Hey Rhody Summer 2024

Mermaid Tears By MB Ocean Inspired Artwork for Your Decor @mermaid0102 etsy.com/shop/MermaidTearsByMB

Original Raphael Potery

Functional Potery including Garlic Graters, Keepers & Roasters @jayne.raphael | Raphaelpotery.com

Jen Charleson Mixed Media & Design “Purple Tendrils” Framed Original Art @contradiva | Contradiva.com JenniferCharleson@gmail.com

Rush Brook Studio Unique Handcrafed Wire-Wrapped Jewelry @rushbrookstudio Rushbrookstudio.com

Lethargic.slumber

Stephen uses acrylic paint and vivid colors to create emotionally narrative pieces. @lethargic.slumber

Open Year Round, Seven Days A Week | 10am - 6pm Sakonnet River Company Wine & Cheese Trays @sakonnetrivercompany SakonnetRiverCompany.com

Floorcloths Art For Your Floor by Suzanne Housley Noonan SuzanneHousleyNoonan.com

Chryssa Udvardy Ceramics Ceramic Artist, Classes Available @chryssaudvardy | (401) 808-9934 cudvardy@gmail.com

Salubrious Endeavors

Functional Earthy Potery & Ocean Life Castings @salubriousendeavors1 SalubriousEndeavors.com

Shear Stones

Unique Beach Treasure Art @shearstones | Shearstonesri.com

Scenic Drive

A Portsmouth illustrator goes big for new aquarium murals NEWS & CULTURE 13

31

Adoptable pets, a local shelter’s fundraiser, and making memories with your dogs and cats SPECIAL SECTION

Hey Rhody Pets

A1

Beach Bucket List

200+ activities to plan the best summer evah COVER STORY

71

Vibrant Viticulture

Why Rhody coasts are ripe for sparkling wines FEATURE

Photo by Tandem, courtesy of South County Tourism

News & Culture

22 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Annual factbook shows child poverty is down but disparities remain

24 RI Press Association awards announced

26 RHODY READS: Anticipated picks from the upcoming Watch Hill author series

28 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

Home & Style

A19 HOME: How soulful style permeates the life of an East Bay couple

A24 The beloved Block Island shop of a NYCbased creative director

A26 GARDEN: UK floral artist brings natural instincts to the Newport flower show

A30 SHOP: Family-owned jewelry chain celebrates silver anniversary

A32 RHODY GEM: Coastal gifts inside a Warwick sea shanty

Food & Drink

83 EXPERIENCE: Chicken pop-up in Newport specializes in sauce

90 RHODY EATS RESTAURANT GUIDE

92 RECIPE: Hot take on a classic Italian sub

94 ROUNDUP: Get a clawful of statewide lobster rolls

98 IN THE KITCHEN: A Watch Hill wine director finds a bottle for every palate

Hey Rhody Photos

104 The #heyrhodypet of the month via Instagram

Photo by Liz Murray

Photography by Dylan Chandler, courtesy of Tori Jones

COVER: Ocean State of mind. Photo by Tandem, courtesy of South County Tourism

Photo courtesy Ryland Peters & Small

Publishers

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Editor

Ken Abrams

Digital Media Specialist

Jenna Kaplan

Advertising

Design Director

Layheang Meas

Senior Designer

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

Taylor Gilbert Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Account Managers

Shelley Cavoli

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Gallagher

Kristine Mangan Olf

Chris Revill

Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com

Contributing Photographers

Susan Auriemma

Savannah Barkley

Dylan Chandler

Christine Chitnis

Seth Holme

Seth Jacobson

Warren Jagger

Karen Kalunian

Linda LaParle

Mark Lohman

Kayla Mandeville Michael Masi Liz Murray Glenn Osmundson

Contributing Writers

Luis Hernandez

Patty J

Karen Kalunian

Ann Martini

Andrea E. McHugh

Sarah Petrarca David Santilli Sindayiganza Photography Tandem Jess Woody Amy Bartlett Wright Myke Yeager

Liz Murray Emily Olson Fifi O’Neill Deborah Goodrich Royce Ruthie Wood

Interested in writing? Email Abbie@HeyRhody.com

Interns

Shaliyah Dixon Cheikh Higgs

Interested in an internship? Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com

Distribution Services Special Delivery Subscribe Today! HeyRhody.com/MailToYou

Looking for copies? Visit our ofces at Beacon Communications: 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm

Presented by Hey Rhody Media Co. (Formerly Providence Media), publishers of The Bay, Providence Monthly, and So Rhode Island

1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 401-305-3391 • Mail@HeyRhody.com HeyRhody.com

Copyright ©2024 by Hey Rhody Media Co. All rights reserved.

Photo courtesy of Gingersnaps Bakery

MILUKAS STUDIO

Check website for events. Kelly Milukas is a multi-media painter and sculptor. kellymilukas.com/events • @kellymilukas

BARKSFIELD SHOP

The captivating destination for eco-friendly artisan gifts, antiques & refurbished furniture. Enjoy beautiful grounds with ample parking; entrance at back of the building. Open

CEDIAN PAINTING STUDIO & GALLERY

Paintings, Pillows and Coasters by Jennifer Jones Rashleigh Unique Tables by Andrew Peppard 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting • cedianpainting.com

New painting show FARMCOAST LANDSCAPES by Peter Dickinson, opens June 21, 3-5pm. Open daily. 3851 Main Road • (401) 816 0878 • www.tiffanypeay.com @tiffanypeayjewelry

THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET

available. Over 200 cheeses, local meats & produce, house-made bread, sandwiches, soups & prepared meals. Call to order! Open 9-5 Tues-Sunday 3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 @thecheesewheelri

TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET

Full Season Farmers MarketSundays 10am-1:30pm. Summer location: Tiverton Town Farm Recreational Area 3588 Main Road (Rt 77), Tiverton tivertonfarmersmarket.com @TivertonFarmersMarket

FOUR CORNERS GRILLE

Offering fresh, quality food along with fast, friendly service at reasonable prices. Featuring fresh, locally caught seafood with an extensive & eclectic menu in a quaint, casual setting with a delightful patio. 3841 Main Road • (401) 624 1510 www.4cornersgrille.com

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

New Artists, New Art Work! Collections of paintings, ceramics, photography & jewelry

Hours: Monday- Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm Saturday 9:30am-5pm • 3848 Main Road fourcornersgalleryri.com • @fourcornersgalleryri

A curated collection of furniture, lush pillows, LOU LOU’S DECOR

Make your beach house a home with a cozy & fun addition from Lou Lou’s Décor with locations in Tiverton & Newport. Full interior design services available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 www.loulousdecor.com

TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

COTTAGE AT FOUR CORNERS

Hey Rhody!

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

Despite the calendar stating that summer begins at 4:51pm on June 20, for many of us, it’s already begun. Summer in Little Rhody is truly a state of mind, and we’re all on our own wonderfully unpredictable clock. Maybe your summer starts with that ceremonious slurp of frozen lemonade, at a clam shack picnic table with a side of fries (and swooping seagulls), or the first time your bare foot makes an imprint in the sand. Along with these quintessential experiences, there are so many planned activities from June through Labor Day, which you’ll find in these pages.

Turn to page A1 for this year’s Beach Bucket List, a comprehensive guide of events organized by category. You might be motivated to criss-cross the state to try something new – whether it’s a river cruise in Central Falls or a wine tasting in West Greenwich.

The good vibes continue with the story of a NYC-based creative director whose fond memories of working at seasonal shops on Block Island inspired her to open one of her own. This month’s Rhody Gem is a weekend-must for coastal goods in a Warwick sea shanty. Peek into the beautiful home of an East Bay boutique owner, and visit a two-store jewelry chain that’s celebrating a milestone. Deborah Goodrich Royce returns to the Rhody Reads column, with six books by authors

who will appear at the Ocean House Author Series this summer – a fabulous way to experience the Watch Hill beachfront hotel for an afternoon. Over in Newport, learn about the Portsmouth illustrator behind the breathtaking backdrops at Save the Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium. And like a good dog, Hey Rhody Pets is back, with an entire section devoted to making the best life for your fur-babies.

So many summer plans involve food, so we’ve got our contributors on the case! Find a list of 10 eateries to add to your lobster roll crawl, take note of a fried chicken joint in Newport, and add a fun twist on Italian subs to your picnic plans. Read up on a hotel wine director committed to taking the snobbery out of ordering a glass – which pairs nicely with this month’s feature on why Southern New England’s climate is ideal for sparkling wines.

Little Rhody is your oyster. Enjoy!

ELYSE MAJOR Editor in Chief Instagram: @elyse.elizabeth.major

Photo of Elyse Major taken by Jenna Kaplan at The Chanler, Newport

NEWS & CULTURE

Arts | The Public’s Radio | Awards | Rhody Reads | Calendar

Scenic Drive

Portsmouth-based illustrator paints, rolls, and delivers vivid murals to new aquarium

By Cheikh Higgs

For the past two years, Amy Bartlett Wright has been busy painting murals on canvas for Save the Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport. Among them is “Rocky Shore,” a 9x18-foot depiction of Sachuest Point in Middletown that serves as backdrop for live exhibits as you enter the aquarium. There’s also “Freshwater Habitats,” a 28-foot-wide canvas painted at Wright’s Portsmouth studio. Once completed, Wright rolls each canvas on a PVC pipe and delivers them in her car to the aquarium. She’s currently working on her first magnetic mural for the destination, a first for the artist in her 40 years of work. “This interactive exhibit combines a painted underwater landscape and separate magnetic painted sculptures of our native marine life,” the artist explains.

Section of a mural at Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport, 2023

In the vivid world of Wright, each stroke is an ode to the wildlife, landscapes, and communities that define Rhode Island. The muralist and natural science illustrator’s artistic passage traces back to the nurturing influence of her grandmother, whose playful challenges and innate teacher-like qualities ignited a passion for drawing. “When we were very young, my sisters and I lived next door to my grandmother’s house and we were frequently in her care,” Wright reminisces. “To keep us busy, she would lay out sheets of paper and tell us to draw an animal for every letter of the alphabet. Of course she loved everything we drew, so from a young age, I felt rewarded and encouraged to draw.” Childhood books were another influence and she cites Scribner Illustrated Classics, produced during the Golden Age of American illustration, as an inspiration.

Photos by and courtesy of Amy Bartlett Wright

Installation of the “Rocky Shores” mural exhibit, which measures 9x18 feet, at Save the Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, Newport

Amy Bartlett Wright

Calling Rhode Island home for over four decades, Wright, who is part of the RISD Continuing Education faculty, attributes the state’s diverse habitats and wildlife as a logical nest for her creativity. “Rhode Island has such a variety of birds, mammals, and marine life. Because of our varied habitats – sandy beaches, fresh and saltwater waterways, woods, farmland, and rocky hills – there are areas to explore and capture through art.”

Photo (top) by and courtesy of Amy Bartlett Wright, (bottom) by ELyse Major

Painting en plein air in Portsmouth at Common Fence Point

Signature in Cumberland

Mural painting came about naturally through clients and competitive art opportunities that challenged Wright to work

and

Her largest mural to date is 57 feet on Washington Street in Providence; her widest is 260 feet for a private residence in Massachusetts. The process of choosing mural locations is often a collaborative endeavor initiated by building owners or representatives. While most of her murals are around New England, her portfolio includes 12 states.

Photo by Amy Bartlett Wright

Photo by Elyse Major,

THE BLUE GARDEN NEWPORT

Visitors are welcome Thursdays from June 13 – October 10, 2024. Tours meet at 11:00, 12:30, and 2:00. Online reservations and a $20 ticket purchase are required. For reservations and to learn about the history of this distinctive Gilded Age garden that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, visit thebluegarden.org.

Plein air painting in oil at Sachuest Point Visitors Center, Middletown

“Blackstone River at Cadillac Mills,” 18x54 feet at 30 Meeting Street, Cumberland

Working large-scale presents logistical challenges that Wright navigates meticulously. “Mural painting requires a lot of planning,” she elaborates. “All my murals begin with a small-scale model.” Her preferred medium, acrylic paint, offers the stability and fast-drying qualities necessary for executing expansive artworks. The public spectacle of mural creation, where passersby become witnesses to her evolving masterpiece, adds another layer of excitement.

Wright’s artistic evolution reflects a shift from the precise drawing from her days as an illustration intern at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonians in the Departments of Botany and Entomology, to today’s sublime mural expanses and plein air painting in oils. “My style has changed a lot over the years as my artistic priorities have changed,” she says.

“My current work is looser and more expressive. I now consider detail as less important, and I prioritize volume and dimension.” Solo show Pathways, Waterways at The Graham Gallery, Bristol, August 1-September 7. Learn more at AmyBartlettWright.com and follow her artistic practice on Instagram @amybartlettwright.com

Plein air painting in oil at Anne Hutchinson Park, Portsmouth

Mural portion, “Freshwater Habitats” at Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium.

Acrylic on canvas; full mural measures 6x28 feet

Photos by and courtesy of Amy Bartlett Wright

Child Poverty Is Down but Disparities Remain

The latest edition of the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook outlines a litany of challenges facing children across the state who are born into poverty — and highlights a few bright spots, too

In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Luis Hernandez

Luis Hernandez, host of Morning Edition , spoke about some possible solutions with the executive director of the child advocacy nonprofit Rhode Island Kids Count, Paige Clausius-Parks. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

HERNANDEZ: So it’s the annual Kids Count [report] that came out. What’s your main takeaway from this report? How do you feel?

CLAUSIUS - PARKS: So this is our 30th anniversary, which we’re really excited about, and we have been tracking a full generation of kids. There have been some positive things that have happened for our kids in the past 30 years. But what is glaringly obvious and evident in almost every single indicator of the Factbook is the large and persistent disparities that exist in Rhode Island for our kids, especially for kids of color. We see large disparities by race, ethnicity, and by income status, language status, disability, immigration, neighborhood and zip codes. So those remain persistent.

HERNANDEZ: One thing that jumped out at me is that birth rates are down. Now, this is a national thing; what do you attribute that to?

CLAUSIUS - PARKS: Well, there’s many things that this could be because of. We know that overall, young people are starting families later in life going through post secondary education, which is excellent, which is also very expensive. Home ownership is very expensive or out of reach for many young people. And this delays starting families, which can also impact the size of the families or how many children a family can afford.

HERNANDEZ: Overall, this was a good point. Child poverty rate fell in Rhode Island in 2022 from 15 percent to 11.7 percent. So, it’s a good thing. What are we doing right?

This is the 30th edition of the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook

CLAUSIUS - PARKS: Well, there are some things that we can [attribute] to this, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. So if you remember during that time, federally, there was a child tax credit throughout the pandemic. The entire country helped to reduce child poverty by nearly half. So that was a big investment that helped families in Rhode Island. We had a surge of funding into education. We had funding to help our child care providers that we were able to put some more money in to help keep some folks for retention bonuses. There was also money put into family home visiting. There was a temporary rate increase that we used federal dollars for during those years. But as those go away, the needs haven’t changed. And so we’re really concerned that if the state doesn’t chip in money, then we’re going to lose some of the benefits that we saw from those investments.

HERNANDEZ: Here’s an eye opening statistic: between 2018 and 2022, one third of all Rhode Island infants were born to parents without high school diplomas. What do we know about this statistic?

CLAUSIUS - PARKS: We know that, of course, the more education that a parent has, the more likely they are to be able to get a higher paid job, be more likely to be employed, and have family sustaining wages. One of the programs that we advocate for is the Rhode Island Works

Program. That’s our state’s cash assistance program that’s funded through federal dollars. The goal is to help children in poverty. And one of the ways to do that is to provide workforce development for their parents. So that includes job training and concluding two years of college at CCRI. These are all things that we know will help parents to be able to be eligible for those higher paying jobs.

HERNANDEZ: This was a good point. Rhode Island’s high school graduation rate was up in 2023 compared to 2013, so that’s increasing. But there’s still a big gender gap in graduation rates — 87 percent for girls, 81 percent for boys. Why?

CLAUSIUS -PARKS: That is a great question that needs to be explored more. In the focus groups that we have done with young people, we have not looked specifically at the gender differences. Now I can say anecdotally — this is not from the data in the Factbook, but anecdotally — we do know that if we look at young people’s interactions in terms of behavior in school or some kind of disciplinary actions, sometimes males may be disciplined more than females. You know, the question is, why is that? Is it about the structure of how school happens? Is it about what is of interest to young males? These are all questions that we would have to dive into and we encourage people to dive into so that this data can provide kind of a baseline for folks to start to explore more.

Cover art by Greenwood Associates, courtesy of Rhode Island Kids Count

HERNANDEZ: When you look at what this report is saying, I’m wondering, is there specifically a solution you’re looking for, especially from lawmakers or educators? Specifically, how can we make it better?

CLAUSIUS - PARKS: Yes, there are some things that we can do immediately to make things better. The first one is investments in our early childhood systems. One of the things that this report shows is how our early childhood educators are not well supported in terms of how much money they make. Those first few years of a child’s life are critically important for brain development. So the educators who are in their lives are so important during those early years. And we are not paying our early childhood educators wages that are equal and on par to the huge responsibility that they have. And so we’re looking for lawmakers to really invest in our early childhood educators so that they’re able to have wages that are better than fast food workers, which is what they’re being paid right now.

One of the other things that we’re looking for is our Factbook shows that we have an increasing multilingual learner population, nearly doubled in the last 10 years. And that’s really exciting because students and adults who are multilingual have greater social economic opportunities later in life. We have made some investments to help support our multilingual education, but what we’re asking for is for that categorical funding for multilingual learners to be put into the funding formula. So it’s a predictable dollar amount that school districts know they’re going to get every year. Right now, they have no idea what they’re going to get every year, so they can’t make some of those really important long-term investments that we know would really help this growing population. Learn more at RIKidsCount.org

This article was originally posted on May 7, 2024. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@ripr.org

Hairstyling Mini-Facials

Makeup Application YOGA

Hey Rhody Media Co. Takes First Place Awards in Design, Writing;

Publisher Barry Fain Inducted into Journalism Hall of Fame

A

heartfelt celebration at this year’s RI Press Association Awards Banquet

By Staff

Each year, writers, editors, designers, photographers, and publishers step away from their desks to celebrate local journalism at the Rhode Island Press Association (RIPA) awards banquet. This year’s event was held May 10 at the Q uonset “O” Club, North Kingstown. Hey Rhody Media Co., publisher of Rhode Island’s premier lifestyle magazines, including Pro v idence Monthly , So Rhode Island , The Bay , and Hey Rhody , won a total of 10 awards.

The editorial contest process begins in early spring, with member organizations submitting their top nominations in 45 categories. More than 400 entries are judged by a state press association across the US. The list of winners is announced prior to the banquet, but award rankings are kept confidential until presented live over the course of dinner. Ceremony highlights included Lily Neves, a sophomore at Roger Williams University, receiving this year’s student scholarship given to a Rhode Island high school senior or college student preparing for a career in journalism.

At this year’s banquet, Barry Fain, one of the three founders/publishers of Hey Rhody Media Co. was inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame. This is a lifetime achievement award given to individuals who have made a substantial impact on journalism within Rhode Island or to Rhode Islanders who have made such contributions to the field out of the state. Fain was introduced by Nick DelGiudice, Hey Rhody Media Co. general manager and creative director, followed by Fain making his own remarks, and closing with the importance of telling local stories. The association also formally inducted James N. Rhea (posthumous), of The Pro v idence Journal , and John Pantalone, founding editor, Newport This Week Hey Rhody Media Co. design awards include Abigail Brown, senior editorial designer, taking first place for both Special Section and Best Feature, Front Page for Pro v idence Monthly ’s September cover story “Destination

Providence” – the premiere of a special annual issue showcasing the city. Brown also took home third place for Best Cover “Taste the Harvest” for The Bay , September. DelGiudice took second place for Best Cover for Pro v idence Monthy ’s January “Who to Watch” issue, featuring his photography of nine individuals.

In the writing categories, longtime contributor Ann Martini took first place in Business Story for “Farmer’s Market,” a look at the inventive new marketing methods growers are implementing to connect to consumers. In News Story – Short, Martini earned Honorable Mention for “Storied Inn Remembered,” about a Block Island’s hotel succumbing to fire, both in So Rhode Island . Additional writing awards include contributor Emily Olson’s first-time honor for Business Story where she took Honorable Mention for her article on the state’s budding cannabis industry in “Turning a New Leaf.” Managing editor Abbie Lahmers garnered Third Place for

Elyse

Nick DelGiudice, general

and creative director; Barry Fain, publisher; Taylor Gilbert, senior graphic designer; Abigail Brown, senior editorial designer; and Emily Olson, contributing writer. Not pictured: Ann Martini

her Arts/Entertainment Story, “Inside the Box” about sculptor Zuly Palomino Jimenez, as well as second place for Best Email Newsletter for the Hey Rhody Newsletter. Editor in chief Elyse Major took home third place as Arts/Niche Columnist this year, for her monthly home tour articles.

During the banquet, the association elected officers for the coming year: Ethan Shorey, of The Valley Breeze , as president; Carlos Muños, of Globe Rhode Island , as vice president; Sarah Francis, retired, as treasurer; and Will Richmond, of The Pro v idence Journal , as secretary.

Photo by Glenn Osmundson

Pictured left from right: Abbie Lahmers, managing editor;

Major, editor in chief;

manager

A summer calendar of books and author chats are on deck in Watch Hill

Rhody Reads

By Deborah Goodrich Royce

Can you imagine a more beautiful summer spot than our very own state of Rhode Island? The beaches, the surfing, the sailing. The corn, the tomatoes, the strawberries. It is a heady season of long days and gentle breezes made all the more delicious by the company of a good book. As the Ocean House Author Series embarks on its fourth year, I am delighted to share some of the new titles and authors we will feature in person in Westerly this summer. This is a small sample of the fun and summer reading we have in store. So come down to the Ocean House, get your favorite books, and grab a beach towel, lemonade, and straw hat to while away your summer afternoons!

Watch Hill author Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg will join us on July 1 to talk about her latest novel, Daughter of a Promise . In it, Blasberg deftly uses the biblical story of Bathsheba to weave a tale of ambition and love in the competitive investment banking world of New York. Written as a letter to the narrator’s unborn son, Daughter of a Promise captures the protagonist’s coming-of-age as she increasingly understands the forces that shaped her and her child’s destiny.

On July 10, Boston-based author Dawn Tripp will be part of the series with her new novel, Jackie , the remarkable story of the beautiful, intelligent, and deeply private Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, who no matter how hard she tried was unable to escape the public’s glare. Through two marriages, motherhood, unspeakable violence, and later a quiet relationship and career, she took her legacy of grief and shaped history even as she lived it on her own terms.

Beatriz Williams returns to the series on July 17 with her latest summer page-turner, Husbands and Lo vers. Once again, Williams masterfully weaves timelines and plots to deliver dual narratives: that of a wealthy woman in coastal New England fighting to save her son from a potentially fatal poisoning, and that of a Hungarian war refugee in revolutionary mid-century Egypt, whose decisions and sacrifices will ricochet through the ages.

On July 24, I am delighted to welcome Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, with her international bestselling novel, A Most Intriguing Lady . While Victorian London was rife with pickpockets, elite Victorian country houses hosted their own share of thieves, but wealthy victims with secrets to keep were reticent to call the police. Enter Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, a most unconventional and successful detective. This rollicking tale follows a Duke’s daughter – the perfect Victorian lady – who secretly moonlights as an amateur sleuth for high society’s inner circle.

Another Watch Hill author, Patricia Walsh Chadwick, has a second memoir. Following up on Little Sister , her riveting tale of childhood in a Catholic cult near Boston, Chadwick brings us Breaking Glass, Tales from the Witch of Wall Street . Her incredible journey from a completely isolated and naïve childhood in the countryside to the pinnacle of the financial world of New York is as improbable as it is fascinating. She will join us at the Ocean House Author Series on August 21.

Annabel Monaghan will wrap up our series on August 28 with her aptly named Summer Romance . The romantic and hilarious story of a professional organizer whose life is a mess until she meets someone one fateful summer. Joining Monaghan will be author Alix Strauss, whose powerful, The Joy of Funerals , draws readers into the strange and humorous world of nine women grappling with sex, power, love, and death. Summer Romance and The Joy of Funerals will end your summer with a smile.

ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

Deborah Goodrich Royce’s thrillers examine puzzles of identity. Reef Road , a national bestseller, was named one of the best books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and an Indie Next pick by the American Booksellers Association. Ruby Falls won the Zibby Award for Best Plot Twist, and Finding Mrs. Ford was hailed by Forbes , Book Riot, and Good Morning America ’s “best of” lists . With fellow authors Luanne Rice and Amy Scheibe, Goodrich Royce recently founded the Deer Mountain Writers’ Retreat in the Catskills.

OCEAN HOUSE AUTHOR SERIES

Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases

The Ocean House Author Series – a salon-style conversation that Goodrich Royce hosts in partnership with Bank Square Books – brings world-class authors to the stunning seaside location of Watch Hill. It has featured a wide range of fiction and non-fiction writers including Chris Bohjalian, Katie Couric, Emma Straub, and many more. Learn more at OceanHouseEvents.com

East Providence’s own Allison Kirwan of Wild World of AK, at last year’s StyleWeek Northeast runway show

Te Must List

Through June 30: Hijinks ensue as Trinity Repertory closes out the 2023-24 season with Harvey Fierstein’s modern classic La Cage aux Folles , directed by Taavon Gamble, which tells the story of the happenings at the Saint-Tropez nightclub. Pro v idence, TrinityRep.com

Through June 22: The summer season at Theatre By The Sea kicks off with the groundbreaking American musical A Chorus Line , the story of 17 dancers competing for a coveted spot in a Broadway musical. Matunuck, TheatreByTheSea.com

June 9: Celebrate Woonsocket Pride at River Island Park with over 60 craft and art vendors, local non-profits, drag performers, spoken word, and music from Midnight Honey. Food trucks include Saugy’s Hot Dogs and Friskie Fries. Woonsocket Linktr.ee/WoonPride

June 13: New England’s premier fashion show STYLEWEEK Northeast presents its annual outdoor event at Capital Grille, featuring formal runway shows, BalletRI performances, a vendor market, and more. Pro v idence, StyleweekNortheast.com

June 15: Performances by Valerie Tutson, Sidy Maiga, and more are part of Open Farm Day with Rhode Island Black Storytellers at Casey Farm, part of North Kingstown’s 350th anniversary activities. Saunderstown, My.HistoricNewEngland.org

June 15: World-class Scottish fiddler Mari Black joins Nova Scotia/Cape Breton musician Troy MacGillivray for the Celtic-inspired From Highlands to Islands show at the Blackstone River Theatre as part of the Take It Outside Concert Series. Cumberland, BRTRI.org

June 16: Celebrate dad with Father’s Day Cocktails & Pastries at Rhodium Spirits, serving delicious pastries along with craft-distilled boozy coffees, Bloody Marys, distinctive cocktails, and other specials. Pawtucket, RhodeIslandSpirits.com

June 23: Enjoy strawberry picking season at the annual Strawberry Shortcake Social at the Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Complex with strawberry shortcake and whipped cream available for purchase at the market table. TivertonFarmersMarket.com

June 26: Don your blue and gold and cheer on Rhode Island’s pro soccer team in their inaugural season as RIFC takes on El Paso Locomotive FC in a rare weeknight match at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium. Smithfield, RhodeIslandFC.com

June 28: Celebrate National Food Truck Day at Blounts Clam Snack on the Waterfront at the Clam Cake Eating Contest where 20 contestants will have 10 minutes to devour as many clam cakes as possible. Warren, BlountRetail.com

Photo by Myke Yeager, courtesy of Styleweek Northeast

DID YOU KNOW

A Red Panda’s Diet is 98% Bamboo

MAKE WILD DISCOVERIES AT ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO

Make every visit a memory-making adventure while helping protect wildlife and wild places.

Now through August 11

Experience the excitement of smoke-breathing dragons. The jaw-dropping sight of a unicorn and the spine-tingling roars of mythical beasts.

Don’t miss out on this breathtaking adventure with over 60 animatronic creatures.

RHODY PETS

Fundraiser | Pets of the Month | Making Memories

Animals and Automobiles

Annual classic car show in Warwick benefits dogs and cats looking for forever homes

By Abbie Lahmers

ll things with four wheels will be rolling onto the scene to support four-legged critters this month for the 15th annual Cause for Paws Car Show, organized by the Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter to benefit homeless pets. From classic cars and hot rods to custom automobiles and fire trucks, the show has something for all enthusiasts to ogle, but even though spectators are sure to be enticed by the shiny Corvettes, “The cause is the reason that people come,” says co-director Ruth Napolitano. “Adoptable dogs from the shelter always join us too – people love to meet them.”

The event helps support the Warwick Animal Shelter efforts caring for and finding homes for local cats and dogs. “The funds are used to provide the shelter animals with the medical care they need – testing, surgeries, medication, special food – and enrichment items,” explains event co-director Dawn Burnham. “Many animals come to the shelter shut down, scared, distrustful... for completely understandable reasons. Toys and treats help the staff and volunteers build bonds with them.”

Yuki is a Warwick Animal Shelter rescue looking for a forever home

Along with eye candy for autophiles, the day is backdropped by Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer bringing oldies jams, and fun for the whole family, including vendors, door prizes, gift basket raffles, vendors, and food trucks. Excitement builds in the afternoon with the announcement of the winning vehicles, which participants vote for, earning trophies in the categories of Best of Show, People’s Choice, and Best Club Participation.

Even once the day comes to a close, the shelter can always use support from the public to help pets find their forever homes. “Sharing posts on social media to ensure more people know about the adoptable animals available and lost pets is very helpful,” says Burnham. Napolitano adds, “We have had an Akita named Yuki waiting for a home for over a year! This dog needs a specific type of home and we know it’s out there. By sharing our social media posts, we can help a dog like Yuki find a home.”

Donating time also goes a long way. “The shelter can always use more volunteers, especially during the week, to walk dogs and play with the cats. All you have to do is attend an orientation and then you can make a difference in a homeless animal’s life,” shares Napolitano, who also emphasizes the importance of getting pets spayed or neutered to help mitigate the problem of pet overpopulation.

For folks interested in showing off their wheels, vehicle registration costs $20 per car, with free goody bags and commemorative Dash Plaques to the first 100 registrations. “We are grateful to all the people, businesses, and volunteers who have made it our most successful fundraiser!” says Napolitano. “Last year we had over 250 registered cars and almost 1,000 spectators – it’s a lot of fun, and hard work, for a great cause.”

The Cause for Paws Car Show revs up at 171 Service Place on June 9 (rain date July 21) with car registration 9am-12pm and awards at 2pm.

Photos courtesy of Cause for Paws

Peek under the hood of classic and custom cars at Cause for Paws

SHELTERS NEAR YOU

25 places that you could use helping hands this summer, with pets ready to find their forever home!

Animal Rescue Rhode Island, 783-7606

Bristol Animal Shelter, 253-4834

Cranston Animal Control, 464-8700

EGAPL Heart of RI Animal Rescue League, 467-3670

East Providence Animal Control, 435-7675

Exeter Animal Control, 294-2754

Friends of Homeless Animals RI, FOHARI.org

Go Fetch Rescue, GoFetchRescue.org

Handsome Dan’s Rescue, HandsomeDansRescue.org

Hotel for Homeless Dogs, HotelForHomelessDogs.com

Lincoln Animal Control, 333-0950

North Kingstown Animal Control, 295-5579

Paws New England, PawsNewEngland.com

Pawtucket Animal Shelter, 722-4243

Providence Animal Control, 243-6040

Providence Animal Rescue League, 421-1399

Rhode Home Rescue, RhodeHomeRescue.org

RISPCA, 438-8150

Potter League, 846-8276

Save One Soul Animal Rescue League, SOSARL.org

Small Dog Rescue of NE, SmallDogRescueNE.org

Vintage Pet Rescue, VintagePetRescue.org

Warwick Animal Shelter, 468-4377

West Warwick Animal Shelter, 615-3388

Westerly Animal Shelter, 584-7941

Rhody Pets of the Month

By Karen Kalunian

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters across the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are a bunch of pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.

If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

Miss Hazel

BREED: Catahoula mixed breed

AGE: 4

GENDER: Female

Miss Hazel is a true beauty inside and out. She has a stunning coat of many colors, and she’s smart to boot. She sits like a perfect lady for her treats, and enjoys attention. If you have been looking for a loyal, loving companion, you just found her. Keep in mind that she does want to be your one and only princess.

CHARLESTOWN ANIMAL SHELTER

401-364-1211

Nebula

BREED: Tabby

AGE: 2

GENDER: Female

With her striped coat of gray and chocolate brown, Nebula will captivate you with her ethereal beauty. Her best home would be an adult home filled with lots of love, time, patience, and lots of yummy treats! She does long for attention, but at her own pace. If you’d like to meet this beautiful star, fill out an application online. The rescue will email you with more information about how you can meet Nebula and maybe even make your home her permanent galaxy!

SCRUFFY PAWS ANIMAL RESCUE

ScruffyPawsAnimalRescue.org

Miss Hazel Nebula

Photos (left and center) by Karen Kalunian, (R) by Jess Woody

BREED: Hounds

AGE: 1

GENDER: Three male, one female Four precious pups were found abandoned in the woods and left to fend for themselves. Luckily, someone spotted them and brought them to Exeter Animal Shelter. They are all beautiful and have been receiving lots of love and attention, but dream of finding loving homes of their very own.

Making Memories

Savor every moment with your pet with fun accessories, frameable portraits, and tasty treats from local vendors

By Abbie Lahmers

Any household with a pet knows that no matter how many shredded chairs, hairballs on the carpet, and late-night walks you endure, cats and dogs are members of the family who bring joy that more than makes up for all the chores. Enjoy the day-to-day moments with your pet by stocking up on goods they love and preserving memories with custom art.

Curated Gifts

Show your furbaby you appreciate their playful presence in your life with a visit to FETCH RI , celebrating 10 years in business. “For every furry friend that visits, we capture their happiness in photos and even have special frames for those celebrating birthdays and gotcha days,” says owner Johnna Devereaux. A clinical pet nutritionist, Devereaux can help patrons find the right food for their critter, and don’t leave without browsing their fun toy selection! Richmond, FetchRI.com

Dress your pup for adventure with bandanas by WOLFE & HOUND COMPANY . Made with a carefully selected range of fabrics, both new and vintage, owner Melanie Wolfe says, “Our bandanas are crafted by hand in small batches here in Rhode Island. We enjoy introducing new styles to keep current with the changing seasons and all the major holidays.” For every purchase, Wolfe & Hound donates a bandana to regional shelters. Bristol, WolfeAndHoundCompany.etsy.com

Picture Perfect

Once you’ve found the perfect bandana or accessory, bring your furry friend to ANIMAL REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY , an extension of Allyson Barth’s Crescent Moon Photography Studio. Inquire about options for pet portraits, whether you’re interested in having a keepsake of your dog or cat looking dapper as a keepsake for years to come, or including Fido in the family photo. North Kingstown, Facebook: Animal Reflections Photography

MEANINGFUL GOODBYES

While no one wants to think about saying goodbye to our beloved furbabies, when the time comes, it never hurts to be prepared. Pets at Peace in-home euthanasia offers comfort for the whole family in pets’ final moments. Look into local cemeteries and crematory services, like Angel View Pet Cemetery, specifically for pets. PetsAtPeaceVetCare.com

Through her business, PET PORTRAITS BY LIZ , artist Liz McGrath captures pets’ likeness through hand-drawn works of art in watercolor with colored pencil details. “Many are created as bereavement and holiday gifts,” says McGrath, who illustrates headshots, full-body poses, and animals with their owners. “Clients send favorite photos, and toys, blankets, and backgrounds can be included, too.” Facebook: Liz McGrath Illustration

Treat Your Pet

Are tasty treats your pet’s love language? BONE APPETIT can help you express your affection with brands that are not only delicious but also nutritious. This eco-friendly

shop carries food, snacks, and supplements for dogs and cats, and they welcome visits from “dogs and well-behaved humans.” East Greenwich, BoneAppetitDogBakery.com

What began with Herbert “Salty” Baker selling tropical fish from his basement in 1936 has grown into one of the most trusted local pet stores in the state. Knowledgeable RUMFORD PET staff can help you set your pet on a healthy path, choosing from aisles stocked with high-quality natural food. Treats, toys, and other essentials make this a go-to spot for celebrating your four-legged friend. Multiple locations, RumfordPet.com

Photo courtesy of Pet

Portraits by Liz

Pet Portraits by Liz

BEACH BUCKET LIST ‘24

200+ ACTIVITIES TO MAKE THIS THE BEST SUMMER EVER

BY ELYSE MAJOR

Once those ice cream shop windows lift up for the first time for that coveted cone of coffee-Oreo, you feel safe putting the ice scraper away, and the sound of a random firework blast startles your pet, all the signs confirm: summer is here. Being nicknamed the “Ocean State,” Rhode Islanders rightly revel this time of year. Beaches officially open, lobster rolls are on almost every menu, and the scents of flowers, cook-outs, and suntan lotion permeate the air. But with the longer days and warmer temps come expectations. “Summer is awful! There’s so much pressure to enjoy yourself. It’s like New Year’s Eve for kids,” says Gene Belcher of the animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers . To avoid feeling like Gene, back when it was still sock-wearing weather, we scoured our sources to provide readers with the most comprehensive calendar for June, July, and August we could assemble.

With every corner of our beautiful state hosting some kind of activity, we’re sure to have missed some, and many events hadn’t posted 2024 updates at press time, so please let us know by emailing Marketing@HeyRhody.com so there’s no FOMO or hard feelings!

To avoid summer heartbreak, please always check all information with host venues.

Photo by Linda LaParle

Watch Hill Cove

ACROS RHODY, AL SUMER LONG

These activities organized by category are sure to have you driving from Woonsocket to Westerly to Warren and every spot in between.

ART

Art Gallery Visit: Rainy or hot days were made for art galleries, and the Ocean State is filled with them. A statewide sampling includes Dryden Gallery, North Providence; Four Corners Gallery, Tiverton; the galleries at Providence Art Club; Hera Gallery, Wakefield; and Spring Bull Studio & Gallery, Newport, just to name a few. Find more at Arts.RI.go v /galleriespublic-art.

Block Island Art Trail: Grab a map and take a self-guided tour of galleries, studios, shops, and more of where to view and buy work from local artists. Find at locations or download. SpringStreetGallery.com

Mural Tour: Embark on a self-guided tour of the Creative Capital’s murals via map or app! Pro v idence, TheAvenueConcept.org

FAMILY FUN

Glass Float Project: Search outdoor locations on Block Island for beautiful glass balls made by Eben Horton; finds are yours to keep but please register to help keep track, and consider making a donation to keep the ball rolling. Block Island, GlassFloatProject.com

Hannaway Blacksmith Shop Demonstrations: Stop in to watch a demonstration by blacksmiths as they hand-forge new items, or sign up for a class to try it yourself! Lincoln, GreatRoadHeritageCampus.org

Main Street Strolls: Visit East Greenwich for monthly themed strolls, including dogs, art, music, and food, with local businesses bringing their wares outside for a day of shopping and festivities. Dates to be announced. EastGreenwichChamber.com

Providence Grays: Catch baseball fever with this historic club that takes its playbook from the 19th century. Games are held

locally in East Providence, Warwick, and across the East Coast. Pro v idenceGrays.com

River Cruises and Nature & Heritage Tours: Get schooled in the Blackstone Valley’s natural history aboard a scenic cruise for 50-minute boat tours Saturdays and Sundays. Central Falls, RiverTourBlackstone.com

Summer Bike Rides: Discover Blackstone Valley by bike with the RI Northeast Mountain Biking Association, through woodsy trails off the beaten path and routes ranging from easy rides to challenging technical ones. RINEMBA.org

OUTDOOR MARKETS & MORE

Farmers Markets: Make shopping for fresh produce a breeze at one of the many farmers markets in Rhode Island. A statewide sampling includes farm-hosted events that include Casey Farm in Saunderstown and Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, along with the Tiverton Farmers Market, South Kingstown Farmers Market Tuesdays at Marina Park, and many more. Various, FarmFreshRI.org

Field of Artisans Markets: This roving marketplace combines art and antiques, ensuring that you can find something unique for your home! Catch them Sundays at The General’s Market, Charlestown; select Tuesdays at Whalers, Peace Dale; and select Saturdays at SK Town Beach. FieldOfArtisans.com

RI Farm Scavenger Hunt: The RI Farm Bureau encourages finding new farms with this activity that has participants exploring the state to discover farms. The map changes every year to keep things as fresh as July corn! RIFB.org

RI Walks Challenge: Hit trails across the state to find 30+ whimsical nature-inspired steel creatures posted in the woods, and track your progress by scanning QR codes on each. Find them all to win prizes! RIWalks.org

Morning Bird Walks: Each week a new birding destination will be chosen, led by an Audubon naturalist. Advance registration is required and location will be sent via email to registered participants in advance. Various locations, ASRI.org

Photo courtesy of Field of Artisans

Field of Artisans

FOOD TRUCKS

Blount Food Truck Nights: One late-afternoon each month (generally Wednesdays or Thursdays), the Blount Clam Shack truck motors north to The Wright Scoop for the perfect New England combo of hand-held seafood and ice cream. North Smithfield, TheWrightScoopRI.com

Food Trucks at the Beach: Skip packing a cooler and treat yourself to tacos, ice cream, and more served up by a fleet of food trucks, late afternoons at the beach. Mondays and Saturdays through September 1. NarragansettRI.go v

PVD Food Truck Events: Statewide parks and outdoor venues turn into veritable mobile eatery buffets, often with live music and entertainment, select nights. Read on for this year’s lineup in the town-by-town guide. Facebook: PVD Food Truck Events

AUGUST 24-25

Rhode Island Statewide Scavenger Hunt: Assemble a team and use a custom augmented reality app to explore the state like never before. 100 locations, prizes, and a closing party are all part of the fun. RIScavengerHunt.com

HISTORY

Talks and Teas: Smith’s Castle hosts a variety of programming which includes their Lecture on the Lawn author talks and Tea and History and Breakfast Talks, both with a roster of engaging topics. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

Lectures and Exhibitions: The Rhode Island Historical Society, including the house-museums and centers under its supervision, hosts seasonal events for the whole family to learn about the state’s past and present. Woonsocket & Pro v idence, RIHS.org

Life on the Farm: Bring the whole family to visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum and travel back to a more rustic time, with summer programming for the kids, reenactments, and more. Bristol, CoggeshallFarm.org

MOVIES

Free Movie Nights: On select summer evenings, Te Gamm screens favorite flms in their stadium theater seating, projected in 4K resolution, with concessions available for purchase. Warwick, GammTeatre.org

Misquamicut Drive-In: Skip the streaming, pack the car, and motor to Wuskenau Beach to view blockbusters on the big outdoor screen. Vehicle too small? Camping chairs are permitted. Misquamicut, MBADriveIn.com

Movies on the Beach: BYO seats and head to Narragansett Town Beach for family movies (July 10, 24; August 7, 21). Shows begin at dusk and food trucks are scheduled. NarragansettRI.go v

Rustic Tri View Drive In: Get off the couch and pack the family into the car to enjoy a double feature at Little Rhody’s last drive-in theater. A walk to the concessions stand for a cheap dinner or snacks is part of the fun. North Smithfield, Facebook: Rustic Tri View Drive In

14 THEATERS TO CHECK OUT

BURBAGE THEATRE COMPANY

Pawtucket

CONTEMPORARY THEATER COMPANY

Wakefield

COURTHOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

West Kingston

THE GAMM THEATRE

Warwick GRANITE THEATRE

Westerly

THE GREENWICH ODEUM

East Greenwich

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

RHODE ISLAND

STATE ENSEMBLE

Burrill v ille

TEATRO ECAS THEATER

Pro v idence

THEATRE BY THE SEA

Wakefield

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY

Pro v idence

STADIUM THEATRE

Woonsocket

THE UNITED THEATRE

Westerly

THE WILBURY

THEATRE GROUP

Pro v idence

MUSIC

Music at George’s of Galilee: Make any Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feel like a vacation by enjoying live music at this popular restaurant overlooking Block Island Sound. Narragansett, GeorgesOfGalilee.com

Music at Sunset: Take in the lush gardens and live music at the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum for their weekly summer concert series through September. Bristol, Blithewold.org

Music in the Garden: Providence Preservation Society and Mile of History Association host concerts on the lawn at Shakespeare’s Head. Pro v idence, PPSRI.org

Tunes on the Dunes: At press time this event, which takes place Mondays and Wednesdays, had yet to announce the line-up and start date so be sure to check for updates. Westerly, Facebook: Tunes On The Dunes

ON STAGE

Live Theater: There is something for everyone at stages across Rhode Island – both indoors and out, whether it’s the Contemporary Theater Company’s beloved Shakespeare on the Saugatucket (July/August), Wakefield; an Elvis impersonator in West Kingston at Courthouse Center for the Arts; concerts and comedy at PPAC; or rousing musicals, evening concerts, and kids shows at Theater By The Sea in Wakefield.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Kitchen at Blithewold: On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (11am-1pm), sit back and enjoy the scenic overlook from the northwest porch while enjoying a meal with produce grown on the estate’s vegetable garden. Bristol, Blithewold.org

Leyden Vineyard’s Wine Tasting: Sample up to five different Leyden Vineyard wines and learn about the origin and unique quality of each. Stroll the vineyard grounds and take home a keepsake wine glass. West Greenwich, Eventbrite: Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery

Summer Author Series: Enjoy stimulating chats – and refreshments – at the breathtaking Ocean House with this ongoing calendar of conversations, moderated by Rhody Reads contributor and best-selling author Deborah Goodrich Royce. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com

WaterFire: Providence’s summer lightings will occur on June 1 (full), July 4 (full), July 30 (partial), and August 31 (full). All lightings begin at sunset; full lightings conclude at midnight. Additional lightings may be added to the schedule as funding becomes available, so visit WaterFire.org for updates.

WORKSHOPS

Craft yourself a cool decor accent this summer by taking a glass blowing or steel workshop.

Blackstone River Glass Center, Cumberland Gather Glass, Pro v idence

The Glass Station, South Kingstown

The Steel Yard, Pro v idence

Thames Glass, Newport

Photo by David Santilli, courtesy of WaterFire

WaterFire

PROVIDENCE

ALL SUMMER LONG

SUNDAYS

Summer Flea: Sundays through September 15, Dyer Street is the place to to be for groovy gifts, unique art, food, and fun. Don’t miss the special Pride Flea at Farm Fresh RI on Sims Avenue on June 7. Pro v idenceFlea.com

THURSDAYS

Gallery Night: Third Thursdays, enjoy a fun field trip of guided tours to art spaces, galleries, and museums in the city. Excursions are generally a mix of walking and traveling by mini coach or trolley. GalleryNight.org

FRIDAYS

Food Truck Fridays: Skip cooking and head to RWP Carousel Village for a variety of food trucks, beer and wine, live music, and train and carousel rides. RWPZoo.org

SATURDAYS

Providence Artisans Market: Now in year 12, find local art, produce, food trucks, and live music, at this artist-run market held mornings at Lippitt Park. Facebook: Pro v idence Artisans Market

JUNE

JUNE 1

Annual Dinghy Poker Run: Participants in boats up to 13 feet long are dealt sealed cards at river check-points to be presented upon their return to Providence Marina at this Providence Animal Rescue League fundraiser. Facebook: 5th Annual Dinghy Poker Run

JUNE 6

Rosé in the Roses: Don your garden party best for the return of Roger Williams Parks Conservancy’s signature event. Gather in the Botanical Center and wander the restored Rose Maze. Live entertainment, light bites, drinks, and of course rosé are part of this elegant event. RWPConservancy.org

JUNE 8

Festival of Historic Houses: Embark on a self-guided tour of beautiful homes and gardens in the historic Elmwood neighborhood. Pro v idenceHouseTour.com

Girl Gang Craft Summer Market: 80+ femaleforward makers, creatives, artists, and healers fill WaterFire Arts Center with their wares for this fun day of shopping small. GirlGangCraft.com

Porchfest: Participating East Side porches become stages for live musical performances in this returning event that’s all about community. PVDPorchFest.com

JUNE 13

STYLEWEEK Northeast: The Capital Grille lawn is the place to see and be seen for the annual runway show that puts the spotlight on regional designers. Light bites, performances, and an artisan marketplace are part of the party. StyleWeekNortheast.com

JUNE 14

4th Annual Juneteenth Block Party: Kick off the weekend at Kin with a celebration that includes games, live entertainment, dancing, cocktails, and of course, food! KinPVD.com

JUNE 16

Father’s Day Boat Tour: Celebrate dad with a 50-minute, narrated cruise along the Providence River and Waterplace Park. Space is limited so book early. Pro v idenceRiverBoat.com

JUNE 19

From Free to Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration: Providence Performing Arts Center hosts this second annual event featuring a performance by community talents, written and narrated by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley of Mixed Magic Theatre, accompanied by PPAC house organist Peter Edwin Krasinski. PPACRI.org

JUNE 21-23

Providence 48 Hour Film Project: Attention aspiring Gerwigs – this adrenaline-fueled endeavor lets you script, shoot, and edit a short film after receiving directives, and have it screened – all in a weekend. 48HourFilm.com

Festival of Historic Houses

JUNE 15-16

Rhode Island Anime Con: Photo ops, autographs, Geek Speed Dating, gaming, a maid cafe, and more are all part of this extravaganza from Altered Entertainment. RIAnimeCon.com

JUNE 22

Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival: Fete Music Hall transforms into a lively showcase of culture with food, live music, and more that supports programs for people with disabilities. Eventbrite: Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival

JUNE 23

Spring Colors Fashion Show: Rhodes on The Pawtuxet is the setting for a fashion show of international talent. SpringColors.org

JUNE 28-30

Culture Fest: The Southside Cultural Center hosts a full weekend of art, music, theater, and traditions. Merch available now so you can show up in style. CultureFestRI.com

JULY

JULY 7-20

Providence Restaurant Weeks: This two-week program is the perfect way to try new-to-you places and dishes with participating venues in PVD, Cranston, and Warwick offering deals and specials. GoPro v idence.com/rw/

JULY 14-27

FringePVD: This lively city experience presented by The Wilbury Theatre Group encourages attendees to “keep an open mind and have fun.” Over 300 performing artists from across the US will share their work in uncensored performances of theater, dance, visual arts, and more. FringePVD.org

JULY 31

Summer Pops: “Our State: A Rhode Island Celebration” is this year’s theme, conducted by Troy Q uinn. “A George M. Cohan Overture” – an homage to PVD’s own lyricist – kicks off the night at Roger Williams Park Temple to Music. RIPhil.org

AUGUST

AUGUST 6-11

Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival: Now in its 28th year, RIFF has become a haven for independent filmmakers from throughout the world. In 2023, the festival presented 350 films representing works that were shot and produced in 106 countries. Film-Festival.org

AUGUST 10

Ocean State Beer Festival: Enjoy an afternoon of sipping at the state’s only beer event that features exclusively RI breweries, held at Farm Fresh RI. Pro-tip: tickets go fast. PVD.beer

AUGUST 15-18

NecronomiCon Providence: All are welcome at this “expansive exploration and celebration of all the greats of weird fiction,” from new writers of the genre to predecessors of HP Lovecraft who dabble in the sci-fi author’s horror-based lore. WeirdPro v idence.org

AUGUST 24

Brew at the Zoo: Over 170 beers, hard seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails from 80+ local, regional, and national brewers, plus live music, animal encounters, and more are part of this popular perennial event. RWPZoo.org

Washington Bridge Traffic Tips

Ideas for making the best –and most – out of a trip across the Seekonk River

PLAN AHEAD:

Check navigation apps for expected and real-time delays when planning, and opt to take the Henderson Bridge or Newport Bridge when it makes sense.

RIDE SHARE:

Don’t go alone! Traffic is more fun when you’re carpooling with your besties. Q ueue up your favorite podcast or playlist, and belt out tunes like no one’s watching.

PEDAL POWER:

The East Bay Bike Path offers easy access to Riverside Square, connecting cyclists to Barrington, Warren, and Bristol, with India Point on the East Side only about 15 minutes away.

ALL ABOUT TIMING:

Aim for mid-day when possible, when delays are less than 10 minutes.

Learn to sail this summer at Community Boating Center

PACK SNACKS:

Grab coffee before you go, and on your way out, stop by one of EP’s many cafes or bakeries for a sweet snack on the ride back.

SPEND THE NIGHT:

Make it an overnight of it by securing a place to stay. Ask for special mid-week and RI resident deals.

NORTHERN RHODY

ALL SUMMER LONG

SUNDAYS

Arts in the Alley: Held on select Sundays throughout the summer, the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative and Lops Brewing hold afternoons with food, beer, music, and vendors. Woonsocket, TourBlackstone.com

WEDNESDAYS

Food Truck Nights at Holy Trinity: On the last Wednesday of the month, enjoy food from a dozen mobile eateries, live music, and beer from Trinity Brewhouse. Woonsocket, Facebook: PVD Food Truck Event

THURSDAYS

Daggett Farm Performance Series: Boogie over to Slater Park for concerts on select Thursdays July and August. Bring a canned goods or non-perishable food item to benefit BV Food Center. Facebook: Pawtucket Parks & Recreation

Food Truck Concert Nights at Diamond Hill Park: A rotation of over 65 food trucks, live bands, and Trinity Brewhouse make Thursdays the night to skip worrying about dinner. Cumberland, Facebook: PVD Food Truck Events

SATURDAYS

Chase Farm Food Trucks and Concerts: Find your ideal spot on the soft, well-maintained grass or along the rolling hills for an outdoor concert. Pack a picnic dinner or choose from a dozen food trucks. LincolnRI.org

Heritage Hikes: Recurring monthly on the second Saturday, join the North Smithfield Heritage Association for a woodland hike through different historic and natural sites. Facebook: North Smithfield Heritage

Smith-Appleby Open House: On first Saturdays, tour the historic circa 1702 house and grounds, which serves as the headquarters for the Historical Society of Smithfield. Smithfield, SmithApplebyHouse.org

ACROSS RHODY: PRIDE

Throughout the month of June, communities and organizations around the state plan activities to celebrate the voices and culture of LGBTQIA+ people through parades, flag-raising ceremonies, performances, and more. Held in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots in New York City, events are all about making youth and adults feel safe, welcome, appreciated, and seen.

JUNE 1: East Providence Pride Celebration | EastPro v idenceRI.go v

JUNE 1: West Warwick Pride | Facebook: West Warwick Pride

JUNE 2: North Kingstown Pride Parade | TANKRI.org

JUNE 3: Pawtucket Pride | TourBlackstone.com

JUNE 7: Big Pride Flea | Pro v idenceFlea.com

JUNE 9: Woonsocket Pride | @woonsocketpride

JUNE 15: Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade | PrideRI.org

JUNE 22: South County Pride | SouthCountyPride.org

JUNE 29: East Greenwich Pride Celebration & Picnic Facebook: EG Pride Celebration & Picnic

JUNE 28-30: Newport Pride Weekend | NewportPrideRI.org

LITTLE COMPTON: TBA

SEPTEMBER 12-14: Q ueer Block Island | QueerBlockIsland.com

JUNE

JUNE 1

Audubon Spring Craft Fair: This popular event returns with vendors selling naturerelated wares and locally made treats, with a raffle. Smithfield, ASRI.org

Smith-Appleby Museum Paddle, Pizza, and Tour: The historic house museum has assembled a fun adventure of exploring Georgiaville Pond from its launch, followed by lunch and more. Smithfield, SmithApplebyHouse.org

Summerfest24: The Guild’s popular outdoor party returns for year two with cookout faves and food trucks, lawn games, and three live bands. Pawtucket, TheGuildRI.com

JUNE 3

Pawtucket Pride: Show support for the LGBTQ+ community by attending a flagraising ceremony at Pawtucket City Hall. TourBlackstone.com

JUNE 8-9

Grace Note Farm Chamber Music Festival: Why drive to Tanglewood when there’s Pascoag? Enjoy performances of Bach, Brahms, Schubert, and more performed by stellar musicians at this hidden gem. Pascoag, GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

JUNE 15

Father’s Day Celebration: A day of hot wieners and an outdoor Civil War weaponry exhibit are all part of festivities, alongside the Magic & Wonder of Miniatures exhibit opening at the Hearthside House Museum. Lincoln, GreatRoadHeritageCampus.org

JUNE 16

Arts in the Alley: The Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative and Lops Brewing co-host an afternoon of artists and crafts vendors, and a food truck. Woonsocket, LopsBrewing.coom

JULY

JULY 4

Arnold Mills Parade and Road Race:

“On the Rhode” is the theme for this year’s parade, part of a celebration that includes awards for floats and walking Ancients and Horribles. Start the day at the fourmile road race to be parade-ready by 11am. Cumberland, ArnoldMillsParade.com

Photo courtesy of Providence Flea

Big Pride Flea

JULY 14

My Favorite Arias: Part of the Grace Note Farm Chamber Music Festival, tenor David Rivera Bozon performs. Pascoag, GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

AUGUST

TBA

Sunflower Festival: Stop when you see the silos and sunflowers to enjoy this festive outdoor fete that includes a variety of vendors, food trucks, and rows and rows of sunflowers. Charge that phone for picture-taking opps. Lincoln, ButterflyFarmRI.com

AUGUST 10

American Girl Doll Garden Party: Experience a 1904 Victorian garden party, just like the Samantha Parkington doll would have done. Admission includes lemonade and refreshments, a fun craft project and a photo of your party. Lincoln, GreatRoadHeritageCampus.org

AUGUST 11

Piano Trio Concert: Experience the music of piano, cello, and violin, and this performance that is part of the Grace Note Farm Chamber Music Festival. Pascoag, GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

AUGUST 13

Bill Harley: The whole family is sure to enjoy a concert by this two-time Grammy award-winning artist. Bring a blanket or chair, a picnic dinner to Slater Memorial Park, and set-up near the carousel. Pawtucket, BillHarley.com

EAST BAY & NEWPORT

ALL SUMMER LONG

SUNDAYS

Barrington Summer Concert Series: Dance like no one’s watching and make some noise when local musicians come to Latham Park and Barrington Town Beach on Sundays July through August. BarringtonLearningCTR.org

WEDNESDAYS

Nature Walks: Join a naturalist and explore the Norman Bird Sanctuary trails during a free guided walk of spotting native species and identifying plants. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

THURSDAYS

Art Night Bristol/Warren: Walk or ride your bike from one gallery and studio to the next. This evening event is the perfect way to explore the wealth of art the East Bay has to offer on the last Thursdays of the month through August. Bristol & Warren, ArtNightBristolWarren.org

FRIDAYS

Herreshoff Museum Summer Artisan Market: Enjoy this limited waterfront market most Fridays, with curated vendors selling handmade or ocean-themed and environmentally friendly goods. Bristol, Herreshoff.org

SATURDAYS

Free Family Fun Days: The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is free to the public the first Saturday of every month for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes, and more. Bristol, ASRI.org

Newport Polo: Have yourself a Pretty Woman day of stomping divots at an action-packed match. Try a tailgate party or watch from the lawn. Portsmouth, NPTPolo.com

BRISTOL’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

From a fancy ball to bingo, foot races to freworks, concerts to a carnival – we could go on! – fnd a complete calendar of events that kicked of in May at FourthOfJulyBristolRI.com so you don’t miss a beat in the 238th celebration!

JUNE

JUNE 1

Rhody Regatta: “Around the Island Race” is the theme for the second annual event hosted by the International Yacht & Athletic Club. Newport, IYACNewport.com

JUNE 7-8

British Motorcar Festival: Calling all anglophiles – British cars, a British marketplace, block party, and concessions are all part of a bloody good time. BritishMotorCarsInBristol.com

JUNE 8

Farm Coast Art & Garden Ramble: Enjoy a day of creativity in this curated outdoor event that takes place at historic Tiverton Four Corners. Along with vendors and live music, art workshops and demonstrations are planned. TivertonFarmersMarket.com

JUNE 21-23

Newport Flower Show: Gilded Age mansion Rosecliff is the setting for this year’s event, which promises fragrant floral designs, impressive exhibits, daily lectures by UK author Lucy Hunter, and more. NewportMansions.org

JUNE 23-26

Newport Charter Yacht Show: Luxury yachts are showcased alongside ancillary goods and services at this four-day event dedicated to yacht charter professionals. NewportCharterShow.com

JUNE 28-30

Newport Pride: A bike parade kicks off this festival to celebrate unity in the Newport LGBTQIA+ community. Drag shows, live music, vendors, an After Dark Party, and Pride Cruise are all on deck. NewportPrideRI.org

Secret Garden Tours: Traverse beautiful private gardens at this annual fundraiser for public schools. Event is rain or shine, so be prepared. Check in at the tent in Storer Park for a program, map, and directions. Newport, SecretGardenTours.org

JULY

JULY 4

Fourth of July Parade: The famed parade, which is part of one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the US, steps off at 10:30am, and promises floats, marching bands, fire trucks, and more! BristolRI.go v

POSH PARADE OPTIONS FOR A FANCY FOURTH

Feel like skipping the lawn chairs and port-a-potties? The following places in Bristol offer ticketed events that include shaded seating, elbow room, views, and restrooms.

Linden Place, LindenPlace.org

Herreshoff Museum, Hereshoff.org

JULY 4-21

Newport Classical Music Festival: Choose from 27 concerts held in 11 historic venues to assemble your preferred itinerary at this 55th annual event. NewportClassical.org

JULY 20

Newport Beer Run: This 21+ event – with designated driver tickets – is a 5K road race and craft beer festival. It all happens at Fort Adams State Park. NewportBeerRun.com

JULY 20-21

Open Studio Tour: Make a full weekend out of touring the workspaces of up to 75 artists in a wide range of mediums throughout Little Compton and Tiverton, and across the border in Westport and Dartmouth, MA. SouthCoastArtists.org

JULY 26-28

Newport Show: Shop the unique at this fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and the Newport Historical Society sure to be filled with antiques, art, and exquisite objects. Middletown, TheNewportShow.com

AUGUST

AUGUST 2-4

Newport Jazz: This year’s lineup has more stars than the night sky. André 3000, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Elvis Costello, Meshell

Photo (L) by Elyse Major, (R) by Kayla Mandeville

Peter Dickison’s Tiverton studio

Ndegeocello, and more, will all perform at Fort Adams. NewportJazz.org

AUGUST 16-18

Black Ships Festival: Celebrate Asian culture at this event that commemorates a historic friendship forged with Shimoda, Japan. Events in Bristol and Newport include Taiko drumming, origami workshops, 17-and-under cosplay contest, a tea ceremony, and more. JASRI.org

AUGUST 17

Folks Fest VIII: The backlot of Cutler Mills is the place to be for music, art, food, artsy vendors, and fun! Narragansett Beer fully sponsors the Beer Garden with 100 percent of proceeds going to The Collaborative. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org

AUGUST 17-18

Open Studio Tour: Missed July’s event? Tour the workspaces of up to 75 artists in a wide range of mediums throughout Little Compton and Tiverton, and across the border in Westport and Dartmouth, MA. SouthCoastArtists.org

AUGUST 23-25

Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta: Revel in a weekend of racing or simply partake of the Second Annual HMM Cruise to experience classic yachting in this recent component. Bristol, Herreshoff.org

Free Sundays

Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, Negro Head , before 1927. Gift of Miss Eleanor B. Green.

Boaters enjoying Newport Folk Fest

CENTRAL RHODY

ALL SUMMER LONG

TUESDAYS

Oakland Beach Cruise Nights: Greater Warwick Lions Club presents DJ music, raffles, and refreshments accompanying this recurring event showcasing classic, vintage, and sports cars. Warwick, Facebook: Oakland Beach Cruise Night

THURSDAYS

Warwick Food Truck Nights: Join an army of food trucks at Crowne Plaza the third Thursday of the month for an evening of sweet and savory samples, beer and wine by Trinity Brewhouse, and live music. Facebook: PVD Food Truck Events

FRIDAYS

Bring Your Own Improv: With audience participation encouraged, weekly improv shows at Warwick Center for the Arts include family-friendly comedy, followed by one for teens and adults. WarwickCFA.org

JUNE

JUNE 2, 5, 6, 8

Music on the Hill: Performances continue at this seven-concert chamber festival that started late-May, with Narragansett Brass Q uintet in Warwick, and Mendelssohn Octet, String Q uarters, and (S)Heroes in East Greenwich still to come. MusicOnTheHillRI.org

SOUTHERN RHODY

ALL SUMMER LONG

THURSDAYS

RiverFire: From July 11-August 8, special basins along the Saugatucket River are set ablaze, lighting up Wakefield, with street performers, vendors, and entertainment on hand. WakefieldVillageAssociation.com

Summer Concert Series: Get the weekend vibes rolling with outdoor music starting July 6, witha range of different bands at The Village at South County Commons. South Kingstown, SouthCountyCommons.com

JUNE 1, 4, 8, 9

Gaspee Days: Pawtuxet Village gives Bristol a run for its patriotic cred with a symphony in the park, freworks, 5K foot race, parade with ffe and drum corps and Shriners mini cars, a colonial encampment, and blessing of the feet. Te weekend caps with a reenactment of the Burning of the Gaspee at Pawtuxet Cove. Warwick, Gaspee.com

JUNE 5

Taste of Rhode Island: Sample signature bites from exciting eateries, sips from wine and beer partners, live entertainments, and a charity raffle is all part of this 21+ evening held at Crowne Plaza Hotel. Warwick, TasteOfRI.com

JUNE 11

10th Annual Summer With Robin: For a decade, Robin Kall has been showcasing all things books with her Reading With Robin platform. Book signings, mingling, and more are planned. Warwick, RobinKall.com

JUNE 22

Summer Festival: Back by popular demand, this event returns to Coventry High School for year two. There will be children’s performers, food trucks, and fireworks! Rain date: June 27. Co v entryRecreation.com

Summer Solstice Market: Cold drinks, food trucks, artisan vendors, and more are all part of this festive afternoon/evening. Rain dates on June 23, 29, or 30. East Greenwich, WildwoodRI.com

FRIDAYS

Narragansett Gazebo Concert Series: Enjoy live music evenings June 7-August 30 in the heart of the pier across from Narragansett Town Beach. The list of concerts includes blues, classic jazz, R&B, and tribute acts. NarragansettRI.go v

Summer Stargazing Nights: Hosted by the Astronomers of the Frosty Drew Observatory, witness all the wonders of space. Go early for a chance at seeing sunspots before nightfall, or stay late to see the beautiful night sky. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org

Photo by Tony Pacitti

JULY

JULY 6

National Fried Chicken Day: Apponaug Brewing Company invites folks to chow down all day at this finger-lickin’ fete held inside the taproom. A kids’ menu and dog patio make this a family-friendly time. Warwick, ApponaugBrewing.com

JULY 20

Celtic Music Under the Stars: BYO lawn chair or blanket – or an instrument – to join the Gaspee Celtic Jam group as they perform at the new Sprague Gazebo, with the ABCD Brothers Kitchen Food Truck.

Cranston, GaspeeCelticJam.org

JULY 26

Early Evening Tour with Tea at Sprague Mansion: Enjoy a mansion tour with tea in the Sprague dining room. RSVP is mandatory as attendance is limited to 10. Cranston, 944-9266

AUGUST

AUGUST 17-18

Rocky Point Historic Baseball Festival: Since 2019, this event has vintage teams from the Northeast playing games on two fields, following the rules of 1884 and 1864. Warwick, Pro v idenceGrays.com

Photo by Seth Jacobson, courtesy of Wakefield Village Association

RiverFire

JUNE

JUNE 1

Spring Open Studios Tour: Peruse the wares of 40+ artists housed in a scenic riverside mill. Classes in rug hooking, painting, and pottery will be offered. Donations of nonperishable food items are appreciated. North Kingstown, TheMillAtShadyLea.com

JUNE 2

North Kingstown Pride Parade: The popular event returns for year two, with an expanded route and celebration at the end. The parade steps off at Wickford Town Dock at 1pm. WickfordVillage.org

Sea Glass Festival: Admirers of oceanthemed creations – this vendor market held at Misquamicut Beach at the Windjammer Surf Bar is for you. Westerly, Eventbrite: Sea Glass Festival

JUNE 3

Independence Day Lobster Boil: Enjoy a picturesque dinner by the pond at the backlawn of Weekapaug Inn. Steamed lobsters, traditional sides, and BBQ classics pregame a night of fireworks and s’mores. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com

JUNE 8

Charity Golf Tournament: Richmond Country Club plays host for the ninth annual fundraiser by The Elmhurst Boys. Tickets include a golf cart, lunch, dinner, gift bag, and more. Scramble format. Dinner-only tickets available, too. Hope Valley, Eventbrite: 9th Annual Elmhurst Boys Charity Golf Tournament

Strawberry Thanksgiving: A day of dancing, music, shopping, and food await at this Tomaquag Museum celebration of the Strawberry Moon held at Ninigret Park. Charlestown, TomaquagMuseum.org

JUNE 14

Charity Golf Tournament: The Brad Friel Memorial Golf Classic is scramble-format with a full day that starts with check-in and lunch, followed by a raw bar and prime dinner, raffles, and awards after golf. Hope Valley, CharihoRotary.com

JUNE 16

Father’s Day Cocktail Cruise: Treat dad to an evening of sights and sips on his special day. A weatherproof main deck and covered

top deck keeps all comfy and cozy. Departs Newport. CoastalQueenCruises.com

JUNE 22

Strawberry Festival: Along with Smith’s Castle’s famous strawberry shortcake, activities planned to celebrate the mighty berry include everything from puppets to pony rides. Jesse Liam Band provides the music. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

Summer Pops: This free concert performed by the Chorus of Westerly includes classical masterworks and popular music for chorus and full orchestra. Pro-tip: visit website for parking tips and notes about reserving a spot. ChorusOfWesterly.org

JUNE 22-23

Narragansett Art Festival: Peruse a range of work for sale at both the traditional show location beside the Towers and also Gazebo Field behind the post office. Narragansett, WakefieldRotary.org

JUNE 28

Summer Soirée: The primary fundraiser for the Jamestown Arts Center, the evening serves as the opening of the Pivot exhibition, with cocktails, summer savories, a live auction, and dancing. JamestownArtCenter.org

JULY

JULY 12

Summer Pops: “Our State: A Rhode

Island Celebration” is this year’s theme, conducted by Troy Q uinn. “A George M. Cohan Overture” – an homage to PVD’s own lyricist – kicks off the night at North Beach Clubhouse. Narragansett, RIPhil.org

JULY 13-14

Wickford Art Festival: Wilcox Park is where over 200 artists display and sell their handiwork. From prints to plein air, there is something for everyone at a variety of price points, plus no state sales tax on original and limited edition works of art sold in RI! WickfordArt.org

JULY 20-AUGUST 10

Shakespeare in the Park: The Colonial Theatre stages John Buchan’s The 39 Steps , the award-winning comedic send-up of the classic Hitchcock film. Over 150 characters played by a cast of four are sure to entertain. Westerly, ColonialTheaterArt.org

JULY 24 - AUGUST 4

Kingston Chamber Music Festival: URI’s Edwards Hall hosts six concerts over two weeks, programmed by artistic director Natalie Zhu. KingstonChamberMusic.org

JULY 25-27

Blessing of the Fleet Celebration: Once a single-day event, launched in 1972, today the fest attended by nearly 30K people has live music, a beer tent, games, rides, a 10-mile road race, boat decoration contest, and of course, the blessing. NarragansettLionsClub.org

Photo by Michael Masi, courtesy of Wickford Art Association

Wickford Art Festival

AUGUST

AUGUST 2-4

Charlestown Seafood Festival: One of the biggest events in New England boasts Rhody’s best seafood, plus amusement rides, midway entertainment (aerial performers, bands), a rock wall, vendors, RI camping, and more! CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com

AUGUST 3

River Glow: Floating bonfires illuminate the Pawcatuck River, setting the mood for an evening of shopping specials, performances, face painting, and more. Westerly, OceanChamber.org

AUGUST 14-18

Washington County Fair: Mark your calendars for updates on midway rides, livestock shows, tractor pulls, and everything else that makes

BLOCK ISLAND

ON ISLAND TIME

From St. Patrick’s Day in June, to Christmas in July, to a 1920s New Year’s Eve Party on Labor Day weekend and many days in between, Champlin’s Resort and Marina has holiday vibes going on. BlockIslandInfo.com

JUNE

JUNE 23

ConserFest: A full day of music, food, beverages, vendors, and spectacular views awaits at this year’s concert featuring two stages of New England talent and a mission to #embraceyourplace. ConserFest.org

JULY

JULY 4

Fourth of July Parade: “Time Travel – Our History and Our Future” is the theme for this year’s parade. A small committee will judge the parade and award prizes. BlockIsland4th.com

JULY 27

Great Salt Pond Swim-9: This annual fundraiser to protect the pond is a one-mile swim limited to 150 individuals in a protected area without much chop. It begins and ends at Andy’s Way Beach. CGSPBlockIsland.org

AUGUST

AUGUST 3

Block Island Triathlon: A quarter-mile openwater ocean swim, 12 miles of biking, and a

this event full of down-home fun. Richmond, WashingtonCountyFair-RI.com

AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 1

Rhythm & Roots: Emmylou Harris and Old Crow Medicine Show headline this extravaganza that features a roster of acts – and 1,500 camping tickets for those planning to make a weekend out of it. Merch, food, and drinks for sale are all part of the fun. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com

four-mile run on Crescent Beach are all part of BI’s largest and most popular race. Important details include mandatory helmets, bike ferry tickets, and more. Active.com/Block-Island-RI

AUGUST 10-12

Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival: Visitors are sure to find unique island treasures as artisans display their handmade pieces, paintings, photography, and more at this open-air event

held on the grounds of the Narragansett Inn. Facebook: Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival

AUGUST 15

The Summer Symphony: The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra will perform under the tent at Champlin’s. Mocktails, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres are part of the special evening (formerly held at The Sullivan House). Eventbrite: The Summer Symphony

Glass Float Project

Photo courtesy of The Glass Float Project

HOME & STYLE

Home | Profile | Garden | Shop | Rhody Gem

Soulful Style

How an industrious Bristol couple created a charming and personal home

From The Soulful Cottage: Creating a Charming and Personal Home by Fifi O’Neill, CICO Books. Photography by Mark Lohman © CICO Books 2024

It’s so perfectly fitting how the name and style of textile artist Carol Riley reflect the expression “the life of Riley.” Everything about her home in Bristol exudes easygoing, carefree charm. A native of Dublin, she moved to Rhode Island in the 1980s with her English-born husband Mike, a world squash referee and coach. “It’s the longest we’ve lived anywhere,” says Riley. In between raising four children, the couple have done a lot of work on the 2,000-square-foot cottage over the years. They have brought in vintage details, well-worn character, and incorporated many personal mementos.

Though the house is more than 80 years old, Riley considers it young compared to buildings back in the old country. She recalls being instantly drawn to the cottage for its charming shape, architectural details, and yard full of cherry blossom trees. “It reminded us of the cottages of Devon and Cornwall in England.” However, the interior was in dire need of improvements, both structural and cosmetic. “It was quite simply ugly, with loads of fake panels and other unsightly and deteriorating materials,” she says.

As the couple set out to improve and beautify the quaint home, they made a great team. “Mike is amazing, he goes along with my ideas and makes them happen. He is self-taught and brilliant.” Riley herself is blessed with an enviable ability to see possibilities where others might see nothing at all. A drab old sofa, a bland kitchen cabinet, a simple lampshade frame, all have ugly-duckling potential in her eyes. “It’s wonderful to transform pieces,” she observes. “But the downside of that is that it’s hard for me to throw anything away!”

Though it resembles a charming old gate, the backdrop to the porch sofa is actually a 1970s headboard revived with paint. The exotic hanging lantern was a bargain from an auction

Photography by Mark Lohman © CICO Books 2024

The cottage is an inspirational setting for Riley to work on her design business, Tatters.

“I do a bit of everything: clothing, furnishings, bags and jewelry. I’m constantly changing things around. It’s not that I get bored, it’s just that my mind is always working.”

It’s the same creative drive that compelled her to transform an old church in nearby Warren into her very own tea room and boutique named The Church Palace. With the help of the entire Riley family, she has achieved remarkable results.

Whether it’s clothing or rooms, Riley is an expert at bringing in a mix of salvaged, handmade, and reimagined elements. Following her love of things that transcend time and place, the Irish maverick and her enterprising husband have turned a once forgotten cottage and an abandoned church into considered and artful spaces. Both are filled with items that keep pieces of the past alive and celebrate their original stories with both function and soul.

Photography by Mark Lohman © CICO Books 2024

The bedroom’s color scheme is inspired by the masses of hydrangeas that grow right outside. The side table is a kitchen cabinet covered with salvaged beadboard.

Throw pillows created from Riley’s extensive fabric stash

The Soulful Cottage: Creating a Charming and Personal Home by

Fifi O’Neill

by Mark Lohman

Get Rhody Style

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

Tea Time

Along with a steeping hot pot, patrons will enjoy finger sandwiches and treats that could include fresh-baked scones with butter and jam, lemon hearts, fig crumble bars, crumpets, surprise pastries, and more at Riley’s latest venture, Tatters Afternoon Tea Room. It all happens by reservation at the white church transformed into The Church Palace at 324 Main Street, Warren.

Riled Up

Whether it’s gingham drawstring pants embellished with trimming, a patchwork coat made of luxe remnants, or vintage finds, those who like to peruse and be distinctive are sure to have a good time shopping. Check Tatters Handmade Clothing on Facebook for hours or call 401-561-3703.

True Nature

“My style has stayed pretty much the same. Thrift shops and found items.” When asked why, Riley simply states, “the ease of living with it. Unpretentious.” With its timeworn furnishings and floral accents, the cottage has very few of the quintessential trappings generally found in a home so close to the water. Riley muses, “I don’t like the coastal look, to be honest, you know, anchors and lobsters are just not my thing.”

Photography

Summers on Dodge

NYC designer’s seasonal outpost on Block Island sells decor for classic beach cottage living

By Elyse Major

KEEPING

UP WITH JONES

“Winfield’s for dinner, Dick’s Fish for a fresh catch, the Block Island Farmers Market (I especially love Tracy Finn’s Bodhi’s Bees honey; we sell it at our shop), Mary MacGill for jewelry, and The Block Island Historical Society for a rainy day deep dive into local lore.”

While many Rhode Islanders may take Block Island for granted, it truly is a special place, largely prized for what it doesn’t have. There are zero largechain businesses, no traffic lights, and no need for public transportation. What it does boast are unspoiled bluffs and beaches, lighthouses, and the seasonal shop of New York City-based design consultant Tori Jones, whose primary retail space is in Manhattan. Over the years,

Jones has built a solid portfolio of credentials, working with brands like Schumacher, Veranda , Elle Decor , and House Beautiful . So why Block Island? “I grew up spending summers here and worked at several shops and galleries in town,” Jones begins, citing admiration for the many small businesses on the island. “I always dreamt about having my own little outpost.” After many years of working in the corporate world as a design editor and creative services director, she was ready

to give it a go, and Block Island became her testing ground to see if an art and antiques venture was viable.

“I had this idea to do a three-week popup shop selling antiques and vintage finds sourced largely from New England, kind of all the things I imagined in a dream summer cottage,” she says. When the small annex building on Dodge Street became available, she jumped at the chance. This will be Jones’ third full summer in the store she fills

Photos by Dylan Chandler, courtesy of Tori Jones

Jones at the Dodge Street shop

NYC TO BI

“I spend a lot of time on the Northeast Regional train from Penn Station to Westerly. From there, I hop on a New England Airlines flight at the Westerly airport – they have a flight every hour and it’s only a 12-minute trip (with glorious views to boot).”

The shop always includes a selection of handmade patchwork quilts

largely with antiques, local art, and one-offs. “We hope there will always be something new to discover with each visit.”

This past January, Jones opened a space in Manhattan at The Gallery at 200 Lex, on the 10th floor of the New York Design Center. The Gallery is a destination for antiques in the city with 33,000 square feet of space and over 50 vintage dealers. Similar to her Block Island shop, Jones’ space is replete with painted furniture, antique textiles, and that summer staple

A mix of antique textiles and handmade cushions captured in the evening light on Block Island’s Sachem Pond, one of over 365 freshwater ponds on the island

making a comeback: wicker. “In New York, our clients are largely interior designers shopping for client projects; on the island, it’s primarily homeowners, vacationers, people coming in right off the beach. Both spaces are made up of pieces I love and I hope there’s a warm, inviting feeling that resonates.”

On opening the doors of the saltbox shop, Jones smiles and says, “it still feels exciting and full of promise. I love summer, and the idea of an all-American summer in New England is

very romanticized in my head.” Plans for the season ahead include the second installment of the popular “Block Island Summer,” an exhibit of 35-millimeter photography of the island in the 1970s by Klaus Gemming, set to debut Memorial Day weekend. “The shop is stocked with everything from fine art to canvas sun hats; we have a range in price points and smaller items that can be easily taken home as a souvenir.” Open through Columbus Day. 441 Dodge Street, Barn Annex, ToriJonesStudio.com

Photo by Tori Jones

Tori Jones Studio is a one-stop shop for fine art, one-of-a-kind antiques, and lazy summer afternoon activities, from books to art supplies

Hunters and Gatherers

A headlining UK floral designer/author brings added flourish to this year’s Newport Flower Show

By Elyse Major

Like a prized perennial bloom, The Newport Flower Show returns this month to Rosecliff June 21-23. The Gilded Age mansion, with its striking white glazed terra-cotta exterior and design, which takes its cue from Versailles, makes a grand setting for the 28th year of the event held by The Preservation Society of Newport

County. The theme for this year’s show is “At Home,” and everything from displays to classes to the marketplace are sure to inspire all to bring beautiful ideas back to their abodes. From the main foyer of this former residence, attendees can wander the salon, ballroom, and dining room, admiring artist interpretations of everyday items in flowers, before making

their way to the terrace for more exhibits. Be prepared for a walk to the oceanside backlawn to observe a home orchard, cutting and pollinator gardens, and examples of outdoor living spaces. Don’t miss the daily presentations by UK-based award-winning garden designer, floral artist, photographer, and author, Lucy Hunter. Learn more at NewportMansions.org

Photo courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small

Hunter at a recent workshop in New Zealand

“Using a limited color palette and repetitive shapes produces a calm and reassuring effect,” says Hunter of the apricot display

Lucy the Flower Hunter

The North Wales author on her upcoming lectures, carousing blossoms, and exploring Newport

What can attendees expect from your Newport Flower Show programs?

A warm and lighthearted look at how a creative life spent with flowers and gardens at its core can lead you to the most unexpected of places. How we sometimes overlook the everyday ordinary and if we take inspiration from that, we can turn it into the extraordinary. There will be local, seasonal flowers to delight, and demonstrations on how to fill vases and urns for every corner of your home.

Your work embodies the breathtaking beauty in imperfection. What do you hope to bring to a location known for its shiny opulence?

This is Hunter’s second book published by Ryland Peters & Small. Her first is The Flower Hunter: Seasonal Flowers Inspired by Nature and Gathered from the Garden (2022)

Rosecliff is the setting for this year’s Newport Flower Show

I’d love to think that the two can sit beside and inform each other beautifully. I adore and aspire to a bit of opulence in my soil-covered-hands world and I’m certainly inspired by old world glamor from the 1920s both in the US and Europe. But just as strong architectural bones form the backbone of any good garden design, the flowers should always soften the edges and bring a little lightness to the party. Nothing in nature is perfect, but it is that imperfection that tells the story so beautifully and gives, to my mind, its authenticity. Roses that have a glorious arching habit and the most wonderful scent that stops you in your tracks; a branch that has fought for light at the back of the border and has an incredible wild shape; dahlias being rowdy in the herbaceous bed; daisies that are a bit windblown and look like they’ve just had the best night out and now carry their slightly sore heads home –they, to my mind, can tell a wonderful story in a vase or urn, soften those opulent edges, and bring a bit of romance to the proceedings.

What are your favorite flowers to work with and why?

I’ve been lucky enough to work in very different parts of the globe over the last couple of years. I adore working with flowers that grow naturally in a particular area. Growing up in the UK I’m always waiting impatiently for the start of the rose season in June. I don’t mean big, loud red roses that have been exported halfway across the globe, but garden roses in delicate shades of raspberry or parchment. I also give a little whoop when my vines start to come out in the garden. A long trailing piece of clematis wandering through a bowl of flowers can offer an unexpected ribbon of color and texture.

Are there things you are excited about visiting and experiencing while you’re in Newport?

A trip around the mansions goes without saying. I’ve been once before with my husband and teenager in late-October about 15 years ago. I remember it being an extremely cold, wet day and I now have a recollection of The Breakers floating on a bed of fog. It would be lovely to see the gardens and bottom part of the house! Follow on Instagram @lucytheflowerhunter

Photo (top) courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small, (bottom) Courtesy of The Preservation

Society of Newport County

Silver Anniversary

With their fine sterling jewelry business turning 25, two brothers pause to reflect and celebrate

By Ann Martini

Main Street shopping districts are often known for their specialty stores – think Stock Culinary Goods on Providence’s Hope Street or Beauty and the Bath in Wickford. Green River Silver Co. has brick-and-mortars in both of these charming locales, and in April, celebrated their 25th anniversary. The East Side store is tucked between two salons, exactly where it’s been since it opened in 1999. It sells silver jewelry. That’s it. Not sweaters or T-shirts or bells or whistles. Owners Dan and John Goldman, native Rhode Island brothers, opened a second location in Wickford in 2002. The funny thing is that the whole business was born out of that most elusive happenstance: a chance meeting. In the 1990s, the brothers were living in the Summit neighborhood in Providence and working – Dan in finance processing mortgage

applications, while John traveled back and forth to New York City, selling all sorts of merchandise at fairs and festivals. During one trip, John sat next to a man who was on his way to Mexico to buy silver. They chatted for a while, and before too long, John was on his way with him to the silver capital of Mexico, Taxco, a city 100 miles southwest of Mexico City. Silver was first mined there in the 1500s and since it has established itself as ground zero for the intricate Aztec- and Spanish-inspired designs Mexican jewelry is so often known for. Soon, it was all John was selling, and when a retail space became available on Hope Street, he and Dan decided to go into business together.

While the brothers wanted the focus of Green River Silver Co. to be Mexican silver, John did eventually find himself in other parts of the globe – Indonesia, Bali, Jaipur, India, and the America Southwest – looking for unique, hand-crafted

A

of

pieces for the store. They now sell work by a few local artisans as well as a Rhode Island collection of earrings, pendants, and bracelets featuring anchors, sailboats, waves, and more.

Green River’s customers have been remarkably loyal over the years. “In a world full of disposable jewelry,” says Dan, “our customers understand how authentic we are. We know the people who make the jewelry, and they appreciate that.” Now that this silver shop has celebrated its silver anniversary, though, there’s no end in sight. While they don’t foresee expanding their physical locations, the brothers are focusing on growing their website traffic, so that tourists who might have found them in Providence or Wickford can find them again online.

“We’re not going anywhere,” says Dan. “We love what we do. We have amazing employees and customers. We love our locations. Life is good.” Learn more at GreenRiverSilv er.com

Photos courtesy of Green River Silver Co.

portion

each Rhode Island Jewelry Collection sale is donated directly to Save the Bay

Owners John (left) and Dan Goldman,

83 Brown Street, Wickford

Changing Tides

Gift Shop

What it is:

A gift shop inspired by location with branded merch and handmade goods.

Where to find it:

From Post Road in Warwick, make your way to Arnolds Neck Drive where, as you skirt Apponaug Cove, you’ll see a fishing shanty perched over the water. Park in the lot, and walk up the ramp to the blue door!

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Since 2000, Judy Hummel has been selling Apponaug T-shirts, handmade baskets – both Nantucket and “regular” – plus jewelry, resin-art products, hand-turned ice cream scoops, and so much more from inside this modest charmer perched above the water. “It’s an old fishing shanty from back in the 1900s,” Hummel explains, referencing a picture of the structure that hangs on the wall. “Out of 50 fishing shanties [in the area], there are only two left, and one is mine!” Inside, shoppers will find all kinds of unique items in neat displays. “I’m all about my baskets, handmade goods, bags, and shirts, and 90 percent of my shop is made in New England,” says Hummel, who’s motivated by the backstories of items when it comes to stocking the shelves: “Who made it, how it was made, or why I carry a certain vendor.”

Changing Tides

355 Arnolds Neck Drive, Warwick 401-499-1302, @changingtidesgifts Friday to Sunday, 12-5pm

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@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

Photo by Elyse Major

FEATURE

Wine Climate

Local vintners prove that New England can produce top-quality wines

By Emily Olson

rom the shores of Connecticut, wending its way along the Rhode Island coast, and all the way to the tip of Cape Cod, the unique appellation making up the Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England encompasses over a dozen member vineyards that benefit from the warm gulf stream waters that arrive in the summer and fall. Tammy Foshay, Coastal Wine Trail association and event manager says those waters and the breeze that blows over them, along with the land’s sandy soils, are what make the region distinct. “We have the perfect environment to grow sparkling wine,” she says.

Billy Wilson, third-generation winemaker at Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth, agrees. “We can’t do the things they do in Napa, but they can’t nail a sparkling wine every single year like we do,” he says. In fact, when the trail started in 2005, prospective members were required to grow a Chardonnay grape, which is the most common grape found in sparkling wines.

Greenvale Vineyards

“Chardonnay thrives here, and at the time, it was the predominant grape on the trail,” says Foshay. Coastal Wine Trail members also must grow a vinifera grape, which requires a unique set of skills because viniferas are not as easy to grow as hybrids. Foshay explains, “Not having all hybrids sets you apart because it shows you have a vineyard staff that knows how to properly care for a grape.”

Wilson, who discusses time in vintages rather than years, says wines are made in the vineyard. “You ferment grape juice to make wine, but all that juice comes from a vineyard. The wines are sculpted by the vintage and depend on how much heat and rain you get in a season and what sugar and acid levels you have in the juice,” he explains. “The region wants to make a certain style of wine, and as a winemaker, you facilitate what the earth and the climate want to do.” And as the climate shifts, so does the desire of the earth, to both the pleasure and frustration of area winemakers.

Photography by Savannah Barkley

Sip flavors of the region inside Greenvale Vineyards’ tasting room or wine garden

The best sel in the state!

Cards, Jewelry, Art Prints, Kitchen Goods, Baby &

Kids, Puzzles, Ornaments, Woodcraft, Stained Glass,

Journals, Bath, Body & Candles, and more.

769 Hope Street, PVD

Open Everyday

BEYOND THE COAST

Chart your own tour of Rhode Island wines by sipping whites, reds, and blends produced by statewide vineyards.

DIAMOND HILL VINEYARD

Cumberland

DIFAZIO FARM & VINEYARD

North Scituate

LANGWORTHY FARM AND WINERY

Westerly

LEYDEN FARM VINEYARD & WINERY

West Greenwich

MULBERRY VINEYARDS

Chepachet

NICKLE CREEK VINEYARD

Foster

VERDE VINEYARDS

Johnston

WINTERHAWK VINEYARDS

West Kingston

The duo who founded the Anchor & Hope winery in Rumford, winemaker James Davids and director of operations Marissa Stashenko, took over management of Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton in February. Davids says that climate change has extended the growing season by three weeks to a month. “If we can leave the grapes on the vine for longer, we get better ripeness,” he says. Better ripeness allows vintners to

develop different types of wine. While young grapes make a delicious sparkling wine, riper grapes lend themselves to full-bodied reds. The problem is that vines come out of dormancy earlier in the spring, which can leave them vulnerable to unpredictably late spring frosts.

Wilson refers to this unpredictability not as global warming, but as “global weirding.” “Rain events are just as dangerous as frosts,”

he says. “We’re expecting more hurricanes and rain events that can drop six inches of rain in a night.” And grape vines don’t thrive when their roots are too wet.

Paul Nunes, who oversees vineyard operations at Newport Vineyards in Middletown, says that as changes like this take place, each year brings new challenges, and that’s one of the things he enjoys about his work. “My favorite part of farming is the

Photo courtesy of Sakonnet Vineyard

Sakonnet Vineyard is the oldest in Rhode Island

Fine wines and farm-to-table dining are part of the Newport Vineyards experience

SIP AND SAVOR

On June 15, the Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England hosts its annual Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate festival at the Westport Fairgrounds in Massachusetts. All members will be on site pouring more than 45 wines, which will be paired with cheese and chocolate from regional vendors. In addition to these three Rhode Island vineyards, find a full list of the participating vintners online at CoastalWineTrail.org.

GREENVALE VINEYARDS

This property is a six-generation farm and a three-generation winery that produces small quantities of estate-grown wines. Portsmouth, Green vale.com

NEWPORT VINEYARDS

This popular vineyard offers beer, cider, and farm-to-table dining in addition to its wine list. Middletown, NewportVineyards.com

SAKONNET VINEYARD

The oldest vineyard in Rhode Island makes its home on acres of rolling farmland. Little Compton, SakonnetWine.com

ever-evolving relationship with nature,” he says, also recognizing that there are some things he can always count on. “Being surrounded by the ocean is a major benefit because it insulates the land. This gives us more moderate winters than inland areas in the region and extends our warm days well into November.”

Davids recognizes the difficulties associated with climate change, but argues that the region’s bigger challenge lies in both educating consumers and understanding and shifting their preferences. “We’re making wines for people who are used to wines from hotter climates, and although it’s helpful to experience warmer temperatures so that we can make wines for those consumers, it’s also important to establish that we have our own styles and flavors,” he says.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

That’s where the Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England comes into play. The organization’s mission is to promote the region and educate consumers on the unique wines that grow from its soil. Recognizing that there is power in numbers, there is very little competition among the members of the wine trail. Wilson appreciates getting to know all the players in a region with multiple vineyards and says that the local culture is very supportive. “We’re building

up a wine region,” he says. “That requires a lot of good producers sharing information with each other. There’s a lot of camaraderie here.”

Davids says that as a newcomer, he’s experienced the same thing. “It’s a challenging agricultural business, and we’re stronger together. It takes trial and error and a lot of communication about the best way to handle birds or deer or hurricanes or frost.”

Most local vintners talk about how important

collaboration is in the wine industry. Sakonnet used to be a meeting place for local winemakers. In its infancy, Greenvale sold its grapes to Sakonnet and produced its own wines both at Sakonnet and Newport vineyards. And although they work together and collaborate to improve the strength of the region as a whole, each vineyard has its own culture and wine offerings. Sakonnet is the oldest vineyard in the region, exemplified by its rolling farmland punctuated by historical stone walls.

Peer out at over 60 acres of grape vines while sipping a Chardonnay at Newport Vineyards

Photo by Susan Auriemma, courtesy of Nepwort Vineyards

Greenvale prides itself on its family-friendly jazz Saturdays and music-filled Sundays accompanied by food trucks. Newport Vineyards grows 15 grape varietals and makes apple cider and beer with locally sourced ingredients. It also offers farm-to-table dining with menus developed based on what’s growing in the greenhouse and the garden. To encourage both wine-lovers and the wine-curious to discover all the region’s unique offerings, the Coastal Wine Trail has

Photo by Sarah Petrarca, courtesy of Newport Vineyard

Newport Vineyards James Beard-nominated chef Andy Teixeira seleting herbs in the greenhouse

a passport program for wine wayfarers. People who visit all tasting rooms are entered into an annual drawing, and first prize is a four-day stay in Long Island, NY wine country.

Foshay shares that each vineyard in the region has its own event programs, activities, and vintages worth discovering. “We are stepping up our industry standard,” she says. “It used to be that people didn’t think New England could produce top-quality wines. And now we are.”

FOOD & DRINK

Experience | Recipe | Lobster Rolls | In The Kitchen

The Plot Chickens

A Newport pop-up all about poultry and spicy signature sauces

By Ruthie Wood

As soon as I came across the building on lower Thames with blue walls, hot pink door, and giant pink chicken decals that read “The Cluck House” in the windows, I knew this wasn’t the colonel’s fried chicken joint. Drawn to the eye-catching exterior, I felt like a child about to enter a Willy Wonka-esque chicken land.

“Chicken land” is an apt description of the pop-up at La Costa. Portraits of roosters lined the brick column by the bar, as if measuring me up to see if I had the guts to try the spiciest sauce The Cluck House has to offer: the level five sauce – which requires signing a waiver – called “Death,” is made from the spiciest peppers on Earth. Full disclosure: I chickened out on that one. Just beyond the L-shaped bar, I could see, hear, and smell my way into the kitchen. Hot oil sizzled as the chefs prepped tenders and wings, and the scents of barbeque and hot sauce wafted through the air, leading me by the nose straight to a seat at the bar to be close to whatever was cooking.

Photo courtesy of The Cluck House

I perused the menu, overwhelmed by all the choices. Chicken is obviously the specialty here, but what is the best way to eat it? Sticky, saucecoated wings? Crispy sandwiches piled high with toppings? Cold on a salad? I received some advice from Connor, one of the managers: “If you came hungry, do a combo with the wings or the tenders,” so I chose the Tender Combo: five tenders, and choice of sides; I went with curly fries and mac n’ cheese.

Must-Try Items

TENDER COMBO ( $16 ) Five chicken tenders with a choice of two sides

SPICY CLUCKER ( $10 )

Potato bun, Seahawk sauce, and house-made slaw

Cuisine: American chicken joint

Atmosphere: Relaxed, fun place to hang

All kinds of chicken at The Cluck House

Photos courtesy of The Cluck House

FOOD & DRINK

With Connor’s help, I also picked out a sauce flight of four flavors, which are categorized by number, one through five, to rank the spice level (five is the highest), along with an international section. I opted for three with house-secret recipes and one international. The platter came out piled high with food. The tenders were some of the best I’ve ever had – super crispy on the outside, moist, warm, and tender on the inside. The curly fries were addicting – just enough

spice, and a joy to eat plain or dipped in the sauces. The mac n’ cheese was oh so creamy and gooey, with a slight kick of heat to it, a callback to the house specialty: their sauces.

The Cluck Sauce, a level one, earned “most dippable” from me; sweet and with a slight tang, it was good on the tenders, fries, and just plain on my fork. The level two Spicy BBQ wasn’t overwhelming in heat and would be delectable on wings. The Seahawk sauce

was the hottest I tried, at level three, but even then, it was a smooth heat, packing a punch that goes down easily with a tingly warmth spreading throughout my body. It was my favorite of the spicy sauces, and if you aren’t afraid of a little heat, the hotter ones would likely prove to be more addicting. On the sweet end of things, the Caribbean Jerk was like eating a barbecue-coated gingersnap cookie, surprisingly sweet and savory at once.

Sauces are the star of the experience

Photo courtesy of The Cluck House

Longtime residents who still miss Middletown’s Chicken City: this could fill that bucket.

(Sat): 7th (Fri): 8th (Sat): 14th (Fri): 15th (Sat): 21st (Fri): 22nd (Sat): 28th (Fri): 29th (Sat): JULY 5th (Fri): 6th (Sat): 12th (Fri): 13th (Sat): 19th (Fri): 20th (Sat): 26th (Fri): 27th (Sat): AUGUST 2nd (Fri): 3rd (Sat): 9th (Fri): 10th (Sat): 16th (Fri): 17th (Sat): 23rd (Fri): 24th (Sat): 30th (Fri): 31st (Sat):

If I had been bolder, I might have tried a couple of level four offerings, such as the ghost pepper Mother Clucker or Spicy Peach BBQ, or even the Death sauce – but those are goals to work up to next time. Sitting at the bar, stuffed like a hen, Connor told me that the best times to visit are in the evenings for their special deals, and The Bachelor Mondays, where all four TVs are tuned into the reality romance

Photo courtesy of The Cluck House

515 Thames Street, Newport CluckHouseNewport.com

Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

All Favorites Cafe

1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550 allfavoritescafe.com |

A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

Casa Azul

890 Allens Ave, PVD | 401-414-7799 CasaAzulri.com |

Our Casa is Your Casa. Authentic Mexican Flavors, Delicious Recipes and Vegan options. Home of the Wicked Best Margarita.

CAV Restaurant

14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164 CavRestaurant.com |

Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

8 locations across RI! Chelos.com |

A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700 thecoastguardhouse.com | Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island 401-558-0190 | davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

137 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-8787 |

MainStreet-Cofee.com

Casual cofee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

Marcelino’s Boutique Bar 1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088 marcelinosboutiquebar.com | Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos

Twin Willows

865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com |

Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.

MainStreet Cofee

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille

Alicia and Nick Donadio have a unique business – their Service blows mulch into garden beds, saving homeowners and landscapers countless hours of work. We recently caught up with Alicia to learn more about their innovative mulch service.

How does blown-in mulch work?

We deliver and install the mulch without it ever touching your driveway. The operator uses a remote control that allows materials to be precisely applied. It is very uniform and creates an even application. Having the mulch blown in saves time, and a lot of hard work.

How long does a typical mulch installation take with this service?

It really depends on the layout and size of the beds. A 10-20 yard job can typically be completed in about an hour.

What types of properties do you service?

We service both commercial and residential properties throughout Rhode Island with a 10 yard minimum.

What kinds of products and other services do you provide?

We install mulch, playground chips and errosion controls like silt sock.

What do you say to skeptics?

one you dread doing every year.

have that customer for life. They’ll never touch a wheelbarrow again.

Nathaniel's in Lincoln

Chop, Drop, & Roll

The classic Italian sub gets a fun refresh with diced meats and cheeses

By Liz Murray

Packing a picnic just got a little more fun with this take on the classic Italian sub. Rather than artfully laying the lunch meats, cheeses, and lettuce, this chopped version invites the sandwich maker to assemble with abandon, dicing all the ingredients into bite-sized pieces to stuff in a hoagie roll. It takes less than 10 minutes to make and travels well, making it the perfect savory beach-side snack or on-the-go lunch.

Sando Inspo

Before finessing your Italian sub game, take a deli trek around the state to see what other mainstays are doing to make their sandwiches special. Here’s just a handful to try:

401 Deli, Exeter

Albanese’s Delizioso Deli, Cranston

Bottega Bocconi, Portsmouth & Middletown

The Butcher Shop, Pro v idence

Father and Son Deli, Johnston

Italian Corner, East Pro v idence

Mousies Deli, Warwick

Natale’s Deli, East Greenwich

Riccotti’s, Bristol

Ritacco’s Market, Westerly

Sandwich Hut, Pro v idence

CHOPPED ITALIAN SANDWICH

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ pound sliced pepperoni

• ¼ pound sliced Genoa salami

• ¼ pound sliced ham

• ¼ pound sliced provolone cheese

• ¼ cup thin-sliced red onion

• ¼ cup banana peppers

• 5 slices of medium-sized tomato

• 6 romaine lettuce leaves, well washed

• 4 sub rolls

• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• ½ tsp honey

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ⅛ tsp table salt

• Fresh-cracked black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

STEPS

1. Place all of the sandwich ingredients on a large cutting board.

2. With your sharpest knife, carefully chop up the pile of ingredients by putting pressure on the top of the knife. Once you’ve chopped one way, chop the opposite way, then mix everything up and do it again. Continue to do this until all of the ingredients are cut into tiny pieces and well mixed.

3. To make the dressing, add the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, dijon, and honey to a cup or bowl and whisk until it is well-combined. Pour the dressing over the top of the chopped ingredients and mix it all together.

4. Carefully scoop out the inside bread on a hoagie roll, and spoon in the chopped sandwich ingredients. Serve immediately – or roll tight in foil – and enjoy!

For more healthy recipes and cooking videos, visit RecipeHippie.com. Photo by Liz Murray

Graphic Designer

Artwork © Brenda Wrigley Scott

Find Your Lobster

10 shacks and eateries to add to your list for summer’s signature sammie

By Patty J

Every Rhode Islander knows no day at the beach is complete without tucking into a lobster roll piled high with claw and tail meat. Whether you prefer it cold or warm, these clam shacks and seafood eateries offer rolls worth shell -ebrating!

Bay Street Deli

This unassuming sandwich shop is a destination for outstanding lobster rolls. You’ll need to use two hands to hold onto these heaping rolls of juicy lobster meat. Plus, you never know who you’ll see there – there’s a photo wall displaying celebs who have stopped in over the years. Watch Hill, BayStreetDeliWH.com

Blount Clam Shack & Market

Situated on the waterfront, the Blount truck serves up rolls overflowing with huge chunks of mouthwatering lobster. Choose from three styles: mixed with house-made dill mayo, cold with butter on the side, or tossed in warm butter – and join the Lobster Roll Club to earn rewards! Warren, BlountRetail.com

Photo courtesy of Blount Clam Shack

Blount Clam Shack & Market

CAPE COD CUPOLA

FOOD & DRINK

Crow’s Nest

An Apponaug staple since 1966, this fish house and oyster bar continues to be an in-the-know go-to for lobster rolls, served with chilled meat, a little mayonnaise, chopped celery, and seasoning in a grilled roll. Pro-tip: order a half portion with a side of chowder. Warwick, CrowsNestRI.com

Dune Brothers

Clam Shack and Restaurant

This lively clam shack on Ocean Road usually has folks lined up and down the street come summer. That’s because their lobster rolls (cold or hot) are considered some of the best in the state. Go for those and stay for the ice cream that’s served up at the counter out back. Narragansett, MonahansRI.com

Newport Lobster Shack

One of the buzziest stops for lobster rolls in the city, fans come from near and far for their pier-to-plate seafood. Dune Brothers prepares the popular dish warm and buttery on brioche buns, and with live music and craft brews pouring this summer. (Watch for news of a year-round restaurant and market coming soon.) Pro v idence, DuneBrothers.com

Flo’s Clam Shack

An Aquidneck Island classic for fried clams and more, locals love their Lobsta Roll Platter (the rolls are substantial and the fries are crispy), which I recommend ordering and devouring on the upper level with relaxing water views. Find rolls at their Portsmouth drive-in location, too. Middletown, FlosClamShacks.com

Matunuck Oyster Bar

Swap the beach cover-up for casual summer attire – this is the gold standard when it comes to seafood restaurants in Lil’ Rhody. Make a reservation (walking in without one is a gamble) and enjoy their warm lobster rolls (heavy on the meat and light on the mayo) and truffle fries. Matunuck, RhodyOysters.com

Located behind The Brenton Hotel on Long Wharf Mall, this no-frills fish market and food truck is a popular destination for tourists and locals. Once you’ve shopped at their live market, order some lobster rolls from the kitchen with fries and enjoy at the picnic tables overlooking the water. NewportLobsterShack.com

Quito’s Restaurant

A stone’s throw from the bike path next to Independence Park, this classic East Bay restaurant is a terrific spot for scrumptious (and super fresh) lobster rolls with a side of Bristol Harbor views. Get yours with mayo and dill or melted butter. Bristol, QuitosRestaurant.com

Two Little Fish

Hungry after soaking up the sun at Misquamicut Beach? You’ll want to bop over to this super casual family-owned and -operated clam shack on Atlantic Avenue. Everyone adores their lobster roll platters with fries and oh-so-flavorful coleslaw. Westerly, Facebook: Two Little Fish

Monahan’s

Dune Brothers

Photo courtesy of Dune Brothers

Approachable Sips

The wine director of Watch Hill’s world-class hotel takes the pretension out of wine culture

By Andrea E. McHugh

While a student in the hospitality management school at the New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn, Matthew MacCartney immersed himself in all facets of the industry, but it was an opportunity to explore the slow food movement in Europe that ignited a spark in the young culinarian and future wine enthusiast.

“They took us on this full-immersion tour, three weeks in Piedmont, Italy. We visited 35 wineries and food producers, and I was like, ‘Wow, this is an amazing business with amazing people!’” he recalls. At the time, he was working weekends at Daniel, chef Daniel Boulud’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurant in New York, so jetting off to the lauded, vine-covered countryside was a bold move on MacCartney’s part.

“The restaurant wasn’t happy with me leaving to go to Italy for truffle season in the busiest season of the year. In fact, he was a little bit jealous, I later found out. Daniel was like, ‘I never got opportunities like this when I was your age!’” MacCartney says with a laugh.

Indulging his new passion and love of travel inspired a semester abroad in England, where he earned a diploma from the internationally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). “I knew that I really needed to be working more in wine and not in the kitchen,” says MacCartney, who today holds a WSET Level 4 diploma, and was also a student of London’s prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine.

With no front-of-house experience, his baptism by fire was back in New York at the acclaimed Gramercy Tavern, working

Photos courtesy of Ocean House

MacCartney guides enthusiasts on an approchable wine tasting journey

Ocean House wine director Matthew MacCartney

his way up to floor manager. “[Celebrity chef] Tom Colicchio loved the idea that I was a cook and also knew wine, so he had me going around the corner with him to open Craft in 2001, and that was my first wine list.” Being amongst the who’s who of the wine world in the heart of his native New York City at a restaurant by the celebrity chef who’d become best known as the head judge on the television show Top Chef was an education unto itself, gushes MacCartney.

Despite his coveted position at the buzzy hotspot, it was there he learned one of the most important lessons of all: “That whole restaurant’s philosophy was to make wine more accessible,” he says. Decades prior, he explains, the wine space was remarkably pretentious, with no shortage of “stuffy French sommeliers” who had no qualms about making a guest feel “less than” for not having a command of all things wine.

When MacCartney relocated to Rhode Island and opened a restaurant of his own on Conanicut Island, Jamestown Fish (open from 2011 to 2018), he adopted the same approach. During his tenure there, the restaurant was a fivetime recipient of Wine Spectator ’s “Best Award of Excellence,” and named one of “America’s Best 100 Wine Restaurants 2018” by Wine Enthusiast .

His mission of wine for all, paired with an encyclopedic knowledge of producers around the world, positioned him perfectly to assume the role of wine director for the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, which he continues to guide today. When the Ocean House in Westerly was in need of a wine director early last summer, MacCartney was a natural fit.

MacCartney concedes that approaching a wine list at Ocean House or its sister property, the Weekapaug Inn, without much wine know-how can be intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. “Trust the sommeliers and ask questions,” he advises – that’s what they expect. And don’t be afraid to express what you’re looking to spend, as it helps the sommelier point you in the right direction. “Put it on the sommelier or the person

No matter your palate, MacCartney can find the perfect pour for any guest

Photo courtesy of Ocean House

you’re talking with about wine, and be honest,” he says. “Say, ‘I like zinfandel,’ or ‘I like cabernets and this is my price range,’ and if you don’t want to mention the number because you’re in a group, just point to it.” MacCartney says that far too often, people who are not sure of which wine to choose take their best guess, which can easily lead to a glass or bottle you don’t enjoy, an experience no sommelier wants to see. For those eager to explore wines at a deeper level, the Ocean House’s Center for Wine & Culinary Arts offers wine tastings, pairings,

Photo courtesy of Ocean House

and hands-on culinary experiences, including employing a specific focus, like rosés, summer cocktails, or California cabernets. This time of year, you’re likely to spot MacCartney selecting vintages and popping bottles at the seaside hotel’s dining options: The Bistro, COAST, or in the salty breeze outside on The Verandah at the Ocean House or Weekapaug Inn. Even if you don’t know your sancerre from your sangiovese, feel encouraged to ask him to help you find a palate-pleasing pour. Watch for monthly From Vine to Wine tastings by visiting OceanHouseEvents.com.

Ocean House is the setting of elevated sipping

HEY RHODY PETS

This month’s winning pet photo!