Ocean State Magazine, June 2019

OCEANSTATE JUNE 2019

Shop High-End

FASHION FINDS UNDER $30!

Learn more about

LOCAL RI AUTHOR

Julian De La Garza

Your go-to Guide for

SUMMER DINING

FALL IN LOVE WITH NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND

2

OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

table of

20

CO NTENT S

18 6

4 6 10 12 18 20 26 28 39

JUNE EVENTS

Oc e a n S tate C a l e n da r

JULIAN DE LA GARZA Oc e a n S tate Ar t i st

PAUL F. CARANCI

Oc e a n S tate Au t h o r

FASHION FINDS UNDER $30!

Oc e a n S tate Fa sh i o n

BRAD SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY Oc e a n S tate We ddi n g

FALLING IN LOVE WITH NEWPORT RI Oc e a n S tate L i fe st y l e

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Oc e a n S tate Re sta u ra nt s

AUTO REVIEW

M e rc e de s A M G- GT

DEALER DIRECTORY Oc e a n S tate Au to

12 JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE

3

JUNE EVENTS In the Ocean State KNEAD SOME NAMASTE!

We will flow through a 60 minute vinyasa yoga class, with an extended aromatherapy filled savasana. After class, enjoy a selection of delectable KNEAD doughnuts and sipping coffee.

Presented By: Zen Mafia Dates: June 5, 2019 Location: Knead Doughnuts Address: 55 Cromwell Ave, Providence, RI 02909 Time: 6:30 PM Price: $26

OCEAN STATE IMPROV FESTIVAL

Join the Contemporary Theater Company and actors from across the world for a week of amazing performances of improvised theater, all made up on-the-spot!

There’s something for everyone as performers invent stories before your eyes from comic books to Shakespeare! You've never seen anything like this before - and you never will again! See website for schedule and tickets.

Presented By: The Contemporary Theater Company Dates: June 5, 2019 - June 9, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring daily Location: The Contemporary Theater Company Address: 327 Main Street, Wakefield, South Kingstown, RI 02879 Phone: (401) 218-0282

PVDFEST IDEAS

PVDFest is about exchanging fresh ideas and new creative concepts from Providence’s vibrant cultural communities and around the world. This year’s PVDFest Ideas brings together a constellation of programs highlighting innovations in culture, technology and more throughout the duration of the

4

OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

festival and the first week of June.

PVDFest Ideas will showcase exciting events like the Jewelry District Historic Walking Tour; a family-friendly Make-A-Kinder Providence Make-A-Thon Pitch Fest; and will build off last year’s sold out Ideas Conference keynote with a “Welcome To Your World” Book Club and Reception.

This year’s keynote address, delivered by Lars Jan, a genrebending media artist, will provide insights into HOLOSCENES, his large-scale installation/ performance exploring the relationships between climate change and human behavior.

Dates: June 4, 2019 - June 9, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring daily Location: Various Locations Address: Providence, RI 02903 Time: Times vary by event, check website for full details.

RI PRIDE ART GALLERY

The largest LGBTQIA+ Art Exhibit in Providence! Four locations featuring local LGBTQIA+ Artisits will be open to the public free of charge for the month of June. Our gallery space at 2 Charles St features a Hall of Flags in addition to the artwork. Works can be viewed in the City Services office at Providence City Hall, the main corridors at the Providence Marriott Downtown on Orms Street and Sprout CoWorking Gallery at Rising Sun Mill on Valley St. A special "Gayllery Night" Tour will be on June 20th complete with Trolleys! Dates: June 1, 2019 - June 29, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring daily Location: RI Pride Address: 1055 Westminster, Providence, RI 02903 Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Price: Free

TRIVIA AT THE GUILD

Wednesdays, June through August, Historic New England landscape staff are looking for volunteers to help in the Casey Farm agricultural fields. Volunteers work side by side with staff to care for and learn about these historic farm fields and organic farming. It’s also a chance to share your knowledge and explore the farm.

Tasks include weeding, removing invasive species, and other cleanup activities.

Sessions run each week from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00, June through August. Get involved by calling 401-295-1030 ext. 1.

Presented By: Casey Farm Dates: June 5, 2019 - August 28, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Wednesday Location: Casey Farm Address: 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown, 02874 Phone: (401) 295-1030 Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Price: Free

DISCOVER PROVIDENCE

Join us for Providence’s premier city tour!

As you relax comfortably on our climatecontrolled tour bus, we will show you why Providence has been voted one of America’s favorite cities. We will journey through its most exciting neighborhoods, and tell you the story of our capital city, its celebrated citizens, and what it has contributed to America. You will also admire fantastic architecture and the most beautiful settings in the city. There will be opportunities along the way for you to get out, take pictures, and explore things up close, including a stop for something tasty in our famous Little Italy. If you want to get to know Providence and see its most impressive sights, then this is a tour you must take!

Dates: April 29, 2019 - November 2, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring weekly everyday but Sunday Location: Experience Rhode Island Tours Address: 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI 02903 Time: Monday-Saturday 11:00am or 2:00pm Price: Free (0-4) $25 Youth (5-17) $30 AdultsMiddletown, RI 02842 Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE

5

oceanstate

JULIAN DE LA GARZA Ocean State Artist & owner of Julian the 2nd!

Shop name: Julian The 2nd Facebook: Julian The 2nd Jewelry Instagram: Julianthe2ndjewelry

artist

1. Tell us about your work: I create darkened modern jewelry for men and women made of bronze, sterling, and gold. I use fabrication methods, 3D printing, and casting to create my various designs and hand finish each piece so no two are exactly the same. I only use local casting sources, and when I use gemstones, I pick them myself at gem shows, or from reputable sources and set them myself as well.

Erika Smith moved to Rhode Island in 2008 and immediately began exploring. With the launch of I {heart} R h o d y i n 2 0 1 0, s h e continues to find the fun in her new home state, and share it with her r e a d e r s . i h e a r t r h o d y. c o m

6

OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?

I got the “2nd” from Julian and Jewelry being double J’s when put together. I play-

fully call it “J Squared” on occasion.

obscured surfaces and raw textures.

3. How did you come to be a profes-

5. What's your favorite item

sional artist/crafter/designer?

to create?

I received my degree in Jewelry/Metals

I have always had an affinity for making

from Rhode Island College and haven’t

rings. In my opinion rings are the most

stopped creating since!

important piece of jewelry we can own.

It is often the piece we keep closest to

4. Where do you draw your

our bodies or that we will wear most

inspiration?

often, they’re in a lot of ways like a talis-

I draw my inspiration from an interest-

man and. can be a source of comfort

ing combination of sources, Brutalist

and security. Rings have a large history

architecture, Dark Fashion clothing or

of meaning depending on the finger

even raw crystals and minerals. I also

they are worn on and can have so much

like a touch of darkness and mystery,

character or detail put into such a small

things with surprising pops of color,

surface area.

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE

7

6. What's your best seller?

My current best seller is my Jotunheim Ring or my Skull stackers 7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?

I have been in Rhode Island for 27 years 8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?

Oh man, there’s a list! Sunsets at Colt State Park, Scarborough Beach at night, SO many good restaurants...SO MANY, the best tattoo artists around, the art scene around Providence, Opera at the Newport mansions (oh yeah I said Opera!), Free Play arcade bar, and the thriving jewelry industry still present 9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?

I can’t pick just one! Usually it’s places to eat, Mesa Cafe for breakfast and usually one of our incredible pizza places or maybe Rasoi or Thai Cafe if they’re adventurous! Can you tell I love food?

10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?

Find a good studio space to work in, ideally one with other artists. As artists we stand on each other’s shoulders and it’s important for us to be able to learn from each other! Don’t be afraid to try something new or experiment with a material or technique, and always use proper eye protection 8) 11. Please include anything else you’d like to add: I currently have a studio space at The Bench RI and I am teaching jewelry classes there. It’s a fantastic space for people who are beginners or advanced.

8

OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

Advertise WITH OCEAN STATE

EMAIL US AT:

Info@oceanstatemagazine.com

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE

9

oceanstate

author

PAUL F. CARANCI

Dive into this emotionally charged story written by local Ocean State Author!

At the instruction of a mysterious Lady visible only to the child, and to the uproarious laughter of thousands of ridiculing onlookers, fourteenyear-old Bernadette began digging into the dry ground at the Grotto of Massabielle until she unearthed enough moisture to smear a muddy mixture on her face. Later that day, the faithful were as amazed as the government officials were dismayed when a spring producing 25,000 gallons of water each day erupted from that very spot. It is arguably the most miraculous water the world has ever known. Monday, January 7, 2019 marked Paul F. Caranci is a historian and cofounder of The Municipal Heritage Group. He has written columns for

and Monday, February 11th was the Feast of Our

local and national magazines and

Lady of Lourdes. To commemorate Bernadette’s

trade publications. Paul has published 9 books and has three award winning

inspiring life and the miraculous events begun in

books to his credit; The Hanging &

Lourdes, France during the winter of 1858, award-

Redemption of John Gordon: The True

winning author Paul F. Caranci released his new

Story of Rhode Island's Last Execution (2013) - voted one of the top five non-

book, I Am the Immaculate Conception: The Story

fiction books of 2013, and Scoundrels:

of Bernadette of Lourdes.

Defining Corruption Through Tales of Political Intrigue in Rhode Island winner of the 2016 Dorry Award for non-fiction book of the year, In addition, The Promise of Fatima: One Hundred Years of History, Mystery and Faith, was named a finalist in the International Book Awards held in Los Angeles, CA in May 2018. It is the inspiring story of the Marian apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. P aul is a former Director of the R.I. Heritage Harbor Museum and the R.I. Heritage Hall of Fame. He is on the Executive Committee of the Association of Rhode Island Authors, the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Publications Society, and served for eight years as Rhode Island's Deputy Secretary of State.

10 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

the 175th anniversary of St. Bernadette’s birth

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 11

oceanstate

FASHION FINDS UNDER $30!

Designer Names with a discount all from TJX Co.!

My n a m e is J e n n a n d I am t h e gir l b e h in d Dre ss e d in B le s s in gs. I a m a p a r t t ime fa sh io n , m a ke u p & life st y le b lo g g e r ; h owever, in my d ay to d ay life I a m a fu ll t im e Gra p h ic De s ig n e r ! I h ave a p a s s io n fo r n o t o n ly d e s ig n b u t I a ls o love p h o to g ra p hy & v id e o g ra p hy. I a m a t wenty t h re e ye a r o ld o n a b u d g et & love to sh a re a ll of my sh o p p in g t ips & t r ic k s!

Fo llow a lo n g o n in s ta g ram @ dr es s edi n b l es s i n g s for m o re fu n a n d h e lpfu l t ips !

12 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

fashion

For those of you who don't know, I am a TJ Maxx addict. Yes, I admit it, I have a problem, but I'm totally fine with it!

I visit one of the TJX brand stores (TJ Maxx/ Marshalls/Home Goods...) at least once a weekend, so it's safe to say that I often know what items are circulating throughout the stores, and where I can find the best deal (even though the entire store is essentially a great deal!)

So, I decided: Why not share the wisdom & knowledge I have curated over my many years of professional shopping (haha) at TJ Maxx?

Without further ado, here is my top TJ Maxx finds under $30 - yes THIRTY, you read that right

Fossil Clutch $12.99 Fossil is a brand that I have always admired but have never been able to afford. When it comes to higher end brands, I always wonder how much the quality actually correlates with the price – is the splurge really worth the product? Imagine my surprise and sheer joy when I checked the price tag and it said only $12.99!! I finally found a clutch that fits my phone, cards, keys and even my phone charger comfortably, and at one heck of a deal. So far, the quality has been nothing short of spectacular & I have 100% trust that all items in the clutch are secure, even when I wear it as a wristlet!

Rose & Bergamot Musk Candle $9.99 I don’t know about you guys, but I am an absolute sucker for the candles section in TJ Maxx & Marshall’s. Although it’s mildly embarrassing to admit, I have for sure spent at the very least 20 minutes perusing & sampling all of the amazing scents & styles they carry. As soon as I found this one, I just knew I had to have it!The slightly sweet but refreshing smell of the candle is so perfect & helps to create a relaxing environment! I have slowly discovered that 99% of the time, I love a candle that has Bergamot in it - definitely recommend!

OPI Lisbon Collection Sampler Set $6.99 A little fun fact for you all, I am born in the US but I am also basically 99.99% Portuguese! When I heard that OPI was creating a Lisbon inspired collection, I fell in love! Imagine my excitement when I found a color sampler at TJ Maxx for this awesome collection!! I absolutely adore all of the colors included, right down to their adorable names inspired by all of the culture & beauty that Portugal has to offer. These colors are absolutely perfect for summer – snag them if you can!

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 13

Eccolo World Traveler Planner $9.99 Now if you read my most recent blog plost (click here to read it if you haven’t yet) you might remember me saying that I am quite a stationary hoarder haha! Well, proud moment, I finally cleaned out all of my old planners that are no longer up to date and purchased one – ONLY one – new planner to use for the remainder of the year. The price of this planner was so affordable, I just couldn’t say no. The paper is great because of its light weight and the layout design is elegant yet efficient.

The overall design of this planner just exudes beauty, and when you have a planner like that, how can you not get your life in order?

Steve Madden Sandals $24.99 These sandals are the truly the perfect basic summer sandal. This beautiful cognac color pairs so well with anything – a sundress or your favorite jeans & a t-shirt. They can be dressed up or dressed down! Originally, they’re priced around $50, but I managed to snag mine from the clearance rack at TJ Maxx for $24.99! You just have to love their deals!

London Fog Handbag $29.99 There are certain items in fashion that just have a sweet spot with me, and one of those items is bags with silk scarves. I am aware that this is incredibly specific & highly niche but when you feel it you just know. As soon as I saw this bag, I just knew I had to have it! The simple lines of the bag make it so chic & classy! The size of the bag is perfect too, not too big & not too small, just right. What makes it even better? It comes with an adjustable strap so you can wear it as a cross body!

14 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

These fashion & beauty pieces were truly a treasure to find. That is definitely one of my favorite things about TJ Maxx (and its sister stores) all of the product is high quality, but you will always find something new, exciting and probably not at all what you were looking for and never knew you needed!

I hope that you enjoyed this blog, it has definitely been one of my favorites to write for you all so far!

Any questions or shopping suggestions? Let me know in the comments below!

Don't forget to follow along on my Instagram account @dressedinblessings!

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 15

16 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

LET US FIGHT FOR YOU 401.477.0023 ENVIRONMENTAL, ENERGY & UTILITY, LAND USE LAW PROVIDENCE & NEWPORT | DESAUTELESQ.COM

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 17

TREASURED MOMENTS

18 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

oceanstate

wedding

When it comes to weddings, nothing is quite as sweet as a special and cherished moment with your partner. Capturing the heart of these moments is difficult, but Brad does this with ease & grace.

Cherish the sweet moments and a memory to last a lifetime.

I p h o to g ra p h w ed d in g s a nd have a d arn g o o d t i m e d o i ng it . I en joy g e t t i ng to k n o w t h e co up l e s I w o rk w it h , a nd b e i ng w elc o med i nto t he i r w ed d in g s as family. Th i s fa m i l i a r i t y is w h at let s me d o c u me nt t he d ay u n o b t ru s ively, an d c apt ure g e nui ne mo ment s as t h ey u n fo l d , a l l o wi ng yo u to remain fo c u s ed o n t he p res ent mo ment .

B R AD SMITHPHOTOGR A PHY // SMITHBRA D.COM // @SMITHBRA D

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 19

oceanstate

FALLING IN LOVE WITH NEWPORT RI Things you must do when visiting Newport!

Ta lia is t h e “ T ” in t & tou r.

S h e e n joy s t rave lin g in st y le , p lay in g to u r is t a n d c o n sta nt ly s n a p p ing p h o tos . S h e 's o r igin a lly fro m t h e Ka n s a s Cit y a n d n ow live s in Los An g e le s. S h e s ta r te d her b lo g in 2 0 1 7 a s a d igita l s c ra p b o o k , a m e a n s to sh a re h e r favo r ite t h in g s , h e r a d ve nt u re s a n d lit tle p ie c e s of h e r wo r ld . S he h o p e t h e t h in gs t h at m ake h e r h a p py w ill m a ke you h a p py to o. \

20 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

lifestyle

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I spent last week in Rhode Island hanging out in Newport (and Middletown)… and I fell IN LOVE. My best friend/college roommate Ella grew up there and she’s been trying to get me to visit her for the past 5 years and now I know why, it’s absolutely magical.

I don’t even know where to begin because we had sooooo many fun/scenic/delicious adventures! My heart actually hurts sitting in LA writing this, I would love to move to the east coast someday soon(ish). I should start by mentioning, if you want the full experience (my favorite outdoor shower & all), Ella’s mom actually runs an airbnb out of their adorable farmhouse that I will link

HERE. It gets pretty booked out during the summer but fear not, there are a ton of cute airbnbs all over the island.

The island is pretty small (we often rode Ella’s Vespa to get around) so you can’t go wrong location-wise but, in my opinion, the closer to Newport the better đ&#x;™‚ I’ll start with THINGS YOU MUST DO: Tour the Mansions The most quintessential Rhode Island thing you have to do is go see the mansions. We went to go see the outside of Rosecliff and tour the inside of The Breakers. The architecture and landscaping at Rosecliff (above) was stunning and the view of the ocean from the back is incredible.

Watch the sunset at Castle Hill Another absolute must is going to watch the sunset and get drinks at Castle Hill. The white adirondack chairs on the lawn face the water and it’s so incredibly beautiful (and photogenic).

It’s one of the few places where you can watch the sunset over the water on the east coast. Also, if you go past the lawn bar down to the cliff, there an insane view of the coast that’s picture perfect (below).

Visit Sweet Berry Farm We pulled up to Sweet Berry Farm and

Ella said “I could get married here one day� and I’m soooooo into it as a wedding venue. The green, hilly farmland feels like you’re in the UK or the south of France aaaand they had a small sunflower field to pick flowers from so naturally I loved it. There are a ton of delicious snacks and treats from local vendors to buy inside too. It’s all around the cutest!

Hangout at Second Beach Ella says all the tourists usually go to First Beach but Second Beach is soooo much better (traveling with a local is

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 21

the best). I can’t explain how much more I enjoyed swimming in the Atlantic Ocean (over the Pacific). The water is warmer, cleaner and tamer, and it doesn’t have a steep drop-off so you can go out farther to swim. Also the beach is just prettier and more scenic (only Malibu and Laguna could even remotely compete). I loooove the tall grass growing through the sand against the wooden fences! It’s so east coast. Get the soft serve and clam fritters (they’re UNREAL) at the snack bar.

Wander around The Wharf Bannister’s Wharf is area of the wharf near Clarke Cooke House and The Black Pearl and it is so damn cute. I’m about to get into places to eat but either before or after a

22 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

yummy meal, it’s a great little area to explore! There also a cookie shop called The Cookie Jar where I stuffed my face with cookies aaaaand a dessert shop called Kilwins where I got yummy cake batter ice cream đ&#x;™‚ Highly recommend.

Take A Bike Taxi Ella is going to laugh at me for even mentioning this but riding a bike taxi to the bars was some of the most fun I had! (check my IG story) There’s something magical about riding through cobblestone streets at night, okay!? They’re all tip-based and they accept Venmo đ&#x;™‚ Next, PLACES TO EAT:

The Black Pearl The Black Pearl has the best clam chowder in New England and, therefore, the best clam chowder in the world. Hands down. No questions asked. It’s also a great spot to hang because it’s super central.

Ella worked there every summer from 14-22 (years old) so it was fun going with her because she knows the whole crew.

You can eat outside (my personal fave) or inside! If you want to feel like a real local, order a mudslide or a dark n’ stormy.

Clarke Cooke House I hadn’t had a dinner this bouji in too long and it was incredible. Clarke Cooke House is everything you’d expect from Newport: insanely scenic harbor views, mouthwatering seafood, fine wine, candle light, chic women, suited up men… honestly what more could a girl ask for!? We split a bottle

of wine and the Yummy roll from their Summer Sushi Menu and decided between lobsters, chicken penne and buttery fish.

It was soooooo good and, more than that, the atmosphere was everything you could ever dream out of a visit to the east coast.

I wish I had taken photos but I was honestly so distracted by the beauty! There’s a quick clip on my IG in my Rhode Island highlight if you’re curious. Go for sunset.

Belle’s Cafe Belle’s Cafe is right near the heart of the Newport shipyard so you can see all the boats and fishermen coming in for lunch!

You can’t go wrong with the crab cakes or lobster rolls but honestly their menu is stacked with delicious options.

Midtown Oyster Bar Coming from an LA gal, the spicy tuna roll

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 23

at Midtown Oyster Bar was one of the best I’ve ever had. This place is token Newport and great for lunch or dinner for classic New England style meals. Everything is so delish!

Here are a couple other places we didn’t get to eat that are also great: – Salvation Cafe – Corner Cafe (best breakfast) – Perro Solado (Mexican food inside an old colonial home) If you’re looking for the best night life, know that bars do last call at 1AM so people tend to go out closer to 10PM to get a full night out.

Some of Ella’s favorite bars are O’Brians (an Irish pub with outside areas), The Landing (right on the water in Bannister’s Wharf and it has a dance floor) and the Pelham (live music on week nights and it gets lit on the weekend).

Other noteworthy bars are 41 North, Dockside and West Deck.

I hope you guys enjoyed this recap/guide! If you want more candid photos & videos go checkout the Rhode Island Highlight on my Instagram đ&#x;™‚ I can’t recommend Newport enough if you’ve never been. It’s the perfect east coast getaway and I cannot WAIT to go back.

24 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 25

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY Your go-to guide for the best restaurant's in the Ocean State. Make this Restaurant Directory your on-hand guide for a fun night out or when planning your next date night!

PARKSIDE ROTISSERIE & BAR Address: 76 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 331-0003

BLEND PVD Address: 57 De Pasquale Ave Providence, RI 02903-1513 Phone: (401) 474-5119

HIGH TIDES

MILL’S TAVERN $ $ $ 101 N Main St Providence Seafood, Steakhouses, Salad

437-6950

Address: 373 Richmond Street Providence, RI 09303 Phone: (401) 441-6070

TERRAZZA Address: 645 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Phone: (401) 233-3223

BRIX RESTAURANT Address: 909 E Main Rd Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: (401) 848-5161 ext. 2

RED STRIPE $ $ 465 Angell St Providence Bruch, Steakhouses

437-6950

26 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JOHNNY'S AT THE ATLANTIC RESORT Address: 240 Aquidneck Avenue Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: (401) 847-2750

MIDTOWN OYSTER BAR

PROVIDENCE OYSTER BAR

Address: 343 Thames St Newport, RI 02840 Phone: (401) 619-4100

Address: 283 Atwells Avenue Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 272-8866

COAST GUARD HOUSE

WHITE HORSE TAVERN

Address: 40 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI 02882 Phone: (401) 789-0700

Address: 26 Marlborough St Newport, RI 02840 Phone: (401) 849-3600

THE MOORING RESTAURANT

15 POINT ROAD

Address: 1 Sayer's Wharf Newport, RI 02840 Phone: (401) 846-2260

Address: 15 Point Road Portsmouth, RI 02871 Phone: (401) 683-3138

LA FORGE CASINO RESTAURANT

TRIO RHODE ISLAND

Address: 186 Bellevue Ave Newport, RI 02840 Phone: (401) 847-0418

Address: 15 Kingstown Road Narragansett, RI 02882 Phone: (401) 792-4333

THE BARN AT SPRING HOUSE

TWOTEN OYSTER BAR & GRILL

Address: 52 Spring St Block Island, RI 02807-7794 Phone: (401) 466-5844 ext. 106

Address: 210 Salt Pond Road Wakefield, RI 02879 Phone: (401) 782-0100

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 27

oceanstate

auto

THE MERCEDES AMG-GT The Mercedes-Benz marque is most associated

further than their absolute dominance happening

with the term “luxury cars” and for good reason.

in Formula One with cars piloted by Louis

Mercedes has built its reputation in that segment

Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas-both with Mercedes

for the past one hundred plus years with everything

engines, consistently taking the top two spots in

from the original 770 series, to the current S class and

nearly every race.

Maybach variants. What they’re less known for-but

Although many supercars have mid-engine

still exceptional at building, is their sports cars, and

designs, the AMG-GT is considered to have a

over the years they’ve had some of the best. From

“Front mid-engine rear wheel drive” layout. Let’s

the 1955 300 SL Gullwing, to the outrageous SLR

unpack that. It’s definitely a front engine, as

McLaren of the early 2000’s, and more recently, the

it’s being under the hood, in front of the driver/

slightly less outrageous SLS. The current pinnacle of

passenger cabin. But it’s more accurately “front

their sports car category is the AMG-GT, and while

mid-engine” as the big eight is situated well behind

less expensive than the SLS it (sort of) replaces, it’s

the front wheels. Better for front/back weight

by no means less of a sports car. Don’t let the subtle

distribution which aids in handling and allows it to

look and sub-stratospheric price tag fool you. This is

be placed lower in the subframe for a lower center

a supercar, but with a healthy dose of the luxury and

of gravity.

drivability you’ve come to expect from Mercedes

One of the major advantages of the GT is that you

Benz. And if you think Mercedes has no business

really get the sense that you’re in a true Grand

building performance cars in this day and age, look no

Touring car, with fewer compromises than your

28 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

usual supercar. And fewer stares and questions

track it.

too. It’s obviously something special, but mostly

The body of the GT is long and low as a GT car

noticed by the discerning enthusiast. Our time

should be. The hood stretches on forever. Then

in the GT included a drive through Newport, and

body is almost all aluminum (93%), with a small

while it did catch the stares (and cameras) of a

dose of magnesium (7%) making up the front

few discerning tourists, it was nothing compared

module. It was designed by Mark Fetherston

to doing the same drive in a Gallardo or a

who also was the lead designer for the AMG

California T.

SLS. There were some minor visual updates

While 2017 included both coupe and convertible,

added for the 2017 year that’s made it a bit more

the example we’re looking at today is the coupe

handsome overall.

version. It weighs nearly 100 pounds less than

The sound of the GT’s exhaust is pure power.

the roadster and doesn’t require the additional

This car could easily be reclassified as a muscle

bracing and beefed up doorsills that the roofless

car, with its specially tuned exhaust that can

version requires. Plus, the endearing teardrop

intimidate anyone within earshot. It shrieks

shape of the coupe’s cabin is absent in the

under power and gives off a sonorous sound

convertible, and of course, the coupe also has

that auto aficionados can appreciate, and

more cargo room.

unappreciative neighbors can wince at.

The heart of a supercar is the powerplant, and the GT doesn’t disappoint. All models of the GT have a hand-built 4-liter V8 with twin turbos, but unlike most turbocharged cars, these boosters are mounted between the engine’s banks. This allows for some interesting packaging choices for the associated hardware and helps give the big Benz a lower center of gravity. The GT has plenty of go, with 456 horsepower that propels it to 60 in 3.9 drama-free seconds. Yes, this car has serious speed to go along with its luxury.

Forged aluminum is abundant in the 4-wheel double wishbone suspension, and the added hub-mounted coil-overs at the rear increase steering precision. Wherever you point the long nose, it tracks perfectly and predictably. This car could actually be a daily driver. But with all that lateral grip, you’d be forgiven if you decided to JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 29

The cabin of the GT is surprisingly inviting. While most supercars have a healthy dose of compromise thrown in with their performance specs, the GT requires little. The cockpit is an inviting combination of leather, carbon fiber, and suede. There’s even an 8.4-inch infotainment system, and in this particular version, it controls the excellent Bermester sound system. It also has plenty of driver-assistance features including automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and a plethora of parking sensors. Driver lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are all optional, and were ticked on the order sheet (along with many other options) for this one.

An Exceptional Example This particular GT is finished in Designio Cardinal Red Metallic with the Saddle Brown Nappa Leather interior with AMG Silver/Chrome trim, and has just under 3100 miles. It’s loaded with nearly $17,000 worth of options like the AMG Performance Steering Wheel and Black Dinimica Headliner, AMG Illuminated Door Sills, Distronic Plus, Panoramic Roof, AMG Adaptive Suspension, 19/20 inch AMG Split 5 spoke wheels in Silver/ Titanium, The fantastic Burmester Surround Sound System, Keyless Go with Power Trunk Release and the Lane Tracking Package that includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Configured with those options, the GT has an original sticker price of $129,980 and the current NADA valuation is $99,832.

This one owner, low-mileage example is available at Priority Premium (a division of the Priority Auto Group), on West Main Road in Middletown, and is being sold for $85,900.

30 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 31

32 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 33

34 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 35

36 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 37

38 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 39

40 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 41

42 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019

JUNE 2019 O CEAN STATE 43

44 OC E A N S TAT E JUNE 2019