11 Similarities between PVD and Florence, Italy are showcased in multi-day festival
16 OP-ED: Residents weigh in on city’s Comprehensive Plan
18 ON STAGE: Philharmonic welcomes new director with special event
22 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Can RI voters make a diference in swing states?
28 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings
32 The joys of shopping small every day
Home & Style
A21 HOME: Infusing a new condo with streamlined seaside vibes
A26 FIELD TRIP: Best bets for a nighttime tour of Christmas lights
A29 INFLUENCER: How a coastal grandmother became a model
A30 RHODY READS: Staf picks from a 40-year-old bookstore
A32 RHODY GEM: A flower shop grows into an expansive boutique
Feature
67 New Olneyville digs let an art gallery and shop expand their inclusive mission
Food & Drink
77 Chefs cut their teeth at a new culinary hub
82 IN THE KITCHEN: Pop-up chef shares her Filipino heritage
86 RECIPE: The love story behind a Pawtucket distillery
90 EXPERIENCE: Former cafe reincarnated as a cocktail bar
94 FOOD TRENDS: Cozy soups in and around the city
The Nice List
A comprehensive guide to holiday happenings through December 31
96 PIC OF PVD
Photo courtesy of Discover Newport
Photography by Cate Brown, courtesy of Maloney Interiors
Photo by Sarah Petrarca, courtesy of Cheryl Sparks
Photo courtesy of CHOP
COVER:
Superman snowglobe by Abigail Brown
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NEWS & CULTURE
Arts | Op-Ed | On Stage | The Public’s Radio | Neighborhood News | Small Biz
A Tale of Two Renaissance Cities
Multi-day festival showcases the shared flooded history of Providence and Florence, Italy
By Ken Abrams
Providence, Rhode Island and Florence, Italy have more in common than you might think. Residents of both share a love of art and music, historic architecture, and an outstanding culinary scene. Unfortunately, both cities also share a history of devastating floods and remain at high risk for repeated incidents in this era of climate change.
This month, Providence hosts Sott’Acqua, a celebration of the two cities and acknowledgement of the climate challenges they face. Scheduled for November 9-17 at locations around downtown, the program rekindles a friendship pact between the two cities that was established 25 years ago. In 1999, Providence hosted the Splendor of Florence Festival, an event that showcased artisans, artists, musicians, and food from the capital of the Tuscany region.
Florence
Joyce Acciaioli Rudge, a Providence native who organized the original event, is overseeing this year’s celebration. A former model who worked in Europe, Rudge curated a similar festival in New York City in 2004, which helped to re-invigorate tourism after 9/11. “I wanted to do something that showed triumph from tragedy,” says Rudge. “I used some amazing photos from late Life magazine photographer David Lees, who documented the great flood in Florence in 1966. He had pictures of the restoration process; it was a positive story after destruction.
We refurbished Federal Hall on Wall Street and got 20 paintings from the Uffizi Gallery. It was perfect, like a little museum.”
Rudge is intimately familiar with the ins and outs of the art world in Italy. “I was a model in Europe and made a lot of contacts there,” she explains. “I ended up living in Florence where I have relatives, and was doing a lot of cultural events, working with Italian corporations overseeing international cultural exchanges.” Rudge worked with former Mayor Cianci in the 1990s to produce the
first festival “when the city was undergoing its Renaissance moment.” Two decades later, she’s planning the current festival with Mayor Smiley’s administration. “This year is the 70th anniversary of Hurricane Carol. That’s why we’re calling it a ‘Tale of Two Cities,’ because we have photos of both Providence and Florence underwater.”
Numerous events are featured over the course of the nine-day program. “Brown University has organized a round table discussion, with some phenomenal guests from the Providence
Photo courtesy of GoProvidence
University of Florence, to talk about the city’s responses to climate change going forward,” says Rudge. A photo exhibition at Grace Episcopal Church featuring Lees’ photographs of the 1966 Florence flood for Life will be displayed alongside Pro v idence Journal photos of downtown Providence after Hurricane Carol (1954). There will also be film screenings, food tastings, a concert, and more.
“We’ve also partnered with Save the Bay,
who will be presenting activities for school groups,” adds Rudge. “They have programs for small children and will display marine life from Narragansett Bay. The hotels will be full, and local restaurants are invited to participate with special menus. We also have a guest chef who’s coming over to do some lectures, and food and wine will come from Italy.” Learn more and find the full schedule at SplendorOfFlorence.com.
Rae & Scott Davis
RIAM’s Big Red Truck – An East Side Fixture
View of the Arno River, Florence BELOW: The Providence River
Photo
(top) courtesy of bizio_ti / Adobe Stock, (bottom) courtesy of GoProvidence
Op-Ed: Providence Has a Plan
Residents weigh in on the city’s Comprehensive Plan for the next decade
By Barry Fain and Steven Triedman
Providence is completing its 10-year Comprehensive Plan, a tool to guide and accommodate the next decade of growth, which needs to be approved by the City Plan Commission, Providence City Council, and Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning. The plan will address issues of housing, sustainable growth, adaptation to climate change issues, how our transportation system will meet the needs of our growing city, and preserving all of the assets and attributes that will continue to make Providence great over the next decade.
Public input was high and some advocates achieved their goals while others did not. We hope that changes can be made not just to correct oversights, but to improve the city if opportunities arise. We think that this point is critically important as it would be hard to argue that the city’s current “state-operated” transportation system is not an improvement from the trolleys that ran on time, were electric, and efficiently covered the city!
The 2014 plan had targeted North Main Street and virtually nothing was developed; it is again a priority in the 2024 plan. “We have to live with the landowners and their goals,” explains Bob Azar, Director of the Department of Planning for the last two Comprehensive Plans. He does point to the 18 new units on Eighth Street off North Main as a great start.
Looking back on the 2014 plan, Federal Hill, the West End, Fox Point, downtown and the 195 District delivered the most on housing, with projects already in progress that will continue. The city also achieved a rate of 1415 percent of deeded affordable housing, well above the state-mandated 10 percent. “The hope is to incentivize more affordable housing through a number of programs to assist developers, including greater density,” adds Azar.
Central to the plan is housing. The plan calls for increasing the housing supply by reclassifying certain residential zones to allow for higher density development. Areas currently zoned as R-2, which permit only single-family homes and duplexes, will be up-zoned to R-3, allowing for single, two- and three-family homes, and small apartment buildings through a special use permit. Commercial properties, currently zoned C-1 will be reclassified to C-2, expanding current commercial zones, allowing for larger development.
Another major change is that single-family zones in College Hill and on Blackstone Boulevard will now be mandated, via state law, to accommodate more density through state-mandated additional dwelling units (ADU). Originally conceived for grandparents, in-laws, and maybe an ex-spouse or a kid who won’t leave, their use is no longer restricted. This also means that all of the single family- or multi-families that have an “illegal extra apartment” would now become “legal” as long as they are up to code.
The neighborhood associations have continued to grow in membership and advocacy and while they had input, they still have some concerns… and they aren’t going anywhere. Over 50 residents appeared at the last comprehensive board planning meeting trying to soften the edges of the proposed one-size-fits-all approach. Nina Markov, president of the College Hill Neighborhood Association, articulated a general complaint: “We believe in smart and appropriate development and ‘gentle gentrification’ but have concerns over the unintended
effects of the draft and believe we need stronger guardrails and safeguards.”
Among her other concerns are that there is nothing protecting historic buildings from being torn down to be replaced by poorly designed, over-scaled and expensive alternatives that do not fit the neighborhood fabric. These concerns extend beyond the East Side, much of which is protected by being designated as Historic Districts. Her suggestion, echoed by several other petitioners, is that the city should expand protection to houses on the National Registry of Historic Houses all over the city.
Markov’s letter goes on to suggest that we also need more rigorous design standards. Residents across the city are all about preserving historic properties, especially ones of historic significance to their individual neighborhoods.
“The obvious need to densify our housing and protect our quality of life are objectives that need not and should not be pitted against each other in our city,” she says.
There will be “players” who will figure out a way to take advantage of some aspect of the plan and we hope that they are checked. As long as there is some fluidity and adaptability and controls in place, we should be able to work with it.
Op-eds express the authors’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of Hey Rhody Media Co. Readers are welcome to send responses or letters to the editor to be considered for print publication in a future issue or posted online. Letters can be emailed to Abbie@heyrhody.com
Photo by N. Millard, courtesy of GoProvidence
The Comprehensive Plan charts the city’s next decade
Orchestral Maneuvers
The state philharmonic’s new music director brings a fresh attitude to her role
By Hugh Minor
R
uth Reinhardt recently returned to the United States from Switzerland where she spent time preparing scores and finding inspiration. Now she’s contemplating the upcoming season and her official debut concert as music director for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. A special welcoming event will be held at The VETS Auditorium this month, and she’s excited to take the baton.
In June the Philharmonic announced that Reinhardt would take the helm as music director during the close of their season-ending Gala at The VETS. She previously conducted last February as part of her audition for the role, and will become the sixth music director in the organization’s 80-year history. Considered a rising star in the classical music world, this is her first music director position. The Philharmonic’s executive director David Beauchesne sings her praises, saying, “Ruth is an exceptional conductor, artist, and human being. She is talented, intelligent, and radiates confidence and positivity. Her energy and enthusiasm on the podium are infectious.”
The new music director isn’t saying exactly what she has planned, but promises some great pieces and interesting soloists while reinforcing the Philharmonic’s commitment to music education, which is very dear to her. “The first year will be a lot of planning – I can’t say too much yet,” relays Reinhardt. However, through her career she has become known for a collaborative approach, out-of-the-box programming, and fresh ideas, resulting in elegant performances. She has guest-conducted in Europe and the United States at top orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, and symphony orchestras of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Seattle.
P hoto by Sylvia Elzafon, courtesy of Ruth Reinhardt
Ruth Reinhardt conducting
This Thanksgiving, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has made an impact on my career as a Realtor®. From the very beginning, I’ve experienced tremendous support from colleagues, friends, community members, mentors, the entire staff at Residential Properties, as well as Realtors® from other brokerages. Thank you to every attorney, inspector, appraiser, architect, stager, investor, mortgage officer, photographer, landscaper, cleaning crew, and zoning official… my success would be impossible without your help. I wholeheartedly want to thank every single client who entrusted me with their real estate needs throughout the years, thank you for your patience, your confidence in me, the repeat business, and the many referrals I’ve received. With much appreciation, your friendly neighborhood Realtor®.
Reinhardt has built a solid reputation for not only bringing less traditional instruments to the orchestra, but also bringing new names to the scene, with an emphasis on women composers. She will lead the majority of the orchestra’s 2025-2026 concerts and annual Gala. She also plans to lead many of the Link Up Education concerts and engage with
students at the Music School and around the state during non-conducting weeks. In her downtime, Reinhardt looks forward to getting to know the state better, which she finds very similar to her home in Germany. “I really love the vibe. Everyone is so down to earth. The people are great and very welcoming,” she says. A favorite activity of hers
is walking along the river in Providence. She hopes to explore more of the arts venues in the area, including museums and other performance spaces. Like most visitors and natives, she loves the food, with special praise for Bellini in downtown Providence and Seven Stars Bakery on Point Street. Learn more and buy tickets at RIPhil.org.
Reinhardt enjoying her new city
P hoto by Ian Travis Barnard, courtesy of RI Phil
Can Rhode Island Voters Make a Difference in Swing States?
With the presidential race a cliff-hanger, a national campaign is targeting Democrats in blue and red states to help fund get-out-the-vote efforts in key battleground states
In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Ian Donnis
Marti Rosenberg is a longtime liberal activist in Rhode Island. So it’s no surprise when she asks the more than 50 people gathered at the Blue Room, a bar and music venue in the Pawtuxet Village section of Cranston, to contribute to Kamala Harris’ campaign for president. “Give big, give now, spread the word,” Rosenberg said from the stage on a recent weeknight. “Take out your phone and use this QR code.” But this is not your standard political fundraiser.
The get-together was part of a national campaign called the Movement Voter Project (MVP). The idea is to raise money from Harris supporters in predictably blue and red states — and funnel it to grassroots groups to mobilize voters in the swing states that will decide the November election.
“The approach in MVP is completely different,” said Rick Brooks, another of the dozen or so volunteers organizing the Movement Voter Project in Rhode Island. Brooks said the project is a far more targeted approach than old standbys like mailing postcards to out-of-state voters or opening a campaign office in a strip plaza for a few months before an election. With the Movement Voter Project, he said, “They’re investing in organizations that have been in existence, that have credibility, have a track record and are going to be there a day after the election, win or lose.” The groups getting money through the Movement Voter Project focus on issues popular among Democrats like abortion rights, immigrants’ rights and voting rights.
THE MONEY HUNT
Through house parties and events like the one at the Blue Room, organizers said the project has raised close to $100,000 in Rhode Island since February. That may seem like a drop in the bucket when the Trump and Harris campaigns are raising and spending hundreds of millions of dollars. But the last few presidential races have turned on a small number of votes — about 40,000 in 2020 — in just a few swing states.
US Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse attracted applause at the Blue Room when he described the difference that a Democratic takeover could make
While an uptick in voting in key battleground states fueled Joe Biden’s victory four years ago, Brooks said the increase was even greater among voters targeted by the Movement Voter Project. “If you look at what the turnout, the increase in turnout, was for voters of color and young voters, it’s dramatically greater,” he said. “And that is directly attributable to organizing and mobilizing those communities.”
REPUBLICAN THUNDER
Republicans have their own efforts to bolster support from more voters, including a project called Trump Force 47. A Georgia man named Mike Collins posted a video, about training team captains for Trump Force 47, on Facebook in August. “I encourage you,” Collins said. “Get involved with this campaign. If you’re anyone around Jackson, Georgia, tonight, 6:30-8, we’ve got another training session going on. We had
by
Photo
Ian Donnis
I’m so grateful to work in a role that I love, in a city that I adore, helping clients, friends, and neighbors with major life decisions. Thank you for being part of my story, and for allowing me to be a part of yours.
Happy Thanksgiving!
almost 30 people in this first session and we’re expecting a big crowd tonight.”
But according to its website, Trump Force 47 is not staging any upcoming events in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Local Republicans were unaware of other efforts to promote a counterpart to the Movement Voter Project.
Regardless, Kyle Kondik, director of communications of The Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, is skeptical about claims by the Movement Voter Project that it won the 2020 presidential race for Joe Biden or that similar groups can swing an election.
“Look, it’s so hard to evaluate really any sort of campaign activity,” Kondik said. “These campaigns still spend hundreds of millions of dollars on television advertising and even that is up for debate in terms of the efficacy. When you have an election that’s so close, you can point to any number of different things that might have been decisive in the outcome.”
appeared to talk about the prospect of Democrats keeping the White House and Senate in November and regaining the US House.
“What could actually really happen if we do our work and win the trifecta?” Whitehouse asked.
If Democrats run the table, Whitehouse said the possibilities include a permanent child care tax credit, tougher environmental laws, codifying Roe v. Wade, and his pet issue, US Supreme Court reform.
“And if we get that done on that schedule and more we could be gathering here a year from now to celebrate all of that already happening,” he said, as the crowd responded with a burst of applause. “How about that?”
Republicans have their own wish-list of priorities if Donald Trump can regain the White House. And with less than two months until the November election, polling shows that the race between Trump and Harris appears to be razor tight.
WHAT DIFFERENCE?
Decisive in the outcome? Perhaps not. But back at the Blue Room in Cranston, the crowd loved it when US Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse
This article was originally posted on September 17, 2024. Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org
Photo by Ian Donnis
Rick Brooks, a volunteer for the Movement Voter Project, speaks during a recent event at the Blue Room in Cranston
If you’ve been procrastinating on having your trees checked out, now is the time to contact T.F. Morra for a comprehensive assessment! Trees in RI have faced many struggles over the past few years with the emergence of Beech Leaf Disease and Emerald Ash Borer to our area. These new-to-New England issues wreak havoc in very different ways, but both are ultimately fatal if left unchecked. Treatments are available to help combat the damage, but time is of the essence. There is still much we do not know about Beech Leaf Disease, but we are working closely with product developers to help bring the most cutting edge science to the table.
Pest and disease problems aside, climate change has been a cause for concern for many trees around the state. Between unseasonably high winter temps, late season deep freezes, and prolonged spring moisture coupled with periods of extreme heat and drought, many species of trees have had a rough few years. While there is little that we can do to combat these conditions, we can provide trees with the extra support needed to work through the stress. Fertilization and other beneficial treatments can make a big difference for trees that have been damaged by winter injury or stressed by drought.
If you have any concerns about your trees, please contact Stephanie via email at stephanie@tfmorra.com to arrange your consultation today! T.F. Morra offers low-impact, ecologically sound treatment options for all your tree care needs.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
BEYOND THE PALE Quality interior painting, color consulting, lead certified, green products. Lic. #15914. Call Mike 401-573-4498.
USED MUSIC WANTED! Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. Call 351-6292.
Neighborhood News
A space made available to Providence’s neighborhood associations free of charge.
HOT TOPICS
An overview of what’s happening around the city right now
Volunteering for the holidays with Summit neighborhood
Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) continues to support Your Neighborhood Food Pantry at 533 Branch Avenue by helping to coordinate some of their volunteers, as well as raising funds for this coming holiday season. The pantry is currently looking for extra food and financial donations to provide Thanksgiving meals for community members. For more information or to donate, contact Ynfp22@gmail.com or via their website at YNFP.org. Volunteers also assist the Mount Hope Community Center with their work distributing groceries every Friday to residents in need. More helpers are always needed and appreciated for both organizations. Contact Snaprov@gmail.com to join the volunteer email list.
Mile of History Association accolades and stroll prep
The Mile of History Association (MoHA) received the 2024 James McCarvill Leadership Award from GoProvidence. Named for the late executive director of the RI Convention Center Authority, the award recognizes a person or group that has shown outstanding community leadership benefitting the tourism industry, in this case uplifting MoHA’s Heritage Signage project, which will install 20 signs along Benefit Street to inform visitors of the area’s significant history. MoHA expects to have a ribbon cutting for the project next year.
MoHA held their annual meeting on October 27 electing directors for the coming year and sharing updates on projects. For neighbors planning on restoring tree pits in front of their houses, MoHA can help, and a complete description of the approved tree pit structure can be found online at MileofHistory.org/initiatives, with a list of city-approved contractors. The association is also gearing up for the annual Benefit Street Stroll, happening Saturday December 7. The prior weekend, on November 30 and December 1, neighbors are invited to help decorate Benefit Street lamp posts.
Volunteering at Your Neighborhood Food Pantry
Facilitator needed for the North End Business Association
The North End Business Association (NEBA) seeks a skilled facilitator to assist in structuring the association, ensuring it operates effectively, and meets the community’s needs. The NEBA just released an RFP soliciting proposals from qualified, neutral, and nonpartisan facilitators to guide the North End Neighborhood Association in establishing its organizational structure, developing governance policies, and creating a strategic plan.
Seal spotted in the Jewelry District
Crossing the new footbridge over the Ship Street Canal on a fall evening, Jewelry District Association members Milo and Margery Winter spotted what the Mystic Aquarium reports is a highly unusual visitor from the Arctic: a female Hooded Seal pup. The seal was being monitored by the aquarium after it was spotted in Watch Hill and, according to coastal observers, was heading up the RI coast – until she wandered into Narragansett Bay, where she came ashore on a little gravel beach in Providence. Volunteers posted a sign warning the public to keep away. Aquarium staff warned that seals under stress tend to swallow small objects like gravel and rocks, as this unhappy seal pup did. The next morning, a rescue team came from the aquarium to pick her up, but, alarmed, she swam into the river and disappeared. Clearly ailing, she soon crawled onto the beach again. Calls from the Jewelry District Association and others brought the rescue team back, who safely retrieved the pup to be cared for at the aquarium. The latest medical report at press time from the Mystic Aquarium: “The seal had her weekly check up exam with our veterinarian, and she is making great progress. She’s a spunky girl, and we hope she will soon make a full recovery!”
Fall preservation programming and projects
Over the last six months, Providence Preservation Society (PPS) has been focused on the city’s Comprehensive Planning process, testifying at public meetings and hearings, organizing community conversations and events, meeting with city officials and issuing amendments in an effort to make the plan more equitable, attentive to the city’s heritage corridors, and better aligned with Providence’s Climate Justice Plan. These recommendations have included expanding the list of protected “historic districts” to include nationally recognized historic neighborhoods in Smith Hill, South Providence, and the West Side, and prioritizing adaptive reuse as a key sustainable building practice.
PPS is also in the midst of launching a multi-year research project to update some of their earliest reports from the 1960s and ‘70s on the homes of College Hill. With the help of experienced volunteers and Brown University students, they are adding information about people who were often ignored in the reports, including women, children, people of color, and members of the poor and working class. These updated histories will be added to their online Guide to Providence Architecture. Among a full schedule of programs this fall, which included a 13-mile urban hike and a twoday wooden window restoration workshop, PPS hosts a tour of Atlantic Mills on November 3, a heritage event on Fox Point’s Cape Verdean community on November 17, and their biennial Preservation Awards on November 19. Find details at PPSRI.org.
Providence Neighborhood Associations
BLACKSTONE PARKS CONSERVANCY
Jane Peterson
P.O. Box 603141
Providence, RI 02906
401-270-3014
BlackstoneParks@gmail.com
BlackstoneParksConservancy.org
COLLEGE HILL
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Rick Champagne
P.O. Box 2442 Providence, RI 02906
CHNA@chnaprovidence.org
CHNAProvidence.org
DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Kristin McGinn, President 401-580-2628
Facebook: Downtown Providence Neighborhood Association IG: @DNAPVD
Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI
MILE OF HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Charles Hewitt, Secretary
C/O One Governor Street, Providence
MOUNT HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER
401-521-8830
MHNAInc@gmail.com
Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.
NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Meeting Date: November 18
Providence City Councilor Justin Roias 401-282-9978
JustinRoiasWard4@gmail.com
OLNEYVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Cindy Miranda, Board Chair
Cindy@ona-providence.org
Facebook: ONA Providence
PROVIDENCE COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
Info@provcna.org ProvCNA.org
RESERVOIR TRIANGLE
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
David Talan
25 Santiago St., Providence, RI 02907
401-941-3662
DaveTalan@aol.com
Mile of History Association recently held its Annual Meeting
SMITH HILL PARTNERS’ INITIATIVE
Wole Akinbi
400 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1
AAkinbi@half-full.com
Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative
SOUTH PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 5653
Providence, RI 02903 • 401-369-1334
SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com
Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association
SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 41092
Providence, RI 02940
SNAProv@gmail.com
SummitNeighbors.org
WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
BettyLinda@aol.com
Facebook: Washington Park Association
WAYLAND SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Katherine Touafek
Facebook: Wayland Square
Neighborhood Association
WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com
WEST BROADWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
1560 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02909
401-831-9344
WBNA@wbna.org • WBNA.org
Photo courtesy of Mile of History Assoication
Small Business Every Day
Saturday is a state of mind for indie shops and eateries
By Elyse Major
What started as a marketing initiative in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has grown into a movement. Held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the annual observance encourages folks to skip malls and chain stores as they start their holiday shopping, and instead spend their dollars at independently owned shops and boutiques. Officially cosponsored by US Small Business Administration since 2011, the day has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals often can’t be beat, there is an authentic pleasure to strolling a commercial street or charming village – of which the Ocean State has plenty – perusing apparel, accessories, goods, and more, carefully selected by a shopkeeper/owner. Many merchants turn Small Business Saturday into a celebration, with special offers, swag, and treats offered – a merry vibe you just can’t find in even the most decorated big box store. Set a course for a shopping adventure on November 30 and all year long. Mix things up by pinning a new-to-you destination to explore, and make it a full day with meals and even an overnight stay (off-season reduced rates!).
Shop photos courtesy of owners; Annie’s photo by Elyse Major
Shop the enchanting inside a blacksmith’s forge-turned-cottage that now houses Simple Pleasures. Say hello to mother-daughter owners Mary and Alice Moore. 6 Richmond Square, Providence
Amy Olson is the designer behind Matriarch, a gift and bookstore featuring women-owned businesses. 468 Thames Street, Newport
NYC has Rolf’s, Newport has Annie’s, where you can get a delicious meal beneath a ceiling of a zillion hanging ornaments. 176 Bellevue Avenue
Enter the luminous shop and studio of Tiffany Peay and you’re likely to find her at work on a new piece. 3851 Main Road, Tiverton
NiceThe List
200+ FESTIVE HAPPENINGS
ACROSS RHODE ISLAND
BY THE EDITORS
From now through New Year’s Day, Rhode Island transforms into a festive wonderland of merry happenings almost daily. All across the state, art markets, tree lightings, crafty workshops, and holiday concerts and plays fill calendar squares. There’s going to be an Elf Parade in Wickford, candle-light shopping in Chepachet, an ice sculpture garden in Providence, and that’s just the start. Find all of these holiday-themed events and more right here.
Take Note
November 29
BUY NOTHING DAY: Collection sites bring winter gear, socks, and underwear from coat drives to the RI State House for people in need. RICoatExchange.org
November 30
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: An observance created in 2010 by American Express encourages buying local at brick-and-mortar shops rather than online and at big box retailers.
December 3
GIVINGTUESDAY: Designated in 2012 as a day of giving and generosity.
INSPIRING SHOP DISPLAYS AT THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER, SOUTH KINGSTOWN
Notes from the Editorial Elves:
• New events will continue to pop up after we go to press, so follow our social media accounts and sign up for the Hey Rhody Newsletter for even more merriment.
• Many events now require registration, even if they are free, for capacity and planning so if something interests you, sign up.
• Events are always subject to change, so always check with the venue.
• {SANTA SIGHTING} helps identify places to see Santa (or of course, his helpers)
• Help us discover new events by tagging Instagram photos with #heyrhodyphotos
• If we missed your favorite event or activity, let us know! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com
WREATH-MAKING AT MOUNT HOPE FARM, BRISTOL
CENTRAL RI
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 23 - 24
{SANTA SIGHTING} Rhode Island
Christmas Festival: Get a headstart on holiday shopping with the help of local artisans, makers, and other small businesses alongside weekend-long entertainment. West Warwick, Facebook: Rhode Island Christmas Festival 2024
NOVEMBER 29 - 30
Holiday Craft Show: Visit the Community College of RI Knights Campus for a holiday craft show featuring handmade goodies perfect for stocking stuffers. Warwick, Facebook: New Holiday Craft Show at CCRI
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 1
RI Women’s Expo Holiday Showcase: The Crown Plaza hosts a mix of over 80 exciting vendors, talented artisans, and local businesses. Warwick, RIWomensExpo.com
DECEMBER 1 - 21
WCFA Winter Market: The Warwick Center for the Arts hosts its annual art sale featuring original handmade jewelry, photography, textiles, glass, ceramics, prints, greeting cards, and more. WarwickCFA.org
DECEMBER 2
A Christmas Carol with Gerard Dickens : Dickens’ great-great-grandson brings the classic story to life in a unique oneman show. Cranston, TheParkRI.com
DECEMBER 5 - 19
Holiday Laughs & Music Comedy Shows: John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory and fellow New England singers and comics perform at various spots for “all you can eat, all you can laugh” events. Cranston, ComedyFactoryRI.com
DECEMBER 5 - 22
{SANTA SIGHTING} Miracle on 34th Street – The Play : The Arctic Playhouse puts on a staged performance of the perennial Christmas favorite, a heartwarming tale of a department store Santa and the little girl who believes in him. West Warwick, TheArcticPlayhouse.com
DECEMBER 6
Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown: Jazz great David Benoit presents classic music of Vince Guaraldi with guest vocalist Courtney Fortune. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com
DECEMBER 7
Pawtuxet Village Holiday Stroll: Kicks off the season with participating businesses and eateries offering special discounts, refreshments, music, and holiday menus for the entire family. Warwick, FriendsOfPawtuxetVillage.org
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest: Calling all builders who like to work in sugar and spice and everything nice for this absolutely scrummy house-building contest. Cranston, Artists-Exchange.org
{SANTA SIGHTING} Rhode Island
Author Expo: Shop for the readers on your list at this event where local authors will be selling and signing their books. Also on the agenda are writing panels, raffles, and a visit from Santa. Warwick, RIAuthors.org
DECEMBER 7 - 15
Step Into the Holidays: Tour the deckedout halls of the Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum, open select weekends in December, or by appointment, for a yuletide tradition with new decorations to discover every year. Warwick, CloudsHill.org
DECEMBER 11 - 14
Coppélia : The State Ballet of Rhode Island stages Herci Marsden’s comic ballet, a witty and enchanting story with life-sized dancing dolls and a dash of magic. Cranston, StateBallet.com
DECEMBER 14
Christmas Carol Sing: Participate or simply enjoy carols at this annual event hosted by New England Wireless and Steam Museum, held inside Frenchtown’s historic church building. Activities include storytime for children and desserts. East Greenwich, NEWSM.org
{SANTA SIGHTING} Lucia Festival: Start the season Scandinavian-style at the RI Swedish Heritage Association’s annual event at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Jultomte, the Swedish Santa, will make an appearance with treats for children East Greenwich, RISwedishHeritage.org
Billy Gilman: Home for the Holidays: The RI singer hosts this annual show with his band The Ragged Impresarios featuring Christmas classics along with signature hits. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com
SWEDISH LUCIA FESTIVAL, EAST GREENWICH
Photo courtesy of RI Swedish Heritage Association
Zuber & Cie, French, Irisé Wallpaper; Design for Moire Silk, ca. 1825. Mary B. Jackson Fund. RISD Museum
IRISH CHRISTMAS IN CRANSTON
DECEMBER 21
The Muppet Christmas Carol : The 1992 Muppetational spin of the Dickens tale comes to the big screen as part of Free Movie Nights at The Gamm Theatre. Pro-tip: arrive early for previews, trailers, and snacks. Warwick, GammTheatre.org
DECEMBER 22
Irish Christmas in America: Join fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada and other leading Irish musicians for a family-friendly show of Irish music, dance, and stories of seasonal traditions. Cranston, TheParkRI.com
DECEMBER 26
Menorah Lighting: Join in a night of celebration in Pawtuxet Park that begins with the lighting of the Village Menorah and continues with hot latkes, gelt, dreidel games, and Hanukkah songs. Warwick, FriendsOfPawtuxetVillage.org
CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS & SELLERS
ADAMS FARM, Cumberland
BEAVER RIVER TREE FARM, West Kingston
BEDROCK TREE FARM, Wakefield
BIG JOHN LEYDEN TREE FARM & NURSERY, West Greenwich
BLACKBIRD FARM, Smithfield
BUTTERFLY FARM, Lincoln
CLARK’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, Tiverton
EVERGREEN ACRES, West Kingston
THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER, Wakefield
FRASER ORCHARD & TREE FARM, Co v entry
FREDERICKSON FARM, North Scituate
HEALEY RIPPIN FARM, North Kingstown
HYDE’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, Smithfield
JOHNSON’S ROADSIDE STAND, Swansea, MA
LOCKWOOD CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, Green v ille
MIKE’S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, Cranston
NORTHLAND FARM & GARDEN CENTER, Cumberland
NYE CHRISTMAS TREES, Greene
PACHET BROOK FARM, Tiverton
PHANTOM FARMS, Cumberland
PINECREST FARM, Richmond
RIVERSIDE TREE FARM, Charlestown
ROSSI’S TREE FARM, Cranston
SEVEN CEDARS FARM, Smithfield
SLOCUMVILLE FARM, Exeter
STOP AND CHOP TREE FARM, Exeter
SWEET BERRY FARM, Middletown
EAST BAY & NEWPORT
NOVEMBER
THROUGH NOVEMBER 17
Apple Cider Bar: Saturdays and Sundays, take your seat on an Adirondack chair and indulge in mulled cider crafted from Rose Hill Heirloom apples harvested at their peak. Newport, TheChanler.com
NOVEMBER 2
Autumn Artisan Market: Shop from local artists at this fundraiser to preserve the 1810 Federal period mansion. Bristol, LindenPlace.org
Holiday Fair & Food Truck Festival: Kick off the holiday shopping season at this annual fundraiser replete with good vibes, vendors, and food trucks of all kinds. Warren, EastBayChamberRI.org
NOVEMBER 7
Holiday Sip & Shop: Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer as you sip on drinks from Two Gals Cocktails, savor bites from Common Pub & Grill and Wedge, and shop local inside the rustic barn. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org
NOVEMBER 9 - 24
ThamesGiving: More than 100 of the City by the Sea’s businesses will participate in a month-long celebration that spans every weekend in November, with the ThamesGiving Artisan Market in Washington Square on November 10. Newport, ThamesGiving.com
NOVEMBER 16
Family Photoshoot Day: Win the Christmas card photo game by planning a session at Blithewold. Allan Millora Photography will be there to take pics in front of the living room fireplace. Bristol, Blithewold.org
Holiday Cards Workshop: An enjoyable evening of painting your own greeting cards is part of the Fun & Crafty Events series at Matriarch. Supplies are included at this class led by Boston-based botanical watercolor artist, Reta. Newport, MatriarchRI.com
Photo courtesy of The Park Theater
NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 29
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: Take in the sights of a half mile-long path of lights while Christmas tunes play, various dates throughout the season. Treats and drinks are available for purchase, too. NewportMansions.org
NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 1
Holidays at the Newport Mansions: The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House get decked out in grand style for the season. New this year are mannequins wearing Gilded Age garb in The Breakers’ Music Room. Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. NewportMansions.org
NOVEMBER 24
Holiday Market Sip & Shop: Enjoy a day of sipping and shopping during this afternoon curated by Field of Artisans at Newport Vineyards. Middletown, FieldOfArtisans.com
Cranberry Craze: Stock up on fresh ingredients, locally made baked goods, and unique host gifts at the Tiverton Farmers Market’s specialty Thanksgiving event. TivertonFourCorners.com
NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 6
Newport Nutcracker : On select dates, this unique performance of the classic ballet invites the audience to follow the characters from room to room through the halls of Rosecliff; Act 2 takes place in the Grand Ballroom where guests have reserved seating. NewportContemporaryBallet.org
NOVEMBER 27 - JANUARY 5
Christmas at Blithewold: The Early Years: Marvel at the manor bedecked with decorations inside or wander the grounds to see the Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds outside. Check online for schedule and admission. Bristol, Blithewold.org
NOVEMBER 28
Thanksgiving Dinner: Start an elegant new tradition with a four-course prix fixe feast set against ocean views. Complete the evening with the Parisian-inspired dessert confiserie. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tasting menus are also planned. Newport, TheChanler.com
NOVEMBER 29
Day After Thanksgiving with Audubon: After a day of feasting, give thanks for nature’s gifts with familyfriendly activities like crafting, story time, animal interviews, and a special nature walk. Bristol, ASRI.org
Newport Illuminated Boat Parade: Maritime gets merry with this display of lights on the waterfront as decorated vessels circumnavigate Newport Harbor, visible from many points. Participate by registering your boat online. Disco v erNewport.com
NOVEMBER 29 & 30
Warren Holiday Festival: This annual town-wide extravaganza features magic shows, fire spinners, music, marching bands, vocal ensembles, trolley rides, interactive entertainment, and a scavenger hunt with prizes. WarrenHolidayFestival.org
NOVEMBER 30
Holiday Jazz Brunch with Chelley Knight’s Q uartet: Spend a lovely Saturday sipping mimosas and a plated brunch while listening to a live performance by Chelley Knight’s Q uartet before strolling the grounds. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DATES TBD
{SANTA SIGHTING} Bristol Santa House: This free-of-charge holiday destination is focused on creating magical Christmas experiences for children with special needs and their families, run entirely by volunteers. BristolSantaHouse.org
DECEMBER
THROUGH DECEMBER
Holiday Lantern Tours: Learn about early American holiday traditions in Newport while exploring the city by lantern light during this special yuletide tour on Fridays and Saturdays. NewportHistory.org
DECEMBER 1
Christmas at Whitehall: Whitehall is the historic home of the 18th century philosopher George Berkeley, maintained by the Colonial Dames, who invite guests to enjoy decorations, music, treats, and wassail. Newport, WhiteHallMuseumHouse.org
{SANTA SIGHTING} S’mores with Santa & Tree Spree: Get cozy with hot cider and s’mores while waiting for Santa to arrive via fire truck. Stay for caroling and the town tree lighting before Santa makes another stop
at the Wilkie Memorial Tree Spree. Little Compton, Facebook: S’mores with Santa
DECEMBER 1 & 7
Candy Cane Express Cruise for Kids: All aboard for candy canes, hot chocolate, and storytime with Mrs. Claus on Newport Harbor. Keep cozy in the boat’s weatherproof interior. Jamestown, CoastalQueenCruises.com
DECEMBER 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15
Holiday Bubbly Cruise: Sip prosecco while listening to holiday music and enjoying views of Newport Harbor aboard this 16+ cruise. For a twist, book the Holiday Cranberry Mimosa Cruise on December 14. Jamestown & Newport, CoastalQueenCruises.com
DECEMBER 2 & 16
{SANTA SIGHTING} Sing-Along with Santa: A memorable evening awaits that includes Santa Claus reading The
Night Before Christmas , singing carols, cookies and hot cocoa, and photos with the big guy. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DECEMBER 3
Make Your Own Bamboo Ornaments: Blithewold director of horticulture Dan Christina will show you how to create decorations from bamboo, as seen on the property. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DECEMBER 5 - JANUARY 4
Sparkle! Bundle up for a twinkly evening of strolling the famed gardens and grounds all illuminated. Pro-tip: pre-order a s’mores kit for the cozy fire. RI Cruisin’ Cocktails will be there serving up drinks for all ages. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DECEMBER 5 & 6
Wreath Decorating Workshop: Q uintessential Gardens leads two nights of learning how to make a wreath from greens and other materials. Two Gals Cocktails will be on hand with a cash bar. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org
Wreath Making: Pack your gardening gloves and pruners for a morning of snipping greens to complete your own wreath, under the instruction of Blithewold garden manager Betsy Eckholm. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DECEMBER 6
{SANTA SIGHTING} Holiday Bright Night & re-Tree Opening: Tiverton Four Corners is somehow even more charming during this night of luminaries lighting the way to shops open later than usual. It’s also the opening of the re-Tree exhibit, a competitive showcase of upcycling at its most creative. TivertonFourCorners.com
DECEMBER 7
Barrington Tree Lighting: Deck the halls with friends and family at this community event, with details to be released. Barrington.RI.go v
RE-TREE AT TIVERTON FOUR CORNERS
P hoto by Meredith Brower, courtesy of Tiverton Four Corners
{SANTA SIGHTING} Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting: Set your watch because Santa and the Mrs. arrive by boat around 12:30pm and the big ol’ Christmas tree gets lit at 6pm. In between and following, there’s shopping, live music, and good cheer! Newport, BowensWharf.com
{SANTA SIGHTING} Coastal Q ueen
Brings Santa & Mrs. Claus to Town: Leaving the sleigh at home, instead the Clauses arrive via boat at 1 East Ferry Wharf before heading over to Conanicut Gift Shop for photo ops with kids. Jamestown, CoastalQueenCruises.com
{SANTA SIGHTING} Grand Illumination: Head to the Burnside Building for a visit from you-know-who, arriving to turn on the lights of the giant town Christmas tree and snowflake. ChristmasBristolRI.com
Warm Up for the Holidays: An afternoon of sipping wine and live music features Steve Heck, Dick Lupino, Pat Cardeiro, and Rick Wells. Portsmouth, Green v ale.com
DECEMBER 7 & 8
{SANTA SIGHTING} Christmas Festival European Marketplace: Satisfy wanderlust sans passport in Bristol at this annual event replete with European-style huts, carolers, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. ChristmasBristolRI.com
DECEMBER 9 & 23
{SANTA SIGHTING} Children’s Holiday Tea: Enjoy dressing up and using fine china at this kid-friendly fete. Children are invited to explore the manor and meet and take pics with a very special guest in front of the 18-foot Christmas tree. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DECEMBER 10
Holiday Centerpiece: Love a make-andtake workshop? Spend two hours learning how to create a centerpiece in this festive hands-on class. Bristol, Blithewold.org
Holiday Jingle & Mingle Celebration: The Lobster Pot is the setting for this annual jovial evening of dinner, raffles, and community connections. Bristol, Web.EastBayChamberRI.org
DECEMBER 15
{SANTA SIGHTING} Christmas & Holiday Fair: Roller skate with Santa and the Grinch! Cookie decorating and shopping are also planned. Tiverton, Facebook: Longplex Family & Sports Center
{SANTA SIGHTING} Meet and Greet Cruise with Santa: All aboard for a festive outing that includes hot chocolate and a candy cane for each child as they exit the boat. All is cozy, thanks to a weatherproof interior. Newport, CoastalQueenCruises.com
DECEMBER 17 - 22
Holidays at the JPT: 2003’s Lo v e Actually kicks off a series of Christmas movies shown on the big screen, including National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Party (December 1819), and The Muppet Christmas Carol (December 22). Newport, JanePickens.com
DECEMBER 19
Cookie Decorating Class: If you have
limited experience with sugar cookies, find yourself frustrated with royal icing, or simply want to impress everyone at the upcoming holiday cookie swap or birthday party, this is the class for you! Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org
DECEMBER 22
Christmas Specialty Market: Lastminute shoppers are sure to find special gifts at the holiday edition of the Sunday Tiverton Farmers Indoor Winter Market. Over 45 vendors will be selling food and artsy gifts. TivertonFarmersMarket.com
DECEMBER 29
New Year’s Jazz Brunch: Chelley Knight’s Q uartet returns for a latemorning scrumptious plated brunch and signature drink served in the dining room and breakfast porch. Bristol, Blithewold.org
DECEMBER 31
A Night of Frozen Enchantment: A four-course Nordic-meets-New England chef dinner kicks off with sparkling champagne and canapé reception and caps with late-night bites and bottomless champagne. Live music and a live painter add to the ambiance. Newport, TheChanler.com
NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER
Magnets, Ornaments, and Pins: Learn how to create a glass-blown keepsake at this hands-on class, one of many offerings at the studio, recurring Saturdays. Cumberland, BlackstoneRiverGlass.com
NOVEMBER 3, 10, 17, 24 & DECEMBER 1
Wreath Making Workshop: Deck the halls with local greens grown and harvested from Mapleville Farm. Join resident florist Casey in making a holiday wreath to grace your front door! Mapleville, BensBakery.com
NOVEMBER 7 - 9 & 14 - 16
The Three Scrooges : This adults-only play revolves around Carrie Scrooge and her two sisters in a world where the story of A Christmas Carol somehow does not exist. Hijinks, karaoke, ninja moves, and romance follows. Woonsocket, RIStage.org
NOVEMBER 8 - DECEMBER 22
{SANTA SIGHTING} Blackstone Valley Polar Express: This popular event brings the PVD-penned tale aboard the rails with a 90-minute train ride, treats, and a souvenir silver bell, with activities at the depot, too. Woonsocket, BlackstoneValleyPolarExpress.com
NOVEMBER 24
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Centerpiece Class: This 90-minute make-and-take workshop will have you ready to host a feast with style. Visit the website for additional classes. Mapleville, BensBakery.com
NOVEMBER 28
The Rhode Island Family Turkey Trot 5K & Youth Trot: Head to City Hall for a brisk holiday morning of movement on a scenic course. Pawtucket, RunRhody.com
NOVEMBER 29
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute: Regional rock orchestra Ornament presents an extravagant musical production to tell the tale of a real and inspiring Christmas story. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
Wolf Hill Hike: Walk off that Thanksgiving meal with a moderate four-mile hike to Mercer Outlook. If it’s a clear day, you’ll catch a view of the Providence skyline and beyond. Smithfield, TourBlackstone.com
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1
Ocean State Artisans Holiday Craft Show: Discover over 100 local makers showcasing their best work at this Thanksgiving weekend tradition at the Twin River Casino and Resort Event Center. Admission fees benefit local charities. Lincoln, OceanStateArtisans.com
Christmas in the Valley: Foster Country Club is the setting for this juried holiday craft show. Bring a non-perishable food item in exchange for a chance to win the raffle. Foster, ChristmasInTheValleyRI.com
Holiday Sale and Pop Up Crafts: Shop handmade gifts, make your own ornaments, and enjoy glass-blowing demos featuring local creatives at Blackstone River Glass Center. Cumberland, BlackstoneRiverGlass.com
NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 1
Nutcracker Ballet : Heritage Ballet presents the full-length classical ballet about a little girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker from her godfather for Christmas. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
NOVEMBER 30
Christkindlmarkt: The German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island hosts a Christmas market featuring artisans, craftspeople, and traditional food and drink, including Glühwein (mulled wine). Pawtucket, GACSRI.org
P hoto by Elyse Major
LOCKWOOD CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, SMITHFIELD
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 5, 7 & 8
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play: Fans of the movie will enjoy it retold as a 1940s radio broadcast. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
DECEMBER 5 - 8 & 13 - 15
The Foundry Show: Browse art, participate in a silent auction, and bring canned goods to donate to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in lieu of an admission fee, at this artist-run holiday sale. Pawtucket, FoundryShow.com
DECEMBER 5, 12 & 19
Candlelight Shopping: Antique street lights cast a cozy glow for shopping small at unique storefronts decorated for Christmas. Chepachet, CandleLightShopping.com
DECEMBER 6
Wreath Fest: Join Lucky Clover Farm at the North Scituate Grange for this hands-on workshop making wreaths using fresh greenery and other supplies. Scituate, LuckyClo v erFarmRI.com
DECEMBER 7, 14 & 21
Christmas Market: Head to Mapleville for a full day of shopping hyper-local for gifts made by nearby vendors. Mapleville, BensBakery.com
DECEMBER 7 & 8
Hoppy Holidays: The Guild Brewing Company is the place to be for a Field of Artisans pop-up market in the rustic tap room. Pawtucket, FieldOfArtisans.com
DECEMBER 7, 8, 14 & 15
Old-Fashioned Christmas: Be transported to an old-fashioned holiday at Hearthside House Museum, where visitors are greeted by decked halls and volunteers dressed in period attire. Live music, hot cider, and a stocked gift shop await. Lincoln, GreatRoadHeritageCampus.org
HEARTHSIDE
DECEMBER 8
Hope Artiste Village Holiday Stroll: This juried event put on by MACS Boutique invites visitors for a jolly day of shopping art, jewelry, accessories, baked goods, and more. Pawtucket, Facebook: Hope Artiste Village
DECEMBER 13
Christmas in the Village & Festival of Trees: A tree lighting in the picturesque village kicks off a weekend of events that include activities at Hope Library, a concert, and decorated tannenbaums. North Scituate, Facebook: Scituate Business Association
DECEMBER 13 - 22
A Christmas Carol : This fresh adaptation of the classic Dickens tale features extravagant scenery, lavish costumes, and spirits! Find tickets and dates online. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
DECEMBER 14
Irish Winter Solstice Celebration: Enjoy the sounds of Lúnasa, universally acclaimed as one of the best Irish bands in the world, for a musical winter solstice celebration. Cumberland, RiverFolk.org
DECEMBER 17
{SANTA SIGHTING} Breakfast with Santa: Enjoy a breakfast buffet before St. Nick arrives to spread holiday cheer for all to hear. Foster, Facebook: Foster Country Club
DECEMBER 23
Holiday Pops with the Stadium Theatre Orchestra: The Stadium’s 20-piece orchestra, paired with vocals, performs your favorite holiday sing-alongs. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com
HOUSE, LINCOLN P hoto by David Cruz, courtesy of Hearthside House Museum
PROVIDENCE
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 2
Iron Pour & Sims Avenue Street Festival: Head to The Steel Yard for this annual tradition of fire-art demonstrations, live music, food trucks, and over 20 local artists and makers in this epic collab. TheSteelYard.org
NOVEMBER 8 - 10
Fine Furnishings Show: This threeday show highlights American-made, handcrafted furniture, accessories, home decor, and art perfect for gifting, including projects from students at the Rhode Island School of Design, at the WaterFire Arts Center. FineFurnishingsShows.com
NOVEMBER 10
Temple Beth-El Artisan Marketplace and Scholastic Book Fair: Shop for holiday gifts and more with over two dozen vendors selling artisanal goods, holiday gifts, Judaica, and books for kids from preschool to eighth grade. Temple-Beth-El.org
NOVEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 22
120th Little Pictures Show & Sale: You read that right – the Providence Art Club’s oldest and largest exhibit returns for another landmark year, featuring artwork all under 16 inches. Pro v idenceArtClub.org
NOVEMBER 16 - 17, DECEMBER 14 - 15
Providence Artisans Holiday Show: Over 90 local artists fill the WaterFire Arts Center, showcasing handmade fine art and crafts, perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Facebook: PVD Artisans Market
NOVEMBER 21
Providence Gallery Night: Choose between a free guided tour or create one of your own to explore the Creative Capital, including art galleries, museums, and significant sites. GalleryNight.org
NOVEMBER 22
Masquerade Ball: The Graduate Providence is transformed into an Enchanted Forest for the 14th annual fundraiser benefiting
the comprehensive anti-violence agency. Our own Elyse Major will be among the judges for the woodland-themed dessert contest. SojournerRI.org
NOVEMBER 23 - 24
Good Trade Makers Market: More than 90 independent makers from around the country gather at the WaterFire Arts Center for this one-of-a-kind weekend of mixing and mingling with talented tradespeople (and, of course, shopping!). GoodTradeMakersMarket.com
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 4, DECEMBER 26 - 29
A Christmas Carol : The Rhode Island holiday tradition returns with Trinity Rep’s reimagined telling of Dickens’ classic, held at the Providence Performing Arts Center this year due to construction at Trinity. TrinityRep.com
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 22
PVD Flea Holiday Markets: Beginning on Black Friday the Providence Flea hosts special shopping events leading up to the holidays, featuring your favorite regional small brands and makers, on Fridays and Sundays at Farm Fresh RI. Pro v idenceFlea.com
NOVEMBER 29 - JANUARY 4
Holiday Lights Spectacular: This magical walk-through experience returns with 40 acres of dazzling light displays featuring over two million lights – now that’s what we call merry and bright! RWPZoo.org
NOVEMBER 30
{Santa Sighting} Federal Hill Tree
Lighting: Don’t miss dance and choir performances, free trolley rides, a visit with Santa, and the Christmas Tree lighting at DePasquale Plaza at 5pm. FederalHillPro v .com
NOVEMBER TBD
{SANTA SIGHTING} Christmas on the Hill: Admire twinkling Italian lights crisscrossing Atwells Avenue and decorated trees while shopping and dining around Federal Hill. FederalHillPro v .com
Photo by Mike Bryce
PVD ARTISANS MARKET
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 1
Field of Artisans at Narragansett Brewery: The one-of-a-kind artisan market sets up shop with vendors selling exciting and unique goods in the iconic brewery’s space. FieldOfArtisans.com
DECEMBER 1 - 31
Craftland Holiday Extravaganza: The holiday season gets even jollier with the whimsical charm of Craftland, a landmark purveyor of handmade gifts celebrating its 21th year. You’re sure to find everything on your wish list – plus a little extra. CraftlandShop.com
DECEMBER 5 - 7
Three Nights of Light: Downtown comes to life with installations and activations by WaterFire, FirstWorks, and The Avenue Concept, plus tree lightings, live entertainment, holiday markets, and more. GoPro v idence.com
DECEMBER 6
Krampusnacht at Narragansett Brewery: It’s a nightmare before Christmas in this delightfully frightful event filled with thrilling costumes, live music, and dark brews. NarragansettBeer.com
DECEMBER 6 - 7
La Cuesta Mágica (The Magic Slope) : Five lost brothers embark on an extraordinary adventure in this magical holiday musical with songs and dances from Latin America, performed in Spanish, with English translations simulcast. TeatroEcas.org
DECEMBER 7
Handel’s Messiah Open Sing: All are welcome to sing along with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra performing the Christmas portion of Handel’s celebratory work at the Church of St. Sebastian. RICCO.org
Girl Gang Craft Fair: The femme-forward platform and community for creatives and entrepreneurs returns to WaterFire Arts Center for a day of shopping and community. GirlGangCraft.com
DECEMBER 7 - 8
Providence Bruins WinterFest: Celebrate the winter season at Amica Mutual Pavilion with ticket discounts for weekend hockey while raising funds for local charities. Pro v idenceBruins.com
DECEMBER 9
Wreaths Across America: Held at the RI State House, this wreath-laying ceremony is designed to raise awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families. Dignitaries and special guests are invited to speak. RIFDA.org
DECEMBER 10
The Christmas Show : Trinity Rep presents a 90-minute variety-style production for families showcasing new and classic selections, colorful costumes, and unforgettable characters. The show is being held at The Vets due to ongoing construction at Trinity. TheVetsRI.com
DECEMBER 11 - 22
Hamilton : The Broadway blockbuster that follows the rise and fall of founding father Alexander Hamilton returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center for its third run since its premiere. PPACRI.org
DECEMBER 15
Handel’s Messiah : The Rhode Island Philharmonic and the Providence Singers, behind conductor Christine Noel, bring the beloved holiday concert to life in a special matinee performance. TheVetsRI.com
DECEMBER 17
Emanu-El’s Got Talent: Check out the show and enjoy shopping at the Hanukkah Bazaar while joining the Hanukkah festivities on this special night with the Temple Emanu-El community. TEPro v .org
DECEMBER 19 - 22, 26 - 29
The Nutcracker : Don’t miss Ballet RI’s fresh take on the enchanting classic, featuring a 38-foot tree, Nutcracker by Big Nazo Lab, and choreography by Yury Yanowsky. TheVetsRI.com
DECEMBER 26 - 29
Disney On Ice: Step inside the magical adventures of Disney’s Frozen and Encanto , and all your favorite characters from two Disney classics. Pro v idence, AmicaMutualPavilion.com
DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve: Be on the lookout for restaurant siblings Providence GPub, The Rooftop at the Providence G, and Sarto to announce New Year’s Eve party and dining event details. SartoPro v idence.com
THREE NIGHT OF LIGHTS
SOUTHERN RI & BLOCK ISLAND
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 6 & DECEMBER 4
Just Dance Inclusive Thanksgiving Dance & Pizza Party: Enjoy a free night of dancing, pizza, and soft drinks at this DJ dance party for all ages and abilities. West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org
NOVEMBER 8
Pre-Holiday Bash: Head to The Windjammer for a night of great food, a silent auction, a giving tree, raffles, and plenty of dancing to local faves Eight to the Bar, in support of the Warm Center. Westerly, WarmCenter.org
NOVEMBER 9
{SANTA SIGHTING} Paint with Santa: A letter has arrived from the North Pole inviting your child to paint a handprint plate and a special ornament with Santa and enjoy cookies and treats. Reservations and advance payment required. Narragansett, CreateColorArtStudio.com
NOVEMBER 12 & DECEMBER 3
Sea Glass Tree/Wreath Workshop: Instructors from The Art Lab & Gallery provided the know-how and supplies to construct an illuminated wreath or tree from sea glass and battery-operated string lights. Westerly, Facebook: Westerly Elks
NOVEMBER 15 - JANUARY 1
Hobbit House Photos Open for Holiday Season: Book a session and BYO photographer to snap pics at this enchanting and oh-so IGready location. Richmond, PreserveASpot.com
NOVEMBER 18
Holiday Meat Raffle: Head to The Pub for this fundraiser where all proceeds go to local charities in need of support during the holiday season. Purchase raffle tickets ahead at The Pub or night of the event. South Kingstown, ThePubMTK.com
NOVEMBER 23
{SANTA SIGHTING} Mariner Marketplace: Pregame holiday shopping with
60+ vendors, food, kids’ crafts, raffles, and visits with Santa Claus, brought to you by the Narragansett High School PTO. Narragansett, Facebook: Narragansett High School PTO
Big John Leyden’s Tree Farm Opening Weekend: Tag a tree at the farm known for the phrase “real trees for real people,” shop at a curated Field of Artisans market, and enjoy beverages. West Greenwich, FieldOfArtisans.com
NOVEMBER 28
Thanksgiving Dinner: Sister resorts Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn invite you to leave the cooking and clean-up to them. Options include dining at The Bistro, Ballroom, or to-go (OH), or family style (Weekapaug Inn). Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1
Holiday Shopping Stroll: Skip the crowds on the mainland and make it a Block Friday weekend this year. Open shops, the lobster pot tree, and ferry service awaits. BlockIslandChamber.com
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 15
A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol : It’s Christmas Eve, 1943, and the Feddington Players are now broadcasting from a hole-in-the-wall studio in Newark, NJ, and set to present their contemporary “take” on Dickens’ classic story. Select dates. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.org
NOVEMBER 29
{SANTA SIGHTING} Santa’s Arrival: Santa and holiday pals arrive at Dixon Square via fire trucks, with free coloring books, crayons, and lollipops for kids. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place indoors at a TBD location. Westerly, OceanChamber.org
NOVEMBER 30
Christmas Tree Sale & Winter Coat Drive: The annual tree sale/fundraiser held next to the Charles “Ted” Wright Rotary runs until trees are sold out. Bring gently used winter coats in all sizes for the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale. NarragansettLionsClub.org
Small Business Saturday: Head to George’s of Galilee for a day of shopping at a curated art market by the waterfront. Narragansett, FieldOfArtisans.com
{SANTA SIGHTING} Dinner with Santa: After the tree lighting ceremony, families are invited to gather for a festive buffet dinner, where you’ll have the chance to meet both Santa and Mrs. Claus. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
5K Turkey Trot: Walk or run in this threemile course of rolling blacktop roads. The start and finish line is at the Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion. BlockIslandChamber.com
P hoto courtesy of Festival of Artisans
FIELD OF ARTISANS
DECEMBER
DECEMBER - JANUARY
Santa’s Magical Drive-Through Christmas Display and Light Show: At press time, details were unconfirmed so check for updates on the Gemma family holiday display to benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness. Exeter, Instagram: @gloriagemmafoundation
DECEMBER 1
Evergreen Wreath Workshop: Hone your skills creating a giant wreath for Casey Farm’s barn before crafting your own to take home. Ticket includes hot cider, materials, and expert guidance. Saunderstown, My.HistoricNewEngland.org
Westminster Youth String Ensemble Holiday Concert: Get into the holiday spirit by attending this performance featuring young musicians from the WYSE and adult musicians from the community. Westerly, OceanChamber.org
DECEMBER 1, 8, 15 & 22
{SANTA SIGHTING} Brunch with Santa: Celebrate the season in style with great food, festive drinks, and the chance to share a moment with the jolly man in red. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
DECEMBER 3
Holiday Wreath Workshop: This hands-on workshop hosted at The Pub has participants using locally sourced greenery, all materials included. South Kingstown, ThePubMTK.com
DECEMBER 4
Holiday Stroll & Luminaria: A magical evening of shopping small includes sidewalks lined with luminaria and a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and cookie. Rain or shine. WesterlyPawcatuck, OceanChamber.org
DECEMBER 5 - 8
{SANTA SIGHTING} Festival of Lights Celebration: Wickford Village pulls out all the stops, starting with a tree lighting on Thursday, followed by daily arrivals of Santa by boat, horse-drawn hayrides with Santa, and an Elf Parade on Saturday. Wickford, Facebook: I Lo v e Wickford Village
DECEMBER 5, 12 & 19
Field of Artisans Holiday Market: Thursday evenings in December, motor over to Whalers Brewing Company to shop, drink, repeat. South Kingstown, Whalers.com
DECEMBER 5 - 8, 12 - 15, 20 - 22
A Christmas Carol : The classic tale returns to the Contemporary for the first time in five years, with a cast of five playing all of the parts. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
DECEMBER 6
Charlestown Holiday Ramble: Enjoy a charming stroll while you get some shopping done with discounts, offers, and raffle prizes. CharlestownRIChamber.com
WICKFORD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
DECEMBER 6 - 8
Colonial Christmas Dinner: Enter the festooned tavern to be greeted by hosts dressed in Dickens-era garb. The team will serve adult beverages from the 1700s and hot cocoa for the kids, and prime rib featured each weekend. Charlestown, TheGeneralStantonInn.com
DECEMBER 6 - 21
Santa Checks In: We love that Santa has his own suite set-up at Ocean House. Have a personal meeting with Santa, capture unforgettable photos, and receive a special gift on Fridays and Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
DECEMBER 7 - 23
Culinary Decorating Workshops: Learn new skills at make-and-take classes perfect for foodies, including Cookie & Cupcake Decorating and Truffle Tree-Making on select dates. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
DECEMBER 7 & 8
Annual Holiday Sale at Bosgraaf: It’s clear to see why this two-day event is so popular. Shop original glass works for sale from over 60 student artists, plus a complimentary hot cocoa and raffle prize entry. Peace Dale, BosgraafStudio.com
Christmas at the Castle: Smith’s Castle is filled with the aromas of mulled cider, baked goods, and evergreens at this allages celebration complete with music, crafts, and gingerbread cookie decorating. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org
DECEMBER 11
Gingerbread Village Competition: Students from Chariho, Lincoln High School, Exeter-West Greenwich High School, and Westerly High School compete for Best Gingerbread House in this sweet holiday tradition. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
Pajama Party: A donation of new unwrapped childrens PJs for the North Kingstown Holiday Giving Program is your ticket to
the 29th annual event, featuring treats, raffle prizes, store discounts, and swag. Wickford, Facebook: Beauty and the Bath
DECEMBER 13
{SANTA SIGHTING} Nashville & Rock & Roll Xmas: Enjoy some of your favorite Christmas songs country style with Nashville Christmas, featuring a nine-piece band along with some special guests. West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org
DECEMBER 13 - 14
Holiday Arts Market: Find special gifts at this two-day event featuring goods for sale from a juried group of local artists, designers, and craftspeople. Non-perishable donations encouraged. JamestownArtCenter.org
DECEMBER 14 - 15
{SANTA SIGHTING} Christmas
Pops: Join The Chorus of Westerly for a concert of old favorites, new arrangements, sing-alongs, and maybe even some surprise visitors. ChorusOfWesterly.org
DECEMBER 15
Westerly Light Parade: Decorated floats, fire trucks, music, and displays are all part of this fun nighttime spectacle. OceanChamber.org
DECEMBER 19
Christmas Cocktail Cabaret: Enjoy a night of carols and music while helping to raise funds for the theater’s 2025 season. Protip: get a VIP Cup of Good Cheer Ticket for a front-row seat reservation along with two drink tickets for the event. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
DECEMBER 20
A Holiday Stargazing Spectacular: Head to Frosty Drew Observatory at Ninigret Park for a holiday view of the moon, planets, stars, speckled star clusters, nebulae, and vast galaxies. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org
DECEMBER 29
Vodka and Latke Class: Discover the art of crafting latkes with a variety of gourmet toppings, including caviar, smoked salmon, and tartare, while learning how to perfectly pair them with vodka-based cocktails. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
DECEMBER 31
Annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire: Ring in the new year with good company, refreshments, and a spectacular bonfire in Ninigret Park. CharlestownRI.org
New Year’s Eve Ball: This glamorous, blacktie event features gourmet food stations, an open bar, live music, and an electrifying countdown to midnight, complete with fireworks, all with a Monte Carlo theme! Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com
New Year’s Eve Party: Join Rhody’s hardest working band, Neal and the Vipers, for a rockin’ eve to send off 2024 with gusto! West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org
DECEMBER TBD
Open Studios at Shady Lea Mill: The colony of artists and artisans at Shady Lea Mill welcome the public to explore the creative world firsthand during this special makers meet-and-greet. North Kingstown, TheMillAtShadyLea.com
Photo courtesy of Lori Lyons
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HOME & STYLE
Home | Field Trip | Influencer | Rhody Reads | Rhody Gem
Less is More
A
palette of sandy neutrals makes a condo feel twice its size
By Ann Martini
It’s almost a Rhode Island tradition at this time of year – the snowbirds begin to fly away to points south. A recently retired Aquidneck Island couple made sure they have something wonderful to come back to in the spring: their just-renovated three-level condominium in the Moorland Farm complex, not far from Fort Adams, in Newport.
The pair had a large house in Portsmouth and wanted to downsize to a smaller home that would be easier to manage. Newport offers the perfect respite from south Florida; they can return each summer to reconnect with friends, their boating community, and the clubs they belong to. When they found this property for sale, they knew they would want to renovate it before moving in.
Ally Maloney Winzer, an interior designer with offices nearby on Thames Street, was enlisted. “Fortunately they understood that renovating and furnishing a new home is a large undertaking, one they shouldn’t try to do alone. By hiring us to oversee the design, the renovation ran smoothly, on time and on budget. The finished product is a cohesive home with an intentional design; each space feels tailored and complete,” say Maloney Winzer.
To accommodate the clients’ adjustment to reduced space, Maloney Winzer was sure to add storage wherever she could. “The floorplan didn’t change much, but we did fully renovate the home. There’s a new kitchen, new bathrooms, installed new hardwood flooring, new fireplace, new closet systems, new built-ins, new lighting, and all new furnishings,” she explains and adds that while most everything in the home is new, they did bring a painting
Custom built-ins around the fireplace add ample storage behind closed doors, while open shelving provides opportunity to showcase decorative items
with them and asked that it be incorporated into the living room. “It’s a sentimental piece purchased while on a trip abroad.”
For their new home, Maloney Winzer shares that her clients knew they wanted the design to be more transitional and casually elegant. They also wanted the decor to have a subtle coastal feel and favored a cream-and-blue color scheme, and they
enjoy entertaining. To fulfill these wishes and increase visual space, a palette of pale neutrals was used on walls, with stylish treatments adorning expansive windows without sacrificing light. At less than 2,000 square feet, legged contemporary furniture helps with the flow.
Nods to the shoreline are evident in the blue patterned textiles, accent pieces, and occasional furniture used throughout. “There are so many ways to interpret what coastal style is,” says Maloney Winzer.
White oak base cabinets and white painted upper cabinets complement quartz countertops
Custom bedding and window treatments designed by Maloney Interiors, fabricated by Marion Drapery Workroom
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Designer Tips
To give living spaces a coastal vibe, Maloney Winzer suggests a bold fabric or wallpaper print from Quadrille (did you know it is printed in Westerly?); display coastal photography from a local artist such as Cate Brown, Wick Sweeny, and Francesca Dolnier; and add a set of colorful Adirondack chairs from Seaside Casual and enjoy entertaining outdoors (made in Coventry).
Anchors Away
“Coastal design doesn’t have to be preppy, blue and white, or like anything you’ve ever seen before,” says Maloney Winzer. Learn more about her services and style at MaloneyInteriors.com
Rhody Resources
Businesses used in this project include Supply New England for plumbing fixtures, Riverside Building Supply for kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops, Marion Drapery Workroom in Lincoln, and Best Tile and The Tile Shop in Warwick.
Christmas Light Crawl
A mother and daughter share their tradition of finding festive neighborhoods – and hot cocoa stops
By Emily Homonoff and Robin Kall
It truly wouldn’t be the season without at least several nights zipping around the Ocean State on a mission. We’re a mother-daughter duo that loves our car time, whether that means driving to Tiverton Four Corners, circling Iceland, or a last-minute ride up to Prince Edward Island, and it’s no different when it comes to getting into the holiday spirit. Over a decade ago we set out to find the state’s brightest holiday lights and it’s been one of our favorite traditions ever since. We grab our hot cocoa, turn on the tunes, and make it
a mission to visit a new neighborhood as well as our annual favorites. We typically have an idea of where we’re going but don’t mind steering off course at the sight of some reindeer or a glimmer off of Route 4. We’re always open to recommendations, and throughout the year, we even take note of neighborhoods we think might be strong contenders! This concept has even followed us to areas of Connecticut, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, and Houston. Here are some of our can’t-miss neighborhoods and our favorite nearby spots to grab a hot beverage.
CRANSTON
DEAN PARKWAY: Our tradition first began in this section of Cranston, an area we revisit year after year. There are Eiffel Tours, sparkling presents with bows, and glistening icicles that all blend together surprisingly well. If you want to see homes with robust decorations that may even include music, this is the spot.
KAFFEOLOGY : 48 Hillside Road
Photos by Emily Homonoff
Cranston
NORTH PROVIDENCE
BETWEEN 44 & DOUGLAS
AVENUE: Experience flair and festivities that are unlike any other. We’re particularly fond of the choo-choo trains, big bulbs, and blow-up characters that we’ve spotted.
LASALLE BAKERY : 993 Smith Street, Pro v idence
WARWICK
APPONAUG/WARWICK NECK
( BOTH SIDES OF 117 ) : This neighborhood is a hidden gem that really delivers. It’s also a great example of an area that we were first drawn to in the off-season. Luckily we circled back because there are ample homes here that treat lighting up as a sport.
PRESTO STRANGE O CAFE : 334 Warwick Neck Avenue
WESTERLY
BETWEEN 1A & FRANKLIN
STREET: Last year we hit paydirt in Westerly when we found the newest addition to our hunt! We went on a whim because why not? To our surprise, home after home was adorned with bright lights and baubles including our favorite dwelling that had signage for our state motto, Hope.
JUNK & JAVA : 49 Beach Street
WOONSOCKET
JUST SOUTH OF THE BLACKSTONE RIVER ON 146A: Discover a cluster of streets that have traditionally been very successful for us. Take in the array of colors and displays, and if you’re like us, you may find some friendly neighbors to gab with. While you’re in town, you can also stop by the Polar Express Station for a bit of organized fun.
COFFEE CONNECTION : 2364 Mendon Road, Cumberland
Westerly
Warwick
Middletown
Meet Cheryl Sparks
How weekly pandemic outfit postings turned a coastal grandmother into a fashion model
By Alexandra Ashe
How did you go from being a retired grandmother to a model and fashion influencer?
I’ve always loved clothes and putting outfits together, and when the pandemic happened, I made it a goal to look pulled together at least one day a week, even though I had nowhere to go. With some encouragement from my daughter, I started @_ifitstuesday_ on Instagram named after the film If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium to post my looks just for fun and see where it would go. “One outfit from my closet. One day a week” was the tagline. As time went on, I’d hear from women my age that it really resonated with them, and it became a goal for them to pull themselves together, too. I feel like the accidental influencer!
What are some of the most positive experiences you’ve had thanks to this platform?
I’m working with brands that I have loved and worn for years, and I’ve been introduced to smaller brands that are so beautiful and I might never have known about them without this platform. It is truly a pleasure to work with these amazing people, and I’ve become dear friends with some incredible women through this experience – kind, thoughtful women who are willing to mentor and support. This is a gift I never expected. I’ve said from day one, as long as I’m having fun and staying true to who I am, I will continue doing this.
What’s some advice you can offer about feeling confident in your clothing?
There is a mind shift when we start dressing for ourselves rather than for work or for someone else. The only thing I would tell anyone is to wear what makes you feel like your best self. That takes time to figure out. Have fun with it. Fashion and style aren’t frivolous – not if it makes us feel good.
What are some of your favorite spots around Rhode Island?
My favorite restaurant in Rhode Island is the classic Mill’s Tavern on North Main Street in Providence; it is our family go-to for get-togethers. The cozy feel, the delicious food, and the wonderful memories we make there are why we always go back! The Cottage in Tiverton is a shop I will always go to if I need a special gift, sometimes just for myself. And the Groundswell Cafe + Bakery, which is right next door, will give you a touch of France with their coffee and pastries!
Cheryl Sparks at Groundswell in Tiverton
Rhody Reads O Staff picks from the gang at Wakefield Books
By Michelle San Antonio
One of the perks of working at a bookstore is having the opportunity to read a lot, and to then recommend those books to customers. The Staff Favorites display at Wakefield Books features a wide variety of genres, and our chosen titles routinely become top sellers in the store. With that in mind, we’re sharing six of our recent picks – from nonfiction and historical fiction to thrillers and sci-fi – with a recommendation from each of our staff members. We firmly believe that an online algorithm will never be able to compete with personal endorsement from booklovers and booksellers, and whether it’s Wakefield Books or another indie, we encourage you to shop at your favorite local bookstore this holiday season (and every season!).
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger is an atmospheric mystery set in southern Minnesota in the late ‘50s as people were picking their lives back up after two wars, and prejudices ran deep. When a prominent townsperson is found dead on the riverbank, suspicion immediately turns to Noah Bluestone, a Native American, and the wife he brought home from Japan after WWII. Krueger made me feel as if I was there in the little town of Jewel on the Alabaster River; the way he describes the setting is magical. – Sue Martin, buyer/bookseller
Set in Washington, DC 1950, The Briar Club: A Thrilling and Powerful Story of Female Friendships and Secrets by Kate Q uinn begins as police are called to a female boardinghouse to investigate a disturbance, and discover a body in the attic. I was fascinated by this look into the turbulent years when Senator Joseph McCarthy’s ravings against the “Red Menace” infiltrated the country. By including recipes from the dinners and songs to be played while eating them, Q uinn allows readers to truly join the party with this eclectic group who come together to form a strong sisterhood. – Lisa Monahan, bookseller
Sue Martin, Bob Ryan, Michelle San Antonio, Lisa Monahan, and guest bookseller, Lulu
Fans of Elizabeth Strout will be happy to return to Crosby, Maine and its beloved cast of characters in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Tell Me Everything , as they deal with a shocking crime in their midst and contemplate the great unanswered question: “What does anyone’s life mean?” Strout’s writing style has an almost lyrical quality, and is imbued with warmth. As with all her books, she shines a light here onto all facets of the human experience, sharing the stories of ordinary people in the most extraordinary way. – Michelle San Antonio, events/marketing
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune finds Linus Baker thinking he’s content at his job as a caseworker for magical youth until he meets the children and headmaster of the Marsyas Island Orphanage. These six “dangerous” children and their enigmatic caretaker quickly put things into perspective for Linus, and in this highly anticipated sequel, he finds himself fighting for their right to simply exist as children. Full of unique magical gifts and lyrical writing, this and House in the Cerulean Sea are two of my favorite books. – Carrie Giarrusso, bookseller
I love biographies, and this one is especially great. In An Ordinary Man, The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford , Richard Norton Smith reveals a man who never dreamed of being President, and yet once he became our 38th, he did so many remarkable things, beginning with his pardon of Nixon, his support of the Equal Rights Amendment, and his 1975 Act supporting the education of children with disabilities. Some of these positions were unpopular with the conservative members of his party, yet Ford’s conscience led him to act despite the political damage. – Kim Knowlton, buyer/bookseller
The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss is a comprehensive yet warm-hearted history of the American bookstore. The author profiles bookstores of various sizes and types in all of their idiosyncratic glory, and illustrates how bookselling, publishing, and readers have evolved in what has become, in many ways, an odds-defying business through which a bookseller must navigate with a combination of both art and science. Reading this book was as delightful as exploring your favorite bookstore, or discovering a new one. – Bob Ryan, owner/manager
ABOUT WAKEFIELD BOOKS
In business for over 40 years, Wakefield Books started as part of the Waldenbooks chain, but has been operating as an independent bookstore since 2011. Located in the Wakefield Mall, the shop carries books of every genre, along with gift items, puzzles, vinyl, and more. Like all indies, Wakefield Books pride themselves on providing topnotch customer service and personal recommendations that far supersede anything an online algorithm can deliver.
UPCOMING EVENTS
This month, Providencebased bestselling suspense author Vanessa Lillie will moderate a panel of four local authors, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities of writing books that take place in this little state we call home (date TBA). On November 30, watch for an in-store signing event with games, raffles, and giveaways to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Get updates at WakefieldBooks.com
Daisy Dig’ins
Floral, clothing, and decor boutique
What it is:
A female-owned floral, home, and gift boutique across two buildings, stocked with fresh flowers, linens and tabletop, clothing and accessories, and so much more.
Where to find it:
Located in the heart of Barrington on Maple Avenue across from Vienna Bakery, look for the blue-and-white “open” flag to find the charming pair of shops.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Since its opening in 1977, Daisy Dig’ins has been known among East Bay residents as a one-stop shopping destination and a mainstay in Barrington for the past 47 years. Owner Lois Coppolino brought her passion to building a business dedicated to not only selling fresh florals but also providing the best customer service possible. You’ll need time to truly take in the vast selection of unique, high-quality items, from bath and body products, clothing and jewelry, and houseware to custom flower arrangements. In 2021, Coppolino opened a second custom-built location next door, and a Sale Store nearby at 230 Waseca Avenue. With temptations at every glance, combined with a team of workers committed to sending off every customer with a smile, you’ll never leave the shop empty-handed.
Daisy Dig’ins
119 and 123 Maple Avenue, Barrington
DaisyDigins.com
Instagram: @daisydiginsri
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 marketing@heyrhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it! Photography by Elyse Major
RELAX FROM DINNER INTO LATE NIGHT AT THE SOCIAL HOUSE
This swanky cocktail lounge in Warwick has guests enchanted with city vibes and five-star service
When long-time restaurateurs Paul Voigt and Johnny Krikorian found a diamond-in-the-rough along Post Road in Warwick, they saw its potential to house their unique vision – which they’d waited years to execute – for a cocktail lounge. Debuting earlier this year after a complete renovation, The Social House boasts art deco furnishings and Instaworthy cocktails, and has become a sensational evening destination for socialites and locals alike. Built around social dining, the glamourous space caters to groups looking for shareable plates in a cozy setting that keeps glasses raised and conversations buzzing. “Our goal is an upscale vibe, and you can see that right away from the dress code and doorman at the entry. Guests are excited about having a place like this outside of Providence,” shares Voigt.
Voigt’s wife, Crystal, designed the interior, which combines old Southern charm with steampunk details. A sophisticated lounge area with low seats and dim lighting sits across from the long, dark bar with palm trees and bird cages. Deep green velvet curtains can drop closed, turning the lounge into an intimate area for private parties.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the duo – who draw from years of experience at Barry's, Prov, the
Atomic Grill, and PJ's Pub – have also curated an exquisite cocktail menu. “Our espresso martini has become quite the talk of the town,” says Krikorian of the slyly named Better Than MSC. Another highlight is the Jungle Bird, a Madagascar rum cocktail served in an ornate cage with pineapple leaves. Both wildly chic yet unpretentious, Social House blends creative food and cocktail menus with high-touch service, and your visit will easily flow from dinner and drinks, to lounging and late night.
A quick search reveals their playful social feed, as well as dozens of reviews calling The Social House everything from “Amélie Poulain meets Zelda Fitzgerald” to “Boston without the drive,” and summing it up most succinctly: “This place is unreal.”
The Social House is also a private event venue with an extensive catering menu, customizable event planning services, and a spacious private parking lot. They are booking now for holiday parties and the 2025 season.
ELISE PENN PANSEY
Creating an Art Ecosystem in Olneyville
A visionary couple expands their multicultural hub in both size and scope
By Emily Olson
In 2019, life and business partners Spocka Summa and Casandra (Cas) Inez founded Public PVD to serve as an art gallery, performance venue, and creative gathering space. It quickly outgrew its 800-square-foot home on Sims Avenue, and this September saw the grand reopening of Public in a larger, 3,400-square-foot spot on Agnes Street in Olneyville. “The larger space gives us more opportunity to engage with the community and offer more programming,” Summa explains.
From hosting events and functioning as an art gallery to incorporating a shop and maker areas, Public aims to be many things for many people. In their original location, Inez and Summa tried to run all of that programming out of one room, which came with a lot of challenges. “We weren’t able to do multiple things at once,” Summa says. “We wanted to do more workshops, but were limited by gallery hours. Now we have dedicated space for each type of programming. This expansion has allowed us room to breathe.”
Photo by Jenni Ugarte, courtesy of Public
Summa describes the aesthetic in the new location as safe, homey, and hospitable.
“Some art galleries feel cold and austere,” he says. “We didn’t want our space to feel intimidating.” Summa and Inez, both artists themselves, not only made sure their personalities are evident in the design, but also ensured it represents the community it serves with a colorful palette and nods to different cultures.
“I’m Nigerian and Cas is Guatemalan, and we try to bring our background into the space,” Summa explains. The two knew each other in
high school, and as kids they experienced similar challenges that they’re doing their part to solve. “When we were growing up here, we never felt that there was a space that represented us, and we feel like representation is very important. Incorporating different cultures into our design is a good way to let people know they’re invited into our space. When artists are trying to find a home or community, they’ll be more likely to gravitate toward something that speaks to them.”
The new location is divided into three
intentionally designed areas. The maker space is home to a rotating cast of local artists who will teach workshops, as well as five artists who will create from there. The gallery is where work from local artists of all skill levels and mediums will be on display. Lastly is a retail shop where local artists sell a little bit of everything, from clothing and books to prints and stickers. Summa and Inez curate the shop by seeking local artists through social media and via applications. “The artists featured are mostly from Providence, but we also accept
Photo by Sindayiganza Photography, courtesy of Public
The gallery walls at Public
SUPPORT THE ARTS
Public Shop & Gallery offers a membership program with two categories: for those who like to experience art and for those who make it. Each membership also offers different levels suited to individuals, groups, or families, and comes with perks, such as early access to news, discounts, and members-only events.
Photos by Jenni Ugarte, courtesy of Public
artists from other areas,” Summa explains. Sometimes, artists in the gallery or workshop might also sell their creations in the shop in a process Summa describes as a farm-to-table approach to art. “We’ve created an ecosystem where artists can create, display, and sell their work.”
Events in September kicked off expanded arts programming in the new space
Summa and Inez are particularly excited about having enough room to hold more workshops, and have a few in the works on making zines, screenprinting, and block printing, as well as the possibility of ceramics and form building. The majority
Public founders Spocka Summa and Cas Inez
Photos (L) by Jenni Ugarte, (R) by Sindayiganza Photography, courtesy of Public
We have the largest selection of locally made, optical quality, reasonabley priced, unusual, artsy & otc handcrafted readers. You will have to get used to all the compliments you will receive. FINALnewsizereaderAD2-pvdmonthly:readeradpvd monthly 9/20/24 1:12 AM Page 1
Along with a gallery and workshops, a retail shop houses merch and more
of the workshops are open to all ages, and are all artist-led. Artists apply to lead workshops and if they’re accepted, the couple helps them build their program, with a primary focus is on welcoming Providence artists to teach workshops, but Public is open to artists from across the globe.
The industrious pair are cautious, however, about not packing their calendar too tightly because they want to leave Public open on occasion for events, such as open mic, movie, and poetry nights, and for locals to host their own gatherings. Another big focus is on what they call “community builds,” which aim to construct bridges between
macrocosmic happenings and the neighborhood. “We look at things happening in the world, and address them through programming,” Summa explains. Public will host events like protest sign making or they might teach people how to plant their own garden. “We’re interested in anything that can bring families together to engage in things that spark not only conversation, but learning.”
Public’s mission of intentionally and respectfully representing its community, supporting and giving a physical location to emerging and established artists, and bringing people together for education, collaboration, and dialogue is a lofty one, particularly considering the
Photo by Jenni Ugarte, courtesy of Public
One of life’s greatest achievements is the ability to leave a lasting legacy. We can help. rifoundation.org/legacy or call (401) 274-4564
Small State, Big Plate FEATURE
couple behind it is doing all this while raising two small children and engaging in their own creative pursuits. But that’s truly what keeps the pair committed. “Our motivation is creating space for people in our community, but also for ourselves. We want to be able to do the things we love and create programming we think our neighborhood needs while adding our take to
it,” Summa says. “Knowing we can evolve this space to contribute to the culture and leave our own thumbprint on Rhode Island’s landscape is a major drive.”
Photo by Sindayiganza Photography, courtesy of Public
Art makers and admirers flock to Public in Olneyville
FOOD & DRINK
Dining Hub | In the Kitchen | Recipe | Experience | Food Trends
Earning Your Chops
Long-awaited culinary hub opens inside the Providence Public Library
By Jenny C. Shand
restaurant inside a library is a no v el idea to begin with, but it’s the mission behind Culinary Hub of Providence, or CHOP, that makes it unlike any other in the city. Operated by the Genesis Center, a nonprofit organization that provides adult workforce education, in partnership with the Providence Public Library, CHOP is a hybrid restaurant serving globally inspired food and drink while operating as a culinary training program.
“This project was several years in the making,” says Joshua Riazi, CHOP’s chief operating officer and instructor of culinary arts at the Genesis Center – and a Pro v idence Monthly Who to Watch 2024 honoree. Plans began prior to COVID and were adapted to meet the needs of the industry in a post-pandemic world. “We’re excited about it,” he adds, “because we’re trying to couple educational pieces with something that typical restaurants don’t do.”
For over 40 years, the Genesis Center has been helping adults of diverse cultures achieve economic independence and participate fully in society. The Culinary Arts program is one of several educational tracks, and according to Riazi, these students “truly make up the backbone of the restaurant industry. They’re acting as line cooks, dishwashers, maybe a dietary aid at the hospital running meals to patients. They’re passionate about the food industry, but they don’t know how to navigate their way up.”
That’s what CHOP aims to do – serve as a bridge to advanced culinary career opportunities. “We show them what it takes to operate a restaurant from the ground up, from ordering to cost analyses, with the hope that they’ll be more equipped and confident to apply for
managerial roles and excel in the field.”
Riazi is excited to showcase the skills and cultural food understanding that his students bring to the table, both locally and from their home countries.
“One of my students knew how to make Haitian puff pastries for a particular meat patty dish, and it turns out the complexity of making the pastry equated to an understanding of French baking. This is just one example. We have amazing cultural knowledge in Rhode Island,” Riazi observes, and harnessing this knowledge allows their menu to be globally diverse. The team works together to find clever ways to incorporate different influences and flavors. “The ultimate goal is to make a restaurant that people enjoy and want to come back to,” he continues.
The dining room at CHOP offers a welcoming atmosphere
Shakshuka
Photos courtesy of CHOP
Part of CHOP’s unique setup allows students to “own” their ideas and see them through to fruition. A pitch fest in the classroom will determine which items will fill CHOP’s pastry case, with students voting on their favorites. Once selected, the student must consider questions like: “How do I adapt the recipe to be affordable if the ingredients are costly?” or “What will make this stand out from other pastries?” Riazi aims to break barriers that typically inhibit his students’ confidence by giving them a safe space to experiment. “What they need is to learn on the job and believe they’re capable.” Since the soft opening in mid-summer, fol -
lowed by their grand opening on October 9, the team at CHOP has served breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, and occasional dinners with craft cocktails. They have plans to expand their hours and host a series of culinary demonstrations and events. “We have the desire to invite chefs to lead their own pop-ups, offer demos, or be showcased in a way that they might not have the opportunity for, while working with our trainees to educate them as well.”
Located across from Res American Bistro and Trinity Rep, CHOP is accessible through the library or from a separate door on Washington Street. With an option to sit along the bar, at
large wooden tables, or in cozy nooks with comfy chairs, the space – designed by local visionary Kyla Coburn – creates a sense of community, whether meeting new people or gathering for a meeting, while dining on inspired dishes.
“What are we? What is our concept and brand?” Riazi asks. “We have the opportunity to experiment and be more than one thing. We have two customers – the one who eats and the one who learns.”
Culinary Hub of Providence 211 Washington Street 429-2450 • CulinaryHubPVD.com
Photos courtesy of CHOP
Designer Kyla Coburn carved out cozy nooks and gathering spaces
Lumpia Dreams
Filipino spring rolls are a tasty gateway for a cook to share the familiar flavors of her childhood
By Abbie Lahmers
For chef Andrea Nadeau, choosing a dish that best represents her popup kitchen is like having to choose a favorite child – she can’t do it. But, she concedes, “Lumpia is my vehicle into the future of the business. Rolling them by the hundreds in the middle of the night is where I find my center, but it’s also a nostalgic pastime for me with my grandmothers, and growing up in their respective kitchens.”
Born and raised in South Texas, Nadeau learned the art of making lumpia, Filipino eggrolls, from her paternal grandmother, Solly, who rolled them by the hundreds for special orders, along with hand-crafting siopao, meat-filled steamed buns. “She taught me all there is to know about showing hospitality to everyone who I share my food with – the heart of Filipino culture.”
And from her maternal Lolo (meaning grandfather in Tagalog), she learned how to get creative with leftovers to reduce food waste – “a method I now refer to on my menu as Kitchen Sink Cooking,” she relays. It was in Corpus Christi with her paternal grandparents that she forged cherished childhood memories at a breakfast spot called Andy’s Kitchen, which she didn’t know at the time would influence the name of her own business nearly 2,000 miles away in Rhode Island one day.
Nadeau opened Ande’s Kitchen & Catering, LLC in fall 2021, though she’d been toying with different ideas since the end of 2019 after having a child. “I thought of offering a prepared meal delivery service to aid new parents, and specifically saw a need for quick-access healthy dishes and snacks to assist with lactation for breastfeeding mothers,” she explains. The pandemic and demands of making deliveries with a baby in the backseat put that idea on hold, but then opportunity knocked when a client reached out asking her to cater for touring Filipino celebrities passing through Providence, along with their enthusiastic guests.
“By October 2021, I was privately selling homestyle comfort meals, desserts, and lumpia to the wide community of Filipino students at Brown University,” says Nadeau. Word of her modern
LUMPIA FIX
Follow Ande’s Kitchen & Catering popping up throughout the season at the Providence Brewing Company during the indoor Providence Flea Market, as well as other breweries, with a full schedule posted on social media. DM or email for statewide catering inquiries, with contact information online. Facebook: Ande’s Kitchen & Catering, LLC
P hotos courtesy of Ande’s Kitchen
Chef Andrea Nadeau
SEAL & LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
Summer isn’t the only time to enjoy Narragansett Bay
FOOD & DRINK
traditional cuisine traveled quickly among the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) and Filipino Alliance clubs at Brown and the Rhode Island School of Design. It wasn’t long before she joined the brewery circuit, popping up at spots like Providence Brewing Company, Shaidzon Beer Company in West Kingston, and most recently, Lops Brewing in Woonsocket. Today, she also caters weddings and events, but enjoys the “street hawker state of mind” of vending at markets. “I can really be my zany, authentic self and talk with others around me, and confidently represent the Filipino heritage through every bite.”
While the recipes Nadeau uses were passed down from her grandparents, she values
a health-conscious approach. Whether it’s using lean meats or developing vegan variations by not using an egg wash, she explains, “I’ve opened my creative process to look at how plant-based cuisine could shape the way Filipino food is presented to others unfamiliar with the culture.”
Hungry fans flock to special pop-up events, like Friday Fry Days of fresh-fried sweet and savory lumpia or Sunday brunch, featuring Silog, a traditional egg and rice dish she infuses with her own spin: pico de gallo with a sour tamarind Sinigang seasoning. While Chinese, Malaysian, and Spanish influences find their way into the menu, Nadeau emphasizes, “I want to put more Filipino food on the map
Ande’s Kitchen serves up modern traditional Filipino fare
P hotos courtesy of Ande’s Kitchen
where it’s not confused for another, and it’s recognized for its standalone qualities.”
Some good things are fleeting – as is the case with a special Ube Halaya Lumpia dessert made with purple yam jam. It’s a labor of love Nadeau hasn’t made in a while because the process is time-consuming, but it left an impression on those who got to try it. “It warms my heart that guests feel the love and thought I put into everything I do, including late-night lightbulb ideas I have while snacking on my favorite childhood foods,” she says. “I live for the head nods after the first bite and the fist bumps as they’re leaving the venue.” And who knows? Maybe the Ube Halaya will make a comeback soon.
First Comes Love
A serendipitous sip leads to marriage and a grain-to-glass distillery in Pawtucket
By Abbie Lahmers
Working Man Distillers is borne out of a love affair,” begins Kelly Lendall, describing a fortuitous series of events followed by years of sweat equity and elbow grease that went into the distillery’s recent opening in Pawtucket. “My husband and I had our very first date sharing a bottle of whiskey that I bought for him and knew very little about. We both instantly fell in love – with each other and that fine bottle of whiskey. I bought John a homedistilling kit as a gift and said I wouldn’t marry him until he had perfected the original recipe.”
You guessed it – John did indeed create the whiskey that won over Kelly’s heart. That was a decade ago, and since then the industrious husband-and-wife team has been poring over the perfect pours on a much greater scale, producing a range of spirits and refining recipes. Their passion is contagious, often enticing tasting room guests to learn more about the art of organic distilling, which the Lendalls are happy to regale them with.
Naturally, whiskey – single malt, rye, and bourbon – is their claim to fame. “Our original whiskey recipe is based on a George Washington recipe from his distilling days. There’s a lot of history in those barrels!” says Kelly. They also produce barrel-aged gin, vodka (including a pineapple-flavored version), brandy, moonshine, and agave, all on-site. “Everything is ‘grain to glass,’ and we pride ourselves on quality. Our draft cocktails, hand-muddled cocktails, and cocktail flights reflect this high standard. Even our garnishes, like pickles and mint, are locally sourced from small family-run businesses like ours.”
Now settled into their Pawtucket digs, Kelly explains that they’ve outfitted the space with a “Nashville chic” sensibility, which makes good use of the former mill building’s exposed brick walls, 30-foot ceilings, and polished stone floors. The couple infuses inviting quirks, too, like a vintage bathtub fashioned into a loveseat, eclectic bar stools, and plants taking in the sunlight from tall windows. “We want it to be a place where you can come to enjoy a fine spirit and unwind after a long day,” says Kelly.
Photo courtesy of Working Man Distillers
Old Fashioned
FOOD & DRINK
Since opening in the spring, the distillery tasting room has doubled as a happening hub for events, from open mic nights to live music shows, with food trucks supplying snacks to enjoy while imbibing. The Lendalls take pride in bringing together fellow hard-working patrons in the spirit of, well, spirits. “We can guide you through the menu and help you find that ‘just right’ drink,” says Kelly – and who knows, it may lead to a similar kismet meet-cute as that fateful glass of whiskey that brought the Lendalls together. 5 Carpenter Street, Pawtucket, WorkingManDistillers.com.
Back to the Classics
As whiskey fans, the Lendalls love showcasing their bourbon with a triedand-true cocktail: the Old Fashioned. Sip it in their tasting room or order a bottle to make it at home.
INGREDIENTS
• 1.5 oz. Working Man Distillers Cape House Rye Whiskey
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 tsp of sugar
• Orange peel
Muddle the orange peel in a rocks glass, and pour ingredients over a large ice cube. Top the glass with a twisted orange peel and a cocktail cherry. Enjoy!
Spirited Happenings
Go for the locally distilled liquor, stay for the camaraderie. Along with live music select nights, Working Man Distillers hosts Open Mic Nights on Wednesdays, welcoming everything from poetry readings to musical performances, and a variety of other events. The distillery is also booking for private holiday parties. Stay in the loop by following @workingmandistillers.
Photo courtesy of Working Man Distillers
A lineup of distilled offerings by the bottle
Sip Working Man Distillers in a variety of cocktails at the taproom
Raise a Glass
College Hill’s hippest bar is an homage to its former self
By Stacey Place
Once upon a time, there was a restaurant in Providence called the XO Cafe. Opened in 1989, it featured farm-to-table cuisine and creative cocktails. It was a trendsetter, and many Rhode Islanders (including me) have fond memories of it. Chef and restaurateur Ben Lloyd took his nostalgia for the spot to the next level by reopening and reimagining the space as XO Bar in 2022. Not only did Lloyd spend nine years as the XO Cafe chef, but he also met his wife while working there, as well as his future business partner, Scott Champagne.
Lloyd, Champagne, and the team did a great job of updating the historic venue, which takes up the first level of the John Updike House, while maintaining some of its period details, including exposed brick above the bar
and a giant old-timey photo mural. Without a dedicated kitchen area, they were able to utilize the space to its fullest as a lounge – the long, narrow room features several cozy, comfortable nooks for groups to relax and settle in for the evening, and the bar features 12 seats overlooking the main action: cocktail making. The bartenders encouraged me to go check out the renovated bathroom, where a special button that says “press here” treats patrons to their own private disco ball party.
I started with XO’s signature drink, the Cold Brew Martini. The use of cold brew provides a less bitter taste than espresso – and combined with house-made vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, and a splash of Irish Cream – it’s a decadent and delicious choice. You can also request to have it made decaf.
Photos by Stacey Place
Pizza by Billy Manzo
Seafoam Margarita
Must-Try Items
SEAFOAM MARGARITA ( $16 ) :
Blanco tequila, Cynar, blue curacao, and coconut liqueur, finished with a touch of salt and fresh coconut foam, served over ice, and garnished with a lime wedge
Two fresh-baked soft pretzels with beer cheese, honey mustard, or horseradish mustard
Cuisine: Innovative cocktails and snacks
Atmosphere: Upscale bar with historic touches
FOOD & DRINK
Next up, I took the bartender’s suggestion and tried the Seafoam Margarita from the new fall menu. It was a mix of savory and sweet with blanco tequila, blue curacao, Cynar, and coconut liqueur, topped with coconut foam and sprinkled with salt and toasted coconut. It reminded me of a high-end Blue Hawaiian.
Between sips, I dug into a few of the bar snacks XO Bar offers. They had three types of flavored popcorn on the night I visited – loaded baked potato, sour cream and onion, and movie theater butter – which were all tasty and fun to sample, as was the addicting snack mix loaded with mixed nuts, sesame sticks, hot cajun corn sticks, and toffee peanut clusters. The fresh-baked soft pretzels with delicious beer cheese, and a choice of cheese or pepperoni personal-sized pizza from Billy Manzo (a Certified Master Pizzaiolo of Federal Hill Pizza fame) are great indulgences to complement a fun night out.
If cocktails aren’t your thing, they also offer a wide selection of beers, wines by the glass and bottle, and even some really tasty mocktails, including The Cool Heat, which was very refreshing with cucumber, jalapeño, lemon, agave, and soda water. I rounded off the night with something I wouldn’t usually choose: the Midori Yuzu Sour. If Midori makes you think of sickeningly sweet drinks from your college days, this take on it will make you change your mind. The Midori is blended with gold-flaked yuzu juice, dry pisco, lemon juice, and is topped with whipped egg whites for a truly elevated experience.
Whether you are starting or ending a fun night traipsing through Providence’s culinary scene or just in the mood for some delicious cocktails, XO Bar is definitely worth checking out. Though it was bittersweet bidding a melancholy happy trails to the XO Cafe, its reincarnation is a destination I’ll be happy to return to in the future.
The XO Bar
125 North Main Street
250-3606 • TheXOBar.com
The full bar entices guests at XO Bar
Photos by Stacey Place
Cold Brew Martini
Food Trends: Soup of the Day
Cozy up with bowls of goodness in and around Providence
By Abbie Lahmers
Just over the Providence border in Cranston, Lily’s Soups and Scoops offers the best of both worlds with bowls of soup and ice cream. As November shifts our focus from frozen to cozy, owner Lily Scott turns up the heat with crowd-pleasing harvests. “This fall we’re loving local squashes and pumpkins,” says Scott, who looks forward to rotating in the Fall
Squash Soup, which is offered along with all the usual suspects: Tomato Basil, Portuguese Kale, Chicken Noodle, and Chicken and Rice. When she opened the unique concept last year, she explains, “I hoped that friends and neighbors could have a place to pick up a nutritious homemade meal.” This includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options – and for
bread lovers, rest assured that loaves are scratchmade and excellent for dunking. Guests can also order grilled cheese, with or without additions like bacon and nut-free pesto, as well as freshbaked cookies and cakes for dessert. “It warms my heart knowing Rhode Island loves our food as much as I do,” says Scott. 1850 Broad Street, Cranston, LilysSoupsAndScoops.com
Hot and cold delicacies in Cranston
P hoto courtesy of Lily’s Soups & Scoops
The Garden Grille in Pawtucket is an easy favorite among plant-based eaters, who are enticed by the cozy atmosphere and commitment to high-quality ingredients. Explains director of operations Deanna Lockard, “Since the restaurant opened in 1996, our vision has been to create a welcoming haven where wholesome, scratch-made vegetarian comfort food brings people together.”
And it doesn’t get more wholesome than the Beer Onion Soup, a rich, savory broth topped with pretzel croutons and cheddar cheese. Garden Grille also offers a
rotating soup of the day in a range of styles, from Lentil Chili to Thai Tomato, Split Pea Charred Jalapeño to White Bean Minestrone. “Like our entire menu, all of our soups are made from scratch and fully vegan with the option for real or vegan cheese,” says Lockard. Pair any with the new Autumn Salad, made up of roasted beets and butternut squash, arugula, apples, maple walnuts, goat cheese, and green goddess dressing, exemplifying the eatery’s passion for crafting “dishes that nourish both body and soul.” 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket, GardenGrilleRI.com
There’s no better pairing than soup and a sandwich, and in November, the Bodega on Smith offers the ultimate combo: the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Sandwich with a piping hot bowl of Butternut Squash Soup, which is filled with fall spices. “After we roast the squash in the oven, we combine the ingredients with some cream and whip it to perfection, and garnish with pumpernickel croutons,” shares catering manager, Regina Lester. Along with many soups on the menu, a vegan version is also available.
This family-owned and -operated deli
in the heart of the rejuvenated Smith Hill area, which is known for its Italian grinder and Cubano sandwiches, devises seasonal specials made in house with fresh ingredients, along with offering catering services. Another crowd-pleaser on the menu this month is the Hearty Beef Stew, a rustic concoction filled with potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion, simmered in beef broth and finished with red wine. Lester suggests pairing this savory affair with their Mini Cheddar Corn Muffins. 373 Smith Street, BodegaOnSmith.com
A Smith Hill bodega specializes in rustic soups and sandwiches
Plant-based broth and more in Pawtucket
PIC OF PVD
Savoring fall afernoons around the city
ABOUT DAVID @runofthemillshop
David Lawlor is an avid filmmaker and documentarian who lives in Providence, with an interest in telling the stories of places undergoing transformation and historic mill buildings.
