n The East Bay’s top attractions
n Fairs, festivals, food trucks and fun
n The sounds of summer
n A bucket list of daytrips
n The farms and farmers
Burr’s Hill Park
Thursday Evenings
Gates Open at 6:30
Burr’s Hill Park
Sunday Evenings
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Sponsored by:
Concert & Movie Series
JULY 10 Migration
JULY 17
Super Mario Bros Movie
JULY 24
Kung Fu Panda 4
JULY 31 Moana 2
AUGUST 7
Despicable Me 4
AUGUST 14 Barbie
JULY 6 Back In The Day (80’s tribute)
JULY 13 Rude Boys (reggae)
JULY 20 Steppin’ Out (R&B)
JULY 27 East Bay Wind Ensemble (classical)
AUGUST 3 Steve Anthony & Persuasion (classic rock, top 40, oldies)
AUGUST 10 Goat Ropers (country)
AUGUST 17 The Catnip Junkies (new orleans jazz & swing)
AUGUST 24 Crushed Velvet (70’s rock)
Windows down, music blaring, singing Radiohead at the top of my lungs, soaking in the sun, driving to many of the destinations in this guide for the East Bay is how I want to spend the summer of 2025.
Whether you have kids, a large family, are single, or a college student, summer has a way of awakening the free spirit in all of us. Adventure becomes a daily item to check off the to-do list, and sometimes creating a bucket list feels essential to ensure every adventure is experienced. So here’s mine.
I am not from the East Bay but working here for the last six months has kept me on my toes wondering when I might have time to experience all it has to offer. My top picks for this year’s bucket list are mostly out in nature (readers of my weekly column in the Life section will not be surprised).
The first time I heard there were giant green animals in the East Bay was while I was at the office and a co-worker told me about it. Actually, all but one of the things
on my bucket list are things I heard from my co-workers. The green animals I am speaking of will be no surprise to natives of the East Bay. The Green Animals Topiary Garden sounds like a fun way to kick start my outdoor summer adventures — and one that both my son and I would enjoy.
Another garden on my list is Sakonnet Garden, which I have heard is a magical place that comes to life each year in the summertime with new exciting plants. I plan to write a deeper piece about the
The first stop on the author’s bucket list is Green Animals Topiary Garden, a historic 7-acre property along Narragansett Bay, featuring more than 80 boxwood, privet and yew plants shaped like animals and decorative forms and lots of other flowers and plants.
magic of the garden, so my travels there might be work related, but I’m still certain it will be a blissful adventure for my son and I.
Another adventure I want to take my son — who I have nicknamed “nature boy” — is a place I had the pleasure of visiting on another work assignment — Save the bay aquarium.
The two places I already knew about prior to this job (and not from my coworkers) are places I have visited many times — Crecent park and the cliff walk in
Newport. These will be new experiences for my son, though. Although I am certain my son will enjoy the cliff walk, I do not think he will last too long, but it’s Newport, so with the many restaurants and other things to do there, I am sure we can make a day out of it.
There are two places on my list where I wouldn’t want to bring my son. A trip to Padanaram is one of them. It is pretty far from where I live. I’m a Rhode Islander, so everything feels too far — but for my son, a long drive really wouldn’t be ideal. I’d probably go on this adventure alone or with a friend instead. And a trip to a Blithewold concert sounds like a blast to me, but it would be a blast too loud for my son, even if he’s wearing his noise-canceling headphones.
With so many things to do in the East Bay, it can be overwhelming to keep track of them all. I made this list rather short because I want to actually check them off my list and there’s always next year for more. Let this guide inspire you to make and check off your “bucket list” items as you embrace the adventurous, rockstar spirit of summer on the road — withe the windows down, singing a tune …
Sometimes familiarity leads us to overlook and under-appreciate what’s right in front of us. Such is the case with Rhode Island’s premiere destinations.
We’ve all been to Newport before, so it feels all too familiar. Think again.
Rhode Island is home to beautiful spaces with unique appeal. There’s a reason why the Ocean State attracts more than 20 million visitors every year.
Close your eyes, clear your head and open your mind to these five great daytrips right here at home …
You may not be able to spend an entire day at historic Tiverton Four Corners, but you can easily get lost for half the day and then head down the road to visit a winery, hike in a conservation area or spend the second half in the quaint village of Padanaram in south Dartmouth. Tiverton Four Corners is a quiet and relaxing destination for shops, eats and art. Dine in a rocking chair on an historic porch, relax in Adirondack chairs, or sit on a stone wall to enjoy some of the best homemade ice cream in the region — plus find the works of spectacular artists. If you haven’t been, Tiverton Four Corners is a mustsee.
If you’ve soaked up Tiverton Four Corners for half the day, keep the fun going with a half-day trip to the delightful coastal village of Padanaram, in South Dartmouth. Once home to shipbuilding and some whaling expeditions, the village today is a charming collection of historic homes, upscale retailers, and unique culinary delights. Farm and Coast Market is a must-see, but it’s not the only place to grab a cocktail, a coffee, or a meal. Parking is at a premium, but the experience of strolling shop to shop is worth the trip.
The City by the Sea is a remarkable hive of activity in the summer. Stroll down the 3.5-mile oceanside Cliff Walk, take in the sights of the Gilded Age as you tour the iconic mansions, and take a ride down Ocean Drive to see the opulence and magnificent vistas. Head downtown to explore the vast array of shops and boutiques along Thames Street and America’s Cup Boulevard, hop on a charter boat for a harbor tour, catch a Newport Gulls baseball game at cozy Cardines Field, or stop in for a bite and a cold cocktail at hundreds of delicious waterfront or outdoor restaurants.
Nestled by Point Judith, Narragansett, is the quintessential coastal town of Galilee. Complete with charter boats, fresh seafood markets, locally owned shops, and some of the most authentic Rhode Island seafood in the state, this bustling
fishing village is the perfect spot to spend a day. Home to two state beaches and the Block Island Ferry, there’s no better place to go if you want a jampacked day of summer fun! If you’re looking for a more relaxed outing, Galilee still has you covered; enjoy delicious food and drinks at
Westerly, the southernmost town in Rhode Island, is the perfect place for a day trip. Explore Napatree Point Conservation Area, swim and relax at East Beach, take a boat tour, or wander through the shops of Watch Hill. For some classic summer fun, take to Misquamicut, where you’ll find not only the state beach, but an arcade, bumper cars, a water park, and a seaside drive-in movie theater.
A staple Rhode Island summer adventure, just off the coast, is Block Island! Whether you choose to hop right off the ferry and spend the day beach-side or at the famous waterfront watering holes, or explore the vibrant array of boutique shops downtown, Block Island is the perfect day trip destination! While on the island, you can try horseback riding, parasailing, snorkeling or many more activities. Or escape the hustle-bustle as you walk, bike, or scooter towards the bluffs, lighthouse, and the Clay Head Preserve.
The region is bursting with opportunities to enjoy live music this time of year. Here are 8 venues for outdoor concerts …
1. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum (Bristol) hosts a summerlong concert series on Wednesday nights. The “Music at Sunset” series takes place on the great lawn, with Narragansett Bay as a backdrop. Gates open at 5 p.m., concerts begin at 6 p.m. www.blithewold.org/event/music-atsunset-summer-concert-series/
2. The Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series draws big crowds to its waterfront venue at Independence Park alongside Bristol Harbor. Concerts are nightly from June 21 to July 2, with acts ranging from classic rock to country to today’s hits and Jimmy Buffet and Foo Fighters cover bands.
fourthofjulybristolri.com/concertseries-line-up
3. Westport Rivers Winery hosts a popular Friday night concert series in a gorgeous setting beside their vineyards, with shows 6 to 8 p.m. through August. By the time you read this, many shows will be sold out, but a limited number of tickets are released throughout the summer, so check for availability.
www.westportrivers.com/eventssunset-music
4. Norman Bird Sanctuary hosts a concert series with shows in July and August. All shows are at 7 p.m. at the sanctuary. Learn more at: https:// www.eventbrite.com/cc/newportlive-summer-outdoors-norman-birdsanctuary-2208699
5. Herreshoff Marine Museum hosts a “Summer Sunset Music Series” every other Thursday beginning July 17 through September 25. Enjoy concerts along the water, under the large tent, with shows from 6 to 8 p.m. herreshoff.org/concerts/
6. East Providence hosts "Concerts in the Park" on Thursdays at 6 p.m. June 5 through Aug. 28 at the band shell at Crescent Park (formerly known as Rose Larisa Memorial Park), across from the Looff Carousel in Riverside. crescentparkcarousel.org/concerts
Free shows are Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in front of the bandshell. Bring a blanket and chairs. www. townofwarren-ri.gov/town_government/departments/parks_and_recreation
8. The Barrington Summer Concert Series takes places Sunday nights in July and August. Free shows are 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Latham Park in the Bay Spring neighborhood. More info here: www.barrington.ri.gov/440/SummerConcert-Series
Every weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to get something fresh for dinner (or snack, or lunch, or breakfast, or the home). Check out these farmers’ markets taking place regularly throughout the region …
1. The Hope Street Farmers Market
Filling a large green space at the intersection of Hope Street and Chalkstone Boulevard on the East Side of Providence, this market has been happening for many years and has a large following. Expect dozens of vendors with produce, meats, plants and homemade products. It also pairs most weeks with the Providence Artisans Market, with booths and tables from dozens of artists.
WHEN: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
hopestreetmarket.com/
2. Mount Hope Farmers’ Market
This popular market takes place yearround (winters in the barn and summers in the South Pasture) at one of the most iconic properties in the region.
Dozens of farmers and makers attend every week.
WHEN: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
growing following, it spends winters inside Tiverton Middle School, but this time of year it enjoys the fresh air at the Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, just north of Tiverton Four Corners.
WHEN: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
tivertonfarmersmarket.com/
4. Aquidneck Growers Market
This popular market takes places twice a week at two different locations. On Saturdays, it happens at 792 Valley in Middletown. On Wednesdays, they set up on Memorial Boulevard, between Chapel and Edgar in Newport.
WHEN: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. aquidneckcommunitytable.org/ aquidneck-growers-market
5. Hope & Main Makers Market
mounthopefarm.org/farmers-market
3. Tiverton Farmers’ Market
Another year-round market with a
The front lawn of Hope & Main in downtown Warren comes alive every Wednesday evening with locally-made foods, drinks, dinners and products. It takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. weekly. makefoodyourbusiness.org
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Plus special events all year! Plan your visit at CoggeshallFarm.org
Find some summer fun at these annual fairs, festivals, firework displays, and food truck events in or near the East Bay
festivals
Bristol Fourth of July Carnival
June 2 through July 3, 5-10 p.m.; July 4, 12-6 p.m.
Bristol Town Common — 151 State Street
Enjoy carnival rides, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment at this beloved annual celebration. fourthofjulybristolri.com
Fair
July 16 through July 18, 6-11 p.m.; July 19, 12-11 p.m.; July 20, 12-7 p.m.
200 Pine Hill Road, Westport
Featuring a carnival, food vendors, live entertainment, a car show, and more, this event is the perfect summer outing for the whole family. westportfair.com
Summerfest at Rose Larisa Park and the Looff Carousel
July 16 through July 20
Crescent Park — 700 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside
This year’s Summerfest at the Looff Carousel will, of course, feature carousel rides — stay tuned for more details coming soon.
crescentparkcarousel.org/summerfest
County Fair
July 21 through July 24, 4-10 p.m.; July 25 through 26, 12-10 p.m.; July 27, 12-9 p.m.
There will be trilling rides, fabulous food, animals, the world’s largest demolition derby, and an impressive display of vegetables, crafts and Americana at this annual fair. Get tickets before they are sold out. capecodfairgrounds.com
Padanaram Summer Festival and Sidewalk Sale
July 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled day with delicious food vendors, exciting kids' games, unique artist and artisan booths, and live entertainment to keep the energy high all day long.
Padanaram Harbor — 67 Bush Street, Dartmouth allevents.in/dartmouth
Visitors at last year’s Westport Fair enjoy refreshments, games, and more.
Fireworks will light up the sky in Bristol, Newport, Seekonk, and Providence (as seen in last year’s show pictured here).
Bristol Harbor Festival and Blessing of the Fleet
Aug. 16, 1-7 p.m.
Rockwell Park — Thames Street, Bristol
This special day for the Blessing of the Fleet will be packed with activities, including live music, children’s games, a cash bar with beer and wine, chowder, stuffed clams, a raw bar, and a special dinner to cap off the evening. bristolharborfest.com
Warren Folks Festival
Aug. 16, 1-7 p.m.
30 Cutler Street, Warren
Welcome to the annual folks festival in Warren where music, art, food and drink will fill the day with delight. www.thecollaborative02885.org
Black Ships Festival
Aug. 22 through Aug. 24
Rockwell Park — Thames Street, Bristol Get ready to be immersed in cultural
attractions and art experiences for the whole family to enjoy at the 42nd Black Ships Festival. Check the website for specific times and more details. jasri.org
PVD Fest
Sept. 5 through 6
Downtown Providence
The people’s festival of art, music, and culture will include local art, live performances, a parade, food trucks and more. pvdfest.com
Bristol PorchFest
Sept. 14, 3-6 p.m.
Downtown Bristol
Stroll through the streets of downtown Bristol and enjoy live concerts by local bands and musicians from all genres performing right from neighborhood porches.
discovernewport.org
Fireworks
Providence
India Point Park
Wednesday, July 2, 9 p.m. (rain date is July 3)
The annual Independence Day Cele-
bration held at India Point Park kicks off at 6 p.m. with local food vendors, live entertainment, with a spectacular fireworks display to end the night. www.visitrhodeisland.com
Bristol Harbor
Thursday, July 3, 9:30 p.m.
Take a walk around beautiful downtown Bristol, eat at one of the local restaurants, do some shopping, and then end the night watching a spectacular fireworks display over Bristol Harbor. fourthofjulybristolri.com
Downtown Newport
Friday, July 4, 9:15 p.m. (rain date is July 5)
Find a westward facing spot along Newport Habor to watch this year’s fireworks display. Some popular viewing locations include Perrotti Park, King Park, and Queen Anne Square. cityofnewport.com
Seekonk Speedway — 1782 Fall River Avenue
Saturday, July 5, 5-10 p.m.
The fun begins at 5 p.m. with drag racing, crashes and smashes, and a display of breathtaking fireworks to end the night. seekonkspeedway.com
Food Truck Friday
Fridays, June 6, 13, 20, and 27; July 4, 11, 18, and 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 5-8:30 p.m.
Roger Williams Park Carousel Village — 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence Enjoy delicious meals, live entertain-
ment, carousel rides, the nearby playground, and an exclusive train ride on the Carousel Express at this weekly food truck event.
rwpzoo.org
Food Truck Sunsets
Saturdays, June 21, July 19, and August 16, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Safe Harbor New England Boatworks — 1 Lagoon Road, Portsmouth
Bring some lawn chairs or blankets, and get ready to enjoy live music, food trucks, beer, wine, cocktails and more surrounded by water and the scenic boatyard.
goprovidence.com
Though we tried to make this list as comprehensive as possible, we are aware that some events may have been missed. That being said, we plan to publish this Summertime Guide again next year, so please reach out to Michelle Mercure at mmercure@eastbaymediagroup. com with any fairs, festivals, firework displays, or food truck events that may have been overlooked.
’Tis the season for sunscreen and shades, sun and sand. Here’s a guide to some of the region’s beaches — the big and the small — and what you need to know before going.
The big and the bold (these face the Atlantic Ocean)
Perhaps the busiest and most popular of all, it’s very likely this parking lot will fill up by late morning on a gorgeous weekend day. So get there early, or get there late (when the early crowd starts to pack up and go home), or go during the week when it is likely to be less crowded. Visitors will find a mile of some of the best sand and best waves in the region, a snack bar, restrooms and a surfing area. The beach is managed by the Town of Middletown. A seasonal pass is $180 for non-residents; daily fees are $35 on weekends and holidays and $25 on weekdays.
This beach literally welcomes visi-
tors to Newport, at the beginning of Memorial Boulevard. Overlooking the beach’s western end is the famous Cliff Walk. If Second Beach is 1a in the region, this beach is 1b. With nearby bathroom facilities and a playground, it often draws families. Parking fees are also slightly lower: $150 for a season pass; $35 per day on weekends and holidays; $25 per day on weekdays.
3. Horseneck Beach - Westport
Horseneck is a state beach managed by the Massachusetts Parks & Recreation Department. Located at the western end of Buzzard’s Bay, the beach extends for 2 miles and is accompanied by an enormous parking area. There are great waves and wonderful sandy areas, but areas of the beach can also be rocky (get there early to get the best spots). Parking passes are $14 for Massachusetts residents but $40 for out-of-state residents.
4. South Shore Beach - Little Compton
One of the hidden treasures of this region, this town-managed beach gets
rave reviews — if you can get there. With preference given to locals, and with a relatively small parking area, it isn’t easy for out-of-towners to get a spot to enjoy a great beach. If they can, beach passes are $250 for the season; $25 per day on weekends and holidays; and $20 per day on weekdays.
The small and intimate (These face bays and rivers)
1. Barrington Town Beach - Barrington
This is one of the nicer “town beaches” anywhere, with a long stretch of sand facing Narragansett Bay. There is an area monitored by lifeguards and a fairly large parking area. Non-resident parking fees are $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays. Barrington residents can purchase a season pass for $40.
2. Warren Town Beach - Warren
Very small and intimate, this beach has a particular draw for families. It features a recently improved playground and a very
Not everyone living in this coastal region owns a boat (or is close friends with someone who does). For those looking to see these spectacular shorelines from a different vantage point, there are many ways to shove off and appreciate the region’s beauty with waterside views.
More than 150 years old and lovingly restored by a group of volunteers, Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is a great destination for all ages. A shuttle boat departs from Cranston and 10 minutes later docks at the magnificent lighthouse jutting vertical from the Riverside shore. Tours run several times per week all summer long. pomhamrockslighthouse.org
The Warren River Company hosts entertaining cruises up and down the Warren River, loaded with tales of local history. The captain leads daytime cruises, cocktail cruises and sunset cruises throughout the summer. warrenrivercompany.com
More than a dozen enterprises offer tours that launch from Newport Harbor. Learn about tours and cruises aboard
sailboats, catamarans, classic yachts and more. discovernewport.org/things-to-do/ family-fun/
A great way to see all of Narragansett Bay is aboard the Seastreak Providenceto-Newport ferry. It carries passengers between India Point Park in Providence and Newport Harbor, with stops in Bristol as well. It can be a great day-trip excursion, where the ride is half the fun. seastreak.com
An island venture
The Prudence Island Ferry brings vehicles and passengers between Bristol and Prudence Island daily. prudencebayislandstransport.com/
If you live in this region, you’re familiar with some of the grand, majestic properties just down the road. When’s the last time you visited them? Here are 7 places worth visiting any time of year, but especially in the summer …
Located near the southern tip of Bristol, Blithewold delivers more than most — a grand, historic “summer home” from the 19th century; 33 acres of paths, gardens and beautiful spaces; and one of the world’s most unique, diverse arboretums. A great visit all year, Blithewold comes alive in the summer.
blithewold.org/
2. Mount Hope Farm
It’s hard to imagine that the entire estate belonged to one family. Rich in history and beauty, the 127-acre estate along the southern Bristol shore of Mount Hope Bay includes historic buildings, gardens, trails, walking paths and a not-to-bemissed Cove Cabin at the far eastern reaches of the property. Popular for weddings and a year-round farmers’ market, it is open daily.
mounthopefarm.org/
3. Linden Place
Often called the architectural “Crown Jewel” of historic, downtown Bristol, Linden Place is more than just a mansion (built in 1810). Its historic property is home to a magnificent ballroom, outbuildings and sculpture gardens. It is open for self or guided tours and has a charming gift shop.
lindenplace.org/
Not to be missed by sailors or lovers of the sea, this museum overlooking Bristol Harbor is a result of more than 50 years of careful documentation, acquisition and restoration. Today the museum boasts more than 60 significant boats, ranging from the 8½’ dinghy, Nathanael, to the 75-foot Defiant, built in 1992 for the successful defense of the America’s Cup. herreshoff.org/
Coggeshall Farm Museum brings to life the history of middle-class farm families in the late 18th century. Set on 48 acres of coastal farmland in Bristol, the farm recreates the daily experience of tenant farmers on a salt marsh farm through live
interpretation, historic structures, heirloom plants, and heritage-breed animals. coggeshallfarm.org/
Home to more than 80 topiary animals and other figures for more than a century, Green Animals, built circa 1860, also blazes with colorful flowers from midApril through mid-October. The 7-acre property overlooks Narragansett Bay. newportmansions.org/mansions-andgardens/green-animals-topiary-garden/
Everyone knows of the grand houses of the City-by-the-Sea, which offer a unique trip through 250 years of American history, architecture, art and landscape design. The collection includes nearly a dozen different properties, half of which are typically open for tours and visitors on any given day. newportmansions.org/
When it gets hot and the kids are bored, bring them to one of these locations to cool down and have some fun. All but one are splash pads where kids can get wet without a swimming pool. There is one misting station on the list, that’s a pretty “cool” place to cool off, too.
Most of these locations have places to picnic, some have playgrounds, one has a basketball court. The best part is they are all free to the public. Just bring some water shoes, towels, snacks and a wish to have fun — for free.
Wilson Park
Roosevelt Ave North Kingston, RI
This park is fenced in, has a splash pad, shaded picnic tables, a zip-line and a playground. Also, there is usually a Del’s lemonade truck on standby during the summer.
Lippett Memorial Park
1015 Hope Street Providence , RI
While it is known for its water fountain (no swimming allowed), this park recently implemented another interesting element that has to do with water — a mist-
ing station. It can be found over by the newly installed swing sets. There is also a playground with a sand area and plenty of shaded seating areas.
Johnston Memorial Park (Coming soon) 1583 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI
Kids engage in water play on a hot summer day at the new splash pad at Police Cove Park in Barrington, Rhode Island.
There is a newer splash pad, a basketball court and plenty of shade at this park.
Police Cove Park
106 County Road
Barrington, RI
This newer splash pad offers a free way to cool down in the summer heat with the water and shaded picnic tables.
Providence splash pads
A. Vincent Igliozzi Recreation Center Water Park – 675 Plainfield St.
Al Carrington Water Park at Richardson Park – 64 Richardson St.
Billy Taylor Water Park – 124 Camp St.
Chad Brown Water Park – Chad Brown St.
Fargnoli Water Park – 945 Smith St.
Fox Point Water Park – 505 Wickenden St.
A splash pad project is in the works at this park and should be open this summer. The park also has a brand new playground, a basketball court and a trail nearby for hiking.
Onna W. Moniz-John Park
11 McCausland Ave. & Pierce Field, 201 Mercer St. East Providence
General Street Water Park – 11 West Dr.
George West Water Park – 1266 Chalkstone Ave.
Harriet & Sayles Water Park – 375 Sayles St.
Joslin Recreation Center – 17 Hyatt St.
Pastore Park – corner of Knight and Tell streets
Sackett Street Water Park – 110 Sackett St.
Wallace Street Park – 1 Wallace St.
BY SAM SCOOPS
The East Bay region of Rhode Island is home to a range of craft ice cream shops that make their own ice cream for sale in their shops. Each of these boast unique flavors and locally inspired creations.
Whether you're looking for inventive gelato, classic sundaes, or dog-friendly options, there's no shortage of sweet indulgence to be found in this coastal community. Here’s a guide to eight of the best craft ice cream purveyors in the area, where craftsmanship and creativity blend to create unforgettable frozen treats.
Clementine's Homemade Ice Cream, located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, has been operating since May 2017. Owned by Warren Sternberg, who developed an interest in ice cream during his summer job at Brickley's Ice Cream in Wakefield, the shop focuses on producing highquality products. Known for its high butterfat content and small-batch production, Clementine's features interesting flavors, including coffee heath bar, oatmeal cookie, and chocolate brownie. When you go, try the mint oreo chocolate brownie sundae. Additionally, it is named after Sternberg’s dog and provides treats for dogs as well. Clementines has three shops: 62 Wave Avenue in Middletown, 2934 South County Trail in East Greenwich, and 1016 East Main Road in Portsmouth.
Cold Fusion Gelato serves enticing flavors such as strawberry stracciatella, amarena cherry chip, dark chocolate sea salt, and Madagascar bourbon vanilla. Gelato has a denser texture than ice cream due to slower churning and less air, with more milk and lower fat content. In addition to fresh waffle cones and cups, cold fusion gelato sells shakes, smoothies, coffee and cappuccino.
Don't miss the salted caramel crunch for a blend of sweet and savory. Visit Cold Fusion Gelato at 389 Thames Street in Newport.
Since 2017, Get The Scoop has made premium ice cream using quality ingredients. Their flavors include toffee crunch, lemon, maraschino chocolate chip, banana chocolate chip, and fresh ginger root, with occasional pear or lemon. They bake chocolate chip cookies for sandwiches and toast coconut for their toasted coconut ice cream. Custom ice cream
cakes are available in six or 10 inches with two layers and a fudge cookie center.
When you go, try a classic sundae with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, peanuts, whipped cream, and a cherry. Visit them at 4 Broadway in Newport.
Gray’s Ice Cream combines cherished classics like ginger, black cherry chip, and coffee oreo with inventive options like blueberry and lemon ice cream. Each scoop, rich in butterfat and high-quality flavors, tells a story of tradition. Generations have enjoyed its family-run charm. Gray’s offers homemade waffle cones, elephant ears, danishes, and Sunday morning donuts.
They also make their own coffee syrup for all their coffee flavors — a Rhode Island tradition. For a treat, try pistachio ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and chocolate jimmies. Gray’s has two locations: 16 East Road, Tiverton, and 467 Hope Street in Bristol.
Seaside Scoops offers inventive smallbatch ice cream flavors, such as key lime pie and blueberry cheesecake. Their menu features local collaborations like
lobster ice cream with Newport Lobster Shack, honey vanilla with honey from Aquidneck Honey, and an affogato with espresso from Seaworthy Coffee Roasters. Notable treats include the “Wicked Joe” shake with caramel and espresso beans, and the “salty dog" sundae with sea salt caramel crunch ice cream, potato chips, and a pretzel rod in a mason jar. Seaside Scoops is located at 225 Goddard Row in Newport.
Sunshine Creamery, a family-owned ice cream shop in East Providence, offers delightful flavors made at their facility in Johnston. Popular choices include muddy sneakers, oatmeal cream pie, black raspberry, and almond joy. When you go, maybe try their weekly special sundae — recently it was a fluffer nutter sundae, featuring vanilla ice cream, marshmallow, peanut butter sauce, and “nutter butter" cookies. Sunshine Creamery is at 305 N Broadway in East Providence, RI.
Tizzy K's Cereal Ice Cream offers cereal-milk flavored ice cream that change daily. Recent flavors include cinnamon toast crunch, golden grahams, fruity peb-
bles, honey nut cheerios, and strawberry cream pebbles. Each batch is slowchurned and dense, served in fresh waffle cones with cereal crunch toppings and small rice crispy treat squares. If it’s available, don't miss the golden grahams ice cream topped with cereal crunch and a rice crispy treat square. Tizzy K’s is located in Providence on South Water St, at the entrance of the pedestrian bridge and at 747 Main St in Warren.
The Wright Scoop, part of Wrights Dairy, offers both innovative and classic ice cream flavors. Their crowd-sourcing R&D process called the "Test Batch Club" runs January-March and allows customers to help develop new flavors, like a salty pretzel ice cream with fluff ripples and crushed peanuts inspired by TF Green Airport. Popular flavors include compost cream, blueberry coffee cake and tractor tracks alongside classic flavors like coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and black raspberry. Other highlights are their house-made hot fudge, caramel and whipped cream toppings.
When you go, try toll house ice cream topped with hot fudge, walnuts, whipped cream, and brownie pieces. Their home location is at 200 Woonsocket Hill Road in North Smithfield, their ice cream shops are located at 489 Kinsley Ave in Providence, and 335 Water St in Warren.
There are countless destinations if you’re interesting in being outside this summer in beautiful spaces. Here are 9 great spots to consider visiting if you never have (or even if you have) …
1. Weetamoo Woods - Tiverton
This enormous 650-acre, wooded area in the heart of south Tiverton borders another 250-acre conservation area, Pardon Gray Preserve. From the entrance and small parking area off East Road (less than a mile east of Tiverton Four Corners), visitors can access 7 miles of trails, pass by streams and climb (carefully) to the top of “High Rock.” East Road, Tiverton, R.I.
2. Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge - Warren
The Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, managed by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, offers picturesque views of the Kickemuit River that are well worth the trip. The property is full of hardwood forests and fields of flowers that attract butterflies in the summer months. The shorter length and flat terrain make this an easy stroll for children and families. A
one-mile trail traverses the property. 99 Touisset Road, Warren, R.I.
3. Osamequin Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary - Barrington
This large area off the northbound lane of the Wampanoag Trail (Route 114) has 42 acres of trails and pristine saltmarsh
property along the western shore of the Barrington’s majestic Hundred Acre Cove. The property is jointly managed and maintained by the Barrington Garden Club and the Barrington Land Conservation Trust.
Along the Wampanoag Trail, just north of the “White Church”
4. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium - Bristol
The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is home to a natural history museum offering interactive exhibits that explore local habitats and wildlife found in the Ocean State. Visitors discover creatures that live in a tidepool, observe marine life from Narragansett Bay, visit with Common Raven Zach, and peek inside a 33-foot life-size model of a North Atlantic Right Whale.
Situated on the 28-acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, ADA-certified walking trails start in at the Palmieri Pollinator Garden and wind through upland meadows to a ¼-mile boardwalk through fresh and saltwater marshes to a majestic view of Narragansett Bay. Located along the East Bay Bike Path, the trails allow bikers and walkers access to the refuge's natural beauty.
1401 Hope St., Bristol, R.I.
5. Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge - Tiverton
The Audubon’s Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge is a lovely parcel of woods and salt marsh with winding trails that run along the Sakonnet River. The trail system weaves through deciduous woods and red maple swamp with many places to stop and enjoy the beautiful view of the
river. There are 1.6 miles of easy trails. 116 Seapowet Ave., Tiverton, R.I.
6. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge - Seekonk
From the white barn to the meandering trails and crystal-clear brooks, the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge is a place frequented by nature enthusiats and wildlife alike. With nearly 200 acres of fields, forests, streams, and ponds, Caratunk offers miles of well-marked trails is one of Audubon's most popular properties.
301 Brown Ave., Seekonk, Mass.
Lesser known but equally spectacular is this large wooded area in the heart of Tiverton. Accessible by a small parking area across from Tiverton Town Hall, this area is both natural and historic. Fort Barton itself includes a tower and fortifications from the Revolutionary War and the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island. The open space includes 83 acres, with 3.5 miles of trails.
343 Highland Road, Tiverton, R.I.
The 188-acre Whitehead Preserve is a charming hideaway managed by The Nature Conservancy. Careful, historic plantings of native shrubs and wildflowers host a multitude of birds, butterflies and other pollinators. An easy, winding path circles three farm ponds surrounded by woods and open meadows. The preserve also includes a fully accessible, wooden boardwalk, which is particularly suitable for younger children and anyone with limited mobility. Forested wetlands, swamps and old fields support a changing variety of wildlife throughout the year.
374 West Main Road, Little Compton, R.I.
One of the grandest outdoor spaces in all of Rhode Island, Sachuest is home to a rocky coastline where visitors can see more than 200 bird species throughout the year. Nearly 3 miles of trails loop around Sachuest Point. The refuge includes 40 acres of salt marsh lands and steep rocky shorelines around the perimeter. Most visitors enjoy year-round birdwatching, and elevated observation platforms along the trails provide unobstructed views of the refuge.
769 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, R.I.
Most families know this corner of East Providence is home to one of the region’s unique treasures, the century-old Looff Carousel that has been designated a National Historic landmark. The carousel is a great destination throughout the summer, but the East Providence Recreation Department is creating even more reasons to visit the Riverside waterfront, with a series of summer outdoor concerts and movie nights, a Summerfest in July, and a Looff Arts Festival in August. crescentparkcarousel.org/events
Save the Bay Aquarium
Dive beneath the waves of Narragansett Bay at Save The Bay’s new Hamilton Family Aquarium in downtown Newport. The one-of-a-kind, 7,500-square-foot facility at the northern end of America’s Cup Boulevard allows guests to come face-to-face with the creatures and species that live beneath bay waters. savebay.org/family-fun/aquarium
Bristol Fourth of July Carnival
Longplex sports complex
Longplex sports complex in Tiverton is opening its doors for “Summer Family Nights” every Saturday throughout the summer. Families are welcome from 5 to 10 p.m. for inline skating, bounce houses, cornhole and more. longplex.com
Catch a ball game
fourthofjulybristolri.com/carnival
The Sailing Museum
Explore sailing through hands-on activities and exhibits that are fun for the whole family. Visitors take part in a personalized journey through thematic areas that begins with the selection of a boat.
Everyone knows about the big parade on July 4 in Bristol — home to the nation’s oldest, continuous Fourth of July celebration — but Bristol gives families a reason to visit every night for two weeks. From June 20 to July 4, the Rockwell Amusements carnival sets up on the historic Town Common in downtown Bristol, with rides, games and classic carnival amusements.
For sailors, they can select from one of seven on the screen; those experiencing sailing for the first time will be given the option of a short quiz that will help them select a boat. For all, this boat will become their avatar throughout their museum experience, guiding them through the interactive elements, several of which will be specific to their selected boat. The thematic areas are: Wind & Water, The Making of a Sailor: Mental, The Making of a Sailor: Physical,Teamwork, and Competition. The museum experience is selfguided and last 45 to 90 minutes. It is open daily. thesailingmuseum.org
Recently ranked as one of the best parks in the United States for summer collegiate baseball by Baseball America Magazine, Cardines Field, home of the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, has a rich history involving the great American Pastime. Games begin at 6:35 p.m. on nights throughout the summer. newportgulls.com
Prescott Farm
Prescott Farm is a colonial farm site in Middletown. See early American history in a charming country setting featuring an 1812 windmill, historic buildings, gardens and walking trails. Access to the site is free and open daily to the public.
Several families have invested decades into preserving their land and cultivating their arbors to produce a rich array of local wines. These 4 belong on the summer “must-do” list
Despite bearing the Newport name, this winery is actually located in Middletown. Most people pass it while driving down to “Second Beach.” The winery is a hive of activity, with tours, many special events and live concerts. The property is also home to two restaurants, a brewery, a tasting room and more.
www.newportvineyards.com/
Nestled off the beaten path along the Sakonnet River in Portsmouth, Greenvale is a sixth-generation farm producing small quantities of exceptional wines. They host food trucks and live music on the weekends, and they are always open for tastings and tours.
www.greenvale.com/
3. Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards Set on 169 acres of land in Little
Compton, this vineyard has been producing wines for more than four decades. They are open Thursday to Sunday for both tastings and graband-go food options. Guests are welcome to sit on the lawn or patio to enjoy.
www.sakonnetwine.com/
4. Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Set on 400 acres of working farmland, this winery has been producing for four generations. They are open for tours, tastings and special events Monday to Saturday, they often have a food truck on site, and they are closed on Sundays.
westportrivers.com
A few experiences must be part of every summer in this region — softserve ice cream, a Del’s lemonade and a true New England clambake. Add a trip to the local clam shack to the list. The Narragansett-Point Judith region is home to some of Rhode Island’s most famous clam shacks, but these places rival any of them and are much closer to home …
Blount Clam Shack – Warren
Set atop a layer of white clam shells (as it should be) and sitting neatly along the Warren River, Blount has everything one would expect: clamcakes, chowder, lobster, clam strips, beer, wine, picnic tables, live music and a dock for boaters. blountretail.com
Macray’s - Tiverton
They have their own food truck and they do catering too, but they’re best known for their award-winning fried clams and clamcakes. Take out or dinein. They also have a full bar. macraysseafood.com/
Evelyn’s - Tiverton
Evelyn’s has been a local favorite for
more than 50 years. Tucked off Main Road alongside Nanaquaket Pond, it has all the favorites, outdoor dining and an indoor dining space. They’re open
Set in the charming Island Park area, Flo’s has everything you’d expect in a clam shack, as well as a rich history that began back in 1936 — and survived mul-
Located at the border of Middletown and Newport (across from “First Beach), Flo’s is open five days a week this time of year. https://www.flosclamshacks.com/
