Hey Rhody Outdoor Guide October 2023

Rhode Island Fruit Growers Apples Now in Season!

PHANTOM FARMS

2920 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland • 401-333-2240

Open Daily 6am-5pm Phantomfarms.com

PYO Apples, Fresh Cider, Café & Bakery, Lunch & Dinner options

Veggies

ROCKY BROOK ORCHARD 997 Wapping Rd., Middletown (401) 851-7989

Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10-4:30; check website or call for additional days rockybrookorchard.com

PYO Apples, Pears & Quince

NARROW LANE ORCHARD

213 Narrow Lane, N. Kingstown (401) 294-3584

Open daily 10-5 Narrowlaneorchardri.com

PYO Apples

SCITUATE NURSERY FARM AND GREENHOUSES

717 Hartford Pike, N. Scituate (401) 934-0581 | Open to Tues-Sun 9-5 Closed Mondays scituatenursery.com

PYO Apples & Pumpkins, Hardy Mums, Our Own Garlic

SMALL WORLD FARM

229 Long Highway, Li le Compton 617-719-7841

Open Thur-Sun 10-5 Organic Veggies, Grass Fed Beef, Eggs, Honey, & Flowers

PYO- Organic Apples

SOWAMS CIDER

STEERE ORCHARD

150 Austin Ave., Greenville (401) 949-1456

PYO daily 9-5 steereorchard.com

PYO Apples

EcoApple Certified!

SWEET BERRY FARM 915 Mitchell Lane, Middletown (401) 847-3912 | Open daily 9-6 sweetberryfarmri.com

PYO Apples, Pumpkins, Farm Market, Cafe, Lunch & Ice Cream

Please

10 The status on public access of shorelines and hunting grounds

12 Go trekking with local naturalists for programming celebrating land trusts

14 RHODY PETS:

Food & Drink

36 EXPERIENCE: New West African pop-up kitchen uses fresh harvests

40 BBQ best bets for eat-in and take-out across the state

42 ROUNDUP: Hit the trails with these portable healthy snacks

44 RHODY EATS: RESTAURANT GUIDE

Home & Style

48 HOME: Living small in a South County streamside tiny home

52 ENTERTAINING: Tips for hosting friends at a state park near you

54 STAY: A New Yorker’s visit to Tiverton centers around lodgings at a potato farm

56 SHOP: Get adventureready at this North Kingstown outfitters store

Art & Culture

60 PROFILE: Insects inspire the photorealistic paintings of an East Bay artist

61 MAKER: How a fisherman turned a hobby into an alluring career

64 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

HEY RHODY PHOTOS

65 A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram

On the Cover: Fishing at Fort Adams, photo by Bill Desmarais, @desmos_photos

Painting by Chil Mott

Photos by Erin McGinn, courtesy of Cameron Chafee

Photo courtesy of Durk’s Bar•B•Q

ARE YOU READY TO FALL IN

CONTRIBUTORS

ROBERT ISENBERG

In “The Bug Catcher” our former editor Robert Isenberg pens an exquisite portrait of artist Chil Mott (page 60). Isenberg enjoys writing and producing documentaries about travel, dining, small business, and creative characters. He most recently co-authored two travel guides to Costa Rica for Lonely Planet and is currently working on a book about cycling.

ERIN MCGINN

“Photographing a tiny home involves finding interesting angles and cool vignettes in order to avoid the fish-eye-like distortion that a super wide-angle lens can create,” says Erin McGinn on shooting this month’s home feature, which begins on page 48. McGinn’s clients range from hospitality brands to “makers and lovers,” says the Warwick-based shutterbug.

KOU TUKALA NYAN

Kou Tukala Nyan is a frequent contributor whose food experience pieces are always rich with a sense of place. This month the Providence writer checks out a West African pop-up kitchen with a focus on flavor and farmfresh ingredients. Read all about it in “Hearth, Health, and Heartiness” (page 36). In addition to being a prolific creative and notary public, Nyan is a beekeeper!

MEG PARSONT

Meg Parsont is an NYC-based independent publicist and writer. Fans of the Late Show with David Letterman may recall her frequent appearances as Meg From Across the Street. While exploring the East Bay for “Pastoral Retreat” (page 54), she especially enjoyed visiting Blithewold and all things Groundswell.

Publishers

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

Editor in Chief

Elyse Major

Editor

Ken Abrams

Digital Media Manager

Jenna Kaplan

Advertising Design Director

Layheang Meas

Senior Designer

Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

Shelley Cavoli

October 2023

General Manager & Creative Director

Nick DelGiudice

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

A Curated Collection of American-Made Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories, Ceramics, Hand Blown Glass and Clever Gifts

Featured Designers: Kinross Cashmere

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Frank & Eileen

Mother Denim

Frame Denim Hartford

Lisa Todd Velvet

Jane Win Jewelry

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Gallagher

Kristine Mangan Olf

Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Contributing Photographers

Brittany Adams

Photography

AUCOIN

Shane Cronan

Bill Desmarais

Erin McGinn

Tony Pacitti

Kendall Pavan

St. Laurent

Contributing Writers

Marylou Butler

Thom Cahir

Robert Isenberg

Karen Kalunian

Interns

Audrey Keefe

Looking for an internship?

Sarah Petrarca

Kimberly Ragosta

Rayhennessy / Adobe Stock

RobertNyholm / Adobe Stock

Steven Sabo / Adobe Stock

Zach / Adobe Stock

Emily Lynch

Kou Tukala Nyan

Meg Parsont

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

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

Presented by Providence Media, publishers of The Bay, Providence Monthly, and So Rhode Island

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

Copyright ©2023 by Providence Media. All rights reserved.

Photography by Nick DelGiudice

Advocating for Access

An overview of the ongoing fight for outdoors enthusiasts’ rights to fish, hunt, and be on public land

By Thom Cahir

Imagine a thick morning mist while sitting in a duck blind, standing alone casting into the surf as the sun rises, or launching a canoe as the moon reflects off a glass-smooth pond. Though tantalizing to many, these outdoor sporting scenes have recently been mired in a tug-of-war over public access.

Michael Woods, the New England Chair of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers – a grassroots, non-profit organization operating in 48 states and throughout Canada – advocates locally for outdoor enthusiasts on issues concerning access to public lands and waters for hunting and fishing. On the job since 2019, Woods spends much of his time on policy and dealing with proposed legislation that has unintended consequences.

Recent efforts include halting interests wanting to import large, non-native species for private hunts, which could have introduced deadly diseases to the species of deer in our region. Another bill proposed a moratorium on the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) managing privately owned woodland; if passed, this could have led to clear-cutting untold acres of old-growth forest with no public comment. Both bills were defeated and probably won’t be reintroduced.

When it comes to hunting, a Charlestown

resident and statewide hunter and fisher, Charles Shea, says, “I believe hunting and fishing has become more accessible… the state has added more hunting areas over the last couple of decades.” He points out that private areas are accessible with owner permission. A representative of the Narragansett Bow Hunters Club explains that landowners are not liable should any injury occur on their property: “The restrictions on private land have increased in the past few years because landowners are concerned they may be sued if any injuries occur to the hunters. The state has provided that if the landowner signs a release card, he will not and cannot be sued by the hunter. Obviously there needs to be better education for the landowners.”

And then there’s the issue of shoreline access, which crashed like a tidal wave in 2019 when Scott Keeley started gathering seaweed on Town Beach in Charlestown and got arrested when he paused after crossing into South Kingstown. His story is the best known, but others have faced similar circumstances with private entities in recent years. Conrad Ferla was chased off Narragansett Town Beach while giving surfing lessons, and Ben Weber, a Weekapaug native who fished and surfed at Fenway Beach, dug up public records showing

Bow-hunting season is open in Zones 1 and 2 starting October 1. New to the sport?

The Narragansett Bow Hunters Club has everything you need to know.

NarragansettBowHunters.org

Before venturing out, visit DEM. RI.gov to check for water quality alerts that identify problem areas for fishing, swimming, and shell fishing – the RIDEM recently warned of an invasive plant species in a South Kingstown pond. You can also find a map that shows hunting areas, fishing access, and boat ramps, and their statuses, plus reports going back almost 20 years on multiple topics that outdoor sporting enthusiasts could use to find answers to many questions.

that the state owns the land within 15-20 feet on both sides of the breachway.

Working with Save the Bay, Woods, and a group of public access activists Ferla organized on Facebook, gained victory. Bills introduced by Representative Terri Cortvriend and Senator Mark McKenney this year codified the public’s right to “laterally access the shore up to 10 feet landward of the visible high tide line,” and Governor Dan McKee signed it into law on June 26. Defining both what the shoreline is and what activities are permissible, the law is a big step for public access in Rhode Island. As Ferla notes, “What is the Ocean State without access for all?”

P hoto by Thom Cahir

Discover Your True Nature

Over a month of naturalist-guided walks, arts events, and more shine light on conservation efforts

By Abbie Lahmers

NIf you’ve ever enjoyed wandering along a babbling brook, spotting migratory birds on their stop-over in the Ocean State, or bringing a picnic lunch to a nature preserve, it’s likely you have a local land trust to thank for protecting the piece of wilderness you’ve made a connection with. For such a tiny state, we have over 45 land trusts working to conserve areas for public use, and every fall, their usually behind-the-scenes efforts are on display for Rhode Island Land Trust Days.

“RI Land Trust Days began in 2012 as a way to highlight the beautiful open spaces that land trusts are protecting,” says Land Trust Days coordinator Virginia Streeter. “Every guided hike or walk is an opportunity to learn about conservation and land stewardship from the people doing that work.” From educational Scientific Strolls with the Watch Hill Conservancy to guided walks identifying nature along statewide trails, most programming is led by land trust staff and experts.

“There are also numerous health benefits, both physical and mental, to spending time outdoors,” shares Streeter. “In 2020 and 2021, our land trusts saw a significant increase in trail use, as more people sought out ‘COVIDsafe’ activities. I know that for myself, spending time outdoors was crucial for dealing with the stress of that time.”

OCTOBER PROGRAMMING

Rhode Island Land Trust Days kicked off August 25 and runs through the end of October. While new events will continue to be added to their calendar as details are confirmed, here’s what’s slated for this month at press time. Always dress for the weather and BYO bottle of water; registration information for each event can be found online at RILandTrusts.org.

RECURRING

WEDNESDAY WALKS AT NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY: Free guided hikes at 3:30pm offer opportunities to ID native plants and wildlife in Middletown, no registration required.

CASEY FARM MARKET: Shop locally grown and produced goods at the Saunderstown farm every Saturday from 8:30am-12:30pm.

OCTOBER 1

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP AT CASEY FARM: Bring your own materials for a plein air watercolor demonstration capturing the seaside landscapes in Jamestown.

OCTOBER 3-4

ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL AND ARTIST TALK WITH DANIEL BYERS OF SKYSHIP FILMS: The Barrington Land Conservation Trust screens environmental films and documentaries.

OCTOBER 6

GUIDED HIKE AT THE DUVAL TRAIL SYSTEM WITH SOUTH KINGSTOWN LAND TRUST: Fall foliage backdrops diverse habitats and historical stonewalls at this kid-friendly walk.

OCTOBER 7

FUNGAL FORAY WITH WESTERLY LAND TRUST: Join the fungal freaks of the RI Mycological Society exploring Wahaneeta Preserve and learning about mushrooms.

OCTOBER 8

HUNTS MILLS HIKE WITH THE EAST PROVIDENCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Coinciding with the monthly John Hunt House open house, this easy walk fascinates with history insights.

OCTOBER 14

PIC - WIL NATURE PRESERVE WALK WITH BARRINGTON LAND CONSERVATION TRUST: From forest and field to salt marsh and dunes, this all-ages hike has something for everyone.

SCIENTIFIC STROLL – BIRD MIGRATION ON NAPATREE: The Watch Hill Conservancy hosts a guided tour of this Globally Important Bird Area, led by a Napatree science advisor.

GUIDED HIKE AT WHIPPLE CONSERVATION AREA WITH COVENTRY LAND TRUST: Refreshments and a raffle are part of the fun at this dog-friendly outing.

OCTOBER 15

JOHANNIS FARM WILDLIFE PRESERVE WALK WITH BARRINGTON LAND CONSERVATION TRUST: See sea level rise first hand trekking from woods to salt marshes.

A guided walk at Hunts Mills led by the East Providence Conservation Commission

OCTOBER 18

SOWAMS WOODS WALK WITH BARRINGTON LAND CONSERVATION

TRUST: Autumnal hues reflect in the glistening water of Echo Lake, located on ancestral homelands of the Pokanokets.

OCTOBER 21

SCIENTIFIC STROLL – THE GEOLOGY OF NAPATREE: A Napatree science advisor tells the fascinating tale of the area’s geology and decade of stewardship.

HAPPY OWL - WEEN CELEBRATION WITH AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RI: With tricks and treats along the trail and owl presentations, bring the family to make a new spooky season tradition in Bristol.

TILLINGHAST POND CONSERVATION AREA WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY: Q ueer Hikes co-hosts a guided walk, with details still in the works at press time.

Off the Leash

A doggie ranch and daycare service lets pups embrace their wild side with supervised roaming

By Karen Kalunian

Fresh air, lots of space to securely run free, and other doggie friends to play with are just a few of the luxuries you’ll find at Ruffin’ Wranglers®, a veritable country club for four-leggeds. Sixteen years ago, when owner Blythe Penna was looking for a dog walker of her own, inspiration struck. Roma, her dog at the time, was a very active Vizsla who required more attention than an average dog walker could supply. Roma craved adventure, and it struck Penna that many other dogs were probably seeking daily activity with more thrills while their owners worked, too. So she decided to make a career change, and Ruffin’ Wranglers was born.

Reflecting on the beginning of her business, Penna says, “In the first year or so of the company, I was taking dogs to Brigham Farm, Chase Farm, anywhere they could get space and safely run. As we continued to grow, I knew I would need my own property, so I set out knocking on doors in Rehoboth, MA – I was turned down by everyone, until I wasn’t!”

“I leased the land that is now the Ruffin’ Wranglers Ranch,” she continues. “I bought the 14.5 acres about four years ago. No one lives on the property. We have about seven acres fenced, and it is absolutely beautiful.”

Fenced-in portions of the expansive property allow the dogs to run free under the watchful eye of her Ruffin’ Wranglers’ team. There are trails, lots of shaded areas for the pups to keep cool, and little swimming pools filled with cold well water. It’s a playtime paradise, with around 35 pups there at a time. A day filled with running, swimming, and interacting with other canines means they return to their owners happy and tuckered out after their adventures.

If Rehoboth sounds like a long haul to add to a daily commute, Penna has a solution for that – dogs are picked up and dropped off daily by the Ruffin’ Wranglers SNIFF Mobiles. Their Rhode Island coverage extends to most of Providence, Oakhill in Pawtucket, Edgewood in Cranston, Riverside,

Rumford, and Barrington. Because safety is a priority, dogs need to be healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and be friendly toward other dogs to participate.

The staff really gets to know each dog’s temperament, wants, and needs, and once a regular is part of the pack, Ruffin’ Wranglers offers boarding services to them, placing the pup in one of the staff members’ homes.

“Our Wranglers know each and every one of

them intimately,” Penna says. “They know what that dog is about to do before the dog even knows! We get so attached to these animals; they are a huge part of our lives and we are the same for them. We get so much joy out of watching these dogs run free – there is nothing like it.”

To see if Ruffin’ Wranglers® is the place for you pup, visit RuffinWranglers.com or give them a call at 401-419-4318.

Dogs living it up on the Ruffin’ Wranglers ranch

P hoto courtesy of Ruffin’ Wranglers

Pet of the Month:Herbie

Herbie’s smile says it all – this playful boy is a three-year-old Boxer/Pit mix who loves to be active and is very smart. He gets excited when he meets new people, eager for a new companion to play with him, and loves to run around, so a fenced-in yard would be a dream come true for him. If you live an active lifestyle and you’re looking for a loyal love bug, Herbie might be the pup for you. Email Shelter to Sofa (ShelterToSofaRI@gmail.com) to inquire about meeting Herbie, or visit ShelterToSofa.org.

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

P hoto by Shane Cronan

Hack & Livery General Store & Emporium

Gift Shop

What it is:

Just as its full name states, Hack & Livery is a general store and emporium, with two floors of brand-name products, seasonal decor, and more.

Where to find it:

Drive Route 138 through Hope Valley and next to Brushy Brook Farm, Hope Valley Fire Station, and West’s Bakery (renowned for their bismark pastries), you can’t miss the white building with a black horse silhouette.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

One of the last surviving country stores in the state, Doug and Peg Yattaw have been the proprietors since 1977. “Our biggest dayto-day draw is the 187 jars of ‘penny’ candy, which is sadly no longer a penny!” Peg shares with a chuckle. “We are two floors of adventure and sensory overload,” she adds, offering that repeat customers comment in an adoring way that the shop has a distinctive scent. “I can’t cite the actual source, but they’ll say –‘it smells the same’ or ‘I knew this was from Hack by the smell!’” A guess might pinpoint it to the aroma of many candles and bath products mixed with all that candy. Either way, Peg says that after 46 years, it’s still fun. “Our loyal staff interacts with customers, which is not only a good time had by all but invites repeat business. We serve multiple generations, enjoying the stories they share while the new visitors make their selections.”

Hack & Livery General Store & Emporium

1006 Main Street, Hope Valley 401-539-7033

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!

Photography by Nick DelGiudice

All Species Great and Small

By Abbie Lahmers

nd so, the answer is 1,038!” boomed David Gregg, to the applause and cheers of lingering biologists and naturalists, who came up for air from their microscopes to fold chairs and pack up the Science Central tent after 24 hours of BioBlitzing. No, he hasn’t summed up the meaning of the universe in one neat figure (and in fact, weeks following this year’s BioBlitz, that number is still growing), but rather, it’s a count of species identified on 1,200 acres of Narragansett Tribal land in Charlestown.

But let’s rewind. For those who have never embarked on a BioBlitz, which feels both like summer camp for adults and hands-on science in the field, the goal is to take the temperature of a specific parcel’s biodiversity, inviting volunteers to fan out and leave no rock unturned (often literally) in search of as many species dwelling there as possible. From abundant ants to elusive bears, blanketing moss to towering trees, taxonomic groups led by experts and specialists identify and record their findings in this “full-contact biology” sport.

Though the tentative tally isn’t record-breaking, this year’s BioBlitz, held in early June, was special for a few reasons. Ecologically, the area included Atlantic white cedar swamplands

iconic to southern Rhode Island, as well as two ponds mostly free of the groundwater pollution that many water bodies surrounded by residential development experience. “The most amazing part about it was the warmth and generosity of the Narragansett Tribe for trusting us to bring this three-ring circus to their sacred land,” says Gregg, executive director of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS).

Through a partnership with the Narragansett Tribe’s Department of Community Planning and Natural Resources and director of natural resources Dinalyn Spears, RINHS brought BioBlitz to a parcel of auke ut Nahiganseck (meaning “we dwell here”), which is normally closed to the public. Opening remarks from Narragansett Tribal Councilman Cassius Spears, Jr. reminded participants that the tribe’s land once stretched far beyond reservation limits, underscoring the importance of the place they steward today.

Arriving Friday afternoon, mine and likely everyone’s first species sighting was the white and pink Mountain Laurel blooms dappling either side of the road, though a novice enthusiast and first-time BioBlitzer, I wouldn’t learn the plant’s name until tagging along with the ant team, made up of Providence

College professor James Waters and students.

Turning over logs and rocks, Waters pointed out colonies of ants while students, armed with aspirators to suck up the tinier specimens into vials, collected insects to identify under microscopes later. By the end of the blitz, the team had found two species never observed there before, including a first for Rhode Island in the pheidole genus of big-headed ants, which shows us an example of a southern species moving north.

Another important figure from this year’s BioBlitz was 367: the record-breaking number of registrants – over 200 of which were newcomers. In an event that brings together both passionate field biologists and a host of amateur citizen scientists, striking a balance between facilitating meaningful discoveries and enabling the public to engage in ecological awareness is a tenuous line to walk.

RINHS program director Kira Stillwell, whose self-declared taxonomic specialty is people, shares that the event didn’t always require registration. “We made a really intentional decision, I think it was probably in ‘08, that it’s not a public event. You have to be pre-registered; you have to identify as part of a team,” she explains. “And so we’ve got the taxonomic experts and we’ve got the new

A 24-hour survey of local flora and fauna brought naturalists and citizen scientists to Narragansett Tribal land

The pollinator team leading an educational bee and wasp walk

P hotos by Abbie Lahmers

folks who I call able-bodied bucket carriers.”

This also means everyone is busy. Breaking only to pitch my tent, reapply bug spray, and hear about other BioBlitzers’ highlights of the day over sketching a leaf around the art and writing table, I embraced the organized chaos of being bounced from group to group, ready to grab an insect net or specimen vial, and asking questions along the way.

I learned that nomada bees are kleptoparasites that lay their eggs in host nests, listened for frogs on a nighttime amphibian walk along the water, saw a Common Yellowthroat through binoculars, and memorized the Ovenbird’s song, activities made more resonate in the context of tribal member and PE teacher Thawn Harris’ traditional storytelling over dinner, a spread that included authentic succotash prepared by tribal member Pearl Brown. In the morning, a medicinal plant walk with Spears enlightened listeners about the uses of sassafras, wintergreen, and more, and a sketching workshop with Frances Topping and Thea Ernest challenged participants to look at natural subjects in new ways.

Between exploratory hikes, workshops, and IDing specimens even late into the night beneath the glow of Science Central (as a

handful of scientists showed off their musical talents around the campfire), a flurry of naturalist activity ascended on reservation land, and in a 24-hour span that blew by, the caravan was packed up and on its way.

Gregg and Stillwell’s work continues long after the horn signals the close of BioBlitz. RINHS will share findings with Spears and her department, turning data into land management plans and conservation outreach. The selection process for next year’s BioBlitz is already underway, and the pair is busy year round operating a figurative switchboard, plugging scientists and the public into a larger network of projects.

“The survey’s general role in the environmental world in Rhode Island is that of connecting people, providing contact and acting kind of like the hub of the wagon wheel for all of the other groups,” explains Stillwell. Echoes Gregg, “Everybody has a little piece of the puzzle, but you need somebody to bring everybody together.”

At latest tally, Gregg reports 1,248 species, but more than a number, the experience is an invitation for all ages to engage with the natural world around us. This hobbyist naturalist certainly looks forward to next year’s BioBlitz. RINHS.org

Mushrooms identified by the fungi team

PARKS, TRAILS, FISHING SPOTS, AND MORE MAKE RHODE ISLAND AN ADVENTURER’S WONDERLAND

BY EMILY LYNCH AND ELYSE MAJOR

Welcome to our first-ever magazine devoted to all things outdoors. In this reader-requested issue, we worked closely with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to provide you with the information you need to start exploring the state. And while Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State, more than 50 percent is forested, making it ideal for hiking, camping, biking, birding, and more. Little Rhody boasts a network of state parks and management areas; with more than 60,000 acres of public lands stewarded by the DEM including 22 major parks, 25 management areas, 400 miles of trails, 200 fishing spots, and over 200 boat ramps, there are plentiful options to enjoy the outdoors.

SAFEGUARD AGAINST MOSQUITOS

Be sure to check campgrounds and management areas online before planning a visit for up-to-date information on temporary closures due to mosquito-borne disease risk. To guard against insects on any outdoor adventure, always pack EPA-approved bug spray with DEET (20-30 percent strength), picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane, and read warning labels and instructions before use. Learn more at DEM.RI.go v

Deep Pond Trail, Arcadia State Management Area

20 THINGS TO DO AT A STATE PARK NEAR YOU

State parks provide visitors with well-maintained and accessible areas that have amenities like paved trails, playing fields, restrooms, historic buildings, and events. Many state parks also offer guided tours, museums, horseback riding, camping, and more.

1. Play a round of golf at the Goddard Golf Course at Goddard Memorial State Park. This ninehole course is open seven days a week through November 30, weather and staff permitting. Reserve a tee time at RIParks.RI.go v /golf.

2. Give sailing a try at Fort Adams State Park. Sail Newport offers lessons and rentals of sailboats through October.

3. Take advantage of the camping off season at Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown by walking or biking through the traffic-free roads.

4. Access the nearly eight-mile John Vincent Gormley Trail that runs through Burlingame State Management Area and the Kimball Wildlife Refuge.

5. Visit Beavertail State Park in Jamestown and check out the iconic Beavertail Lighthouse Museum and RI State Park Naturalist Aquarium for an up-close look at local marine fish, shellfish, and more! The free aquarium is open through October.

6. Enjoy a traffic-free trip to a state beach.

7. Look for the Narragansett Surfcasters’ Annual Surf Day mid-January in Narragansett.

8. Take a stroll or bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway, the state’s second-longest bike path.

9. Stop by the Captain Wilbur Kelly House Transportation Museum in Lincoln.

10. Visit Colt State Park in Bristol for a picnic by Narragansett Bay.

Fort Wetherill State Park

11. Try horseback riding at C and L Stables at Goddard Memorial State Park or Sunset Stables at Lincoln Woods State Park.

12. Take a tour of historic Fort Adams State Park, swing by the Eisenhower House, and stroll the grounds with spectacular views of Narragansett Bay.

13. Hit the trails for a deep-woods hike at Pulaski State Park. Trails lead through the George Washington Management Area and to the shores of Bowdish Reservoir. This area is truly one of the state’s little gems.

14. Visit Rocky Point State Park to hunt for sea glass along the shoreline, fish from the accessible pier, or have fun in the open fields in this passive-use park.

15. Embark on a nature scavenger hunt, making a checklist of various shells, leaves, and more.

16. Go geocaching – the world’s largest outdoor treasure hunt using the GPS on your cell phone! Get deets at Geocaching.com

17. Grab a notepad, pen, and rubber stamp and enjoy a day of letterboxing, an analog version of geocaching. Find hidden boxes near you by visiting Lettterboxing.org

18. Learn about RI critters and conservation in the Wild Rhode Island Explorer magazine at DEM.RI.gov/wildlifeoutreach. Read about our state’s critters and conservation work, do fun activities, and check out the trail photo caption contest.

19. Watch for migratory birds; fall provides terrific opportunities for hunters and bird-watchers alike to view birds as they pass through Rhode Island to warmer destinations.

20. Bring a kite to fly at Brenton Point State Park in Newport.

Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area, George Washington Management Area

MANAGEMENT AREAS

If you’re interested in the wilder side of Rhode Island, visit a management area like Arcadia in Exeter and Big River in West Greenwich. While activities are limited to protect wildlife and habitats, they still provide ample opportunities for hiking, hunting, birdwatching, fishing, or just resting in nature.

OUTDOORS 101

FALL EVENTS HOSTED BY DEM

OCTOBER 10: Fall on the Farm Series: Fungi Exploration, Johnston

OCTOBER 14 : Intro to Deer Hunting Workshop, Harrisville

OCTOBER 20: Hunter Education 3 Day, Foster

NOVEMBER 6: Wildlife Solutions: Noisy Neighbors, Pro v idence

Visit DEM.RI.go v for details, including registration

FISHING

Freshwater fishing in Rhode Island is a year-round activity that offers opportunities to catch a variety of species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, northern pike (our largest freshwater game fish), or a variety of warm-water species and pan fish, such as black crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, and pickerel. The excitement of fall trout fishing and winter ice fishing ensures a terrific family activity for all ages.

Annual freshwater fishing licenses are valid from the second Saturday in April through February 28. Youth under age 15 fish for free. A Trout Conservation Stamp is required of anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout, salmon, or charr or to fish in a catch-and-release or “fly-fishing only” area. DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife’s hatchery program works yearround to provide quality fishing experiences throughout the year. They stock over 100 fishing areas with brook, rainbow, golden rainbow, brown, and tiger trout. Experience the thrill of reeling in the first trout of the season with the purchase of a fishing license!

Wood River

SALTWATER FISHING

The Ocean State offers some of the best saltwater fishing anywhere. Whether you fish the waters of Narragansett Bay or the coastal waters stretching from the south shore out to Block Island and beyond, anglers in Rhode Island have many fantastic opportunities to enjoy the diversity and abundance of our local catch. From striped bass fishing to digging quahogs, and everything in between, whether you fish for fun or food, the common denominator is that you are part of a time-honored tradition made possible by Rhode Island’s amazing marine life.

Recreational shellfishing is available to both RI residents and non-RI residents. Whelk and bay scallops is limited to residents only. Residents do not require a license; however non-RI residents do require a license.

ANGLERCATCH APP

Last year, DEM launched a free volunteer recreational catch reporting mobile application, which allows you to log and track your catches and also provides free weather forecasts, tide and solunar information, and buoy data. Download at the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

Sachuest Beach (Second Beach), Middletown

HUNTING

From coastal shrublands to forestland to grasslands that sway in the breeze, opportunities for hunting and trapping abound in Rhode Island. Revenue generated from license and permit sales supports Rhode Island fish and wildlife conservation programs. A critical source of funding, these monies are leveraged to match federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program dollars that support outdoor recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, and boating in Rhode Island. The fall is a popular time for hunting. If you have ever been interested in learning how to hunt, taking a safety course is the first step. You can also sign up for special programming, including wilderness first aid and land navigation.

GREAT SWAMP SHOOTING RANGE

The Great Swamp Shooting Range in South Kingstown is state-run and uses the latest industry standards for safety and management practices. The range supports DEM’s Hunter Safety Education Program, which instructs hunters and sport shooters in the safe storage, transport, handling, and shooting of firearms. The range provides a positive and structured environment for adults and youth alike to learn to use a variety of firearms. This year, the facility has extended its season, operating from April 1 to November 3. It’s open seven days a week, including holidays. Although the range is free to use, visitors must obtain a range permit beforehand.

SEE AND BE SEEN

Remember to wear a solid fluorescent orange hat or vest this month to stay visible to hunters. Deck out your dog with orange, too, and keep them on a leash no longer than 25 feet. Not sure if an area allows hunting? Look for on-site signage or visit DEM.RI.go v /orange.

P hoto by RobertNyholm / Adobe Stock

RI PHEASANT SEASON

The season begins in October and requires a Game Bird Permit to hunt ring-neck pheasant. The daily limit for pheasant is two either sex birds. Arcadia, Black Hut, Big River, Buck Hill, Carolina, Durfee Hill, Great Swamp, Nicholas Farm, Sapowet Marsh, Simmons Mill Pond, and Eight Rod Farm are all stocked management areas. DEM.RI.go v

To purchase hunting and fishing licenses or any other outdoor needs, visit Rhode Island Outdoors, part of DEM, at RIO.RI.go v

Ring-Neck Pheasant

Keep dogs safe by outfitting in safety orange

VOLUNTEER FOR DEM

The DEM Fish and Wildlife Volunteer Program offers a number of unique and exciting volunteer opportunities that engage the local community in projects that help conserve and protect Rhode Island’s natural resources. Volunteer projects range from counting migrating river herring during the spring, to banding waterfowl with state biologists, to lending a hand with management area clean-ups! DEM.RI.go v

RI STATE CAMPGROUNDS

Burlingame State Campground*

Charlestown Breachway State Campground

East Beach State Campground

Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground

George Washington State Campground*

*Cabins available and include two bunk beds with boards for the base

Camping season ends during or at the end of October for most campgrounds; see availability and reserve online at RIParks.RI.go v

HIKING TRAILS

The Ocean State is filled with beautiful places to hike, including these nature refuges maintained by the Audubon Society of RI. Find more at ASRI.org, and for an expansive list of statewide trails, visit ExploreRI.org.

Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, Tiverton

Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge, Rockville

Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Co v entry

Powder Mill Ledges, Smithfield

Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Warren

Waterman Pond Wildlife Refuge, Co v

entry

Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Burlingame State Park

P hoto (top) courtesy of DEM, (bottom) by Sarah Petrarca, courtesy of DEM

At Atlantic Audiology, Inc. we understand that each patient is unique. Your hearing loss is unique as well. Our goal is to implement a personalized treatment plan to help you hear what you’ve been missing.

This summer at the Pequot Museum we will be offering a variety of culture-filled fun and educational programs, workshops and events for families and friends of all ages. Join us each Wednesday–Saturday in July and August for some of the best experiences that Mashantucket has to offer at the largest Native American museum in the world!

A BACKPACK OF BEAUTY

Autumn in Rhode Island is a cherished time, filled with colorful hikes, leaf-peeping adventures, visits to apple orchards, and the return of the PSL. It’s also when many of us begin to suffer from dry skin. Here are five tried-and-true products from local

RITUAL BATHS

Seek relief of achy muscles with Ritual Baths, a line of gentle soaks in a variety of herbal blends from The Veiled Crow. Each of the nine products offers a different metaphysical property. Pair with a matching Sacred Sugar Scrub, made from sugar and almond oil, to leave your skin feeling

PUMPKIN CHAI EXFOLIATING HERBAL FACE MASK

Herbs and Mylk offers a fall line full of fragrant small-batch skincare products to hydrate, smooth, and revitalize your skin. After a long day of exploring, cozy up with their revitalizing mask, formulated with pumpkin and coffee grounds from Lincoln cafe, Fundati. 650 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown; HerbsandMylk.com

HELP YOUR SKIN RECOVER FROM OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS WITH LOCALLY MADE ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

BY CALLIE BISSET

SHAMPOO BARS

Perfect for camping and travel, shampoo bars from Warren’s Stella Marie Soap Company offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bottles. The Rosemary and Mint Natural Shampoo Bar can be used as a body and hair cleanser, perfect for saving space in your bag. Find it at local retailers including Olive del Mondo and Rhody Craft in Providence, and Honey Gallery in North Kingstown, or online at StellaMarieSoap.com.

WELLNESS SALVE

This nourishing salve from Herbalicious Skincare is a chemical- and petroleum-free alternative to OTC ointments – a hiking pack must. Use for treating insect bites, sunburn, eczema, and dry skin. Made in Narragansett with a powerful blend of herbal ingredients and essential oils, find this salve at Casey Farm Market, Saunderstown, on Saturday mornings through October 28 or online at HerbaliciousSkincare.com

MUSHROOM HUNTERS

RARE FUNGUS DISCOVERED BY BARRINGTON FIFTH-GRADER

What’s red and yellow and turns blue to the touch? A Billie’s bolete (boletus billieae) mushroom, of course! If you haven’t heard of it, there’s a good reason – this uncommon fungus has never been observed in Rhode Island, until 10-year-old Barrington fifthgrader and youth ambassador of the Rhode Island Mycological Society Silas Claypool discovered a cluster of them with his dad Rick along the East Bay Bike Path in August. The under-documented fungus is one of 20 potentially threatened species in the northeast. Realizing they had found a rare bolete, the Claypools preserved the specimen by drying it with a food dehydrator and mailed it to the Fungal Diversity Survey for DNA analysis, with other specimens to be preserved at the Brown University Herbarium – all in a day’s work for the two avid mushroomers. Learn more about the fungus among us by visiting RhodeIslandMycologicalSociety.org

BIKE PATHS

Rhode Island has more than 60 miles of paved trails for biking, and the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority offers Rack-N-Ride, meaning all RIPTA buses have bike racks that are free, making cycling the state a breeze.

Blackstone River Bikeway

East Bay Bike Path

Fred Lippitt Woonasquatucket River Greenway

Quonset Bike Path

South County Bike Path

Ten Mile River Greenway

Warren Bike Path

Washington Secondary Bike Path

Get details about paths, maps, and parking at DOT.RI.go v

Local fifth-grader Silas Claypool discovered rare Billie’s bolete mushrooms along the East Bay Bike Path

East Bay Bike Path

hoto (top) courtesy of Rick Claypool, (bottom) by Tony Pacitti

Photo courtesy of Keane’s Wood-Fired Catering

Aged to Perfection

Fill your flask with bourbon made right here in the Ocean State

By Ken Abrams

Though long associated with Bourbon County in Kentucky, these days even Rhode Island is getting in on the fun of making bourbon, too. This type of whiskey, which is great served neat or sipped from a flask while star-gazing around a campfire, contains at least 51 percent corn in addition to other grains like rye, wheat, or barley. Although the Bluegrass State produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, and the spirits bottled there are still considered the gold standard, distilleries around the country produce some excellent varieties, following the process handed down from Scottish and Irish settlers. Here’s what’s happening locally at three commercial distilleries currently producing the corn-based whiskey.

BLUE VELVET

Blue Velvet Bourbon is a new addition to the line-up at the Industrious Spirit Company (ISCO) in Providence, where it was first released in 2021. “Blue Velvet is unique in that it is a 100 percent blue corn mash bill, a blend of an organic indigo corn from Kentucky and heirloom blue corn from Mexico,” says Manya Rubinstein, ISCO CEO. “A unique marriage of cultures and places, Blue Velvet boasts heaps of caramel, chocolate, and vanilla flavors, and a signature note of blue corn tortillas with a lasting finish of toast and oak. It’s best sipped neat, or on the rocks – or mixed in a Manhattan, if you must!”

With a passion for the process, ISCO makes all of their spirits from scratch, and the bourbon is no exception. “More handcrafted bourbons are on the way in the coming months and years, so stay tuned,” says Rubinstein. “This fall, we are releasing a version that has been aged over two years, making it a straight bourbon.” Pro v idence, ISCOSpirits.com

PUPPY BOURBON

Small-batch brewing is the formula for success at White Dog Distilling in Pawtucket, where distillers have tweaked the ingredients for a one-of-a-kind flavor profile in their signature Puppy Bourbon. “We chose a highly concentrated corn formula that is 85 percent corn, 15 percent malted barley, which contributes to the sweetness of the bourbon,” says co-owner Alecia Catucci. “We produce it locally in small batches and little by little, we continue to age it. On our five-year anniversary, we released a 12-month bourbon, which had a phenomenal response.”

Bourbon is traditionally aged in 40-gallon barrels or larger; by brewing in smaller five-gallon barrels (puppies), White Dog produces a smooth and flavorful bourbon in a shorter amount of time. The distillery is also known for their line of Tailgate Moonshine, a partnership with the nationally syndicated Dan Patrick Show . “We produce moonshine

Bourbon may be a Kentucky staple, but one passionate cocktail developer dreamt up a whiskey infusion that could only come from Westerly – Stephen Corrigan and team are serving a soupy bourbon old-fashioned at The Cafe. Taking a beloved Italian sausage and Westerly tradition, soupy, from Dipper’s Packing, and fat-washing it with bourbon, the Dipper’s Sipper is a rustic blend of spice with a hint of citrus. TheCafeRI.com

flavors for them that typically sell out within a few minutes,” says Catucci. “We’re releasing pumpkin spice maple early this fall.” Pawtucket, WhiteDogDistilling.com

P hotos (left to right) courtesy of ISCO, White Dog Distillers, South County Distillers

SOUTH COUNTY BOURBON

In Westerly, South County Distillers produces spirits on the campus of sister company Grey Sail Brewery. “It shares utilities and infrastructure, but it is in its own standalone space and has a full-time distiller, Ryan Gwozdz, the former head brewer at Mayflower in Plymouth, MA,” says Alan Brinton, who co-owns Grey Sail with his wife Jennifer. The joint venture began in 2019, after the brewery completed an expansion.

“We’re offering a lot of different types of bourbon. We haven’t really honed in on a single recipe; we have a variety of different expressions to choose from,” says Brinton. “Our bourbon is made completely in house. We start with the raw materials, 51 percent corn, and Ryan works different grains into the mash bill; we mill it on site, we mash it, and then go through the temperature conversions you need to convert all the starches to sugars. We ferment it on site, add yeast, and then we distill it from there. We package it on our own barrels that we source.” You can enjoy their bourbon in the tasting room at Grey Sail or at bars and restaurants statewide. Westerly, SouthCountyDistillers.com

Hearth, Health, and Heartiness

Food is a love language for the chef behind a West African pop-up kitchen

By Kou Tukala Nyan

Avisit to Sankofa Community Kitchen on the West End of Providence to try a few entrees from recently opened Talkin’ Tummy turned into an intimate sit-down lunch with founder and CEO Onyinyechi Njoku. Amid the enticing smells of spices and savory meats and the sound of humming appliances, Njoku presented her food to me with humor and humility, asking for my feedback as I tried each dish, and by the end we were joking around like old friends.

With co-founder Philletta Payne, Talkin’ Tummy is Njoku’s West African pop-up kitchen that she started four years ago, though she only just recently took a leap and left her pharmaceutical job to pursue her

Must-Try Items

FUFU AND OKRA SOUP ( $20 ) : Fresh okra, assorted meat, onions, habanero pepper, garlic, and pounded yam fufu for dipping

TT’S HOMEMADE JOLLOF RICE

( $15 - 17 ) : Rice with tomatoes, bell pepper, habanero pepper, onion, and choice of protein (lamb, grilled chicken, or beef)

Pop-Up Schedule

Follow @talkintummy401 on Instagram for special events, or visit TalkinTummy.com to inquire about catering.

FRIDAYS: Atrium On Main, Pawtucket, 5-10pm

SUNDAYS: Black Bird Farm, Smithfield, 10am-3pm

A platter of West African eats from Talkin’ Tummy

P hotos courtesy of Talkin’ Tummy

food business full-time. Cooking with her grandmother since she was a child in Nigeria, Njoku developed a love early on for preparing and serving meals. “Food is my love language,” she told me. “[Cooking] is my way of giving back to the world.”

Njoku moved to Rhode Island in middle school with her family. Although she fell in love with Providence, she noticed that family members encountered ailments she didn’t see while living in Nigeria. When her father was diagnosed with cancer, her family reevaluated their diets, including where their produce was coming from. Today, her father is doing much better, and her family continues to grow their own vegetables.

With Talkin’ Tummy, Njoku intentionally incorporates fresh ingredients into every meal. She hopes that through her pop-ups, she can “help change the way we eat in the US,” she explained. “The diet here is killing people.”

Dinner Live Music Cathedral & Skyline Bars

Private Events

Rose B. Simpson, Shard, 2021 Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund

Je rey Gibson, The Anthropophagic Effect, Garment no. 1, 2019 Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund

Presentation also matters to Njoku. I watched her chop scallions to generously garnish the house special, TT’s Homemade Jollof Rice. Pleasantly spiced rice was cooked with red bell peppers and served with perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breasts and – a personal favorite of mine – sweet fried plantains, served soft with crispy edges.

Next, I tried the Fufu and Okra Soup, with a peppery aroma that drew me in. The soup contained a beautiful mix of goat meat, crab, palm oil, and onion. I dipped my fingers in water to roll the soft fufu, which is made from pounded yam – like mashed potatoes but denser – to eat with the broth. Njoku explained this is generally served in large portions.

As we finished talking and eating, Njoku shared, “When I come into the kitchen, I feel alive. It feels like home to me.” And each of her pop-up patrons are sure to feel like family when ordering from Talkin’ Tummy.

TT’s Homemade Jollof Rice

Sugar Craze dessert topped with whipped cream

P hotos courtesy of Talkin’ Tummy

On Fire

Best bets for BBQ in Little Rhody

By Jenny Currier, with updates by Elyse Major

For many of us New Englanders, “barbecue” is most often preceded by the word “a” to indicate a cookout in someone’s backyard with burgers and hotdogs on the grill. Each region of the US has a distinct style, and perhaps what makes Rhode Island barbecue unique is its willingness to blend these methods, to get experimental, and to use their culinary expertise – which overflows in the Ocean State – to offer an outstanding barbecue of its own. Whatever your preference is, you can find something to suit your taste buds, and who knows – maybe one day smoked calamari will become a RI staple. But until that day, there’s a bit of Memphis, Kansas, Carolina, and Texas to go around.

DURK’S BAR•B•Q

Durk’s sticks with what people are looking for when they think of barbecue, but adds some unique touches. For example, the house BBQ sauce uses Autocrat coffee syrup as a sweetener, and chef Ed Davis’ dry rub blend includes Bolt coffee, “to give it some kind of Rhode Island identity.” Davis has perfected the art of all things smoked. He begins prepping the brisket days before it even enters the smoker by chilling in the walk-in refrigerator, then rubbing it with a salt-and-pepper blend 12-24 hours before it cooks. The brisket’s “smoke ring” comes out textbook perfect, and the point cut is chock full of flavor. 33 Aborn Street, Pro v idence

DON’T MISS DURKTOBERFEST: OCTOBER 14 FROM 3 - 7PM

For the second year in a row, head to Durk’s for an afternoon of family fun. Enjoy Oktoberfest-themed foods like sausages, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and house-made soft pretzels, an outdoor Moniker Brewery beer garden, live music from Cody Nilson, giveaways, a bouncy house for kids, and other fun activities; dogs welcome.

GREAT NORTHERN BBQ CO

The first time Great Northern BBQ Co entered the Ocean State BBQ Festival, they won for the best brisket; they’ve also garnered the #1 Judge’s Choice for RI Food Fights’ “Lord of the Wings” competition. “We must be doing something right,” says owner Daniel Becker. Sean Bender is pit-master and head chef, whose aim is not to compete with the South but create a unique New England-style barbecue (hence “Great Northern”) that’s a hybrid of Memphis, Texas, and West Carolina styles, plus a nod to seafood – like salmon – which is charred to perfection on the wood-fired grill.

9 Parade Street, Pro v idence

EVEN MORE BEST BETS

Becky’s BBQ, Middletown

Black Beans PVD

Flatt’s Smokehouse, South Kingstown

Kin Southern Table + Bar, Pro v idence

Ladder 133 Kitchen + Social, Pro v idence

Smoke House, Newport

South County Barbecue, Various / Food truck

Sura Korean BBQ, Johnston & Pro v idence

RETURNING SOON!

Wes’ Rib House, Pro v idence

Loaded trays at Durk’s B•B•Q

RHODY MADE

The Backyard Food Company: A range of small-batch BBQ sauces with varieties including peach, raspberry, honey, and more.

Rhed’s: Tangy sauces packed in cool bottles are sure to bring the heat and spice to your grilling. Available at many local markets or check MakeFoodYourBusiness.org for details and more condiment makers.

KEANE’S WOOD-FIRED CATERING

Feel like enjoying your brisket and cornbread in the great outdoors, cowboy style? Keane’s Wood-Fired Catering has you covered with take-out on select Fridays from their new location on Warwick Avenue. Additionally, they offer express catering and special event services and packages if you want to tuck into BBQ after saying “I do” – right down to the branded bottles of BBQ sauce favors. Since 2016, Padraic and Kaylyn Keane have been serving up wood-fired barbecue with fermentation and locally sourced products, building a solid rep for exceptional food and service. Warwick, KeanesWoodFired.com

Photo by Kendall Pavan St. Laurent, courtesy of Keane’s

October 27 is BBQ

Take-Out day at Keane’s

Trail Snacking

Eight tasty and nutritious bites to stow in your fanny pack for fall outings

By Patty J

The temps may be dropping, but the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot invites plenty of opportunities for autumnal adventures. To fuel your outing, there’s no need to mix your own GORP (good old raisins and peanuts) – these Rhody makers have perfected everything from granola to beef jerky, ideal for hiking the state.

BEAUTIFUL DAY GRANOLA

This snack brand’s mission is twofold: making some of the tastiest granola and muesli around and giving refugees settling in Rhode Island a leg up in the job market through paid, hands-on training. Feel good about enjoying bags or bars filled with healthy, sweet and savory ingredients, available at farmers markets, local grocers, and online. BeautifulDayRI.org

BRANCHISH BEEF JERKY

This husband-and-wife owned company is inspired by spending meaningful moments in nature and specializes in thick-cut, exceptional-quality jerky thoughtfully handcrafted in Chepachet. It’s available in nine mouth-watering flavors, including bourbon (wowza), smoke, dill, teriyaki, heat (not for the faint of heart), and more, all available online. BranchishJerky.com

GOTEFF

The perfect nosh for folks with food sensitivities, Saron Mechale devised goTeff from the ancient Ethiopian grain teff, and it’s free of gluten, nuts, and dairy. Bring this superfood, which comes in lots of flavors, along on the trail, or keep some in your pantry to use as a finishing touch on a morning yogurt bowl, fruit plate, or even salad topping. GoTeff.com

P hoto courtesy of Branchish Jerky

Thick-cut jerky from Branchish comes in a range of flavors

HANK’S PROTEIN PLUS

Nutritionist and founder Hank Capasso makes high-protein almond and peanut spreads in Pawtucket that are worlds away from the sugary peanut butter many of us grew up on. Take these tasty whey-protein nut butters (or vegan pea protein versions) with you to eat on their own or as add-ons to your stash of crackers or veggie sticks. HanksProteinPlus.com

NEWPORT JERKY COMPANY

Neighbors and tourists alike are wild about this epicurean take on beef jerky with flavors like sea salt, beer, pepper, and even whiskey. For the more daring, discover jerky made from alligator, kangaroo, and python, plus a vegetarian option. Visit the shop for an impressive array of gourmet jams, sauces, nuts, and more. NewportJerkyCompany.com

PALEONOLA

Launched in 2011 by Dinos and Katelyn Stamoulis, this grain-free, non-GMO granola in delightful blends of nuts, seeds, berries, and coconut is made in a historic mill in Pawtucket. Found on the shelves of grocery stores, opt for

their original or one of many flavors, including the fall-tastic Maple Pancake, Apple Pie, and Pumpkin Pie. Paleonola.com

SACRED COW GRANOLA

If you only associate Munroe Dairy with milk and ice cream, get ready for some exciting news. Owner Rob Armstrong teamed up with his best friend Maureen Maloney to create hand-crafted granola. Yes, the taste and texture of Sacred Cow Granola does indeed live up to their tagline, “the Holy Granola Experience.” It’s a must-try for outdoor adventures. Sacred-Cow-Granola.myshopify.com

SHRI BARK SNACKS

Created by local news anchor and yoga teacher Alison Bologna as a snack for her students, these squares (made of seeds, oats, and fruit) come in flavors like Cranberry Cinnamon Spice and Salted Caramel Apple, and are available statewide in retail shops and home delivery. Proceeds from these allergen-friendly treats benefit outreach programs. ShriBarkSnacks.com

goTeff is great on its own or as a garnish

Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody o ers 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.

MainStreet Coffee

137 Main Street, East Greenwich

401-885-8787 |

MainStreet-Co ee.com

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

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.

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.

Mambo Sushi

380 Atwells Ave, Providence

401-642-8439 |

mambosushiprovidence.com

Peruvian Flair to Asian Cuisine

CAV Restaurant

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

Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

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!

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

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille

8 locations across RI!

Chelos.com |

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

El Paisa Restaurant Patio and Bar

598 Dexter Street, Central Falls 401-726-8864 | ElPaisa.com |

Since 1978, El Paisa Restaurant and Bar has served home-cooked, classic Colombian recipes and cocktails with great joy.

New Harvest Coffee & Spirits

10 Sims Ave, Providence | 401 438-1999

NewHarvestCo ee.com |

Our flagship cafe accentuates the journey from co ee seed to cup and the journey of grain to glass.

Rise ‘N Shine Coffee Bar

97 Holden St., Providence | 401 340-5112

@RiseNShineCo eeBar |

Espresso bar with organic co ee, signature drinks and fresh pastries located in historic 1858 Christopher Dodge Carriage House. GET

Slice of Heaven

32 Narragansett Ave. Jamestown

401-423-9866 | sliceofheavenri.com

| Serving breakfast, lunch and daily handcrafted pastries. Family and dog friendly with a great outdoor patio.

OVER 75,000 COPIES STATEWIDE ACROSS

4 MAGAZINES

Plus, a premium listing on RhodyEats.com.

A brand new web guide to local eateries created and maintained by locals.

Tallulah’s Taqueria

Three Locations:

West End • Fox Point • Jamestown tallulahstaqueria.com | Order by App, Online, or In-Store. Chicano Street Food...Rooted in Hospitality.

Feature your Restaurant, Bar, Café, etc. All for only $175 per month

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.

For more information, email Marketing@RhodyEats.com

Explore the flavors of Rhode Island! Small State,

Ru n’ Wranglers® gives your pup more than just a leash walk – we give them an adventure! It starts when your dog is picked up from your home and whisked away to a doggie oasis, the Ru n’ Wranglers® Ranch in Rehoboth.

The 14.5-acre ranch boasts seven acres of fenced-in grassy fields and trees with amazing trails that were cleared by some of our own Wranglers. We have created such a beautiful space for your dog to run, play, and make furry friends.

Socialization, exercise, and freedom are crucial to your pet’s health, happiness, and your sanity!

Since 2007, the Ru n’ Wranglers® team has provided over 270,000 excursions. The Wranglers handle the pick-up and drop-o in our doggie outfitted SNIFF Mobiles and are hands on with all the fun at the ranch. The dogs have a better social life and exercise routine than most humans!

We know our clients’ dogs are their children. Our Wranglers are deeply invested in the dogs; there is no other team like them. They get to know each dog, their preferences, what causes them anxiety and what they love. They ensure every dog has the experience they crave…it may be extreme ball chasing, lots of kisses, wrestling, running through trails or just snoofing at their own pace!

We have dogs that have been with Ru n’ Wranglers® most of their lives and are still

at the ranch weekly! We are going to have to outfit a geriatrics SNIFF Mobile for those dogs and me soon! I had a vision for the company when I started it 16 years ago, but I really did not conceptualize where we are today.

We were full for about a year and a half and I said I would not buy another van, but I did! We have also added a few routes, so we are able to accommodate more dogs!

We not only provide excursions, but overnights to our weekly clients. When you travel, you know your dog is living their best life with one of our Wranglers in their home, being a part of their family and running at the ranch all day! It’s like being at a doggie camp while you are gone…they might ask you to travel more often!

I am so proud of our team of Wranglers and the leader of our pack, Austin Wright. He just celebrated his 11-year anniversary! There is absolutely no way we would be where we are today without his dedication to Ru n’ Wranglers®.

There is nothing like seeing pure joy in the eyes of a dog, and that is what we provide, joy...not bad for your daily gig!

We are so grateful for our loyal customer base, the Ruffin’ Wranglers® Family. We would have never accomplished what we have in 16 years without the support of our human and canine clients.

Ruffin’ Wranglers® covers the East Side, West Side and Downtown Providence, Oakhill in Pawtucket, Edgewood in Cranston, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Southern Seekonk, Barrington, parts of Rehoboth and parts of Swansea close to the ranch.

Austin Wright, Operations Manager, with Thor at the Rufn’ Wranglers® Ranch

Blythe Penna, Owner, with her sleepy Vizsla, Clara I Do Declare, in a SNIFF Mobile

Sadie Rose fying at the RW Ranch!

Tiny House in the Big Woods

A talented architect modifies a shipping container into a streamside dwelling in South County

By Elyse Major

think the whole thing is clever – a shipping container house that can close up and be moved anywhere a ship and a truck can go,” says Cameron Chafee, which pretty much sums up the 20-foot shipping container he modified into a tiny home, situated by a stream in South County. “It’s been my favorite build so far,” says the outdoors enthusiast who traded a desk job to design and build his own projects.

“I have always enjoyed working with my hands, whether building a birdhouse, helping my dad with a house project, or making scale models in architecture school,” says Chafee, who graduated

with a masters in architecture from Roger Williams University, and then worked at an architecture firm on modern and historic projects. “I realized quickly that sitting in front of a computer all day was not my ideal job.” He started playing around with tiny house designs and hasn’t looked back, continuing to challenge himself with new projects while maintaining a fluid schedule that allows him to hang with friends during summer and teach skiing through the winter.

The idea for the tiny house came from discussions with his dad, and Chafee was originally looking at school buses until the idea of shipping container

Efficient design with storage rules the day inside the narrow interior

Photo by Erin McGinn, courtesy of Cameron Chafee

Supporting Families. Funding Research Since

2013

Providing financial assistance to the parents of children battling brain cancer

Honoring the children who suffer from cancer and fight everyday. Our hopes are to make a day in the life of a family suffering from cancer a little bit brighter

For more information or to donate, please visit our website CorysCrusaders.org

took hold and an online search delivered. He estimates the project took one year from start to finish. He designed everything inside, and a friend helped pick out elements like cabinet finishes and the backsplash.

“I am sort of a perfectionist and was trying to keep the build as cheap as I could, so I built everything except the bathroom sink vanity – that’s IKEA. Everything was custom; the cabinets, couch, drawers, shower stall, sliding

shower, and bed frame that raises and lowers.” Throughout the process Chafee always kept his aim of keeping the lodging mobile – meaning the home could be closed up and shipped any time.

Despite its size, the interior is bright, courtesy of many windows cut out, light wood fixtures, and white walls and ceilings. Wellinsulated, Chafee notes that it stays whatever temperature you want it to be. Floating shelves keep kitchen essentials within reach,

and a clever shelf with bar stools beneath is a handy place for eating, working, or both. The consistent use of black hardware, whiteand-black patterned accents, and touches of seafoam green keep the open spaces cohesive and contemporary; and the always-visible bathroom mirror creates movement and space. “I love the overall design,” says Chafee. “Would I change a few things now? Yes, but I’m very very happy with how it turned out.”

Black hardware lends cohesion

Get Rhody Style

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

Local Scene

Chafee enjoys downtown Newport and cites Thames Street Kitchen – where he made the benches – as a longtime favorite, along with Perro Salado and Goat Island Marina Pub. For ice cream, it’s Clementine’s in Middletown (second location in East Greenwich); and over in South County: Shayna’s Place in Wickford and Matunuck Oyster Bar.

Explore More

When not building, Chafee enjoys being by the water and traverses the state for nature walks. Beavertail in Jamestown; King Benson Preserve Trail, Saunderstown; Rome Point Preserve, North Kingstown; Saunderstown; Sachuest Point and Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown; and Narragansett Beach all top the list.

Web Cam

Peek at other projects, including two more tiny houses, furnishings, and more at Cam-Builds.com

The home sits well above the stream

Photos by Erin McGinn, courtesy of Cameron Chafee

State Park Soiree

A take-out dinner, hand-held desserts, and seasonal decor make hosting an outdoor gathering a breeze

By Elyse Major

Where can you enjoy saltwater fishing, horseback riding, and nine holes of golf, followed by a lovely DIY dinner at dusk? It might sound like we’re describing a fancy country club but we’re talking about Goddard Memorial State Park. This waterfront gem on the shores of Greenwich Bay and Greenwich Cove in Warwick is open from sunrise to sunset and is the ideal setting for savoring some take-out in the great outdoors (especially after the first frost when pesky bugs are no longer an issue). The recreation area has many picnic tables for the taking on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are sites you can reserve for a low fee that also include a fireplace, or covered shelters for larger groups at a moderate fee. Find similar set-ups at Burlingame State Park Picnic Area, Colt State Park, Lincoln Woods State Park, and Pulaski State Park & Recreation Area (RIParks. RI.gov). With a bit of shopping and foraging, hosting an enchanting autumn gathering is as easy as a walk in the park.

Goddard Park, Warwick

Photography and styling by AUCOIN for Hey Rhody

A weathered picnic table is perfect for rustic displays

Layers of textile create interest and style

SET A STYLISH TABLE

Elevate a simple picnic with table linens, serveware, candles, and faux florals. For these and more, take a field trip to the northern part of the state to Brown & Hopkins Country Store, a general store that’s been in continuous operation since 1809. Let the russet tones of October provide the colorway for your fall fête as you wander their two floors of goods, selling everything from old-timey candy sticks to gourmet foods, unique gifts, apparel and jewelry, textiles, and more. The dining room display on the second level is sure to inspire!

BRING FOOD AND DRINK

Fill a pitcher with an apple cider mocktail, a perfect choice as parks have a no-alcohol policy. Custom-decorated cookies from Sophie’s Sweets are sure to delight, as are cider donuts

RHODY RESOURCES

A handy list of brands, shops, and makers featured in this article:

Anchored in Clothing

Featured: Fleece blanket

Available at The Kayak Centre in Wickford @anchored_in_clothing_company

AUCOIN

Featured: Stylist

North Kingstown | @aucoindesigns

Brown & Hopkins Country Store

Featured: Candles, faux florals, home decor, serveware, paper goods

Chepachet | @brownandhopkinscountrystore

Don’t miss the shop’s Spook & Sparkle event October 6-9

Chris and Kristina’s Market Garden

Featured: Pumpkins

South Kingstown | @chrisandkristinas

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace

Featured: Cider donuts

Various | DavesMarketplace.com

The Honey Gallery

Featured: Blankets, stemless wine glasses

North Pro v idence | @honeygalleryri

Kristi’s Kraftails

Featured: Infinite Fall apple cider Warren | @kristiskraftails

Sophie’s Sweets LLC

Featured: Specialty cookies

Cranston | @sophiessweetsri

from Dave’s Marketplace. For pumpkins and more, shop the Goddard Park Farmers Market (Friday mornings through mid-October) and pick the perfect gourds from Chris and Kristina’s Market Garden stand. Pumpkins work double-duty as centerpieces and tablecloth weights; consider packing Sharpies in your stash for a fun Jack-O-Lantern decorating sesh.

ADD SPARKLE AND COMFORT

With all the rough surfaces and dark hues, glassware adds a bit of shine. Stemless wine glasses from Honey Gallery in North Kingstown lend elegance without being fussy. By early evening the temps may begin to drop, so be sure to bring along some cozy blankets, which can also be used to soften the wood benches while seated, and spread on the ground for additional picnic space.

Pastoral Retreat

A potato farmer’s quaint B&B keeps travelers in the thick of Tiverton

By Meg A. Parsont

As New Yorkers in need of the occasional break from the hustle and bustle of the city, my husband Danny and I like to get off the beaten path when we travel. When I heard about the B&B at Ferolbink Farms in Tiverton, I thought it sounded perfect for a weekend getaway. A room in a house dating

back to the 1840s on a working potato farm overlooking Narragansett Bay? Yes, please! When we drove past farm outbuildings and equipment on the 170-acre property and saw the historic house and panoramic view in the distance of the Sakonnet River, we knew we were in for a memorable weekend. Pete Peckham, a vigorous 80-something potato farmer

whose family has owned the farm and property since 1944, showed us to our suite on the ground floor of the sprawling house. With a bedroom and sitting room, huge bathroom, and access to the living room across the hall, the suite was larger than our Manhattan apartment! Furnished with a comfortable four-poster bed, an eclectic mix of vintage pieces, and

Photos by Meg Parsont

The farmhouse at Ferolbink Farms

assorted easy chairs and couches, it was spotless and homey. And the water view from the porch just outside our room was stunning.

Early the next morning I wandered around the property and discovered bushes laden with blueberries and raspberries, and spotted apples on some trees. Breakfast on the porch was simple: coffee, as many freshly picked blueberries as we could eat, cereal, and a toasted English muffin with jam, enjoyed while taking in that glorious view.

As avid bird watchers and enthusiastic eaters, Danny and I were on a quest for bird sightings and good peaches, and Pete and his wife Deanna gave us suggestions for nearby nature preserves and produce stands. For the next two days we explored the surrounding area where we discovered secluded beaches, fresh local produce, a field of black-eyed Susans, succulent lobster rolls with a water view, a charming French bistro, and a spectacular public garden. We returned to New York City rested, restored, and well fed!

Ferolbink Farm

993 Puncatest Neck Road, Tiverton Ferolbink@cox.net

Open May 1 to end of October

Get Outfitted

By Marylou Butler

So you’re ready to get all outdoorsy and explore, and while your local big box store might have some of what you need, there’s a lot lacking, and you’ll likely need some tried-and-true advice on what’s what. Enter Fin and Feather Outfitters in North Kingstown, stocked with equipment, apparel, and accessories. Owner Dave Hess and his team have both the knowledge and experience to help guide you with your areas of interest. They are hunters

and fishers themselves, and their customers help them keep their fingers on the pulse of what’s happening locally and seasonally.

The store has gear and tools for hunting, along with saltwater, freshwater, and fly fishing, plus a large selection of pre-tied flies for fabulous results. If you have the patience and want to tie your own, the entire back wall is covered with all the materials you will need, with classes in fly tying occasionally offered. As an official Orvis dealer, you might leave

the store covered head to toe in the fly-fishing equipment brand’s clothing, boots, waders, and accessories.

While Fin & Feather does not sell guns, it does carry muzzleloaders and ammunition, along with cross and compound bows to keep up with a rising popularity in bow hunting – try one for yourself with the help of one of their bow technicians, who can help with fitting and setup as well as tune-ups, repairs, and re-stringing. Many other brands are

Photography by Nick DelGiudice

From apparel to gear to advice, a North Kingstown shop specializes in all things outdoors

represented among the buck knives, nets, rods, reels, and clothes. Keep yourself out of sight by purchasing camo gear, and no need to climb a tree if you get a pop-up blind.

A wide variety of arrows and archery targets, sights, slings, and bow stands are readily available, as are plastic targets to help you practice in your backyard. If you’re curious about bow hunting but don’t want to purchase all the gear without finding out if it’s the right fit for you, Hess and his

associates can direct you to archery ranges and lessons in Rhode Island. They can also point you in the direction of clubs and communities of nearby outdoor enthusiasts ready to share their expertise with others.

The store stocks free guides from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, which include useful maps. So, whether going fishing or hunting, find everything you need along Q uaker Lane. Learn more at FinAndFeather-Outfitters.com

Fin and Feathers is a one-stop shop for hunting and outdoor sporting goods

The Bug Catcher

East Bay artist Chil Mott turns dead insects into arresting, photorealistic portraits on oil

By Robert Isenberg

When Chil Mott was in second grade, he drew a picture of a motorcycle during a math lesson. He based this little sketch on a Matchbox model propped on his desk. His teacher caught him, chastised him, and forbade Mott from going out to recess that day. But the young draftsman wasn’t deterred. “I was proud of how the drawing came out and showed it to my mother when I got home,” Mott recalls. “She was always encouraging.”

If only that teacher could see Mott now – a working artist who specializes in ultra-realistic paintings. For nearly 30 years, Mott has made his way as a musician, graphic designer, and illustrator, but his paintings are a particular point of pride: at first, each portrait looks like a blownup photograph, so convincing are his brushstrokes.

“I can only go where I feel the image is best suited at this point,” he opines, “and so far it has been in the painstakingly slow process of poking around the areas of realism and blurred focus. Playing with the line where any two colors meet can occupy me for way too much time.”

Mott has a philosophic demeanor, and he has gathered diverse inspirations throughout his life. His father was an educator who shifted

jobs often, and Mott’s childhood was spread out across every New England state. His mother introduced him to moody figurative painters like Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer. A high school art teacher exposed him to more fanciful artists like Jean Giraud and Roger Dean. Later, he would become an active punk musician in Providence and learned graphic design from his partner Gail Greenwood and her sister Betsy.

Meanwhile, Mott liked to explore the built and natural worlds. “As a kid I spent lots of time wandering the woods and around dumps and active building sites,” he says, “and ingested all sorts of printed images in schools and libraries that triggered my imagination and curiosity. I wanted to know how things grew, what lived in ponds, what birds ate, and how adults make houses.”

Mott is a prolific illustrator, but his more personal painting picked up about two years before the pandemic; he’s recently found himself busy with new works. While his online sketchbook showcases many different styles and subjects, from a knobby gourd to pensive faces, Mott’s major preoccupation is dead insects, a series entitled Sill Life . He specializes in “oil glazing,” which requires many layers of both

colored and transparent paint and results in a glossy, photographic finish.

These eerie entomological portraits started with a single wasp, which lay lifeless in Mott’s Middletown home. He has since completed dozens more, and with each new piece, the crumpled exoskeletons of bees and houseflies take on new, well, life.

“Everything in the natural world interests me,” says Mott. “The Las Vegas-based art critic David Hickey has a great quote about appreciating the levitating tigers of Siegfried and Roy and the portraits of Raphael for what they are – songs of mortality sung by prisoners of time. Since insects have such short lifespans, they make a great exclamation point to this concept. It seems as if the insects themselves have a better understanding of this notion than we humans currently show.”

Similarly, Mott’s black-and-white sketches reflect this appreciation for the ephemeral world.

“One of the beautiful things about drawing is that if something piques your interest, even for a second, you can just grab any implement and get an immediate conversation going with the marks that you make,” he says. “Instant satiation. And there’s no wrong way to do it.”

Learn more at ChilMott.com

Artwork courtesy of Chil Mott

“Ode to Summer”

Fisherman’s Catch

A former boat builder makes a full-time career out of a hobby creating custom lures

By Audrey Keefe

These lures are made to be fished,” says Alan Depalma, the entrepreneur behind Alan’s Custom Lures, who proudly notes that each lure is “completely handmade and rigorously tested” in his Bristol shop. Depalma, a former boat builder, spent many years making lures for himself and his buddies. “I saw there was a need in the market,” he explains, and in 2016 took the leap from hobby to full-time career.

Depalma’s fishing lures, or plugs (hardbodied), are designed to be completely customizable, with over a dozen different models and over 100 colors to choose from. “It started with two lures, then one thing led to another,” Depalma says with a warm chuckle. Alluring appeal aside, everything matters –from weight distribution to the coloring of the lure. “The most important aspect is the time I put into designing each style,” Depalma explains. To perfect each new model, he typically keeps his lures in the testing stage for a year and a half. Each new lure begins with an idea, which is then formed into a wooden master. The master is then shifted to a two-part resin mold that is tested in the water. “That’s when I have to adjust the weighting and the balances. I go through about 20 or 30 lures before I get one that I really like,” Depalma says.

Alan’s Custom Lures offer customers a unique experience through the involvement they have in developing their lure. Customers can choose the type and color for customization, and even add a foil. Depalma shares that folks tend to get creative when it comes to this step, and there have been lures with the Del’s Lemonade logo, the Joker, various flags, and more. “You name it, I’ve done it,” Depalma says.

Depalma’s personal favorite is known as The Combat, a smaller, wider lure employed mostly for striped bass and bluefish. “It’s very user-friendly, and one of those lures that can just catch fish,” he says. He works diligently to ensure all lures are not only inviting to the eye, but also do their job in the water. “All lures come with hooks all rigged up with the best components and three coats of epoxy that make them really strong,” Depalma says. “Plugs made by a serious fisherman for serious fishermen.”

Find lures at AlansCustomLures.com and Ocean State Tackle, Pro v idence; follow along on Instagram at @alans_custom_lures

GIFT IDEA

For the fishing enthusiast that has everything, order a custom lure online!

Photos courtesy of Alan’s Custom Lures

The Bully: A full resin floating type of bait

Combat: Mimics small fish that live in bays and rivers

The Mini Dart: Perfect for stripers, blues, albies

The Predator: A sinking glide bait designed for large fish

Cooking on the Homestead

Farm-to-table family dinners fueled this outdoors enthusiast’s dream of writing a cookbook

By Abbie Lahmers

Prior to Kimberly Ragosta and her brood living on more than six acres of land with a river running through it, back when writing and publishing a cookbook was just a distant dream, and before three of her five children were born, the nowauthor was an egg washer at Pat’s Pastured in East Greenwich. The experience would shape her understanding of how important it is to sustain and uplift a local food system.

“It wasn’t until 2021 that I had a great idea,” shares Ragosta. With a growing family and passion for cooking farm-fresh meals from scratch, she started reaching out to farmers to establish a symbiotic relationship, bringing home fresh meat and produce in exchange for recipe development. With the harvests, she would create and photograph recipes the farm could use on their websites, blogs, and social media. “This was a win-win for both of us and an amazing blessing to my family.”

Under the moniker of Little House in the Forest, Ragosta shares recipes and homesteading life on Instagram. Devising everything from creamy pasta with wild-hunted turkey to hearty stews and bakes, each meal features ingredients from Rhode Island fields and pastures. “I have always wanted to create a cookbook since I started developing recipes over 16 years ago,” she reflects.

Last month, the fruits of her labor reached bookshelves in the form of A Time to Gather , a whopping 560-page cookbook filled with

over 500 farm-to-table recipes that Ragosta has developed over the years, published by Stillwater River Publications. “It was the hardest project I have ever worked on in my life, but I am so proud of the book that I have created,” says Ragosta. “I like nothing more than immersing myself in the local food community and sharing recipes with people.”

Meet the author at book-signing events this month at Pasquale Farms in Richmond on October 7, Windmist Farm in Jamestown October 8, and Emma Acres in Exeter October 15. Follow @littlehouseintheforest on Instagram for more events, and find local retailers stocking A Time to Gather by visiting KimberlyRagosta.com.

GET OUTSIDE

When not penning recipes, Ragosta is likely to be found roughing it in the outdoors with her family, whether hitting the trail, hopping on a kayak, or hunting and fishing – her son Jack even made headlines recently for spotting a rare blue frog in the area. “Rhode Island has no shortage of beautiful outdoor areas,” says Ragosta. Here’s a few family favorites:

FAMILY- FRIENDLY HIKE: Browning Mill Pond in Arcadia Management Area, Hope Valley

PARK AND EXPLORE: Check the tide pools for aquatic life along the scenic Ocean Drive, Newport

BEST WATERFALLS: Stepstone Falls i n Arcadia Management Area, Hope Valley

KAYAKING SPOT: Wood River, Richmond

NATURAL WONDERS FOR BIGGER KIDS: Ell Pond Preserve Trailhead, Hopkinton

Photo (top) by Kimberly Ragosta; book cover photo by Belmont & Bliss

Campfire Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cups of your favorite tomatoes, chopped

• 1 small jar marinated artichokes, drained and chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped, plus a halved garlic clove for rubbing on bread

• 1 large roasted red pepper, chopped

• 1 Tbs. olive oil, plus more for cooking bread

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or a few sprinkles of dried if fresh isn’t available)

• Pinch of kosher salt

• 1 small jar pitted kalamata olives, chopped

• Handful of pitted Castelvetrano olives, chopped

• Ciabatta bread, sliced

• Favorite cheese or charcuterie items

STEPS

1. Prepare a fire with a grate on top. Mix tomatoes, artichokes, garlic, roasted red pepper, olives, olive oil, salt, and basil in a cast iron skillet or dutch oven.

2. Cook over a low fire or hot embers, stirring occasionally, until hot.

3. Prepare bread by brushing both sides with olive oil. Rub each side with a halved garlic clove.

4. Cook bread in a cast iron skillet lightly coated with olive oil until both sides are golden brown.

5. Serve toasty bread topped with hot tomato mixture, and enjoy!

Pro-tip: Serve as part of a charcuterie plate. Sometimes we like to spread a little Brie or soft cheese on the bread and then add the tomato mixture on top.

FARM HARVESTS

A handful of local growers featured in Kimberly Ragosta’s recipes:

Cedar Valley Farm, Exeter

Emma Acres, Exeter

Luckyfoot Ranch, Saunderstown

Our Kids Farm, Exeter

Pat’s Pastured, East Greenwich

Wicked Roots Micro Farm, Charlestown

Wild Harmony Farm, Exeter

Windmist Farm, Jamestown

CAMPFIRE COOKING 101

Equally comfortable gathering around a hearth as she is hunkering down for a wholesome camp meal, cooking over an open flame is one of Ragosta’s favorite mediums. “Campfire cooking is such a beautiful and intimate experience,” she shares. “My six- and eight-year-old love collecting sticks and kindling, my 13- and 14-year-old enjoy using their axes and knives to prepare the larger wood, my husband builds the fire, and my 11-yearold assists me with the food prep.”

Ragosta recommends scouring antique stores for your cast iron outdoor cookware: a 10-inch skillet and eight-quart dutch oven should do the trick for just about any meal. You’ll also want a large grate to place over the fire, long utensils like tongs and spatula, fire-proof gloves, and a big tupperware bin to keep everything organized. Plan ahead so you have plenty of time to work before the sun goes down.

For

e Must List

10 essential events this month

Through October 31: The annual Jack-OLantern Spectacular returns to the Roger Williams Park Zoo. This year’s theme, Pumpkins Around the World, features carvings representing the pyramids of Giza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more. Pro v idence, RWPZoo.org

October 7: Tomaquag Museum’s Cranberry Thanksgiving celebrates Indigenous culture and lifeways with a ceremony, storytelling, music, games, crafts, and an Indigenous Arts Market. Exeter, TomaquagMuseum.org

October 7-9: Autumnfest is the largest fall festival in northern RI with a parade, craft vendors, food trucks, amusement rides and live music including Catnip Junkies, Platinum Thrill, and Cranberries tribute band Linger. Woonsocket, Autumnfest.org

October 7: Celebrate Coggeshall Farm Museum’s 50th at the second annual Harvest Gala , held at Blithewold Mansion. Festivities begin with an open bar cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auction. Bristol, CoggeshallFarm.org

October 9: Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day with PRONK! The Providence Honk Fest is a free, family-friendly, outdoor music and art festival, featuring activist-centered brass bands, percussion ensembles, street performers, and more. Pro v idence, Facebook: PronkFest

October 14-15: Hopkinton and Richmond artists and artisans open their studios to the public for the HopArts Studio Trail , offering demonstrations, details of their craft, and work for sale. Hopkinton and Richmond, HopArts.org

October 20: Like trick-or-treating but for adults, too, the PVD Flea x Witches’ Night Out is an evening market at Farm Fresh RI that promises a bewitching twist on the Flea with themed artisan and vintage vendors and more. Pro v idenceFlea.com

October 21: Get in the spirit of the spooky season at the third annual Witch’s Dance Parade , a family-friendly event in historic Wickford Village, with hundreds of witches from far and wide; rain date is October 22. Wickford, RIWitchesGuild.com

October 22: Follow a candlelit path at the North Burial Ground to the Mausoleum Sessions , a spooky concert with vendors, food trucks, and musicians Vudu Sister, Dan Blakeslee, Allysen Callery, and Cassie Soares. Pro v idenceRI.Go v /Parks

October 28: See Linden Place cast in creepy candlelight for the Night at the Mansion Halloween Haunt , a costume party with tarot readings, live entertainment, surprise guests, prizes, and more for the perfect blend of spooky and elegant. Bristol, LindenPlace.org

Photo by Brittany Adams Photography