informed decisions about when and how to claim benefits. For many, early claiming can reduce benefits and potentially trigger earning limits or paybacks. And for samesex couples, there’s the added complexity of long-term legal considerations—as unfathomable and heart-wrenching as it sounds, marriage equality remains on the Supreme Court’s list of things to consider.
Personal Connection: Carmen’s Own Social Security Journey
Fun Fact: Kitty and I were the first same-sex female couple to tie the knot in Tiverton, RI in 2013. We recently marked our 10th anniversary and have been talking about Social Security planning, and how benefits fit into our long-term financial plan. Our story echoes the same diligence we bring to our client work—making sure every decision is based on thoughtful consideration of all available options.
In this holiday issue, we aim to remind readers that Social Security benefits should never be left unexplored. With professional advice and the right strategies, these benefits can provide a welcome boost to income— one that’s worth the efort it takes to claim.
774.512.4061 • cgrinkis@aafwealth.com AAFWealthManagement.com
THE BUZZ
On Stage | Design | Voices of the Bay | Calendar
Rhody Goes A-Caroling
Where to see six unique takes on the classic Christmas story performed live this month
By Hugh Minor
e’re no humbugs – Rhode Islanders love the annual tradition of viewing A Christmas Carol , Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale of hope and redemption, live on stage. This season, choose from six different productions across the state, from Westerly to Woonsocket. A treasured tradition since the novella first appeared in London in 1844, A Christmas Carol is the timeless story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve as they attempt to show him the error of his ways and make him a better person. You’ll have to see how it turns out yourself at one of these spirited performances.
An uplifting performance at Woonsocket’s Stadium Theatre
ICYMI, the big news is that Trinity Repertory Company’s production of A Christmas Carol has changed locations. This year, Scrooge and the Cratchits will be having dinner on the big stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center, a few blocks over from their usual home. For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, the drama will be held in a new setting due to renovations happening in Trinity’s Chace Theater. The relocation allows for new and exciting opportunities – including larger audiences
– but you’ll have to wait until it opens to see for yourself. Pro v idence, TrinityRep.com
If A Christmas Carol had been written in the 1940s, it may have been produced as a radio show like the play within the play in A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at the Granite Theatre. Unfortunately, when the Feddington Players get together for their Christmas Eve performance, there are more than spirits to contend with as technical and
professional components go awry. Comedy ensues as the actors rally together to save the play – and the day – by devising their own unique ending to the holiday classic. Enjoy a fun twist on the timeless tale without sacrificing the big heart at its core. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.org
For a completely different approach to Dickens’ drama, the Rhode Island Stage Ensemble has put together an original musical adaptation
Photos by Wylette Selvidio, courtesy of Granite Theatre
of A Christmas Carol at the The Assembly Theatre. Featuring more than 30 cast members, there will be plenty of singing and dancing as Scrooge faces the past, present, and future in a new role and setting overseeing a textile empire in 19th-century Rhode Island rather than Victorian London. Adapted by Harland Meltzer and Barry Rocklin, this fresh and innovative version is sure to be bursting with local flavor and talent. Burrill v ille, RIStage.org
SMALL WORKS” NOVEMBER 2– DECEMBER 30, 2024
& FORGERIES” JANUARY 18-MARCH 2 ,2025
Speaking of Dickens, the Historic Park Theatre & Event Center presents the author’s great-great-grandson Gerald Dickens in a one-man adaptation of the novella that he’s been entertaining audiences with since 2009. For one night only on December 2, experience the magic of A Christmas Carol as the descendant of the author bounds and springs across the stage as 26 different characters during this stop on his national tour. Given the complexity of Dickens’ one-man performance, the show is not recommended for children under eight years old. Cranston, TheParkRI.com
The Broadway World award-winning production of A Christmas Carol returns to the Stadium Theatre. Featuring beloved Christmas carols performed by a live orchestra, we could say it flies into the theater, but no spoilers! The classic gets a fresh adaptation as Dickens himself appears onstage to share how the terrible working conditions of the time provided his inspiration for writing his original novella. Staged at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in London in 2017 and 2018, this version is steeped in the rich tradition of British theater. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
Five talented actors play all the parts, sparking A Christmas Carol to life in this joyous production for the whole family by the Contemporary Theater Company. Returning for the first time in five years, audiences have been waiting to feel the unique energy and heart of this show in this treasured setting. Join the cast of stellar actors as they leap from one character to the next in their mission to share Scrooge’s story of redemption as he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
WHAT THE DICKENS ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Order tickets today!
Dickens performs a one-man adaptation of his great-great-grandfather’s classic
Gerald
Photo courtesy of Historic Park Theatre & Event Center
TURNS 50!
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• Highlight your business for as little as $459!
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Making an Impression
How a family’s prized home mural came to grace the lobby of a Newport boutique hotel
By Andrea E. McHugh
In the 2007 feature film Evening , actor Hugh Dancy twirls his costar Claire Danes around the elegantly hand-painted foyer of a quintessential coastal New England home as notes of “I’ve Got the World on a String” hang in the salty air. The scene didn’t unfold on a Hollywood studio set, but instead, at a prominent real-life stick-style home named The Ledges on Newport’s Ocean Drive, built in 1867 for the Cushing family, who continue to enjoy it today.
The Cushings opened the home up for the film, and the majestic manse was seen more recently in HBO’s The Gilded Age . So when Howard Cushing, the great-grandson of lauded American impressionist painter Howard Gardiner Cushing, was envisioning the look and feel of the grand foyer entry to Gardiner House, the 21-room boutique hotel on Newport’s Lee’s Wharf that was five years in the making with business partner Wirt Blaffer, he already had his muse. The only question was, who could ever recreate his great-grandfather’s whimsical mural painted circa-1905 inside The Ledges?
Cushing didn’t have to look far for his answer. With more than 20 years in the wallpaper manufacturing business, husband and wife duo Kyra and Robertson Hartnett are renowned for custom work through their company, twenty2 wallpaper + textiles, based in Naugatuck, Connecticut. When Cushing approached them, they were ready to make his sentimental inspiration a reality.
“He has this vision for the hotel, that he wants it to feel like you’re getting a little taste of old world Gilded Age, Newport – an insider’s view –so each room, each of the public spaces feels very much like The Ledges in terms of color palette and decor,” says Kyra Hartnett. “I don’t think he had any idea how we would approach it, or how we could actually achieve it, but that was definitely his vision from the beginning.”
Though in their wheelhouse, the Gardiner House project would take a new process for the Hartnetts and their team. Typically, artists send twenty2 their work, which is then photographed
Photo by Visko Hatfield, courtesy of twenty2 wallpaper + textiles
Gardiner House lobby
Gardiner
in their studio and the digital file work commences. “But obviously, there’s no way for him to send us the walls of The Ledges, so our team went there and took hundreds of photos,” she says. “This is the first time I can say that we have ever had to go to a space and document.”
“Our first question was, how can the power of this technology – which changes yearly – honor the legacy of Howard’s great-grandfather?” asks Hartnett. “The whole process of developing a custom mural for a specific space involves being sensitive to the original form and its history.”
As the hotel’s grand lobby is significantly larger than the foyer where the mural was first painted more than a century ago, twenty2’s design team used a combination of hand-painting and digital techniques to expand the floor-to-ceiling mural to adequately accommodate the two-story space, anchored by a curved stairway leading to guest rooms and their Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Flora. They extended the original layout and created new elements emulating the original hand of the artist and enhancing the space’s impressive architectural design.
Delicate tree limbs, alluring peacocks, fluttering butterflies, draping willow vines and lush flora, pink blooms, lemon trees, and waterscapes in breathy hues of blues and greens with pops of unexpected color seem to change as light filters through the space throughout the day as it turns into dusk. To the naked eye, the work is a seamless continuum of tranquility; to Hartnett and her team, it’s the manifestation of hundreds of hours of meticulous work over many months. As sustainability is sacrosanct to the Hartnetts, the creation was fashioned using water-based inks on an eco-friendly PVCfree commercial wallcovering.
“I do think it’s the greatest example to date of what we view as the potential synergy between fine art, handmade fine art, and digital printing, where digital printing is actually helping to move tradition forward and preserve art that has been made 100 or more years ago, how that could be elevated and modernized, and then just capturing the hand of the artist from so long ago,” says Hartnett. “The complexity in the project, and the final result, is just very special.” Co-owner Cushing agrees, sharing, “To be greeted by it every day and for it to be part of our guests’ first moments in the hotel is exactly what I hoped for.”
twenty2 creative director, Arla Downing, hand-painting additional motifs in the style of the original artist, Howard Gardiner Cushing
Photos by Visko Hatfield, courtesy of twenty2 wallpaper + textiles
House cofounder Howard Cushing, reviewing mural layout renderings onsite with twenty2 Designer, Kelly Wurster
Magic of Christmas at
&
1. VINTAGE SWAROVSKI, $235, Athalia of Newport; 26 Franklin St., Newport, athaliaofnewport.com
2. SET OF 3 PEPPERMINT CANDY ELASTIC BRACELETS ON GINGERBREAD HOUSE GIFT BOX, $13, Bellevue Kids; 206 Bellevue Ave., Newport, bellevuekids.net
3. 1950’S RUDOLPH CERAMIC TEA SET, $75, Carmen and Ginger; 18 Child Street, Warren, carmenandginger.com
4. BERRY WREATH CUSHION IN LUXURIOUS CREAM FELT WOOL, HANDEMBROIDERED, MADE IN ENGLAND, (18’ X 18’), $152, Cory Farms, 3124 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, coryfarmsri.com
5. SOPHISTICATED ABACUS NECKLACE IN AQUA GLASS. 35” LONG WITH MOVEABLE BAR, $72, Green Ink; 89 Brown St., Wickford & 199 Wayland Ave., Providence, greeninkboutique.com
6. WEENIES & MARTINIS HOODIE (FRONT: WALLY’S WIENERS LOGO & BACK: WEENIES & MARTINIS! SIZES S-XXL), $65, Wally’s Weiners; 464 Thames St, Newport, wallysweiners.com
Voices of the Bay: June Lawton
A lifelong baker brings hometown tastes of England to Aquidneck Avenue
By Nina Murphy
Fans of the The Great British Bake Off competition TV show who crave a Victoria sponge cake, sticky toffee pudding, or a bakewell tart need look no further than June Love’s English Bakery in Middletown. Owners June Lawton and her son Nishan Lawton are the from-scratch baking duo whipping up traditional baked goods popular in Harpham, a village in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England where June grew up. After coming to the US for work as a nanny, June attended the Community College of Rhode Island to become a nurse, and worked in the surgical unit at Rhode Island Hospital for 40 years.
A lifelong baker, she was well known for celebrating coworkers’ birthdays by bringing in homemade treats. Over 15 years ago, a coworker suggested she sell at farmers markets and June Love’s English Bakery was born. Growing popularity resulted in securing a small storefront where everything is made onsite. The former longtime resident of East Providence now calls Middletown home. In addition to the shop (a July 2023 Rhody Gem), baked goods are available at a host of nearby farmers markets and coffee shops. Take note: speciality and Christmas orders require four to seven days’ notice. 796 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, JuneLo v esEnglishBakery.com
Mother and son June and Nishan Lawton, at June Love’s English Bakery
VILLAGE LIFE: I come from Harpham where my dad and my grandfather had the local pub. I grew up in a family of seven. We are all bakers and were always baking. My mother died young, and then my father married again. Monday was baking day; Tuesday was washing day. There was a day [assigned] for everything. Even my son is very good at it. Baking is in the genes.
TO MARKET: I used to make cakes for everybody’s birthday. I never forgot anybody. It never had entered my head [to sell]. Nursing was my passion. My son was working at The Newport Playhouse. We started with the markets. We were each working our jobs but after a while it was too much to do both. I really loved my job and it was hard to give it up. I miss working with the doctors, the other nurses and technicians, all the ancillary stuff and everything. You feel like you’re doing something worthwhile. However, baking gives us flexibility.
SUGAR AND SPICE: We have eight different items with different variations for each: four or five tarts, four different flapjacks, special-order cakes, scones. In England we love our crumbles, and our sticky toffee pudding is very popular –it’s the signature dessert for Gordon Ramsay at his restaurant.
MARY BERRY: The Great British Bake Off used to have a master class with the former host Mary Berry and I would watch it for inspiration. We knew a lady named Mavis who would come to the farmers market who was a bridesmaid in Mary’s wedding. Mavis went back to England and took a couple of our cakes back to Mary and she sent a little note back. This Bakewell pastry I am making now is Mary Berry’s recipe.
BAKE OFF: Growing up we didn’t have a proper stove. We had an oven on the side of the fire and you would push the coals underneath the oven and my mom would put her hand in the oven to see if it was the right temperature. We have two ovens [at June Love’s] – one big and one small. I only use an electric oven.
TRADITIONAL TREATS: A Christmas English tradition is mince tarts, and I put a gingerbread man on top. We make all the filling from scratch. We sell tons of them. On Christmas day at home, why Yorkshire pudding, of course!
AUTHORIZED RETAIL DEALER FOR BYERS CHOICE CAROLERS & COLONIAL CANDLES
Te Must List
essential events this month For a statewide listing of events visit us online! HeyRhody.com
Through January 1: The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms get decked out in grand style for the season for Holidays at the Newport Mansions , and for the first time in two decades, Chateau-sur-Mer will get festive, too. NewportMansions.org
Through December 30: Head to festive Bellevue Avenue for the annual Holiday Small Works Show , an exhibit featuring just that – small works of original art. Pregame your visit by viewing the online gallery of sizes and prices. Newport, SpringBullGallery.com
December 1 & 3-6: The cast of Newport Nutcracker invites the audience to follow dancers from room to room for the first act of the renowned ballet, leading to a seated performance of Act 2 in the Grand Ballroom at historic Rosecliff. NewportContemporaryBallet.org
December 7: Don’t miss Free Family Fun Day at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium with activities including a nature story, an animal interview, and the opportunity to build your own fairy house in the outdoor classroom. Bristol, ASRI.org
December 7-8: The Bristol Christmas Festival is a two-day European Marketplace filled with rustic huts where vendors sell pastries, pretzels, holiday wine, gifts, and crafts, with entertainment on stage and in the streets around Unity Park. ChristmasBristolRI.com
December 13: Don’t miss critically acclaimed boundary-pushing bluegrass duo Nefesh Mountain on their Lo v e and Light tour playing an intimate show at Greenvale Vineyards. Portsmouth, NewportLive.org
December 14: Irish fiddler Eileen Ivers and her band celebrate Joyful Christmas , a glorious evening of traditional, story-filled, age-old Wren Day songs, poems, and some foot-stomping high-energy roots music. Newport, JanePickens.com
December 14: Classical Christmas features selections from the acclaimed ensemble Frisson, performing the “Nutcracker Suite,” Vivaldi’s “Winter,” Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto,” and traditional carols; a reception follows at Emmanuel Church. Newport, NewportClassical.org
December 22: Finish up your holiday shopping at the Christmas Specialty Market hosted by Tiverton Farmers Indoor Winter Market. Browse over 45 vendors selling gourmet food, crafts, and artsy gifts at Tiverton Middle School. TivertonFarmersMarket.com
December 31: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at A Night of Frozen Enchantment with a four-course Nordic-meets-New England dinner, a canapé reception, bottomless champagne, late-night bites, live music, and a live painter. Newport, TheChanler.com
Photo by David Hansen, courtesy of Discover Newport
Marble House decked out for Holidays at the Newport Mansions
Zuber & Cie, French, Irisé Wallpaper; Design for Moire Silk, ca. 1825. Mary B. Jackson Fund. RISD Museum
B ab, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
BUNDLE UP FOR FUN ACTIVITIES ALL SEASON LONG
By Elyse Major
Seasons in New England are fleeting, which is part of what makes them so special. A Rhode Island winter can be many things: at its official start on December 21, the vibe is jovial with folks wishing for flurries, and by January, trees are bare and it’s cold. Mid-February is when actual snowfall and accumulations enter the chat, and March (through April) is a mixed bag of warm sunny days and blizzard warnings. If you are a chionophile (lover of cold weather and snow), the period of reveling in chilly air, gazing up at clear starry nights, and anticipation of snow is as precarious as waiting for the perfect beach day in July. Here is your field guide to a winter of fun in Rhode Island, so whatever the meteorologist says, you’re ready to go!
NATURE PROGRAMMING: LAND
Embark on a brisk evening group walk to search for owls in their natural habitats at wildlife refuges across the state, join a naturalist for a mid-afternoon walk of beachcombing and bird watching at Moonstone, or go snowshoeing by the light of the full moon – all this and more awaits outdoor explorers thanks to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. ASRI.org
NATURE PROGRAMMING: WATER
Through April, Save The Bay offers onehour seal tours or two-hour seal and lighthouse tours. Both depart from Perrotti Park in Newport for adventures seeking seals resting on rocks. The longer tour includes a visit to Rose Island Lighthouse where passengers will disembark to explore the island and experience the history firsthand. SaveBay.org
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WINTER HIKES
During the months of December, January, and February, rangers lead outdoor hikes throughout the Blackstone Valley. Explore scenic territory during the colder months, like Mercy Woods Preserve (December 28). Many hikes will cover uneven terrain like exposed roots, rocks, and mud, so dress for the weather, don orange for safety, and wear sturdy footwear. NPS.go v /thingstodo/winter-hikes.htm
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Head to Weekapaug Inn in December for an indulgent and memorable outdoor theater experience. On Fridays, enjoy Date Night with cozy heated fur blankets, a boozy hot chocolate bar, and a specially curated Italian buffet while watching a holiday rom-com. On Saturdays, bring the whole gang for Family Night, featuring favorite holiday films, classic concession stand treats, and drive-in movie fare. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
SPARKLE!
Dress warmly for an evening of wandering Blithewold’s gardens and grounds all aglow as you collect scavenger hunt clues. Gather around cozy fires in the Enclosed Garden, grab a hot drink from RI Cruisin’ Cocktails, and follow illuminated paths throughout the grounds to discover stunning, newly expanded light displays, handmade bamboo lanterns, and fun photo ops with Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds. Add on a s’mores kit when you register for extra gooey fun. Select dates December 5-January 4, Bristol, Blithewold.org
P hotos
(top to bottom) by Carmen Rugel, courtesy of ASRI, courtesy of Save The Bay, courtesy of Roger and Phyllis Thibault
Cross-country skiing in Bristol Spot seals with Save The Bay
Ducks seen during a snowy Audubon hike
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING & TUBING
Little Rhody’s only ski area is less than 15 minutes away from URI, and has bragging rights for once being described by the New York Times as the “coolest scene in snowboarding.” Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park boasts 36 acres of skiable terrain, with its longest trail measuring 2,200 feet. There are two double chair lifts and two rope tows, a snow sports school, first-aid station, ski patrol, cafeteria, and lounge. There is also a Pro Shop, lease equipment program, and equipment rental program. Watch for their opening date in early December for skiing, a bit later for tubing, open through March. Exeter, Yawgoo.com
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING
No hills, no lifts – no problem. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers are ready to enjoy striding about snow-covered areas, of which Rhode Island has many. Noted choice spots for traversing include parks and areas like Pulaski Park in Glocester – where there are many miles of groomed trails – Lincoln Woods State Park, Colt State Park in Bristol, Rome Point in Narragansett, and others. Facebook: Rhode Island Cross-Country Skiing (RIXCSki)
Snow tubing at Yawgoo Valley
SNOWMOBILING
If Santa brings you a snowmobile, you’re in luck because it’s permitted on the roadways in Arcadia, Burlingame, Wickaboxet, and Woody Hill Management Areas, Burlingame State Park and Campground, Lincoln Woods State Park, on open fields at Colt State Park, and George Washington Management Area. All snowmobiles must be registered by DEM’s Office of Licensing and Registration, located at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. RIParks.RI.go v
LUMINA 2025 FESTIVAL
The event designed to lure folks into the dark of night returns to Providence with a month of illuminated attractions. If you were mesmerized by the rotating kaleidoscopes of Prismatica last year, you are sure to be equally delighted by the five monoliths collectively
known as POP!, an interactive jack-in-thebox-style installation. There will also be music, local works of light-centered public art, ice and fire dancing by world-class figure skaters, and more. February 1-17, Pro v idence, DowntownParks.org
NEWPORT WINTER FESTIVAL
The 37th annual event returns with 10 days of live music, foodie contests, kid-centric activities, and more. As New England’s largest winter extravaganza, check out over 150 events, from cook-offs to drink creation contests, ice sculpting, and costumed princess appearances. Highlights include the Silent Disco at OceanCliff Hotel, the Mac and Cheese Smackdown at the Newport Marriott Hotel, and Elton John tribute band Bennie and The Jets. February 14-23, NewportWinterFestival.com
11 PLACES TO ICE FISH
Each year, around mid-January, the DEM stocks 11 freshwater ponds with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Sebago Salmon. Anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to protect themselves from hypothermia by dressing in layers and wearing a warm hat and gloves. Find info on fishing licenses, trout stamps, and stocking updates at DEM.RI.go v /fishing.
8 PLACES TO SKATE
• BankNewport City Center, Pro v idence
• Benny Magiera Ice Rink, West Warwick
• Boss Ice Arena at the University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown
• Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink
• Dennis M. Lynch Arena, Pawtucket
• June Rockwell Levy Rink, Burrill v ille
• Smithfield Municipal Rink
• Thayer Arena Ice Rink, Warwick
Part of the POP! installation at Lumina in February
Public skating at URI's Boss Arena, South Kingstown
Photo (L) by Ulysse Lemerise, courtesy of DPPN, (R) courtesy Boss Arena
CHOREOGRAPHY BY YURY YANOWSKY
40+ PLACES TO SLED
Whether you have a fancy toboggan, saucer, or plan to zoom the white stuff on a flattened cardboard box, we have scoured the state with the help of our readers to offer a list of the best sledding sites around. Remember, these are word-of-mouth places taken over for the day by enthusiasts so please use your best judgment, remember to always dress warmly in layers, and wear a hat, helmet, and gloves. Slide feet first, and when marching back up the hill, keep to the side. Oh, and hot cocoa afterwards from your favorite local cafe is always a good idea! Did we miss your favorite sledding spot? Email Marketing@heyrhody.com
Baringto
1. Nayatt School
2. Rhode Island Country Club
3. St. Andrew’s Lacrosse/Soccer field Briso
4. Columban Fathers
5. Colt State Park Cental Fals
6. Jenks Park
7. Pulaski State Park Cranso
8. Hugh B. Bain Middle School
erland
9. Diamond Hill Park
10. Mercy Mount Country Day School
s Greenwich
11. Goddard State Park
Eas Proidence
12. Larissa Park
Snow much fun at Roger Williams Park
18. Chase Farm 19. Lincoln Woods State Park 20. Northern Lincoln Elementary School
Middlet
21. Middletown High School
22. Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club Newpot
23. Fort Adams State Park 24. St. George’s School Not Kingsto
25. Wickford Elementary School Not Proidence
26. Captain Stephen Olney Memorial Park Pawtucket
27. Daggett Field Potsmot
28. Middle School Proidence
29. India Point Park
30. Moses Brown School
31. Neutaconkanut Hill Conservatory
32. Roger Williams Park, Temple Hill Riveride
33. Silver Spring Golf Course
34. Scituate
35. Esek Hopkins Park
36. Deerfield Park (hill across from play area) Sot Kingsto
37. Village Green
38. Wakefield Elementary
aren
39. Burr’s Hill Park
awick
40. Gorton Junior High School
41. Salter Grove Memorial Park
42. Wilcox Park Wes Greenwich
43. Big River Management Area Wosocket
44. Cass Park
45. Cold Spring Park
P hotos by Ingrid Brown
FOR THE INDOOR TYPES
These hot spots are perfect for gathering with friends, no mittens needed.
Go Bowling: Delish snack bar bites, a full bar, lane-side service, and Atomic Bowling under the blacklights on select nights are all part of the fun at this place hosting “good times since 1960!” Cranston, LangsBowlarama.com
View Art: Decor enthusiasts will enjoy marveling over salvaged wallpapers and related items from the 1700s and 1800s at The Art of French Wallpaper on display. Pro v idence, RISDMuseum.org
Shop Small Indoors: Fridays and Sundays in December, and then resuming on Sundays in February, browse handmade goods and more at Farm Fresh RI on Sims Avenue. Pro v idenceFlea.com
See a Movie: Skip the streaming and head to the big screen. Popcorn, snacks, and comfy seating awaits at places like South County Cinemas, South Kingstown, or CW Theaters in Lincoln.
Try New Things: Visit HeyRhody.com and click on the Must-Do’s tab for a list of curated activities each week, and sign up for our free twice-weekly e-newsletter.
21 Restaurants with Fireplaces
Nothing says cozy like sitting by a hearth, and these eateries are known for keeping a roaring blaze:
1. Aidan’s Pub, Bristol
2. The Café, Westerly
3. The Chanler, Newport
4. Chapel Grille, Cranston
5. The Charlestown Rathskeller, Charlestown
6. Coast Guard House, Narragansett
7. DeWolf Tavern, Bristol
8. Felicia’s Coffee, East Greenwich
9. General Stanton Inn, Charlestown
10. George’s of Galilee, Narragansett
11. India Restaurant, Pro v idence
12. Main Street Coffee, East Greenwich
13. Mare Rooftop, Pro v idence
14. Pastiche, Pro v idence
15. Poindexter Coffee, Pro v idence
16. The Red Dory, Tiverton
17. Terrazza, Smithfield
18. Tree House Tavern, Warwick
19. The Vanderbilt, Newport
20. Wharf Tavern, Bristol
21. White Horse Tavern, Newport
Eat, bowl, and be merry at Lang's Bowlarama, Cranston
Fireside dining with ocean views at The Chanler, Newport
P hoto (top) by and courtesy of Kayla Mandeville, (bottom) courtesy of The Chanler
Frosty Air Hikes
Explore enchanting trails, sparkling frozen waterfalls, and peaceful woodlands this winter
By Alexandra Ashe
As the temperatures drop, don’t miss out on the chance to embrace the beauty of winter in the Ocean State. Break out your warmest gear and get outside into nature and discover Rhode Island’s hidden natural wonders.
Breakheart Pond Trail, Exeter
This gorgeous 44-acre pond flanked with tall white pine trees that mirror off the water is the epitome of winter beauty that’s sure to remind you of the holidays.
Browning Mill Pond Trail, Exeter
Located right across the road from Arcadia Management Area, follow the half-mile wooden trail that winds through thick woods past ponds, streams, and roaring brook falls.
George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry
With miles of wooden pathways, bridges over glistening streams, and cascading waterfalls, the serene atmosphere and stunning landscape make for a perfect winter hike.
John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve, North Kingstown
Pack a pair of binoculars, take a short mile-long hike down the path from the parking lot to Rome Point beach and play a little game of I-spy! During the winter season, you might just catch a glimpse of harbor seals chilling out on rocks offshore.
Mowry Conservation Area, Smithfield
Cross the wooden arch bridge over the rushing river and enter the quiet hemlock forest, and just like that, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the pages of a fairytale!
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown
Get ready to see the coast in a new light by visiting this refuge during wintertime. The colder months bring colorful and diverse species of birds that will dazzle birdwatchers.
Weetamoo Woods & Pardon
Gray Preserve, Tiverton
Pack your snowshoes and escape to five miles of lush trails. You’ll hear nothing but the sounds of whispering boughs of holly oak, gentle trickles of streams and snow crunching beneath your feet.
Take a group hike with the National Park Service
Scenic Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield
P hoto (top) courtesy of NPS, (bottom) courtesy of Audubon
® WOMEN’S SUMMIT
Shred Cred
Checking in with the snowboarders who put RI’s only ski area on the map
By Bob Curley
In the annals of winter sports lore there have been some decidedly odd ducks scattered among the Nordic gods of the slopes: the nervous catapultings of British ski jumper/ human cannonball Eddie the Eagle, the iceless Jamaican bobsled team, and even the slow-motion halfpipe meanderings of putative Hungarian freestyle skier Elizabeth Swaney at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang come to mind. And then there’s Rhode Island’s own Yawgoons, the unlikely group of snowboarding superstars who honed their skills at Exeter’s Yawgoo Valley ski area — all 310 vertical feet of it – and ended up with a feature in the New York Times in 2016.
What sets the Yawgoons apart from some of these other powder hounds is ability. Despite the funny name, the Yawgoons are no joke. In fact, they’ve won international acclaim for their innovative tricks and techniques – captured and shared on video, of course – that incorporate every possible feature on Yawgoo’s modest set of ski runs.
Big mountain shredders, you can keep your halfpipes and funboxes: for the Yawgoons, the excitement comes from playing on the ski area’s buildings, idle snowcats, ice blocks, rocks, and even grass (there’s usually plenty of that at a resort that gets an average of less than three feet of natural snow each winter).
Rather than focusing on tricks or big air, the troupe is known for their slope-carving skills and quirky approach to constructing terrain park features, like a rail made from a boat anchor chain. “It’s a different aspect of snowboarding entirely,” says Brendan Gouin, who serves as the Yawgoons’ videographer when he’s not peering into mouths at work as a dentist in Charlestown. “We’re not jumping out of helicopters into the backcountry. We represent a style of snowboarding that’s more attainable for people: we’re riding at this dinky hill, but look at what you can do with this.”
The OG “Goons” – Gouin, Dylan Gamache, Marcus Rand, Mary Rand, and Brian Skorupski – all learned to snowboard at Yawgoo. The core members mostly remain after nearly a decade: Mary moved on to a successful career as a professional snowboarder, and Marcus relocated to Oregon, but the others continue to occasionally carve the slopes at Yawgoo. Over the years, the Yawgoons have shared their exploits on more than 20 videos as well as on sponsored
trips as far away as Austria and Switzerland.
“Things have slowed down somewhat,” says Gouin — the Goons are all in their 40s now, after all — but the group still snowboards and films when they can. “We have not released a video in a few years, but have footage saved that will hopefully find its way into a new project.”
Gouin and company have spent nearly two decades redefining what constitutes “fun” in the world of snowboarding. Rhode Island and Yawgoo Valley may be a strange place to find snowboarding pioneers, but the Yawgoons say there’s nowhere else they’d rather be on a winter night than riding the Yawgoo tow rope and coming up with new ways to cut, carve, hit, and grind at Yawgoo. “You make the most of what you’ve got,” says Gouin.
P hotos by Andrew Fisher, courtesy of Yawgoons
HOME & STYLE
Home | Trend | Influencer | Rhody Reads | Rhody Gem
All is Bright
A condo gets a stylish refresh, ready for entertaining
By Elyse Major
Arecent poll reveals something most of us already know: after watching TV, most of the US population spends their time in the kitchen. Whether it’s for food and drink prep, or impromptu meeting spots for catching up, our kitchens are truly our hubs. When a couple, who enjoy entertaining, felt their kitchen needed a refresh, they enlisted Michelle Parenteau of Michelle Lee Designs. Based in Johnston, Parenteau is well-known in both residential and commercial design circles for creating contemporary spaces with a mix of color, pattern, and personality.
The couple moved to Wakefield nearly seven years ago, and make their home in an open-floor plan condo. “We wanted to downsize and live closer to the ocean,” they shared. Both lifelong Rhode Islanders, the pair let Parenteau know that they wanted to bring an ocean vibe inside. “My clients needed a kitchen that was functional and aesthetically pleasing,” says Parenteau, sharing that the space was indeed dark and dated. “I listened to their wants and needs and gave them a bigger island for entertaining.”
Photography
Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs
Striped backless stools at the kitchen island add jaunty appeal
Along with ample storage that includes new teal-colored cabinetry that extends to the ceiling and floating shelves, Parenteau outfitted the room in style. Wood flooring that served the homeowners well was replaced with a wood plank tile in a stylish herringbone pattern. Fixtures, such as the bent-wood chandelier with six candelabra arms, connect the warmer tones throughout while complementing the cool blues, which appear in accents. There is also ample surface area on the island with cheerful backless stools for hanging out with the cook. A small round table by the window offers additional seating with a view.
The redesign extended to the powder room which was completely overhauled. Out went the existing pedestal, large tile, and beige color scheme, and in came a black vanity with brass legs, shimmery wallpaper, and an exquisite Murano glass-spun vessel sink with a brushed brass faucet. “My clients wanted an elegant space with statement pieces,” says Parenteau.
With the renovations complete and the holiday season upon us, the couple couldn’t be happier with the changes. “My wife and I like things with good quality and comfort. Our home feels lighter and brighter! Michelle really helped us transform our dream home.”
Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs
Cambria countertops with veining in a bluish-teal were installed, and glass and floral tile behind the hood and coffee bar lend unexpected panache
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Shop Wickford
The homeowners enjoy visiting Wickford. Check out the Festival of Lights Celebration (December 5-8), which starts with a tree lighting on Thursday, followed by daily arrivals of Santa by boat, horse-drawn hayrides with Santa, and an Elf Parade on Saturday. Wickford, Facebook: I Love Wickford Village
Festive Wakefield
Don’t miss a night of carols and music while helping to raise funds for Contemporary Theater Company’s 2025 season at the Christmas Cocktail Cabaret on December 19. Pro-tip: get a VIP Cup of Good Cheer Ticket for a front-row seat reservation along with two drink tickets for the event. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
Rhody Resources
Parenteau has a solid rep for using local talent. Here are some of the vendors used for this project: The Blind King, Kitchen & Bath Gallery, Jason Thomas Construction LLC, Lighting & Design by J&K Electric, Rhode Island Design Center, Rhode Island Tile, Sherwin-Williams Paint Store. Says Parenteau, “I strive to use the best quality of materials. I listen to my client’s needs and wants and try to bring that vision to life.” Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com.
Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs
Brushed brass adds striking contrast in the powder room
Like a Charm
This season’s must-have is bespoke jewelry created on the spot
By Elyse Major
Collecting small ringed trinkets and pendants, collectively known as charms, and affixing them to chains has been popular for years, but new to the scene is the emergence of DIY charm bars. Typically set up like a buffet, there are trays, vessels filled with eye-catching choices, and a variety of chains. Charm bars have recently been popping up at artisan and flea markets, and some boutiques, like Nava in Providence, are making space for them.
“We started with a few pop-ups back in March and had such a positive reaction that we decided to set it up permanently in the shop,” says owner Ali Burns-Nachwalter of the charm bar, situated inside the cozy storefront by a large picture window. Nava has been a city fixture since 2008, having spent 10 years on Thayer Street before relocating to Wickenden Street. Inside is a thoughtful mix of new and vintage clothing, gifts, books, home decor, and jewelry.
Assorted charms include new, antique, and vintage pieces
Photo by Ali Burns-Nachwalter, courtesy of Nava
Even with Burns-Nachwalter handling the fastening of the charms to the chain, the experience is very personal. The process begins by choosing beads and a chain, and playing with placement designs on the tray. While it’s easy for some to get overwhelmed, Burns-Nachwalter offers, “Try not to overthink it. There are so many fun charms and options for design. Grab what you love and we’ll help you curate it.”
Burns-Nachwalter shares that a great aspect of building custom charm jewelry on the spot with customers is that everything is so easy to change. “We can put a piece together, see how it looks and feels on, and then we can swap a charm or two out if it’s not feeling quite right. It’s also super fun that you can add to your piece any time. Start with three charms on a bracelet and come back a few weeks later and we can add more.”
Appointments for 30-minute time slots are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled easily online. Nava also hosts private charm events where groups can have the shop and charm bar to themsel v es with bubbly drinks pro v ided. Gift cards are available, and the shop is happy to help someone design a custom piece virtually. ShopNava.com
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Photos
Elyse Major
Ali Burns-Nachwalter fastening charms to a chain
Meet AJ Maio
Behind
the mask with Barrington’s own ballet dancer
By Alexandra Ashe
What sparked your interest in ballet dancing?
I fell in love with ballet when I went to see Ballet RI’s production of The Nutcracker for the first time when I was about five years old. I knew from the moment I saw the dancers leaping gracefully in beautiful costumes across the stage to Tchaikovsky’s music that I had to be a part of it in some way, so I enrolled in Ballet RI to start my formal training.
What does a daily training regimen look like for you?
Every morning I wake up and have a nice cup of Earl Grey tea. Definitely a necessity! Then it’s off to the studios to roll out my muscles and stretch before our daily technique class. After class it’s rehearsals until the end of the day. Then, I find a quick bite to eat before heading back to the studio to teach character dance classes at Ballet RI.
What’s something non-dancers might not know about your craft?
Ballet takes a lot of extra cross-training, and being exposed to different styles of dance and athletics can actually enhance the artistry and physicality that we use. So much hard work and countless hours of preparation, repetition, and training go into every aspect of each production that we do. The attention to detail and constant push for perfection is what makes ballet so special to me, and the opportunity to meet and dance with so many talented dancers from all around the world. I love that we’re all able to come together and share our love for dance with so many people every year.
Out of all the performances you’ve done, which one is your favorite?
One of my favorite roles I’ve performed is the nutcracker in our production of The Nutcracker It really feels like I’m actually going on a magical journey every performance. From the intricate sword-fighting choreography in the battle scene, to the frolicking-through-the-snow scene with the snowflakes, and finally performing tricks during the trepak dance in the land of sweets, I feel like I’m able to really develop the character.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you have free time?
I love to walk downtown along the Riverwalk, or any of Rhode Island’s beautiful beaches. I also love getting delicious Indian food at Not Just Snacks on Hope Street in Providence after a long day of rehearsals! Learn more about Maio and this month’s performance of The Nutcracker (December 19-29) at BalletRI.org
Photo by Ian Travis Barnard, courtesy of RMO
PR/Ballet RI
The unmasked dancer, AJ Maio
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Rhody Reads
A TBR list of six books to keep busy all winter long
By Deborah Goodrich Royce
Ihope this article finds you snuggled by a fire with a good book in hand, a loving pet nearby, and a steaming cup to warm you. As another winter blankets Rhode Island, there’s nothing as comforting as a book. Here I bring you some new releases that will keep you happily ensconced all season. Look for some of these authors at this year’s Ocean House Author Series, with a schedule soon be announced at OceanHouseEvents.com.
Westerly’s own Christa Carmen is taking the world by storm with her gripping psychological thrillers, and Beneath the Poet’s House (out December 10) is no exception! Saoirse White – a grieving writer unmoored by her husband’s death – moves into the historic Providence home of 19th century spiritualist Sarah Helen Whitman. With the arrival of a trio of transcendentalists, a potential new love, and a resurgence of old fears, Saoirse uncovers much more than her own long-buried secrets.
January 7 sees the much-anticipated release of The Stolen Queen by New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. What connects the glamorous Met Gala in 1978 and a tragically ill-fated anthropological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings in 1936? When curator Charlotte Cross discovers one of the museum’s Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts has gone missing the night of the gala, there are signs that the curse of Hathorkare, a rare female pharaoh, might just be reawakening.
One of my favorite writers, Markus Zusak (who didn’t love The Book Thief ?), releases Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth): A Memoir on January 21. When his family adopts three troublesome rescue dogs – Reuben, more wolf than hound; Archer, blond, beautiful and destructive; and rancorously smiling Frosty – pandemonium ensues. From street fights to injury, the chaos and connection that comes from these unexpected sources reminds us that animals cut straight to our hearts and our funny bones.
I am both a fan and a friend of Victoria Christopher Murray. Her historical fiction novel, Harlem Rhapsody , comes out February 4, exploring the Harlem Renaissance through the eyes of Jessie Redmon Fauset. Fauset, editor of legendary W.E.B. DuBois’s literary magazine, The Crisis , and a writer herself, was a complicated woman; her years-long affair with married DuBois may have kept her out of focus for historians of that seminal era. Murray brings her to a full and worthy life on these pages.
March 11 sees the publication of Counting Backwards by Jacqueline Friedland. When Jessa Gidney, a modern-day immigration lawyer digs deep into the case of a detained immigrant fighting to stay with her child, she inadvertently exhumes the 100-year-old case of Carrie Buck, a poor Black woman at the center of the American discussion on eugenics at that time. Alternating between the past and the present, this novel deftly tackles the timeless issues of reproductive rights and society’s expectations of women.
On April 1, with the tantalizing hint of spring comes New York Times bestselling author Julia Bartz’ ( The Writing Retreat ) newest release, The Last Session . When social worker Thea meets a catatonic woman in a New York psych ward, she realizes she knows her from somewhere. When the woman regains lucidity, she suddenly disappears. Following her trail to a mysterious wellness center in the deserts of New Mexico, Thea inches closer to the patient and secrets from her own past.
ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE
Deborah Goodrich Royce’s Reef Road , a national bestseller, was named one of the best books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and an Indie Next pick by the ABA. With fellow authors, Luanne Rice and Amy Scheibe, she created the Deer Mountain Writers’ Retreat in the Catskills. Her Ocean House Author Series, in partnership with Martin House Books and WCRI, brings world-class authors like Sarah Ferguson, Chris Bohjalian, and Katie Couric to Watch Hill.
Royce began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films, before transitioning to the role of story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time . She holds a bachelor’s degree and two honorary doctorates, from both Lake Erie College and the University of Rhode Island. With her husband, Chuck, she has restored the Ocean House Hotel, United Theatre, Martin House Books, and numerous Main Street revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on multiple governing and advisory boards.
A WINTER WISH
Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases
Winter gives the gift of time. My wish is that we all take that time to restore ourselves in whatever ways we need. As I take this season to write, stay tuned for news of the upcoming Ocean House Author Series in Watch Hill. Our new bookstore partner is Martin House Books in downtown Westerly. Pop in this winter and meet its incredible team of booksellers. Grab some hot soup or coffee while you’re there and cozy up with a good book.
Shore Soap Co.
Bath and Body
What it is:
The retail location of seaside-inspired scented bath and body products.
Where to find it:
Look for the storefront on the cobblestoned section of Thames Street, not far from America’s Cup, and steps away from Santander Bank.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
If you’re a fan of nutrient-packed bath and body products that harken the sea, use simple packaging, and stress awareness of proper recycling and reduction of single-use plastics, Shore Soap Co. is for you. Their charming brick-and-mortar is stocked with popular items like Warm Sand liquid soap, Golden Hour bar soap, and Wave Spray – for beachy tresses any day of the year. The company started in the Newport kitchen of Jake and Steph Kopper, who began by experimenting with cold-process soap-making with a goal of creating luxurious yet affordable goods using natural premium ingredients. Today most of their products are handcrafted at their facility in West Kingston, and are available at over 90 independent retail shops across the county, but you can find everything – including candles, homegoods, and merch – on Thames Street.
Shore Soap Co.
302 Thames Street, Newport 401-846-0305
ShoreSoapCo.com
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
Photos by Brandi White, courtesy of Shore Soap Co.
FEATURE
Making Merry
Give handmade this year, with presents you create at East Bay studio workshops
By Emily Olson
Making holiday magic can sometimes feel like an exercise in chaos, with endless to-do lists, crowded stores, and the pressure to maintain traditions that make everything special. Layer into that a job and family responsibilities, and it can be enough to make you want to pull the covers over your head. This year, resolve to embrace a slower, cozier type of holiday season – one filled with handmade gifts that show friends and family they matter enough to receive a giver’s love, time, and creativity. Going handmade is also economically sound, environmentally friendly, and likely to be cherished forever rather than tossed in a landfill with last year’s latest gadget. The best part? You don’t have to be accomplished to create something meaningful – in the East Bay, myriad art centers make artistic expression accessible to beginners, whether crafting a gift or uncovering what could be a lifelong passion.
FEATURE
Jan Burling, the education coordinator at Portsmouth Art Guild, says her goal is to bring the arts to people no matter their skill level. She’s looking forward to starting 2025 strong with a mix of classes geared toward beginners and advanced artists interested in a variety of different media. “We cover a range of interests,” she says, “and it’s terrific to introduce beginners to the art scene.”
Her goal is to entice people to try something new in the hopes that they’ll continue to pursue it as a hobby or fall in love with the community at the studio and try something else. The Portsmouth Art Guild has several standard classes, punctuated by pop-ups and workshops. “We’re very blessed with awesome instructors,” Burling says before highlighting a bookbinding class that took place in No vember. “Some of our workshop instructors –like the bookbinding instructor – are invited to come back year after year, and their class becomes a tradition for people. Students who take that class come away with something they’re proud to give as a gift.”
A watercolor session at the Portsmouth Art Guild
Handwoven gifts made possible with the help of Woven Seas
In November, the guild hosted a bookbinding class
Photo (top and bottom left) courtesy of Portsmouth Art Guild, (bottom right) courtesy of Woven Seas
The guild has strong relationships with local artists and, last year, invited some of them to do free art demos for those interested. It was a popular program that Burling hopes to continue in 2025. Community members are also invited to open studio hours, and in the warmer months, painters gather outside at agreed-upon locations to paint en plein air, or outdoors. Children and young adults can take advantage of classes geared toward them as well. “We had a class for mothers and daughters called Paint Your Dessert and Eat it, Too,” Burling says. “We had all ages join the workshop. One mother was 80!”
Elizabeth Springett, owner at Woven Seas, a makerspace and teaching studio for weavers, says she also has plenty of retirees in her shop learning a new craft, but not exclusively
so. Springett is a textile designer who worked in fashion and furniture fabric for years before building a place of her own. “I needed a place to zen out, and weaving does that for me,” she says her colorful studio in Warren’s Handkerchief Factory. “Weaving requires you to concentrate. It slows you down and doesn’t allow you to think of other things.”
Woven Seas rents looms by the month to experienced weavers working on a project. “Once a loom is yours, it must remain yours until the project is complete,” Springett explains. She also teaches a beginner month-long weaving workshop and her popular Make and Take classes where she teaches students how to make a tea towel they can take home that day and give as a thoughtful and personal gift.
GIFT HANDMADE
Whether you’re crafting a DIY keepsake for friends and family or gifting yourself the pursuit of a new creative hobby, these East Bay art centers hosting classes are a great place to start.
BRISTOL
ART MUSEUM
Sign up for workshops like holiday card making, colored pencil drawing, and a variety of classes that teach different watercolor techniques. BristolArtMuseum.org
LAURA TRAVIS CARVING
Learn stone carving under the careful guidance of a pro at a variety of venues throughout Rhode Island and beyond. Warren, LauraTravisCarving.com
PORTSMOUTH
ART GUILD
Students at all levels can take watercolor classes, in addition to bookbinding and figure drawing. In the warmer months, students gather to paint outdoors. PortsmouthArts.org
INSIDE/OUT STUDIO AND WORKSHOPS
Children and adults alike are welcome to participate in painting and drawing classes at this arts center perfect for beginners. Bristol, InsideOutStudioWorkshop.com
WOVEN SEAS
WEAVING
STUDIO
Along with learning the basics of weaving, Make and Take workshops let students create their own giftable items, from tea towels to holiday gnomes. Warren, Wo v enSeas.com
Experienced crafters can rent looms for ongoing projects
Laura Travis, a stone carver who says teaching is in her bones, was a high school art teacher when she first took classes in her craft and fell in love with it. Now she teaches sandstone and limestone carving to students ages 16 and older at the Newport Art Museum, the Jamestown Art Center, the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, and Watson Farm in Jamestown. She also has a studio in Warren that people can visit by appointment.
Travis says she applies a proven strategy to
teaching that ensures success for her students.
“I break it into some pretty basic things,” she says. “We work on a subject or design idea before starting to carve. We keep pieces on a small scale so they can be completed. In the end, people are often surprised at how nice their art comes out.”
Travis teaches relief carving, which means that designs appear to protrude from the stone, as opposed to carving in the round, which results in a 3D object. “Students can
plan stylistic or abstract designs, then pull the design from the surface,” she says, describing the simpler stone-carving technique.
She explains that holding the carving tools properly so they can be used effectively is the most challenging aspect of learning to carve.
“Even people who have done other kinds of carving discover that the tools are just a little bit different,” she says. “But they’re some of the simplest, oldest tools that have ever been invented. And there’s something satisfying about that.”
Laura Travis teaches the art of carving through workshops
Stone carving starts with learning to use the tools
Photos courtesy of Laura Travis Carving
FOOD & DRINK
In the Kitchen | Experience | Food Trends
Good Old-Fashioned Sweets
Homemade pastries and pies evoke memories around the hearth
By Cynthia Munrayos
vid baking enthusiasts Kate Marks and her oldest son Michael Joseph launched Skylight Bakery in 2020 with the help of Rhode Island culinary incubator Hope & Main. Raised by parents who owned their own food business, Marks says “I grew up watching my mother bake, which is why I enjoy baking. My father believed in serving, in every sense of the word, and enjoyed it, which I think rubbed off on me.”
And Marks has passed on this passion for sweet service to her own family. She and her husband have lived on the East Side for the past 28 years, where they raised five sons – all of whom contribute to Skylight Bakery in some way. A reincarnation of sorts, the name comes from her former business, Skylight Cafe, which operated on Wickenden Street in the 1990s, serving deli sandwiches and homemade soups. “I knew my talents and the experiences I had developed could support my son’s vision, and I really enjoy meeting
and working with the customers,” she says.
Behind the bakery is Marks’ dedication to sticking to the classic American desserts we all know and love. “When we started our bakery,” she begins, “we wanted to fill an old-fashioned niche with our familiar, classic flavors that would please the palates of young and old alike and evoke childhood memories – or create new memories with friends and family!”
Prioritizing top-quality ingredients like real butter and fresh fruits, the menu includes a variety of pastries,
From-scratch pie crust makes all the difference
Butterball Cookies
Photos courtesy of Skylight Bakery
such as fruit hand-pies, cookies, brownies, scones, and cinnamon rolls – all handmade, from scratch-baking crusts for pies to making their own caramel for the Salted Caramel Brownies.
Although they mostly cater to sweet tooths, Skylight Bakery also offers savory snacks like cheddar scones and a selection of quiches with bacon and cheddar, spinach and feta, or
mushroom, onion, and Gruyere. Marks says, “I think that people really appreciate that all of our goods are baked fresh on the morning we sell them.”
Baking out of Hope & Main in Warren, the pop-up business appears at vendors markets, and they’re busy fulfilling custom order requests for holiday events, like the Bristol Christmas Festival on December
7-8. Watch for pre-packaged festive treats such as butter balls, gingerbread and gingersnap cookies, and Russian tea cakes – items that aren’t usually available at their regular market stalls.
“The greatest compliments I’ve received are when women tell me my crust tastes just like the one their mothers made,” says Marks. “I think it’s wonderful to live somewhere where
Salted Caramel Brownies
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Caron Jewelers specializes in fine jewelry and estate pieces, custom wedding and engagement rings, luxury and vintage watches, artisan giftware, as well as its own Michi Designs featuring rare gemstones. In-house jewelry and watch repair, battery replacement, layaway and cleaning services available.
Photos courtesy of Skylight Bakery
Inside Scoop
Help a beloved creamery choose winning flavors for this year’s Rhody-themed ice cream
By Ruthie Wood
Many of our favorite local ice cream shops close before the first frost, but the slush, snow, and nor’easters don’t intimidate Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery. On the contrary, their North Smithfield creamery amps up production each January to make new and exclusive ice cream flavors for members of their Test Batch Club.
“Wright’s Test Batch Club is an exclusive interactive membership that gives ice cream fans the opportunity to contribute to our ever-evolving ice cream offerings,” explains Kelly Lemoine, director of sales and marketing at Wright’s. People who sign up to be club members receive exclusive access to small-batch flavors to taste-test and provide feedback via online surveys.
Some flavors will never make it from the Test Batch Club to the shelves, while others have gone on to be wildly popular, like Tractor Tracks – vanilla ice cream with caramel swirl, crushed peanut butter cups, and Oreo pieces – which was a flavor from the 2022 club that made it to the year-round menu. Coffee Oatmeal Cookie, Tiramisu, Oreo Cheesecake, Nutella, and Cannoli are flavors from previous years’ Test Batch Clubs that get rotated in seasonally.
Last year, the Test Batch Club devised a core flavor theme to channel their experimenting: Sweet as Pie. The top-ranking Tollhouse Pie incorporates chocolate-chip cookie ice cream with chocolate swirls. It was introduced to regular customers over the summer, and it will be packaged as a pint through the holiday season, according to founder and food operations manager Cathryn Kennedy. In second place was Grasshopper Pie: green mint ice cream with marshmallow fluff swirl and Oreo cookie pieces.
Photos courtesy of Wright’s Creamery
Two exclusive test batch flavors from last year
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412A THAMES STREET, BRISTOL, RI 401-293-0657
Nestled on the Bristol Waterfront among shops and restaurants you will find an intimate gallery exploding with the work of local artists. TH/F 4-7, Sat 1-5, by appointment, or when the flag is out
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The museum’s gift shop is stocked with wonderful hostess gifts, history books, children’s toys, and uniquely Bristol items. You’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list. Unique gifts for everyone on your list
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JOIN THE CLUB
Taking place across 12 weeks beginning in January 2025, A Wicked Rhode Island Test Batch Club invites members to pick up a pint of ice cream a week from one of three locations in Providence, Warren, or North Smithfield. Club members who complete the flavor surveys will not only cast their votes for which ice creams make it to stores, but also receive bonuses like coupon codes as incentive and thanks. A full-year membership can be purchased until December 31, and half memberships are available through February 5 to sample the final six weeks of flavors. Protip: memberships make great gifts! TheWrightScoopRI.com
Ice cream is not always scream-worthy, regardless of the old adage. Some flavors the dairy farm takes a chance on are flops with the taste-testers, such as Honey Bourbon Pie (which this taster happened to love), Chocolate Pecan Pie, and Holiday Leftovers – widely panned. Other feedback from members included a limited diversity of flavors within the theme – all comments the production team takes to heart in order to grow and flex their creativity through trial and error.
As a 2024 Test Batch Club member, I can vouch for the notion that not every flavor has to be out of this world for it to be a treat. Beginning last January, I eagerly anticipated each week’s new pint, and when I encountered a favorite, hoped that other members would agree with my taste buds and also submit favorable surveys, so that I might be able to experience these flavors again from Wright’s Dairy’s coolers.
The official theme of 2025 is A Wicked Rhode Island Test Batch Club, which Kennedy
Last year’s pie theme included everything from chocolate pecan to key lime
anticipates will “provide inspiration, but also give us a ton of flexibility to come up with different types of flavors. It’s definitely challenged us creatively, which we enjoy.” Flavors will resemble or pull inspiration from notable places and businesses around the state, from the Big Blue Bug – which Kennedy assures will not have real bugs in it – to Blount Clam Chowder, which will emulate the appearance of this Ocean State delicacy rather than taste like it!
“As a born-and-raised Rhode Islander, I know there’s a lot of love for this tiny state,” says Kennedy. “What better way to celebrate RI than to feature ice cream flavors that embody it?”
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Food Trends: Gifts for Gourmands
From spicy condiments to artisan cheese, gift ideas for the foodies on your list
By Ken Abrams
The Cheese Wheel Vintage Market is a paradise for foodies of any palate, offering a diverse range of over 200 cheeses and 25 gourmet charcuterie options. Popular cheeses include Testun Foglie di Castagno, an Italian cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves with sharp, sweet, nutty flavors, and Carpenedo Blu, “a stunningly beautiful sweet and tangy blue cheese that’s soaked in wine
and topped with cranberries,” says The Cheese Wheel’s Emily Brayton. “I would say it’s our most decadent and luscious cheese.”
“Around the holidays we also sell a lot of high-quality balsamic vinegars and olive oils, things that are a little on the expensive side that people might not buy for themselves but are happy to purchase as gifts,” says Brayton. Another
customer favorite, Jamon Iberico de Bellota is a Spanish ham made from Iberico pigs who roam freely feeding on acorns on a million-acre oak forest in Spain. The store carries products from local producers, too, including the Ocean State Pepper Company, Newport Sea Salt, Navad Bakers, and high-quality candies from Jaffal Chocolates. Tiverton, TheCheeseWheelRI.com
Fancy cheese and charcuterie in Tiverton
P hoto
courtesy of The Cheese Wheel
Heat up the holidays with a Newport-made chili condiment
Move over Sriracha, Yagi Noodles’s own Chili Crisp has fast become a local favorite. Made with chilies, gochugaru (Korean chili powder), sesame, ginger, garlic, shallot, shiitake mushrooms, and a unique combo of herbs and spices, the spicy condiment made in-house at the ramen shop proved to be so popular they decided to offer it as a packaged good. It’s now available by the jar at statewide locations, including Simple Merchant in Newport. “It’s rich, flavorful, crunchy, sesame-forward, and has the perfect kick that elevates just about anything else you can think of,” says Yagi’s co-owner Kodi Keith. “I’ve been drizzling it on everything!”
Yagi Noodles is especially busy around the holidays. “You can look forward to our Feast of the Fishes menu around Christmas and our Chinese New Year menu in February,” says Keith. Be sure to take a peek into the noodle room when visiting, where diners can view chef Basil Yu making fresh ramen noodles made from locally milled wheat daily. Newport, YagiNoodles.com
Beloved Warren bakeshop expands with second floor of homegoods
The Bakeshop, a popular Water Street eatery and sister property to Bywater restaurant, serves hearty sourdough bread, European-style pastries, artisanal roasted coffees, espresso, mocktails, and iced teas. The bakery recently expanded to the second floor of the historic Carriage Shop, where it sells curated housewares, books, and grocery goods perfect for the home chefs in your life. “We love to keep the shelves stocked with items we use in our own homes and kitchens that complement or enhance our baked goods,” says owner Katie Dickson. “We use all locally grown and milled grain, and our baker Alicia loves the book Mother Grains , a great jumping-off point for experimenting with different flours. It’s a treasure for the home baker.” Dickson believes good cutlery is an important component of the bread-making experience. “No gift of sourdough bread would be complete without a good inexpensive bread knife,” she says. “You want a great hard crispy crust on your loaves, and you don’t want to take a finger off or wind up with a ragged mess.” Warren, BakeshopWarren.Square.Site
406 Water Street. Warren, RI
PIC OF THE BAY
ABOUT KAYLA @k___elizabeth Awkward millennial sarcastically MacGyvering my way through marriage, motherhood & life with my camera in hand.
Te Bristol Santa House brings magic to the season
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME for the
There’s nothing like home for the holidays, and nowhere quite like Rhode Island. Wherever life finds you, I’m here to help you discover the perfect home to create memories that last a lifetime. Reach out to me for more information about real estate in the Ocean State— your next chapter starts here.
ALICIA REYNOLDS