Ocean State Magazine

OCEANSTATE DECEMBER 2018

A home for the

HOWLIDAYS Your go-to guide for local

CRAFT FAIRS Find the perfect spot for your own

HOLIDAY DAYCATION

A quick & easy

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST the family will love!

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table of

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CO NTENT S

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DECEMBER EVENTS

Oc e a n S tate Eve nt s S c h e du l e

A HOLIDAY DAYCATION Oc e a n S tate L i fe st y l e

SEBASTIAN COLE

Oc e a n S tate Au t h o r

JESSICA STEVENS

Oc e a n S tate Ar t i st

EASY CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST Oc e a n S tate Re c i pe s

BRAD SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY C o l l e e n & M i ke

A HOME FOR THE HOWLIDAYS Oc e a n S tate M i ra c l e s

OH CHRISTMAS TREE!

Oc e a n S tate L i fe st y l e

CRAFT FAIR GUIDE

Oc e a n S tate L i fe st y l e

AUTO REVIEW

Oc e a n S tate Au to

DEALER DIRECTORY Oc e a n S tate Au to

DECEMBER 2018 O CEANSTATE

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DECEMBER EVENTS In the Ocean State PAWTUCKET WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter Wonderland 2018 is a festive holiday season village and tree display located inside Slater Park. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ride the Historic Looff Carousel, Stroll around Slater Park pond amongst 500 lit trees, Face painting and craft activities for the kids, Talk with our 18ft talking Frosty the Snowman & Tour the historic Daggett House decorated for the holiday season. For further information visit www. winterwonderlandpawtucket. com. Trees remain lit nightly through New Years Day night from 4 pm—9 pm.

Dates: December 1, 2018 December 9, 2018 Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday Location: Slater Memorial Park Address: 426 Newport Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02861 Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Price: Free

CHRISTMAS AT BLITHEWOLD

Using archival materials for inspiration, Blithewold’s decorators volunteer their time and talents to develop a new theme each Christmas that explores the interests of the Van Wickle family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This year, our theme is called “A Family Gathering." Diary entries give us a glimpse into the family’s Christmas and New Year traditions allowing us to recreate the Christmas weekend at Blithewold in 1910.

Presented By: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum Dates: November 23, 2018 -

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January 1, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Location: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum Address: 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: (401) 253-2707 Time: Times vary, see event details.

CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS

The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery.

Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. The Preservation Society of Newport County invites you to make holiday memories with your family by visiting The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House this holiday season.

Presented By: Preservation Society of Newport County Dates: November 17, 2018 January 1, 2019 Recurrence: Recurring daily Location: The Breakers Address: 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 Phone: (401) 847-1000

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

Your trip includes a 90-minute excursion on a real-life train that is filled with a reading of the classic children’s story, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, delicious cookies, games, and a special visit from Santa where he personally delivers the first gift of Christmas to every child!!! After

we return from our trip to view the North Pole, stay for a photo with Santa on his sleigh! Arrive early for fantastic photo opportunities in front of our custom-made Polar Express backdrops with the characters of our show, a kids area that includes coloring and writing letters to Santa, and our official Polar Express gift shop – all inside the beautifully-decorated train depot where music is playing and the spirit of Christmas fills the air!

Presented By: Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Dates: November 16, 2018 December 23, 2018 Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday Location: Historic Blackstone Valley Train Depot Address: 1 Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895 Phone: (401) 495-1213 Time: Departures at 1:00PM, 4:00PM, and 7:00PM Price: Tickets starting at $56

NEWPORT HOLIDAY STROLL

Bristol's Grand Illumination is the signature event of the Christmas season in Rhode Island. The event includes music, performances, and free pictures with Santa Claus!

Dates: December 1, 2018 Location: Hope Street Address: Bristol, RI 02809 Time: 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM

FESTIVAL OF THE LIGHTS

Narragansett’s favorite holiday tradition with fun for the whole family. Santa himself along with horse-drawn wagon rides, magic, face-painting, music, and The Towers Gift Shop.

Presented By: The Towers Dates: December 2, 2018 Location: The Towers Address: 35 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, RI 02852 Phone: (401) 782-2597 Time: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM Price: Free

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oceanstate

A HOLIDAY DAYCATION These local spots will have you planning a Holiday Daycation with your BFF'S!

Pat t y J. is c h ie f c o nte nt c re ato r at , a n d fo u n d e r of, t h e a wa rd w in n in g life st y le b lo g Pat t yJ.c o m, w h ic h s h owca s e s n o te wo r t hy fo o d & d r i n k, s t y l e, a n d t rave l ( a s we l l a s d y n a m ic in d iv id u a ls) w i t h i n t h e Oc e a n S tate a n d b eyon d . Ph oto by : S ta c ey Doy l e Ph oto g ra p hy

lifestyle

We’re here once again.

The countdown to Thanksgiving, and next thing you know, it’ll be CE. We all have that one friend who finished their Christmas shopping back in August, and is probably using their calligraphy skills to make place cards for their Thursday table as we speak.

(Try not to be too jelly.)

One way for the rest of us to stay relatively sane and pleasant these last two months of the year is to take an hour or three out on the reg to do something low key fun, whether it’s on your own or with that nonjudge-y friend or friends you can really vent to (aka, that person or ppl you probably always tag in the comment section of IG posts from My Therapist Says or Betches).

One destination to keep

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OC E A N S TAT E DECEMBER 2018

on your radar for this type of necessary leisure time off or recreation would have to be Main Street EG. The other night we were there for an art show and were reminded of just how adorbs and charming it is. So, there's no shame in kicking off your fall/winter 2018 Down Time Tour with some window shopping, coffee or cocktails at a few of our personal favs on Main: 1. A coffee in the am or a seasonal cocktail in the pm at Main Street Coffee is an absolute must do. Sit back and indulge in some people watching or catch up with your crew at this East Greenwich hot spot. There’s also a fireplace in the back room for boosting the cozy vibe.

Check out the front window at The White Elephant (not to be confused with the resort in Nantucket). Their curated

selection of refurbished treasures is always a treat that helps keep us upbeat and cheery.

Then there’s the The Troll Shop. Their windows are usually decked with all kinds of unexpected and unusual items. A great conversation starter to be sure. (Side bar: we’re pretty curious about this place.)

A must visit for every pet pawrent is Bone Appetit, the eco-friendly dog store. Treats, cold weather gear, and even more bark-tastic stuff for the good boy in your life.

Make time to visit Sprigs which features an impressively merchandised selection of all kinds of plants (ideal for that person in your life who’s fully embraced the Houseplant Trend this year) and gifty items, including ornaments, lights, and . You'll be a fan. PS - They also have a shop in Wickford.

Photo Credit: Main Street EG by digidreamgrafix/ iStock/Getty Images

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oceanstate

author

SEBASTIAN COLE

A Story of Undying Love set right here in the Ocean State!

Noah Hartman has it all, or so it seems.

Groomed since childhood to inherit the family fortune and business empire, the effect of living the life set down for him by controlling parents has left Noah out of touch with his inner self. Enter Robin, who — in direct contrast to Noah — is a vivacious, free spirit with no material possessions to speak of. Robin’s love saves Noah by inspiring him to stand up to his parents and reclaim his true identity at all costs. But Robin harbors a secret that could devastate their lives forever. Is it enough for two soul mates to find each other, or are the forces that would tear them apart too great to overcome? Many years later, Noah lies in a hospital bed recounting his life of love and loss, only to discover a far greater truth about the past, present, and future. And the one certainty that remains unchanged in Noah’s heart — true love never dies.

Sebastian Cole never intended on being a writer. He graduated from Brown University in the 80s, then worked briefly in New York before returning to Rhode Island to work in his family's business. Nineteen years later, he took a leap of faith and left the company to pursue his dreams, which has led him to where he is now: a novelist of romantic fiction. www.sebastiancole.com

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Sebastian Cole's debut novel, Sand Dollar: A Story of Undying Love, was emotionally inspired by his own personal life experiences.

Cole writes from the heart, believing in true love, love at first sight, and finding that one person in life you’re meant to be with. Many have compared Cole to one of his favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks, whom Cole cites as an inspiration for becoming an author.

Whether or not he ever achieves that kind of success, touching the lives of others through his writing has been the single most gratifying thing he has ever done.

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oceanstate

artist

JESSICA STEVENS Owner of Sea and Shore Designs

1. Tell us about your work I am a self taught silversmith and I create handcrafted jewelry using sea glass, sterling silver and other semi-precious stones.

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

My most favorite thing to work with is sea glass, but i also work with stones, shells and coral, things you find on the shore. So rather than include "sea glass" in my business name, I went for sea and shore designs.

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

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3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?

I come from a family of artisans and crafters. Growing up I had an unlimited amount of art supplies at my fingertips. I am currently a graphic designer by day, but I quickly discovered being a graphic designer means a lot of what you do is based on customer feed back.

Creating jewelry is something that uses much more of my own creativity.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration?

When ever i feel like I need inspiration of if I've hit a mental block a trip to the beach solves it.

Good thing I live in Rhode Island. You're never too far from a beach here!

5. What’s your favorite item to create?

Rings!! I love to make rings of all shapes and sizes.

6. What’s your best seller?

A toss up between rings and earrings.

7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?

My whole life, so we will say over 30 years.

My family has lived here here in the state for over 6 generations!

8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?

I love my little state! Chowder and clam cakes, Del's lemonade, Dinner on the beach, coffee milk, miles upon miles of ocean access, oysters & food trucks. So. many. food trucks!!!

9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?

Newport for sure, WaterFire depending on the schedule, Colt state park, Moonstone Beach in September & the Umbrella Factory 10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?

Just do it. I sat on my soldering equipment for almost 2 years before i felt brave enough to actually start making. I feel silly now thinking about it, but i was so much more intimidated then i ever needed to be.

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oceanstate

recipes

EASY CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST Sausage Crescents with Hash Browns and Cheese It's officially the most wonderful time of the year! It's time to start playing Christmas songs on an endless loop while you hang all your favorite decorations and guzzle gallons of hot cocoa. It's also time to start planning out your menu for Christmas if you are hosting this year. Eek! If you are going to be doing a lot of cooking Christmas Day like I am, then you'll want a quick and easy (but filling!) breakfast to prepare you for the day. I like something with protein, but unfortunately my husband can't eat eggs. That means unless I want to eat an entire breakfast casserole myself, we can't have one!

Luckily, we both love breakfast sausage. I decided to use that as the protein base for my Christmas breakfast this year. Add some carbs, some starch and some cheese, and you have a fantastic and EASY Christmas morning treat. This would also be a great breakfast to make for a large groups!

Meet Jill, a lifelong New England native who has spread her roots in her favorite state in the USA - Rhode Island. Jill is passionate about so many things... one would argue too many! She decided to start a blog as a place to share all her passions with like-minded individuals. Her blog, MyOceanStateOfMind.com, is a collection of many things: recipes, books, DIY projects, product reviews and much more. If you love eating, drinking, reading, exploring, and trying new things, then you’ll feel right at home here in My Ocean State of Mind.

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SAUSAGE CRESCENTS WITH HASH BROWNS AND CHEESE SERVES 8 | PREP TIME 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME 12 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

8 Frozen Brown'n Serve Sausages 1 Package Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (includes 8 rolls) 1 Cup Frozen Hash Browns 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil 1 Package Cheddar Jack Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 2. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes in an even layer and cook for 6 minutes.

3. Turn potatoes over and reduce heat to medium.

Continue to cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes.

4. While potatoes cook, spread Crescent Rolls out on baking sheet. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of cheese at the wide end of each crescent.

5. When hash browns are done, add 1/2 tbs to each crescent over the cheese layer.

6. Lay frozen sausage over cheese/hash layer, then sprinkle each with another teaspoon of cheese.

7. Carefully roll crescent, wide end to narrow end. Tuck in the dough that sticks out on the sides so sausage is fully enclosed.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned.

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COLLEEN & MIKE

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oceanstate

wedding

Colleen and Mike were married at a church Ceremony on the east side of Providence before heading over to the Providence Public Library for dinner and dancing. A quick stop was made at Prospect Terrace Park, also on the east side of Providence, for some snowy and cold pictures before heading back into the warmth of the library. The newlyweds stepped out of there reception for a few minutes to take a few pictures in the stacks section of the library.

I p h o to g raph 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 c o 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 is 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 ap t ure g e nui ne mo ment s as t h ey u n fo ld, 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 DECEMBER 2018 O CEANSTATE 15

oceanstate

miracle

A HOME FOR THE HOWLIDAYS There are so many sweet animals that are in search of a home, and what better time to find one than the holidays! The following animals are all up for adoption at RISPCA (Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.)

For more information visit: rispca.com

HAZEL

LEILA

This gorgeous redhead with the breathtaking smile is ready for her new home. Hazel is a sweet gal who is looking for someone who likes to go on walks, hikes, then lounge around and chill for the rest of the night. Her former owner describes her as laid-back, loyal, lazy and protective and a dog who enjoys playing with her toys and enjoys a good game of fetch and tug with her humans. Hazel knows some commands such as sit, down, paw, and eat and is very treat motivated so teaching her new tricks should be a breeze for this smart lady.

Shy at first, Hazel will warm up quickly and be a wonderful pup for the right owner! Could it be you? If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application or email Jen at training@rispca.com with any questions.

8-Year-Old female Domestic Short Hair Does not like other cats Independent, Lazy, Talkative You may call me Princess Leila, and I am an absolute diva! I’m chatty and loving, but I also like to do my own thing most of the time. I’m past the age where I want to destroy your house, but I still want all your attention. I’m used to running the place, so I need a little space at first. I’m annoyed by lots of noise and commotion so I would do best in a house with no other cats or young children.

For questions or to apply please contact Cathy at cathy@rispca.com

PLEASE READ: Adopting an animal is a MAJOR commitment. When you adopt an animal, you are agreeing to take care of that creature for the duration of their life. DO NOT adopt an animal or GIFT an animal if you do not feel that they (or you) will be able to care for it appropriately & lovingly. Far too many animals find their way back to the shelter after the holidays pass. Please understand the weight of this decision and stand by your commitment.

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BARKLEY

This handsome lab was originally found as a stray sunbathing on someone’s front lawn. He was brought to a shelter and sadly was never claimed. He remained there for a good long while, then we were asked to help out. Since arriving, Barkley has received his much-needed exercise, socialization and enrichment all of which helped make him into the happy dog you see. He loves to be active, (what lab doesn’t?) and would do great in an energetic home where he can be the young lab he wants to be! This guy loves to play and go on walks and hikes.

He’s a smart fellow, knowing sit and down, and loves his treats! (again, what lab doesn’t?) Barkley will be a blast for the right person! If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application or email Jen at training@rispca.com

This little munchkin is Pebbles. If you want some love and happiness in your life then you have to check her out. She is a 5-year-old Chug (Pug & Chihuahua mix) who will keep you laughing!!!!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application or email Jen at training@rispca.com with any questions.

PEBBLES

Cinderella is a special little 4-Year-Old Female English Lop and we’re looking for someone with previous bunny experience.

She doesn’t love to be held, but does accept pets!

Fill out an application for Adoptable Small Animals here. For more information or questions please contact Anne Penta at anne@rispca.com

CINDERELLA Male Dutch Rabbit – 4 Months Old Fill out an application for Adoptable Small Animals here.

For more information or questions please contact Anne Penta at anne@rispca.com

BRIER DECEMBER 2018 O CEANSTATE 17

Male Hamster – 1 Year Old

Fill out an application for Adoptable Small Animals here. For more information or questions please contact Anne Penta at anne@rispca.com

SILVERWOLF Male Hamster – 1 Year Old Fill out an application for Adoptable Small Animals here. For more information or questions please contact Anne Penta at anne@rispca.com

BRIER

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

DECEMBER 2018 O CEANSTATE 19

OH CHRISTMAS TREE!

It’s finally that oh so special time of the year, when everyone’s hearts are filled with the magic of the holiday season. It is a season of giving, a season of kindness & most importantly, a season of precious traditions – unique to each and every person (which is the best part!)

One tradition that is all too common, amongst so many families across many different cultures, is the annual trip to a Christmas tree farm. Every year, car loads of families pull up with excitement brimming in their eyes, hoping to find that extra special tree to call their own.

This year, I chose to take a trip to a local tree farm in Tiverton, Rhode Island – and it was the cutest little place ever! Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm, nestled in the rolling fields of beautiful farm country, was something right out of a story book (or maybe even a Hallmark movie!) When you pull through the brown gate onto the property, you are greeted by a brilliantly decorated and incredibly large Christmas Tree! At the heart of this farm, is a white painted farmhouse, and within it is a cute gift shop of locally curated items such as ornaments and local honey! After browsing through the gift shop, you can step right outside to pick out that special tree you will call your own. What made this place even more special? They

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always have a bonfire going, so if you get cold while shopping for your tree, you don’t have to travel very far to warm your toes!

When it comes down to it, selecting that perfect tree can be quite the challenge.

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for your Christmas Tree journey: 1. Know the best size for your space before making the trip This one seems very obvious, but all too often it’s forgotten (Never forget Clark Griswold or Buddy the Elf folks.) Be sure to know the best height and width for your tree so you don’t run into any issues when it comes to the final setup.

I hope these tips make selecting your Christmas tree more celebratory rather than stressful this year. Remember: picking out your tree is more than just a purchase; it is a tradition meant to hold many memories for years to come. Make your trips all the more special by adding in your own personal touches such as hot cocoa to warm up after a successful tree picking or reading a bedtime story to your kiddos around the freshly decorated tree. Whatever your tradition may be, let it be joyous, full of love & filled with the magic of the Christmas season.

2. Make sure the needles are secure.

If the tree you select has needles falling off of it left & right, it may not be a very fresh tree. Be sure to give it a slight shake and inspect some of the branches.

3. Visit a farm over any old “side of the road” Christmas tree lot When you visit a Christmas tree farm over the road-side lots, you will be getting a freshly cut tree straight from the ground that it was grown in; whereas, if you visit those road-side lots, you’ll be getting precut trees that might have been cut long before your arrival.

4. Have your tree baled Having your tree baled, also known as the netting the tree gets wrapped up in, makes the transportation and setup 10x easier.

5. Pay attention to the color of the tree Discoloration of the tree can mean poor health and may not last as long as you would like it too – and that is not ideal for a happy holiday season.

My n ame is J enn an d I am th e g irl b ehind Dres s ed in Bles s ing s . I am a p ar t tim e fas h io n , makeu p & li festy le b lo g g er; h owever, in my day to d ay life I am a full tim e Graphic Des ig n er! I have a p assion for no t o nly d es ig n b ut I als o love p ho to g rap hy & vid eo g raphy. I am a twenty three year old on a b ud g et & love to s h a re all of my s h o p p in g tips & tricks! Follow alo ng o n in s tag ram @d res s ed inbles s in gs for m ore fun an d helpfu l tips !

DECEMBER 2018 O CEANSTATE 21

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oceanstate

events

OCEAN STATE CRAFT FAIRS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR ARTISAN CRAFT FAIR December 1, 2018 | 10AM-4PM Newport Elks Lodge 141 Pelham Street Newport, RI 2840

2018 PROVIDENCE HOLIDAY MARKET December 2, 2018 | 10AM-4PM Hope High School 324 Hope Street Providence, RI 2906

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR December 8, 2018 | 10AM-4PM Knights of Columbus 7 Valley Road Middletown, RI 2842

BOLTS BAZAAR December 8, 2018 | 10AM-3PM Cranston High School East 899 Park Ave Cranston, RI 02910

2018 PROVIDENCE HOLIDAY MARKET December 8-9, 2018 | 10AM-6PM Rhode Island Convention Center 1 Sabin Street Providence, RI 2903

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY GRACIE'S

AVVIO

Address: 194 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903-3212 Phone: (401)-272-7811

Address: 90 Hillside Rd, Cranston, RI 02920-5662 Phone: (401) 942-2900

HEMENWAY'S SEAFOOD GRILL & OYSTER BAR

SPAIN RESTAURANT OF CRANSTON

Address: 121 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903-2905 Phone: (401)-351-8570

Address: 1073 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, RI 02910-5135 Phone: (401) 946-8686

CAMILLE'S

NICK'S ON BROADWAY

Address:71 Bradford St, Providence, RI 02903-1671 Phone: (401) 751-4812

Address: 500 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909-1623 Phone: (401) 421-0286

MASSIMO RESTAURANT

RASOI RESTAURANT

Address: 134 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903-1632 Phone: (401) 273-0650

Address: 727 East Ave, Unit 6, Pawtucket, RI 02860-6185 Phone: (401) 728-5500

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GARDEN GRILLE Address: 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860-6185 Phone: (401) 726-2826

SPUMONI'S RESTAURANT Address: 1537 Newport Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02861-1356 Phone: (401) 726-4449

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

437-6950

CHEZ PASCAL Address: 960 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906-3738 Phone: (401) 421-4422

RIVER FALLS RESTAURANT Address: 74 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895-4293 Phone: (401) 235-9026

LINDY'S TAVERN Address: 82 School St, North Smithfield, RI 02896-7922 Phone: (401) 356-1966

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RED STRIPE $ $ 465 Angell St Providence Bruch, Steakhouses

437-6950

TRATTORIA ROMANA

JIGGERS DINER

Address: 3 Wake Robin Rd, #1, Lincoln, RI 02865-4294 Phone: (401)-333-6700

Address: 145 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818-3808 Phone: (401)-884-6060

GREENWICH BAY OYSTER BAR

WILD HARVEST BREADS AND CAFE

Address: 250 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818-3716 Phone: (401)-398-2462

Address: 5600 Post Rd, Unit 120, East Greenwich, RI 02818-3400 Phone: (401)-336-3996

DEPOT STREET TAVERN

MERITAGE - WARWICK

Address: 45 Depot St, Milford, MA 01757-3612 Phone: (401) 488-6844

Address: 5454 Old Post Road, East Greenwich, RI 02818-3054 Phone: (401) 884-1255

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oceanstate

auto

THE SUBARU ASCENT 2019 Subaru Ascent: Plus-Sized People Mover Story By: Duncan Brady

Subaru has walked the line between lightly lifted all-wheel drive station wagons and full-sized SUVs for decades now.

With the introduction of the 2019 Ascent, it appears that the Japanese automaker has its scope set squarely on the stalwarts of the three-row SUV segment, taking on sales heavyweights like the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. With that in mind, has Subaru succeeded in building a car capable of playing with the big kids on the playground?

It’s impossible to comment on the Ascent without first touching on the manufacturer’s last attempt to compete with this modern generation of minivan alternatives: the B9 Tribeca. Arriving in 2006, the Tribeca was not what we would call good looking, even after an aesthetic refresh in 2008, nor was it a sales success.

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In the Tribeca’s final year of production in 2014, Subaru sold just 732 examples in North America. For reference, Toyota sold more than 146,000 Highlanders here during the same period.

Subaru intends to occupy a great deal more of that market space with the Ascent. Offered in base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trim levels, the automaker proudly declares this new model the largest Subaru ever built, though the dimensions don’t stand out amongst its peers. It does however boast an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance which dissolves any anxiety performing Subaru activities like driving down rutted dirt roads through Vermont or crossing grassy fields on the way to one’s campsite. Or soccer match.

From the exterior, the design of the As-

cent is pure Subaru. Wagon-like proportions dominate the profile and from straight on the Ascent is nearly indistinguishable from its smaller stablemates.

With features not unlike those of a Forester with lip fillers and calf implants, the designers clearly played it safe while penning this one, though that’s to be expected given Subaru’s recent successes and previous foibles.

The Ascent’s powerplant is similarly typical of the brand: a single-turbocharged horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine which produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Those power figures leave the Ascent well-equipped to keep up with the non-turbo six cylinders and forced induction four-pots of the competition, though it can’t compete with the muscular 365-horse twin-turbo V-6 in top spec Explorers. The Ascent’s turbo four is well up to the task of motivating the 4600 pound family hauler and provides surprising poke given a prod of the throttle pedal. It can even tow 5000 pounds, 1500 more than the similarly powered Mazda CX-9. Fuel economy is near the top of the segment, averaging 22-23 mpg combined.

Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a new high-torque application of Subaru’s CVT. Easily accessible shift paddles behind the steering wheel allow the driver to swap between 8 pre-defined ratios in a selectable manual mode, and in doing such the CVT does a passable impression of an eight-speed auto box. In most driving scenarios, the transmission succeeds in keeping the engine on boil when you need it and dropping the revs while cruising to mitigate the flat four’s inherent gruffness.

Inside, Subaru’s new three-row is dressed to impress. Our Touring-level tester had us perching on thrones lined with rich brown leather approaching luxury levels of suppleness. The Ascent is configurable to seat 7 or 8 passengers, with the options of bench or buckets in the second row. We found more than enough second row legroom seated behind our 6’1” test driver. Even wayback accommodations are acceptable thanks to middle row seats that slide fore and aft. However, the third row bench is mounted high due in part to the Subaru’s

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symmetrical all-wheel drive hardware on the rear axle, and head room leaves something to be desired for full-sized passengers.

Technology and usability are both strong points. Buyers are treated to a 6.5” or an 8” version of Subaru’s touchscreen entertainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and all models come equipped with the automaker’s driver assist tech. Pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings are becoming standards of the industry and their inclusion here is more than welcome. These contribute to earning Limited and Touring level Ascents a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Base and Premium trim cars score well but are held back by a poor headlight rating. From a functional standpoint, passengers need not fight over charging capabilities with 8 available USB ports and no cup will go unheld in the Ascent’s 19 (!) cupholders.

The 2019 Ascent’s design is unremarkable though handsome, its engine predictable but undeniably capable, and its interior is genuinely comfortable and usable for families as bountiful as eight. Subaru’s second attempt at a three-row crossover SUV is without question its strongest.

If our time with the largest Subaru ever built has been any indication, I think dealers are going to sell a whole lot of them.

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