Discover a new and modern apartment community like no other in South County. Meet The One Ten. Only 20 minutes to both Downtown Providence and Newport.
• Spacious 2-bedroom floor plans with designer finishes
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THE SCOOP
Arts | The Public’s Radio | Rhody Pets | Rhody Health | Field Trip | Calendar
String Theory
Ninth annual guitar and mandolin festival brings six days of concerts, workshops, lectures and more, across six venues
Mandolin concerts and lectures are part of the festival schedule
By Adam Hogue
The classical guitar, mandolin, and just about anything else with strings find their yearly time to shine in Kingston with players coming from all around the world to stir emotion with sound. The URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival puts the instruments and the music that comes from them front and center. Held October 13 and 16-20 at various venues around the Kingston campus, the schedule includes concerts, workshops, lectures, masterclasses, three categories of performance competitions, a composer-in-residence program, a luthier expo, and a children and youth guitar program.
“The throughline of the festival is the exploration and celebration of string instruments, particularly guitar and mandolin, in their various forms and genres,” says festival organizer and guitarist Adam Levin. “By showcasing a wide array of musical styles – from classical and jazz to folk and Latin – the festival emphasizes the versatility and universal appeal of these instruments.” Levin explains that the diversity in the lineup and concerts demonstrates the many ways string instruments can be expressed, “highlighting musical diversity, and the boundless potential of these instruments to connect different cultures and traditions.”
Photo by Adam Levin, courtesy
of URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival
It is always Levin’s hope for the festival that attendees will experience “a-ha” moments of surprise when they realize just how versatile and emotionally powerful string instruments can be. Whether it’s through a heartwarming folk tune, an intricate classical piece, or a lively jazz number, he wants the audience to form a deep, lasting connection with the music and the instruments that make it possible.
“The guitar and mandolin each bring distinct and often overlooked qualities to the musical table. The guitar, with its rich tonal palette, can evoke deep emotions through gentle classical melodies, energetic jazz rhythms, or soulful Latin tunes. It’s an instrument that tells stories and connects across cultures,” Levin explains. “The mandolin, on the other hand, has a bright, shimmering
sound that adds a unique texture and rhythmic drive, especially in folk and classical music. Its crisp, clear notes can bring a sense of joy and lightness, making it stand out in any ensemble.”
Levin notes that for non-music theory enthusiasts, watching live performances can be a sensory treat. “Look out for the intricate fingerwork of the musicians, the way they use their whole body to express the music, and the subtle interactions between performers. The energy, spontaneity, and nuances that musicians bring to a live setting are often lost in recordings.”
He goes on to advise, “in any live performance at the festival, the acoustics of the room can enhance the richness of the sound, and the communal atmosphere amplifies the emotional impact. The audiences’ reactions and the musicians’
responses to them create a unique, dynamic experience that makes live music deeply engaging and memorable. The immediacy and presence of being in the same space as the performers bring a profound connection that is simply unmatched by virtual or recorded experiences.”
The URI Guitar and Mandolin festival features a lineup that is world-class from start to finish. As Levin notes, “The artists speak for themselves, and I’m proud of all that they have to offer! I would not miss the all-day music festival at the General Stanton Inn on Sunday, October 13, which will give everyone a sampling of everything they will hear at the festival from blues, jazz, Latin, classical, mandolin and fusion.” For the full schedule and ticket information, visit URIGuitarFestival.org.
Photo (L) by Bogdan Urma. (R) by Adam Levin, courtesy of URI Guitar and Mandolin Festival
Trio Calvacade performing in 2023
Adam Levin
FLUID FILM
WHAT IS FLUID FILM?
FLUID FILM is a lanolin based product. It will not evaporate or dry from the surface. FLUID FILM will leave a wet, non-drying film, that will provide long term corrosion protection on all metals and superior lubrication for all moving parts. We apply this to the under carriage, frame rails suspension components and rocker panels / wheels wells when accessible.
CAN MY CAR BENEFIT FROM FLUID FILM?
Fluid Film is formulated to prevent rust from commencing and to immediately stop existing rust from spreading. It is not designed to remove rust, but it will penetrate rust and rust scale to the base metal, loosening and easing in the removal process
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Depending on driving habits fluid film can last up to 36 months. We recommend an initial coating then a follow up with a touch up 18-24 months later
HOW LONG DOES MY CAR HAVE TO SIT AFTER THE COATING?
We can get these done same day. You can drop off the car in the morning and have it back by 5pm.
Piano-driven “Witch Pop”
The Providence singer-songwriter’s latest single, “Ghost Story,” is a cautionary tale about heartbreak and the perils of modern dating
In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By
James Baumgartner
With a background in literature and classical music, Providence musician Olivia Dolphin writes piano-driven pop songs about relationships and self-reflection. She stopped by the studio for an interview with Artscape producer James Baumgartner.
OLIVIA DOLPHIN: I call it “witch pop.” Which is something we’re trying on, but basically, honoring the things that make me feel a little witchy, like, loving friendship and magic, and the environment, and community and infusing all of that into my lyrics. And then with the musical content, like sometimes we go a little dark with the chords and the chord progressions and the sounds we’re making as a band. So yeah, we’re trying on the term “Witch Pop” today.
JAMES BAUMGARTNER: Listening to your music, I hear elements of a little Pat Benatar, maybe a little Alanis Morissette, maybe a little Tori Amos, correct me if I’m wrong, maybe even, a little element of musical theater?
DOLPHIN: That is the list that I hear often, which is an honor, always. I would add the people that I listen to most often, which are Brandi Carlile, Ingrid Michaelson, Vanessa Carlton, like, the really piano driven singer songwriters, Regina Spector. That’s like who I listened to, but as a ‘90s girl, I think there’s a lot of that ‘90s rock influence that I didn’t know I had, it’s just coming out naturally.
BAUMGARTNER: What about some of those artists really inspires you?
DOLPHIN: I love the storytelling aspect. When you listen to Brandi Carlile, Ingrid Michaelson, or Tori Amos, they use really poetic, lyrical, high energy content in their songs. They’re really touching on a lot of different topics, but at the core of it all is that strong storytelling, which I really loved. So marrying
a lot of my writing background with my music background, I think it’s only natural that I kind of blend some of those aspects together.
BAUMGARTNER: Tell me more about how your literary background influences your songwriting?
DOLPHIN: I have always been a reader. I grew up reading the Harry Potter books. I was the Harry Potter girl at school. And while my relationship to Harry Potter has changed because of recent comments by the author, I still really value the morals that I took away from Harry Potter, like community, like celebrating friendships, like fighting for what you believe in.
BAUMGARTNER: Tell us about your latest single, “Ghost Story”.
DOLPHIN: It’s what I call a spooky banger. It’s loud. It’s in your face. It’s a little Halloween all year round. And it is about being ghosted. I got ghosted by the same person twice. My bad, I should have read the signs. “Ghost Story” is about wishing that you had seen the signs in a relationship to not get ghosted.
BAUMGARTNER: You put together shows at Askew. And I hear you like putting together mixed genre shows. What is that all about?
DOLPHIN: I’m trying to capture a variety show vibe, but under a theme. We did one in February called “Love stories, a little salty a little sweet” and it was poets, storytellers, musicians, and singer-songwriters under this idea of love stories. And you can get a little salty with it and a little sweet with it, and we had comedians. And I think with Providence being such a creative city, it just makes
Photo courtesy of The Public’s Radio via Olivia Dolphin
sense to me to try to pull a little bit from every audience niche and try to combine them. And something I’ve been saying at shows a lot is, you gotta use it or lose it. You gotta use the venues, you gotta go to shows. And I am a millennial. I’m in my 30s. I love to be in bed by 9. It’s really hard to get out for events, especially hosting them and doing them. But, you know, I just applaud anybody that’s going to live music shows right now or finding, like, that weird community variety show or that open mic and saying, you know what? I’m gonna roll the dice on this event and I’m gonna go and I’m gonna stay up past my bedtime because that is what we need to keep the creative community in Providence alive right now. We’ve got to show up. And so that’s my hypothesis with mixed genre shows.
BAUMGARTNER: Does your classical music education show up in any of the piano arrangements, or the band arrangements, or the music that you write?
DOLPHIN: Yeah, I actually think when you say, I hear a musical theater influence in your music, what you’re actually hearing is the classical background. I see so much value in musical theater and I have gone to Broadway shows and I love PPAC and everything about it, but it’s just not really for me. So when people hear Broadway or musical theater in my work, I think what they’re actually hearing is a deep love and appreciation and background in classical music, the Romantic era, the symphonies. The very first thing I listened to, I remember my dad having Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the house and like no two pieces there sound the same. You know, with classical music, you just go through these really long journeys. And I think that you can hear that in my music, where it takes you on these dynamic ebbs and flows.
This article was originally posted on June 27, 2024 and has been edited for length. James Baumgartner can be reached at jbaumgartner@ThePubicsRadio.org
Rhody Pets of the Month
By Karen Kalunian
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!
Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and across the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are two dogs (and a cat!) ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.
If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.
Luna
BREED: Domestic Long Hair
AGE: 1.5 years
GENDER: Female
When it comes to looks, Luna has them. From her stunning steel gray and snow white coat to her bright green eyes, you can’t find a prettier feline anywhere. She is a little on the shy side but very sweet and you can tell she just wants to be loved. Perhaps once she is out of the shelter environment, she will blossom into a lovable lap cat. Call to plan a visit; if you bring yummy treats, Luna will be over the moon.
EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER
401-294-2754
Rocky
BREED: Mixed
AGE: 2 years
GENDER: Male
Rocky is a fun-loving, active boy who loves to run and play! He is “supah dupah” handsome with his two-tone coat, which is accented by his enormous smile. Rocky loves people –he’s a social guy who’s always ready for a game of fetch, a romp around the yard, or a nice long walk where he can sniff away. Go meet Rocky to find out if he’s the perfect fit for you.
CHARLESTOWN ANIMAL SHELTER
401-364-1211
Luna Rocky
Photos by Karen Kalunian
BREED: Black Mouth Cur Mixed
AGE: 8 months
GENDER: Female
This adorable redhead is sweet and affectionate! She loves to run around and play and can dash like the wind, hence her name. Dasha has eyes that will reach right into your heart and steal it. If you have another playful pup, she might be a great match as Dasha likes other friendly pups. Her favorite things are yummy treats, learning, exploring, and being the best cuddle-bug! Make a plan to dash right over and meet her ASAP.
SAVE ONE SOUL ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE Jocelyn@sosarl.org or SOSARL.org
Dasha
Dasha
Rhody Health
Protect yourself: breast screenings are essential self-care
By Sarah Toatley
Whether it’s scheduling a first mammogram or keeping up with annual appointments, taking proactive steps in monitoring breast health is vital. This October, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being by staying informed, understanding your risk factors, and making screenings a routine part of your health care. The days when breast cancer was discussed in hushed tones are long gone. Today, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of early detection, breast self-awareness (being familiar with how one’s own breasts’ look and feel), coupled with widespread support for those affected. Early detection through regular screenings significantly improves the chances of successful treatment, making annual mammograms an essential part of every woman’s healthcare routine.
“I cannot say it enough – regular screenings are essential for maintaining breast health, and breast health is a crucial part of overall health,” says Shannon Champagne, manager of diagnostic
imaging at South County Health. “The earlier a problem is detected, the better the outcome. Statistics show that one in eight women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but with early detection, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. That’s why staying ahead through early screenings is so important for our community.”
KNOW YOUR TISSUE
An important but often overlooked aspect of breast health is breast density. Women with dense breasts, which contain more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue, may find it more difficult to detect cancer through a standard mammogram. “Dense breast tissue appears white on a mammogram, similar to how potential tumors appear, which can create a masking effect,” explains Champagne. “Nearly half of all women over 40 have dense breasts, so understanding this condition is crucial.” She
adds, “while dense breasts are common and not necessarily a higher risk for cancer, they do require additional attention. We may recommend supplemental imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to provide a clearer picture. This comprehensive approach ensures that every woman receives the most accurate diagnosis possible.”
TAKE CONTROL
Empowerment in breast health begins with understanding risk factors and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers. Knowing your personal risk and adhering to a regular screening schedule can make a significant difference in your health outcomes. “We encourage women to know their risk factors and discuss them with their primary care or OB GYN providers,” Champagne advises. “Your healthcare provider is your partner in this journey, and together, you can make informed
decisions about your health. South County Health recently welcomed Dr. Julia Tassinari, of Brown Surgical Associates, to our breast health team. We are committed to the mission of supporting patients with the information and resources needed to stay proactive in their care.”
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
If a mammogram or screening reveals an abnormality, it can be an unsettling experience. South County Health’s Breast Health Navigator plays a vital role in guiding patients through their treatment options, offering clarity and emotional support. “A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but our breast health navigator is there to provide guidance and reassurance throughout the journey,” Champagne explains. “Our goal is to ensure that every patient feels supported and informed during this critical time.”
In partnership with South County Health
Where Neighbors Create
West Bay artists open their studios for 16th annual tour
By Ella Corrao
There is a story behind every shiny ceramic sculpture, every intricately designed necklace and ring, every watercolor painting depicting a New England sky. This October, art enthusiasts can ask the makers themselves about these stories and more at the annual West Bay Open Studios Tour.
For the last 15 years, this maze of masterpieces through North Kingstown, East Greenwich, and Warwick has dazzled attendees. The self-guided free-of-charge tour allows guests to familiarize themselves with the art and processes of a slew of creators. To get started, attendees download an online map of studios and are welcome to traverse the rooms where artists across various mediums conduct their work. Studios open their doors to let guests view the cultivated craftsmanship of artists specializing in ceramics, glassware, watercolors, photography, woodworking, and more.
Debbie Ferrazzoli, a prolific featured artist who has specialized in intricate jewelry making for the past 50 years, is eager to showcase her wearable art. “I have been making jewelry since graduating from RISD in 1972. My dream came true when I had my workshop built on my property in 1996,” she says. Ferrazzoli’s North Kingstown studio is replete with tools, bins of semi-precious beads, shells, and more that go into her distinctive collection. “Every piece I create reflects my love for this art and the endless possibilities it offers. The tour has given me the opportunity to show it to the public.”
by
Photo
Elyse Major
An Apponaug Cove fishing shanty serves as the studio and shop of traditional basketmaker Judy Hummel
WEST BAY OPEN STUDIOS TOUR
Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27
11am to 5pm
Download map at WestBayOpenStudios.com
Watercolor artist Diane Raeke Heilig, also in North Kingstown, utilizes a combination of linework and painting, and cites hiking and travel as sources of inspiration. “I love the details in nature and architecture, and color combinations. As a painter, my challenge is to capture these in my work,” she says. “I’m pleased to show my paintings at the Warwick Center for the Arts during the West Bay Open
Studios Tour.” For shoppers, Heilig adds, “on offer will be paintings, watercolor, acrylic and some oil, with a variety of subject matter.”
This year’s tour will be the first for Wickford-based oil painter Alexandra Jedrey, who admits, “I don’t fully know what to expect yet, but so far I love that it connects our group of local artists. It’s been really fun meeting and planning together each week.” The charming
outbuilding that serves as Jedrey’s studio is a light-filled space with paint tubes on a pegboard, vessels of brushes, and many paintings of her favorite subject: oyster shells. Jedrey adds, “for the attendees, I think it’s special that the tour shows how many fantastic artists live right in your neighborhood and gives an inside perspective of, not only what, but how we create.”
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Jedrey
Alexandra Jedrey inside her Wickford studio
Robert K. Dyer MD, MPH
Nancy Kate Staley PA-C
Vincent D. Criscione, MD Katie Sliney MSPAS, PA-C
Meighan Dingle Blanco, FNP-BC
Tori Jedson MSPAS, PA-C
Jennifer Johnson, APRN, NP-BC
Lauren Volpe MSPAS, PA-C
The Must List
events
a statewide listing of events visit us online!
Through October 27: The Fall Festival at Clark Farms runs every weekend this month with the Over the Big Top circus-themed corn maze, hay rides, go-karts, live music, the farm stand, and a petting zoo. Matunuck, ClarkFarms.com
October 5: The harvest moon means it’s time for sassamineash tabutamtomooank, also known as Cranberry Thanksgiving , a day to celebrate the tangy berry with storytelling, games, art demonstrations, and more at St. James Chapel. Charlestown, TomaquagMuseum.org
October 5: One of the signature events celebrating North Kingstown’s big birthday is the 350th Anniversary Parade , kicking off at 1pm for a day of community pride; rain date is October 6. NorthKingstownRI.gov
October 5-6: Carve a pumpkin or pick up some mums for your front porch at the Fall Festival at Wildwood Nurseries with live music, regional vendors and makers, food trucks, and a petting zoo. East Greenwich, WildwoodRI.com
October 6: Does your chili have what it takes? Spice it up for the second annual Leyden Vineyards Chili Cook-Off with cash prizes for the top three dishes. Advance registration is required to participate. West Greenwich, LeydenFarm.com
October 11-27: Granite Theatre puts on the classic mystery Sleuth , a Tony Award-winning play and Academy Award-nominated film. It’s the ultimate game of cat and mouse, played out in a cozy English country house owned by a celebrated writer. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.org
October 12: Wakefield Oktoberfest is a good time for all ages, offering food and drink, shopping along Main Street, games, local artisans, live music with entertainment on three stages, and the final Riverfire of the year. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
October 18-31: Wicked Week returns with spooky fun to round out the month, including the Witches of Wickford Paddle on October 20, a sip and stroll event and Scarecrow Contest on the 24th, Horribles Parade on the 26th, and more. WickfordVillage.org
October 19-20: The HopArts Studio Trail is an opportunity to explore unique maker spaces in Hopkinton, Richmond, and surrounding villages, meet with the artists to learn about their process, and purchase unique handmade items. HopArts.org
October 19: Campy meets creepy at the Witch, Please drag show, a haunted runway of high heels, hexes, and hilarity hosted by Providence drag comedian Nervous, and featuring queens Shakaren, Lucy Diamonds, and others. Westerly, UnitedTheatre.org
Photos courtesy of Clark Farms
A hay ride at Clark Farms
Ghosted!
TALES – AND 37 SITES ACROSS
RHODE ISLAND – TO GET YOUR FRIGHT ON
INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH AUTHORS AMY BRUNI, RORY RAVEN, AND CHRISTOPHER RONDINA
By Bob Curley, Abbie Lahmers, Emily Olson, Tony Pacitti, Faye Pantazopoulos, Julie Tremaine
over the years, we’ve covered countless tales of hauntings and spooky lore – a college dorm in Providence that was once a funeral parlor, evidence of witches marks in Little Compton, and sightings of a ghost girl in a Charlestown inn bedroom – to name a few. Leaving no stone unturned, our editors invite you to a spooky campfire chat – with flashlights held beneath our chins – in the pages of this magazine. From interviews with a TV personality whose livelihood is tracking spectral visitors to authors specializing in New England ghosts, and places to eat, drink, and stay where you might feel the brush of something otherworldly, it’s all right here.
GHOST HUNTING IN THE EAST BAY
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LEGENDS AND LORE THAT HAUNT THE AREA
“I feel like this whole island is haunted,” says Amy Bruni, of Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters fame. She lists off a handful of Aquidneck Island sites, both well-known for their frights like White Horse Tavern and those less traversed by tourists – Miantonomi Tower, where public hangings once took place, and the supposed “blood alley” behind the Newport Opera House. Paranormal investigators like Bruni spend their careers not only communicating with the dead, but also ruminating over genealogical texts, court records, and house deeds. Visit any historical society in the area and it will become immediately clear – the East Bay is home to both hallowed grounds and the stuff of haunts and legends.
“Ghosts did bring me here,” says Bruni, who was drawn to spirits from a young age, a passion
her father helped foster by supplementing it with American history lessons. Often traveling from California to the East Coast to film Ghost Hunters , she met her significant other in Providence and settled down in Portsmouth. She jokes that this comes with the benefit of sleeping in her own bed after investigating nearby haunts, but it also means she’s never far from the region’s abundance of lore.
“There are little cemeteries everywhere, especially on Aquidneck Island,” Bruni says. “You can just pick one and learn fascinating things about a family there, like the Cornells. They’re buried behind a condo complex in Portsmouth.” She’s referring to the family who went down in infamy for Thomas Cornell’s alleged murder of his mother, Rebecca Cornell, in 1672. The kicker?
White Horse Tavern
The evidence leading to Thomas’ conviction and execution was purely spectral – the ghost of Rebecca appeared to her brother, John Briggs, with a message about the illicit nature of her death: “See how I was burnt with fire.”
It’s likely Thomas Cornell now rests beneath the Valley Inn Restaurant parking lot – apart from the family plot, of course.
Bruni investigated the Valley Inn for paranormal activity on both Kindred Spirits and her podcast, Haunted Road (and returns often for the stellar pizza), though the job takes her all over. She brings a uniquely thoughtful approach to coaxing out stories from the past.
“It’s just about humanizing the ghosts. I won’t claim to know exactly what a ghost is or speak in absolutes; I’m still not sure what we’re dealing with. But I just imagine, if someone were there in front of me, how would I treat them?” she says.
Bruni compares what they do to walking into a party where you don’t know anyone. In Kindred Spirits , you’ll see her and paranormal partner Adam Berry calmly, cautiously conferring with the spirit box – a means of getting on the ghosts’ wavelengths to hear what they have to say – and asking polite but probing questions, reading the room and feeling out the energy. “And it can be scary – sometimes, just like in day-to-day life, people don’t like a super cheerful lady walking in. Sometimes we’ll actually have homeowners or business owners introduce us to them. It’s just manners,” Bruni explains.
Bruni and Berry go where they’re invited, and the scope of their investigations varies. Sometimes it’s homes that are plagued with unexplained phenomena. In those cases, “I think a lot of it is understanding,” says Bruni. “To a family, they’re living with door slamming every day and footsteps and voices and that’s terrifying until maybe Adam and I come in and provide some perspective. Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
For locations steeped in history like Fort Adams or Rose Island, “There’s just so much information to draw on,” says Bruni. They conferred with Joan Quinn, a historian and haunted tour guide who has worked for the Newport Preservation Society, on their visit to Rose Island Lighthouse. A former lighthouse docent, Quinn is not only an expert on the island’s history but has also spent lots of time there.
“I feel like the lighthouse has always had a very friendly kind of feel,” says Quinn. “I would say it’s very spiritual, but there is some spooky stuff, too.” Two mass graves, barracks that once housed a cholera ward, and a deadly ship collision that happened close to its shores all make the small island a prime source for otherworldly activity; but inside the lighthouse itself, both Bruni’s team and Quinn detected the more peaceful presence of its
have claimed to feel the presence of its former keeper, Charles S. Curtis, still determined to keep the light on
Newport Historical Society offers a host of entertaining and educational tours this season
Visitors of Rose Island Lighthouse
long-time keeper. Charles S. Curtis is rumored to still make the trek up the stairs every night to turn the light on, and appearances of a child could be grandson Wanton Chase.
“Maybe some people get stuck, maybe it’s some kind of trauma, or maybe it’s, ‘oh I love this house, I never want to leave.’ I think Rose Island was very much that,” says Quinn. “I think he still wanted to do his job. It was that important.”
Quinn, who speaks of local history and paranormal encounters with both relish and reverence, absorbs tales relayed by guests in her Bristol and Warren haunted history tour groups and – with their permission – adds them to her repertoire of lore, which has expanded to become a sort of oral history collection of East Bay experiences over the years. She has witnessed glowing orbs in graveyards, heard doors slamming in the Rose Island barracks, and found mysterious streaks of light on photos. Others have entrusted her with stories of hearing Revolutionary War flutes in the Bristol Town Commons, apparitions on Tower Street, and other echoes of the past.
“Being a religion minor, it always made sense to me that there is another step after this, another reality, maybe,” says Quinn. “I always ask people on my tours, ‘are you believers?’ I don’t even know what I think, but there’s definitely something going on. What we see is very minimal of what is really out there.”
For investigators like Bruni and Quinn, the search for spirits begins in courthouses, historical societies, and libraries before ever setting foot inside a haunted house. And often, the discoveries made in old paper trails can be more rewarding than the lure of the supernatural. This is true for Marjory O’Toole, executive director of Little Compton Historical Society.
“I find a lot of what I do is start with the old histories and compare them to primary source documents and find that many of them need adjustment in order to be more factual, more accurate,” says O’Toole. “The legends are fascinating and often start with a grain of historical truth, but it’s really rewarding to try and discern what is truthful and what is legend.”
Even when ghosts can’t be conjured between the lines of historical records, there’s evidence of colonists’ superstitious belief found in small details like silver jewelry stuffed in children’s shoes and hidden behind fireplaces for protection, or circles and lines etched into wood to ward off witches.
Apotropaic marks, or witches’ marks, can be seen in Little Compton’s Wilbor House, on furniture originally from the Waite-Potter House in Westport, MA. “They were purposely
tangled marks and designs because that would help tangle up and catch the witch as she was trying to get into your house,” explains O’Toole. “New England colonists would try to protect themselves from evil spirits with these marks…we have this impression of Puritans as not being superstitious people but in reality, not everyone was a Puritan, and English colonists brought European superstitions with them to the New World.”
Their concern over evil spirits was deeply rooted. “I think it was a fear of things they couldn’t control or understand and attaching that fear to imaginary things like witches and spirits that would come and hurt them,” speculates O’Toole. “The real fear, the greatest fear of all, was illness. There’s no antibiotics; something as simple as strep throat could kill your children.
“And they feared the wrath of God. Quite sadly, there was also a belief that God was punishing them. The witches marks and hidden shoes weren’t connected to God – they were connected to the opposite of God: evil creatures, evil spirits.”
The story of Jonathan Dunham – known as Shingleterry – and Mary Rosse taps into New England’s obsession with witches. O’Toole recounts the story as it’s told in The Naked Quaker by Diane Rapaport. In the 1700s, across the street from the Quaker Meeting House in Little Compton, the crime-committing duo broke into the home of John and Elizabeth Irish, barricading their children inside and setting the house on fire. John Irish was able to rescue his children, and Shingleterry and Rosse were “turned over to the officials – local judges – who decided that they needed to be tied to the back of a wagon and whipped on their way
out of town. So they were sent out of town but not imprisoned,” explains O’Toole.
Tracing out-of-town court records, you can chart the pair’s destructive path, and eventually their crimes caught up to them – or at least to Rosse, who was declared a witch. “The court decided that Shingleterry was under Mary’s spell and he was innocent. From what I understand, he became a minister and had congregations down in the New Jersey/Maryland area, and I’m not sure what happened to Mary but I’m sure she wasn’t treated as well by the courts.”
Little Compton Historical Society, and its Wilbor House museum, is a bottomless well of these kinds of stories, as well as lesser-known tales of ordinary people living in the town at different periods of time. O’Toole notes the wealth of new information digitized records give us access to. “In the past, people would think, you can’t do the history of people of color in New England because there just aren’t any records. That’s simply not true. There are lots of records, but they’re hard to find, so it really comes down to how hard we are looking.”
It’s this process of uncovering the facts behind the myth that drew O’Toole to the field of history, though she doesn’t dismiss the tantalizing lore that circulates our region.
“The main thing is that the stories are really fun, and there’s nothing wrong with a story – even an exaggerated story – if it piques someone’s interest in the history,” she says, “but I think as interesting as the stories are on their own, it’s even more rewarding to try and do a little bit of digging to find the truth behind it.”
–Abbie Lahmers, The Bay , October 2022
STAY THE NIGHT
• Castle Hill Inn, Newport
• The Conjuring House, Burrillville
• General Stanton Inn, Charlestown With rich history comes the lore of the inn being haunted. So, are there ghosts? “Oh yes, three sets of ghosts have been reported,” co-owner Jackie Moore grins, explaining that the last General Stanton died at the inn in December of 1821 and is buried in the cemetery on the back lot of the property. “Guests over the years claimed to see him peering from a second-floor window and some said they felt a touch on their shoulder or a saw doorknob turn on its own.” Moore is quick to regale with more tales like a ship captain’s widow who died of a broken heart waiting for her husband who perished in the hurricane of 1815. “She can be seen in a long flowing white night dress on the third floor.” There’s also the story of a ghost-cat whose tail disappears around corners. “Bartenders have felt it brush up against their ankles and some have even heard it meowing.” –Faye Pantazopoulos, So Rhode Island , August 2023
• The Graduate, Providence
• Hamilton Hoppin House (AKA Villa 120), Newport
• Hotel Viking, Newport
• Rose Island Lighthouse
AMY BRUNI TEAMED UP WITH OUR FORMER EDITOR JULIE TREMAINE ON AN ESSENTIAL READ FOR GHOST HUNTERS WHO ARE ALSO FOODIES: FOOD TO DIE FOR: RECIPES AND STORIES FROM AMERICA’S MOST LEGENDARY HAUNTED PLACES, WHICH PAIRS TASTY RECIPES WITH TITILLATING TALES.
Early settlers scrawled witches marks into furniture and beams to ward off evil spirits
Photos (R) by Marjory O’Toole, (left) by Serena Parente Charlebois
SPOOKY SOUTH COUNTY
FROM GLOWING GHOST SHIPS TO VAMPIRES, A DEMON DOG, AND
MORE, RESIDENT GHOST WRITER CHRISTOPHER RONDINA SHARES TALES SURE TO GIVE YOU A FRIGHT
“Rhode Island doesn’t really have a monster story,” Rondina laments. His macabre mood lifts, however, when talk turns to the state’s abundant haunted sites, many inhabiting the historic villages and deep forests of Southern Rhode Island. “In some ways, I think Rhode Island is one of the spookiest states in New England, with woods full of old graveyards,” he says. And, he points out, we do have at least one paranormal pooch pawing around the ruins of an old fort in Jamestown. Buckle up for some South County sites worth visiting for a few genuine chills.
CAMP GREENE, COVENTRY
The Advent Christian Church began holding religious camp revival meetings in the village of Greene in the 1880s, and ruins of the former Camp Greene can be found in the woods off Hopkins Hollow Road. “Abandoned cabins, enormous crosses, and bat houses nailed to every tree – this decaying former religious retreat in one of Rhode Island’s most rural corners feels like the backdrop for a Stephen King novel,” says Rondina. “Urban legends persist regarding murderous camp counselors and other dark deeds, but these grim accounts seem more like campfire tales than genuine history. Even so, it’s not a place most people would linger after sundown.”
CHESTNUT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY, EXETER
Rhode Island has more than 2,800 historic cemeteries; #22 on Route 102 in Exeter is the final resting place of Mercy Brown, who died of tuberculosis in 1892. Suspected by her family of being a vampire, Mercy was exhumed and found to be weirdly well-preserved; in desperation, a piece of her heart was fed to her brother (also ill with the disease) in an attempt to ward off death.
“Mercy was one of a dozen such revenants thought to prowl the graveyards of Rhode Island between 1796 and 1892, a cursed history which may have inspired Bram Stoker, author of Dracula ,” says Rondina.
DEVIL’S FOOTPRINTS, NORTH KINGSTOWN
Devil’s Foot Road in North Kingstown runs along a granite ledge known as Devil’s Foot Rock, so named for a series of indentations attributed to Satan himself. “‘Old Scratch’ is said to have left footprints in the woods near Quonset while in pursuit of a virtuous native maiden in the 1600s, and his diabolical prints are still visible today,” says Rondina. The satanic stone is located just south of Quonset Point, off Route 1.
FORT WETHERILL, JAMESTOWN
Rhode Island may not have its own monster, but a demon dog is believed to wander the grounds of Fort Wetherill — a legend that Haunted Rhode Island author Thomas D’Agostino says could date back to British occupation of the fort during the Revolutionary War. Even if you don’t run into a spooky pup on your visit, it’s creepy enough to explore the ruined World War II-era fortifications, which include underground tunnels (technically) off limits to the public.
GREAT SWAMP MASSACRE SITE, SOUTH KINGSTOWN
Some spooky spots in South County have fanciful stories, but the terror and violence that took place in the Great Swamp in 1675 was all too real. In the middle of King Philip’s War, a colonial militia descended upon a peaceful encampment of the Narragansett tribe in South Kingstown and massacred hundreds of women and children, with many more dying after fleeing into the frozen swamp. The Great Swamp Fight Monument is located off Route 2, near the site of the fortress.
The five-minute film Ghost Poachers was filmed at Fort Wetherill
THE LADD SCHOOL, EXETER
Founded as The Rhode Island School for the Feeble-Minded in 1908, the Ladd School was essentially an overcrowded prison for the mentally ill and women accused of violating the morality codes of the day. This place of misery, neglect, and murder was finally razed in 2013, but not before being used as the setting of a horror movie called Exeter . “Haunted by dark memories and an aura of hopelessness, the site remains stigmatized to this day by its past,” Rondina says.
THE NARRAGANSETT RUNE STONE, NORTH KINGSTOWN
Two rows of Runic letters, visible only at low tide, were carved into a granite boulder on Pojac Point, some say by early Norse explorers. Nobody is quite sure where the carvings originated or what they mean, although the closest translation seems to be “screaming river.” The stone was relocated for safekeeping to Library Park in Wickford in 2015.
NATHANAEL GREENE HOMESTEAD, COVENTRY
The 1770 home of Rhode Island’s foremost Revolutionary War hero is one of a handful of haunted houses that are open to the public. Rondina says supernatural phenomena have reportedly included a baby carriage that moves by itself, the smell of baking bread from long unused ovens, and the sounds of militia members preparing for battle. Not for nothing did Greene himself refer to the place as “Spell Hall.”
OLD NARRAGANSETT CEMETERY, NORTH KINGSTOWN
Church cemeteries are consecrated ground, but what happens to the unfortunate souls buried in the churchyard if the church moves away? One of Rhode Island’s oldest cemeteries can be found off Shermantown Road, with headstones dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, but the Old Narragansett Church itself was spirited off to Wickford in 1799.
THE PALATINE LIGHT, BLOCK ISLAND
According to legend, wreckers lured the Dutch sailing ship Princess Augusta onto the rocks of Block Island in 1738; the ship burned and sank, costing the lives of dozens of passengers. Some of the dead, who hailed from the Palatine region of Germany, are buried on Block Island, and an eerily glowing ghost ship is said to visit the island’s shores each winter, “eternally seeking vengeance on the descendants of the wreckers who sealed her fate,” according to Rondina.
SMITH’S CASTLE, NORTH KINGSTOWN
At least two ghosts are believed to roam the halls of Smith’s Castle — perhaps not surprising for a building that dates back to 1678. The spirit of Elizabeth Singleton, a Newport woman who fell down a staircase and died after an overindulgence in rum, is said to be buried on the property and haunts the old building to this day. The building was once owned by the family of author John Updike, who used Wickford as the fictional inspiration for his book, The Witches of Eastwick – Bob Curley, So Rhode Island , 2020
Nathanael Greene Homestead also known as Spell Hall
Smith’s Castle is one of the oldest houses in the state
Photography by Nick DelGiudice
GHOST TOURS
• Block Island Ghost Tours
BlockIslandGhostTours.com
• Ghosts of Newport GhostsOfNewport.com
• Haunted Boat Rides ProvidenceRiverboat.com
• Haunted Bristol & Warren Tours
Facebook: Haunted Bristol Tours
• North Burial Ground ProvidenceRI.gov
• Providence Ghost Tour ProvidenceGhostTour.com
• Seaside Shadows Downtown
Westerly Ghost Tours
SeaSideShadows.com
FRIGHTFUL PLACES
• Cumberland Monastery
• Hearthside House
Lincoln
• Seaview Terrace
Newport
Long before Twilight , there was a TV show called Dark Shadows (1966 to 1971) and it used Seaview Terrace (or Burnhamby-the-Sea) as the exterior for fictional Collinwood Mansion, which in turn inspired Kingston Mansion for Shaggy and the gang in the “What the Hex Is Going On?” episode of ScoobyDoo, Where Are You!
• Sprague Mansion
Cranston
• Swan Point Cemetery
Providence
EAT, DRINK & BE EERIE
• Carriage Inn
North Kingstown
• Tavern on Main
Chepachet
• The Valley Inn
Portsmouth
• White Horse Tavern
Newport
RAVEN’S EYE-VIEW OF PVD
Rory Raven is an entertainer, tour guide, and author of the book Haunted Providence: Strange Tales from the Smallest State . In these tales from his book, Raven gives a peek beneath the veil to reveal a few ghostly happenings in our fair city.
If you find yourself on Benefit Street in the middle of the night and see a man in black walking down the street carrying a walking stick, it might be the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe. Although Poe didn’t die in Providence, he visited it several times while courting the poet Sarah Helen Whitman. Perhaps he still seeks her.
A lamplighter who lived off Benefit Street had a daughter who was gravely ill, but despite her plight, had dinner waiting for him every night when he got home. One afternoon, she died, and her distraught father laid her body in a coffin under a window that looked onto the street. Weeks passed, and the authorities were called and the girl was buried. People walking the street say they could sometimes see the girl’s face in the window peering out at passersby.
One night, two janitors were working in the Nightingale-Brown House, now the John Nicholas Brown Center, on Benefit Street. One of the janitors moved to turn off the lights that illuminated the sides of a portrait, but he heard a voice that said, “Don’t turn that light out!” He didn’t.
Two ghostly residents of Power Street are a mother and daughter who died in a house fire. A second house was built on the footprint of theirs, and people say they can see the figures of the two women sitting on the steps and crying. When approached, they disappear and leave behind the scent of smoke.
A modern family that lived in the BicknellArmington Lightning Splitter House on Pawtucket Avenue reported several ghostly happenings in the home built in the late 1700s. They noted wine and liquor glasses being broken about once a month during their time in the home. Sometimes they heard them break from the other room, and once during a party, a guest had a glass knocked from her hand by something unseen. –Emily Olson
PECULIAR PROVIDENCE
WHEN A CITY HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 1636, IT’S SURE TO HAVE SOME SKELETONS IN ITS CLOSET
Providence Athenaeum
North Burial Ground is known to host Halloween and Dia de los Muertos events
PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM
If you work in a library beloved by both H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe, you have to expect the occasional haunting. Poe in particular left a significant impression, as the Athenaeum was where he courted – and was later dumped by – Sarah Helen Whitman. Poe died not long after they parted ways, and Whitman is said to have summoned his spirit in the library. Decades later, a man was found sleeping on the Athenaeum steps. When asked to move, he proceeded to yell, “The Conqueror Worm!” – the title of one of Poe’s poems – before vanishing into thin air.
DEXTER HOUSE, PROVIDENCE
This current RISD dorm was once a funeral home and morgue, where the wake of none other than H.P. Lovecraft was held. It’s also purported to be one of the earliest sites in the country where embalming was practiced, so naturally it’s just a little bit haunted. RISD students have reported the usual paranormal activity, but nothing sounds quite as terrifying as waking up in the middle of the night to find your sheets pulled tight and the indentation of a ghost sitting on the edge of your bed.
UNIVERSITY HALL, BROWN UNIVERSITY
The building that currently houses Brown University’s administration, including the university’s president, was once the entirety of the Brown campus. During the Revolutionary War, the building was used as a hospital facility for colonial and French troops; you don’t need to know much about 18th-century medicine to know that a lot of soldiers died there. Faces have been seen peering through windows at night, surveying the Ivy League quad from beyond the grave.
BENEFIT AND THOMAS STREETS, PROVIDENCE
Benefit Street is lousy with ghosts. Why? Because when the city was expanding in its early days, the bodies that had once been buried in people’s backyards had to be moved. Of course the city missed a few corpses – some things never change. Thomas Street has a few specific hauntings of note. One is in the eye-catching Fleur de Lys Studio, which is frequented by the ghost of a woman named Angela O’Leary. After her affair with a married mentor turned sour, Angela killed herself in the studio, where she had appeared as an apparition and, during renovations years ago, left handprints in the sawdust. Thomas Street is also home to a ghost who has been seen dancing in the street. Believed to be the resident of one of the street’s old boarding homes, she’s generally pleasant – the Casper of Providence, if you will. – Tony Pacitti & Julie Tremaine, Providence Monthly , 2017
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An architect connects a new home with its seaside surroundings
By Andrea E. McHugh
Him: a bachelor-entrepreneur of discerning taste who bought a plot of land in Charlestown with visions of a coastal-meets-contemporary home capable of capturing the far-off ocean views and comfortably able to host his four adult children for respites by the sea. Her: a visionary architect with an enviable international portfolio, a finely tuned eye for detail, contemporary aesthetic, and passion for sustainable design. Together, they created a sleek four-bedroom, four-bathroom home with cool vibes, a sense of place, and the embodiment of casual, seaside living through an entirely contemporary lens.
When the client first approached Sarah Jefferys Architecture + Interiors, a New York City-based boutique design firm with projects in Rhode Island and beyond, the challenge was clear. The two-acre property he bought was on a low plot of land, and while there were ocean views, they were distant and camouflaged in the wooded expanse – hardly ideal. But Jefferys, principal of the namesake design firm she founded in 2001, was unbothered by these hurdles. Instead, she identified the highest point of the acreage and creatively designed a spacious, efficient home perched well above ground level, positioned with a tilt to capture the best angle for embracing ocean vistas.
Jefferys designed the 3,800-square-foot home’s exterior to appear as though it’s floating above the land, mimicking a ship sailing on the sea. Anchored by light concrete walls on the exterior of the bottom level, the base is slightly tapered to reinforce the gravity-defying nature of the facade. Deep gray siding cradles the exterior of the second and third floors, creating depth and dimension amid the backdrop of surrounding nature, with the gray hue a nod to
classic New England salt boxes that typically pepper its shorelines. The crowning piece is a private roof deck off the main bedroom, purposefully situated to have an unobstructed sightline to Block Island. Inside, the open-plan ground floor holds the living room, dining area, and kitchen, married by white oak flooring throughout and seamlessly continuing to the kitchen cabinets. Light is reflected from every angle, amplified by white walls, a high-gloss white kitchen
Inside, white oak flooring and kitchen cabinets, white walls, and minimalist furnishings in neutral tones radiate a contemporary, airy allure parallel to the beach beyond
A floor-to-ceiling poured concrete fireplace is a nod to the captivating rocks that surround the home, forming a focal point in the living room, where a low sectional and lounge chair by Italian furniture designer Giorgio Soressi is sleek but not a museum piece – it’s meant to be lived in, to welcome all who enter. Altogether, the atmosphere is muted but modern, calming but contemporary, elegant but airy – a summation of upscale living but with a clear invitation to take off your shoes and get comfortable.
“This was an exciting project where we had the fun opportunity to introduce a modern, sculptural home in a coastal context,” reflects Jefferys. “ It’s quite unlike a traditional beach home yet still speaks to its surroundings.”
With light concrete and gray siding, the home’s facade forgoes traditional New England notions with a softened, brutalist approach and nautical elements that seemingly float in the elevated hills
Carefully curated materials and an organic color palette create a warm ocean-front retreat as luxe as its adjacent boutique hotels
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Jefferys took cues from beachy, traditional designs throughout the Rhode Island shore, and reimagined the home with an entirely contemporary lens. Learn more at SJDNY.com
Ready for the Elements
To create the illusion that the top two floors of the home are floating above the ground, Jefferys used deep gray modern fiber cement siding by James Hardie on the exterior of the second and third floors. Engineered to resist water and humidity and to withstand worst-case weather (from hurricanes and rain storms to extreme heat and hail), the siding is forecast-friendly.
Nature vs. Nurture
Jefferys says the facade of the home forgoes traditional New England notions with a softened, brutalist approach and nautical elements, calling it an innovative approach to coastal home design in New England. She sourced lumber, decking, railings, and more materials locally from Riverhead Building Supply in Westerly.
Photography by Morten Smidt, courtesy of Sarah Jefferys Design
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Gardens Get Goth
Moody and mysterious blooms are having a moment in the sun
By Elyse Major
The term “goth” signals different things to different people. Architecture admirers may conjure images of pointed arches on churches, medieval castles, and even fanciful cottages of the gothic style, while literary buffs are sure to recall the haunting, gruesome tales of Edgar Allan Poe (a frequent visitor to the Providence Athenaeum), and musicians may hear Bauhaus’ nine-minute 1979 release, “Bela Lugosi’s
Dead.” For those who dig all things earthly and eerie, there’s goth gardening.
Unlike chaos gardens, where all kinds of plants are encouraged to grow wild, or poison paths, which is more of a witch’s formulary or potager, the goth garden focuses on dramatic flowers with dark, velvety, or intricately shaped or veined petals and leaves. Pass by sunny daisies at your local garden center and instead seek varieties where even the names are macabre, such as Black Magic
cosmos, Penny Black nemophila, and Dracula celosia. Once the planting is done, continue to layer ambiance with black gravel or dark paver pathways, and embellish the space with ornamental accents like rusted bird cages, sections of moss-covered iron gates, statuary shaped like gargoyles and angels, or broken doll parts.
“Any kind of adornments that can make a plant look a little monstrous are always fun,” begins Nicky Borden, community and
Photo (L) by Elyse Major
A dramatic bouquet of branches, stems, dahlias, rye grass, dried garlic, corkscrew willow, scabiosa, English ivy, echinacea seed heads, styled by Mapleville Farm
GETTING STARTED
Early fall is a great time to buy potted flowers and plants at a reduced rate. Let your eye guide you to dark shades of burgundy and scarlet petals, dark foliage, and fearsome fronds. Find stems, statuary, seeds, and more at these places around the state:
Alchemy-Works.com**
Cottage & Garden* , Newport
The Farmer’s Daughter* , Wakefield
The Floral Reserve , Providence
Hilltop Garden Center* , Smithfield
Mapleville Farm , Mapleville
Stamp Farms , Cranston
Veiled Crow** , Warwick
Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center* , East Greenwich
*Statuary **Witch goods
administrative director at Four Buds Floral Studio in Providence. “Whether it’s doll arms or lizard eyes glued to a little chunk of moss on a stake, we love dressing plants up for spooky season.” Last year the Wickenden Street business did a pop-up market at North Burial Ground, a 300-year-old cemetery on Branch Avenue boasting 110 acres and 40,000 gravestones. “We used our most goth plant selections! We also used creepy doll heads to create little dried
Monkshood, AKA wolfsbane, devil’s helmet, or blue rocket, is part of the Ranunculaceae family and extremely poisonous
PRACTICAL MAGIC
ADVICE FROM EMMA ECHT, FLOWER GROWER AT MAPLEVILLE FARM
“For a goth garden set in partial shade, some good options are a Postman Joyner Caladium or a Dark Star Alocasia; both are grown for their beautiful foliage and unusual dark petioles (stalks). English ivy is simple to grow in containers and can add a dramatic spilling effect. Try a Mahogany Splendor hibiscus, which is grown for its richly colored foliage with a maple leaf appearance and sturdy stems perfect for bouquets, or a Red Spike amaranth with its dark red feathery plumes. Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers for a dark, moody bouquet. There are several that come in tones ranging from deep crimson to almost black; look for varieties like Thomas Edison, Black Jack, or Kenora Macob. Red Malabar spinach, which is primarily grown as an edible vining plant, has gorgeous red tendrils and spiky black fruit clusters –they are visually interesting as well as delicious! For wet areas, corkscrew willow stays October-creepy all year round!” BensBakery.com
arrangements with our popular handmade mushroom figurines, and assembled things like ‘cemeterrariums’ with handmade mini tombstones in glass coffins,” says Borden.
Artist, author, and witch Laura Tempest Zakroff grows a mix of both poison (datura, henbane, monkshood) and pretty (foxglove, hollyhock, black petunias) in her Providence garden, which she describes as “a variety of medicinal plants and those that are purely aesthetic,” as well as being a
“feast for the senses.” An avid gardener, Zakroff grows herbs for cooking, healing, and those used in spellcraft. A standout bloom in her garden is the Angel’s Trumpet or Brugmansia. “They are among the most toxic of the ornamental plants,” she explains. Part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), their large pendulous flowers can reach up to 20 inches in length. “Folks may wonder what I ‘do’ with such poisonous plants,” teases Zakroff. “I simply enjoy growing them.”
Laura Tempest Zakroff admires the Angel’s Trumpet in her garden
Meet Meredith Ewenson
This mindful Newport-based marketer from Chicago wants you to follow her – outdoors
By Ella Corrao & Julia Deal
What inspired you to start making content about nature, hiking, and mindfulness?
I’ve been a yoga teacher for 10 years, and mindfulness in my everyday life has become the most impactful element of my practice. I’ve always loved wildlife and nature, but it was a handful of years ago when I started taking walking meditations in nature, that I really felt a deep sense of connection and meaning by blending the two of these together. I started intentionally exploring more hikes and outdoor spaces, and then sharing those experiences and lessons that I thought would benefit others. This led me to create things like my Rhode Island Hiking Collective group and my international group hiking trips – both aimed at bringing like-minded people together outdoors in an intentional, immersive environment.
You’ve had adventures in Machu Picchu and soon Patagonia. What do you find special about hiking in Rhode Island?
My favorite part is the abundance of hikes with ocean and water views; you just don’t get that in many other places. I think Rhode Island is pretty under the radar when it comes to hiking, so it’s pretty easy to enjoy trails without crowds. For the most part, trails are clean and free of litter, which I know can be a problem in other places.
What are some of your favorite Ocean State hikes?
Cliff Walk in Newport, Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Beavertail Loop Trail in Jamestown, Rodman’s Hollow and Clay Head Trails in Block Island, Goddard Memorial State Park Trails in Warwick, Claire D. Mcintosh Wildlife Refuge Trail in Bristol, Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge Trail in Warren, and so many more!
When not traversing trails, what are your go-to places to eat, shop, play?
I love Nitro Bar for a hot matcha or chai latte, Tallulah’s Tacos (especially the seasonal location in Jamestown), Bar ‘Cino and La Vecina in Newport for dinner, Wag Nation for healthy dog treats for Winnie, and newportFILM for documentaries.
What does a perfect day look like for you?
My favorite way to start the day is grounded in stillness and quiet in nature. I love to go to watch the sunrise at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown. I look for wildlife, sometimes take photos, and generally just soak in the moment. As a pretty extreme morning person, my favorite part of the day is generally before most people are awake. Learn more on Instagram @MeredithEwenson
Photography by Jennifer Manville, courtesy of Meredith Ewenson
Rhody Reads
Six books by local authors sure to inspire natural wanderlust
By Hugh Minor
October is the best time to experience the natural surroundings of New England. It’s neither cooler, nor warmer: it’s all that. Whether you’re reading in the yard, on the beach, or from the comfort of your living room couch, these six books by local authors will inspire your wanderings out into the fresh, crisp air that arrives every fall.
Hit the road with the windows down and the music blasting with East Coasting by Providence-based author Christine Chitnis as your guide. Beautifully illustrated by Monica Dorazewski, the book highlights destinations both familiar and off the beaten path, from Connecticut to Canada and everywhere in between. Spoiler alert: Rhode Island lighthouses are gorgeously illuminated.
Massachusetts native Ben Shattuck’s observations on nature and life are engaging and inspiring. Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau expounds upon the travels he takes throughout New England to clear his mind. In the process, he discovers his true self, meets wife-tobe Jenny Slate, and learns more about the people and the land around him, including a bit of history from Rhode Island, both recent and long past.
In his second novel, Ordinary Bear , Rhody-transplant C.B. Bernard delves deep into what’s at the heart of grief and healing. Set on the other side of the content in Alaska and Portland, Oregon, places he called home for years, the book addresses one of the most basic human needs: hope. Written with tones of mystery and dark humor, Bernard leaves the reader reflecting on ways they’ve overcome loss and what they’ve done to recover from tragedy.
SHOP INDIE
A statewide listing of Rhode Island booksellers:
Aerial Books
Providence, AerialBooks.com*
Arc{hive} Book + Snackery
Warren, ArchiveBookSnackery
The bicycle has continued to evolve as an accessible way to explore the outdoors since it was first invented in the early 1800s. In Mile Markers , our former editor, writer, and filmmaker Robert Isenberg of Cranston presents a celebration of this traditional means of recreation with his own unique perspective. From working as a bike messenger to teaching his own son to ride, Isenberg mixes joy with humor while expounding on this vehicle’s important legacy.
Instilling in young people an interest in outdoor adventures is critical in these times when they spend countless hours scrolling and staring at screens. With Adventures at Bramble Woods , 13-year-old author Nicholas Bramble of Warwick introduces us to Mr. Nick and his close-knit group of friends who come together to restore a rustic resort. Can they make Bramble Woods thrive again like it did in its heyday? Put on your work gloves, then pick up a copy to find out.
The story of David Attenborough’s mission to save our planet is presented for younger audiences in Wild Places by Haley Rocco and her husband, Caldecott Honoree John Rocco. With his lush illustrations and her gentle storytelling, children will not only learn about the diversity of the planet but also understand the importance of preserving and protecting every single species.
Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases
Barrington Books BarringtonBooks.com
BaySpray Warwick, BaySprayRetail.com*
Books on the Square Providence, BookSq.com
Brown University Bookstore Providence, Bookstore.Brown.edu
Island Books Middletown, IslandBooksRI.indielite.org
Island Bound Bookstore
Block Island, IslandBoundBookstore.com
Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Providence, WeirdProvidence.org
Martin House Books Westerly, MartinHouseBooks.com
Mary’s Paperbacks
Warwick
Paper Nautilus Books Providence, PaperNautilusBooks.com
Riffraff Bookstore + Bar Providence, RiffRaffPVD.com
Stages of Freedom Providence, StagesOfFreedom.org
Stillwater Books Warwick, StillwaterBooksRI.com
Symposium Books Providence, SymposiumBooks.com
Twenty Stories Providence, TwentyStoriesLA.com
Wakefield Books
WakefieldBooks.com
*Online sellers
Cold Brook Cafe
Restaurant
What it is:
A family-owned breakfast and lunch spot.
Where to find it:
Look for the green house at the intersection of Danielson Pike and Route 116. Parking is behind the store, but enter through the front door while the back entrance is currently being renovated. An “open” flag and sandwich board confirm you’ve arrived.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Love a good latte, hearty breakfast, or savory sandwich? Head to Scituate to find Cold Brook Cafe. Open seven days a week, this charming spot is owned and run by longtime local restaurateurs Elias and Beverly Najjar. To the couple, the key to running their successful cafe is consistency. “From the coffee and teas to everything [Elias] cooks and bakes with the chefs, everything comes out consistent,” says Beverly. “Every single thing is put together the right way.” The couple appreciates their hardworking staff, who serve up good vibes with each order. “It’s not always easy,” says Elias, “but you know what? We’re serving great people and we love doing it. You gotta love what you do.”
The cafe is open Monday through Saturday 7am-2pm, and Sunday 8am-1pm, so plan accordingly to visit during the Scituate Art Festival (October 12-14).
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
by Ella
Photo
Corrao
Discover the Prout ADvantage
Magic All Around Us
A Warwick shop and society lifts the veil on everyday witchcraft
By Emily Olson
verybody is a witch at Halloween,” says Loren May – a year-round witch. “Halloween allows people who are afraid to be seen to come out of the shadows. It gives them a cover of safety, and permission to go to the witchcraft shop,” May says before providing one caveat. “I implore anyone going to a witchcraft shop this time of year to be respectful, though, because this is a spiritual practice. This is our connection to god. It’s not a party trick.”
May owns The Veiled Crow, a witchcraft shop in Warwick, with co-owner and witchcraft practitioner Tracey Lawrence. The shop has been in operation since 2011, but moved to its current location in 2022 when the duo outgrew their former space. The current space is flooded with sunlight that illuminates intricately carved candles, a veritable library of books, and shelves of magic-infused herbs and loose handmade incense. The air is filled with scent, and that is by design, according to May, Lawrence, and Laura Tempest Zakroff, a witchcraft educator and practitioner. The three are the founders of the Key and Serpent Society, an organization that hosts ritual-based gatherings and educational meet-ups, with an emphasis on inclusivity and a contemporary approach to traditional witchcraft.
Zakroff says aroma is part of creating atmosphere. “Aroma taps into one of the most primal parts of our brain,” she says. “So many traditions connect scent to spirit. It’s invisible, but you feel it all around you and it becomes part of you.”
“Just like spirit,” agrees May. “If you think about air, it’s going into your lungs and molecules and nooks and crannies of your biology. It pulls you through time and space to connect you with memories. It connects you to your body and to what is around you.”
Key & Serpent gatherings are educational and inclusive
Laura Tempest Zakroff
Photo courtesy of Key & Serpent
Visitors to The Veiled Crow may follow the scent of incense deeper into the shop, eventually arriving at the Third Sanctum Art Gallery & Gathering Space. It’s a community art room where works from local artists are displayed, and where The Veiled Crow hosts classes and workshops, as well as author readings, psychic mediums, astrologers, and tarot card readers. For the public, it serves as a third space, defined as a gathering spot separate from work and home, where people can relax in public and connect with each other. It also serves as a meeting place for Key and Serpent Society members. When May, Lawrence, and Zakroff, who all
practiced witchcraft separately, came together to found the society, they did it based on what they viewed as a need in the community.
“We believe that magic is fluid and moving,” says May, “and we found the rigidity of some of the traditions stifling.”
“We didn’t want a coven structure,” says Zakroff. “We wanted to develop an open path where people, both as individuals and as part of a group, feel bolstered.”
Key and Serpent holds monthly meetings that alternate between lectures and rituals.
“We always pair education with our meetings,” says May. “The lectures are a wonderful way to
understand the way we think and the issues we think need to be addressed. And the rituals are super fun to experience.” The society hosts a social hour at the end of each meeting so that attendees can get to know each other and ask questions in an informal setting.
Zakroff says common questions arise when people first discover witchcraft. “People want to know how to empower themselves,” she says.
“They are trying to figure out the internal conflict between what they were raised with and their path of personal discovery and spirituality. There’s the longing for like-minded folks. And then they have questions about trends that come and go.”
From rituals to tarot readings, The Veiled Crow hosts a range of offerings
Photo courtesy of Key & Serpent
WITCHCRAFT
101 From psychic readings to Witchy Book Clubs, rituals to lectures, there are events and programming for practicing witches and beginners alike at The Veiled Crow. Coffee Around the Cauldron is a safe, non-judgemental monthly gathering where questions are welcome. Visit VeiledCrow.com for a full list of events or swing by the shop at 3287 Post Road, Warwick.
“We create a safe space for asking questions,” says May of both the society and The Veiled Crow. “There are a lot of shops with owners who aren’t practitioners. But there are people who need guidance and help from knowledgeable people. We can offer that.”
To this society, the concept of guidance is integral. May says that people often come to Key and Serpent looking for a rigid set of rules to follow, similar to what they’d receive from a traditional religion, but they won’t find it. Instead, May says, “We will pave the way for you to figure out what you need, what you want, and what your authentic practice looks like so you can nurture your relationship with what is around you and what is inside of you. Witchcraft is never done. It’s a practice.”
The three women hold a definition of magic that has nothing to do with wands and spell-casting, and they lament that the only word they have to use tends to send people into thoughts of fantasy. “Magic starts with us,” says Zakroff. “It begins with how we think and that influences how we see and interact with the world around us. Our thoughts and feelings and presence in this world is magic. We’re not talking about wishing. If my intent is to find a new job, I’m going to build a candle. And I’m also going to restructure my resume. We all have a hand in our own destiny.” Lawrence agrees. “Magic is not a Bandaid,” she says. “It isn’t a quick fix. You also have to plan ahead.”
For those curious about joining the society, the women advise attending a few monthly meetings to get a sense of what the group is all about and determine what they hope to get out of it. “We provide a lot of information every month that people will find useful,” says Zakroff, “and that might be enough for people.”
But they recognize that some in their group might want more, so they’re on the cusp of launching an advanced path of study that they’ll open to select groups of students who have spent years attending their monthly meetups. “People think advanced study has to be complex and secretive,” says Zakroff. “It’s actually very simple, but simple can be a difficult concept. How do you turn this practice into something you live and breathe every day? An effective practice doesn’t look like Instagram.”
What does it look like? Curious folks will have to stop by and find out. “Just come,” May advises with a bright, welcoming smile. “We’re not scary.”
Photo courtesy of Key & Serpent
Timeless Beauty
FOOD & DRINK
In the Kitchen | New Dining | Experience | Food Trends
Take Me to the River
An iconic location delivers New England coastal flavor through a global lens
By Andrea E. McHugh
Aaron Laipply and James Wayman just can’t help themselves. The duo shares a passion for sustainability, local sourcing, and organically grown ingredients, which have become the cornerstones of the successful restaurants they’ve opened, including Nana’s Bakery and Pizza, with locations in Mystic and Westerly. So when a coveted space at the entry to downtown Westerly became available, they couldn’t resist debuting another restaurant in the town’s booming dining scene: River Bar.
As it goes in small cities, buzz of a new eatery at the picturesque building on the banks of the Pawcatuck River arose shortly after the former Bridge Restaurant shut its doors at the beginning of the year. The boxy brick building has been home to a handful of restaurants over the decades, but its history dates back to circa 1900, when it served as a hydropower plant, using a water wheel to power nearby mills. Today, it’s the building’s future, not its past, that’s luring curious palates and casual diners alike.
Anyone familiar with chef/co-owner James Wayman’s highly-lauded career – which includes studying at Johnson & Wales University and recognition by The New York Times , Esquire , Travel + Leisure , and Saveur , among others – knows his mastery of New England coastal cuisine and whole animal butchery; he also co-owned the former Grass & Bone Butcher Shop in Mystic, a highly praised restaurant-butcher hybrid. As such, River Bar’s seasonally driven menu is derived from Wayman’s history of sourcing animals and produce from small family farms. Fish and shellfish also come from nearby docks, and his personal passion for foraging for wild plants and mushrooms sometimes inspires an unexpected dish.
“It all ties right in with our local sourcing and just wanting to cook and serve food that’s sustainable. You buy a whole animal, and if you know what to do with it, nothing’s going to waste,” he says. “The other fun thing about whole animals is they’re kind of made to cook with, right? You have bones to make stock. You have tougher cuts that are used for long, slow cooking. You have more tender ones for fast cooking. So there’s a lot of options, and if you’re creative, a lot of ways to create interest in food.”
When they were conceptualizing the “seafood-focused global comfort food” menu, carried out by executive chef Kevin English, Wayman and Laipply were intentional about paying homage to Rhode Island with ample representation of Ocean State flavor. Oysters from Ninigret Nectars and 401 Oysters are just some examples of the briny bivalves on the raw bar menu, the clam chowder with local chopped clams gets its savoriness from salt pork from Wild Harmony Farm in Exeter, locally landed haddock is used for fish
and chips, the clam cakes and calamari are local, and the scallops are from Stonington, just across the river, as are mushrooms from Seacoast Mushrooms and cheese from Mystic Cheese Co. And that’s just the beginning.
For bread service, well, that’s when Nana’s comes in, with the bakery’s legendary loaves at the center of the Sourdough Plate served with roasted garlic butter or charred chili blue cheese butter, and there’s the perfectly crumbly cornbread with hot honey butter, either of which are guaranteed to get your meal off to the right start.
Local steak and chicken dishes round out the menu. Preparations can change depending on the season, but Wayman also caters to vegetarians and vegans, not to appease, but to impress. The Exotic Mushroom Poke Bowl has been a big hit, featuring shoyu-dressed Seacoast Mushrooms, lime, scallion, sesame, chili, local vegetables, and jasmine rice. The Sweet Potato Red Curry and the Miso Portobello Burger are also veggie-forward favorites. At the bar, signature cocktails, a
well-curated wine list, and a predominantly regional beer list cover just about every taste.
River Bar’s vibe is decidedly welcoming: stylish with a sense of place, and multi-layered. Renovations throughout the interior reveal a warm indoor bar area and dining space with natural wood detail throughout, exposed beams, and an exposed brick wall juxtaposed by a lighter, brighter dining area with wainscoting and a whimsical wallcovering. Though most areas aim to capture the river view, the outdoor covered dining patio is where the river takes center stage, serenading diners as it flows along to the bay.
“From the time we started talking about it, Aaron and I just wanted it to be fun,” says Wayman. “We want it to be fun and accessible to anybody.”
River Bar
37 Main Street, Westerly 401-561-7050
RiverBarWesterly.com
Local seafood and more on the menu
Owners Aaron Laipply and James Wayman
Photos by Rane Gram, courtesy of River Bar
First-Class Flights
Tastings from the land and sea let diners build their own adventure in East Greenwich
By Cynthia Munrayos
Blackstone East Greenwich is something special that we’ve had in our notes for years now,” shares owner Gian Ranucci who started Blackstone Restaurant Group with his wife Bryanna in 2019. The entrepreneur has had success with other ventures across the state, including Blackstone Coventry and Pita Plus Mediterranean Grill in West Warwick, before setting sights on the town he grew up near. “We love the area for the food and the atmosphere, and we’re excited to keep expanding in Rhode Island.”
Touting a motto of “Catch Flights, Not Feelings,” the EG eatery, which opened in late June, embraces a unique concept: “We have always wanted to create a flight-style menu with upscale food, and people seem to absolutely love it. We’re really excited that our thoughts are becoming reality and people are enjoying it,” says Ranucci.
Diners may be familiar with the concept of beer flights at breweries, allowing patrons to choose a few tasters in small portions, but Blackstone takes it a step further with all kinds of drink and food flights. Think appetizers, like a smattering of Mediterranean cuisine or French fries in truffle, poutine, and loaded styles. Pasta, ravioli, prime meats, and seafood selections – you name it and there’s a flight for it, and each one also comes with shareable sides for the table.
“When I go out, I sometimes have trouble choosing between steak and chicken parm, but we are making it so you can have three main courses for one dinner,” says Ranucci, explaining how he and Bryanna came by the inspiration for their menu. “We always went to restaurants and wanted to try multiple things and had to get large dinners and appetizers. Here you get smaller portions and many options – it’s great for family-style eating.”
Blackstone takes care in elevating the presentation of these culinary trifectas –a flight of meat cuts, for instance, arrives
Photo courtesy of Blackstone East Greenwich
at the table in a smoky fog that clears to showcase the perfectly prepared feast, which may include the Gold Wrapped Tomahawk, a 64-ounce steak wrapped in 24 karat gold flakes. From the sea, they offer choices ranging from lobster to Baked Stuffed Shrimp and Pan-Seared Scallops. Ranucci notes that they’re also currently working on developing a plant-based steak option for vegan eaters. Drink flights offer favorites like wine, mojitos, margaritas, and espresso martinis. Says Ranucci, “I think a lot of people are experiencing a meal they could only dream of.”
In addition to owning their own restaurant group, the Ranuccis also founded Dream Catcher Farms, where they cultivate and
Feasting at Blackstone EG
Photo courtesy of Blackstone East Greenwich
produce all of their CBD products in-house, which are sold across the state, and they anticipate having CBD products available for sale in the East Greenwich location soon. Similar to their Coventry location, it will also be a drink add-in option.
Rather than jet setting across the globe for delicious bites, Blackstone East Greenwich offers flights close to home for eaters who can’t just choose one app or entree. Watch for Halloween specials and spooky drinks landing on the menu this month.
Blackstone East Greenwich 241 Main Street
@blackstone_eastgreenwich
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Pasta Perfection
An Italian eatery in Westerly impresses with scratch-made spaghetti and sauces
By Stacey Place
Housed in a strip mall on Route 1 in Westerly is a hidden gem killing it in the Italian food game. Granted, Rhode Islanders know Italian cuisine, and there are countless eateries serving up authentic dishes, but not all do what Casa Della Luce is known for: making their own pasta.
A recent renovation updated the tables and booths, and pale hues accentuate the natural lighting to brighten up the comfortable dining room, with the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen signaling the magic happening behind the scenes. Walking into Casa Della Luce, my friends and I were immediately hit with the mouthwatering aroma of fresh garlic.
Must-Try Items
VEAL PARMESAN ($31): Milk-fed bonein veal chop pounded thin, lightly breaded, and topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese, served over homemade fettuccine
GNOCCHI BOLOGNESE ($23): Oldfashioned handmade potato gnocchi tossed in savory bolognese sauce, topped with parmesan cheese and finished in the oven
SEAFOOD RAVIOLI ($25): Pillows of fresh pasta stuffed with Gulf shrimp, tender sea scallops, sweet Maine lobster, finished with a lobster brandy cream sauce
Cuisine: Italian comfort food Atmosphere: Bright, casual, welcoming
Gnocchi Bolognese
Clam Chowder
P hotos by Stacey Place
Our attentive server presented us with the beer and wine list. I opted for the sangria, which was a light sipper and not too sweet. I savored it over a round of their popular Garlic Knots for the table – and quickly came to understand why they dish out these simple snacks by the hundreds every night. Pizza dough, lots of fresh garlic, and marinara sauce are a trifecta made in heaven.
We also sampled their award-winning Clam Chowder, which was served with a delicious
mini clam cake. Other starters included the crisp, addicting Eggplant Fries and Arancini served with rich bolognese. The restaurant offers New York-style pizza, which was fantastic with a sturdy, no-flop crust, flavorful sauce that was neither too sweet nor too savory, and lots of cheese.
Then we arrived at the most anticipated course: homemade pasta. I ventured to try the Chicken Parmesan, and while I’m very picky about the preparation of this classic dish, Casa
Della Luce’s version was a winner. The chicken was thin, crispy, and topped with just enough melty mozzarella, and the fresh fettuccine on the side was cooked al dente. A round of House-Made Meatballs, served with ribbons of fresh tagliarini, was truly satisfying, and the whole table loved the Seafood Ravioli. This dish packed a punch with shrimp, lobster, and scallops stuffed into pillowy pasta, covered in a decadent lobster brandy cream sauce. Whether ordering their Cavatelli with
Cavatelli with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Seafood Ravioli
P hotos by Stacey Place
Sausage and Broccoli Rabe, the Gnocchi Bolognese, Penne Ala Vodka, or other decadent entrees, you can’t go wrong with their fresh, homemade pasta and sauces. Even in a state where Italian restaurants abound, Casa Della Luce stands out, from the ingredients to the friendly hospitality.
Casa Della Luce 105 Franklin Street, Westerly 401-637-4575 • CasaDellaLuce.net
Food Trends: Halloween Hankerings
From spooky cupcakes to autumn ice cream, these specials offer all treats and no tricks
By Ken Abrams
Celebrate the harvest with baked vegan treats
Becky Morris, the self-taught pastry chef behind small-batch vegan bakeshop Celebrated, embraces the warmth and coziness of the season with a variety of fall-themed treats and beverages. “Our menu for October features seasonal cupcake flavors including Caramel Carrot, Maple Blueberry, Chai Vanilla Bean, Pumpkin Spice, and Caramel Apple,” she explains. Find them popping
up in the shop for walk-in service, or have Celebrated cater your spooky soiree. “Our pastry chef, Jenna, also offers one-on-one macaron-making classes for those looking for a fun activity this fall.”
Also making appearances in the display case are Pumpkin Loaf, Chai Scones, Caramel Apple Scones, and gluten-free products like Caramel Apple Oat Bars, Maple Pecan Bars, and
Pumpkin Crumb Muffins. Wash them down with inspired beverages. “Our drink menu features a Maple Sea Salt shaken espresso and a Caramel Apple Latte for the coffee lovers,” she says. “For those who prefer something different, we’re offering a brown sugar matcha and a chaider (chai apple cider). These drinks are perfect companions to the crisp autumn weather.” Richmond, Celebrated.co
P hoto courtesy of Celebrated
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Mainstay creamery rolls out sweet and savory fall specials
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Newport Creamery is legendary for its comfort food and award-winning ice cream, and fall brings specials sure to warm you up on brisk fall afternoons. “The Butternut Squash Soup, a spiced soup topped with marshmallow creme, diced honeycrisp apples, and scallions is a good place to start,” says business manager Katelynn Dodson. The soup pairs well with an Apple & Turkey Croissant or the Harvest Cobb Salad, both returning to the menu this month.
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And then there’s dessert. “We are thrilled to present three seasonal ice cream flavors,” continues Dodson, listing Salted Caramel, Pumpkin Pie, and Grandma’s Caramel Apple Pie. Not to be outdone, the October Sundae of the Month is a Toasty Pumpkin Spice Sundae. “It has pumpkin ice cream, marshmallow topping, hot fudge, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and a cherry,” adds Dodson. Fall treats also include the Oh My Gourd Oreo Trio and the Factory of Terror Collab Extreme Awful Awful. North Kingstown, Warwick, and other locations, NewportCreamery.com
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It’s strictly ice cream on the menu board at Clementine’s, an award-winning ice cream shop with three locations. In addition to traditional flavors like chocolate chip and Oreo, seasonal favorites were launched this fall. “We do pumpkin and apple pie at all three shops,” says owner Warren Sternberg, who runs the business with his wife Jess. “We mix up different flavors like pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin Oreo, and maple bacon.”
The Apple Pie Sundae is also a popular treat. “We serve it in a waffle cone with ice cream, caramel topping, whipped cream, and nuts,” says Sternberg. “We also have some unique fall ice cream sandwiches with chocolate chip and pumpkin cookies made by Wisk Me Away.” All flavors are available in cups or store-made waffle cones. Sternberg advises customers to stop by soon, as the shops typically close for the season by the end of October. “We do pop-up pint sales in the winter, where we mix in some fall flavors.” East Greenwich, ClementinesEG.com
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A mom living life forever passionate about noticing all the little things, from the trees dancing in a breeze and sounds of birds singing in the rain to the beautiful colors of a summer sky. It’s these moments that bring her a sense of gratitude, peace, and joy.
