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Five Locations Serving Rhode Island, Neighboring Connecticut, and Massachusetts Communities West Kingston, RI 251 Fairgrounds Rd. (401) 783-2266

Wakefield, RI 297 Main St. (401) 783-3311

Bristol, RI 545 & 549 Metacom Ave. (401) 253-7322 | (401) 297-0366

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Westerly, RI 124 Oak St. (401) 596-2806

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Alicia is fantastic on both the buyer and seller side. She is warm, personable, a great listener, and extremely accommodating. Even more importantly, Alicia knows Rhode Island real estate and can definitely help you find your new perfect home and/or find the right buyer for your existing home. Alicia is highly recommended!” ANDY S. Buyer & Seller

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Work with a seasoned representative, like me, who understands RI and advocates on your behalf.

23 Lawn Avenue, Warwick Represented the Buyer Sold for $736,000

SELLER TIPS •

Price accurately using hyper-local market data rather than online estimates.

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81 Larch Street #3, Providence Represented the Seller Sold for $565,000

Alicia Reynolds Sales Associate | 401.835.2605 Licensed in RI, MA, & CT areynolds@residentialproperties.com @aliciareynoldsrealtor

2025

Alicia Reynolds is a licensed real estate sales associate and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

BUYER STRATEGIES

Your Home. Center Stage. September marks opening night for the fall market. As the summer curtain closes, a fresh season of opportunity takes center stage. Whether you’re ready to debut your home to motivated buyers or set the scene for your own next move, let’s direct a strategy built for a standing ovation.

AC T I V E

5 9 WA R R E N S T R E E T # 2 Providence - Warren Row Condos $495,000 3 BD Townhome

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217 A N G E L L S T R E E T, U N I T 3 G $2,050,000 Providence 3 BD 2 BA Signature Residences

7 5 6 -7 5 8 H O P E S T R E E T Providence - Two Buildings Sold: $1,825,000

Stephen Gaskin is a licensed real estate sales associate and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

BARRINGTON

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Grown Close. Served Fresh.

Good things grow when we support each other

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FEATURES

N E W S & C U LT U R E

Walk on the Wild Side Activities to celebrate special places protected by land trusts

31 CO V E R S T O R Y

Hello, Outside 12+ ways to reconnect with the natural world

59 F E AT U R E

A Growth Industry The challenge of running a small farm in Rhode Island

74 FOOD & DRINK

A Chef ’s Tale The culinary and cultural trek from Alsace to Aquidneck Island

Tillinghast Pond, West Greenwich Ph oto by Rhonda Woloohojia n

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Rhode Island

Fruit Growers

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APPLELAND ORCHARD

135 Smith Ave./Rt. 116, Smithfield (401) 949-3690 Open Daily 8-6 applelandorchards.com Mary Lou’s World Famous Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Wine and Hard Apple Cider

BARDEN FAMILY ORCHARD 56 Elmdale Rd., N. Scituate (401) 934-1413 Open M-Th 9-6; Fri, Sat and Holidays 9-5; Sun 12-5 bardenfamilyorchard.com Farmstand, PYO, Fresh Cider

JASWELL’S FARM

50 Swan Rd., Smithfield (401) 231-9043 Open Wed-Mon 9-5 jaswellsfarm.com PYO Apples & Pumpkins Farmstand & Bakery, Fresh Pasteurized Apple Cider, Apple Cider Donuts & Gourmet Candy Apples.

SALISBURY FARM 11 Peck Hill Rd., Johnston (401) 942-9741 See our Facebook page for daily info salisburyfarm.com PYO Raspberries & Pumpkins, Veggies, and Corn Maze!

SWEET BERRY FARM

915 Mitchell Lane, Middletown (401) 847-3912 Market open 8-6; PYO hours vary, check our website sweetberryfarmri.com PYO Apples, Pumpkins, Farm Market, Cafe & Ice Cream

NAKED PAWPAW

nakedpawpaw.com Email us at nakedpawpaw@gmail.com for pawpaws!

SMALL WORLD FARM

229 Long Highway, Little Compton 617-719-7841 Open Thurs – Sun 10-5 smallworldfarmri.com PYO Apples, veggies, eggs, flowers, seasonal pies

HARD-PRESSED CIDER CO., LLC

Check website for times and locations hardpressedcider.com 9/4 to 12/20 Fri-Sat-Sun, Labor Day, Columbus Day, 10-4

PHANTOM FARMS 2920 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland 401-333-2240 Open Daily 6am-6pm phantomfarms.com Apples, Fresh Cider, Café, Bakery, Breakfast & Lunch Offerings

SOWAMS CIDER WORKS

98 Child St., Warren (401) 252-6104 Open Thur, Fri, Sat 2-8 & Sun 12-5 Sowamsciderworks.com Farmers Winery

Locate Farms at

RIFruitGrowers.org

AT THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 1650 Broad Rock Road South Kingstown, RI 02879 11/28 to 12/21 Fri-Sat-Sun, 10-4

ROCKY BROOK ORCHARD

997 Wapping Rd., Middletown (401) 851-7989 Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10-4:30; check website or call for additional days rockybrookorchard.com PYO Apples, Pears & Quince

STEERE ORCHARD

150 Austin Ave., Greenville (401) 949-1456 PYO daily 9-5 steereorchard.com PYO Apples and Pumpkins Join us for Apple Fest Oct 12 & 13!

CONTENTS

News & Culture 9 EDUCATION: Setting the tone for school days 14 OCEAN STATE MEDIA: Central Falls schools begin a new chapter

20 RHODY PETS: Three adoptable pets of the month 22 RHODY GEM: Inside a Fox Point garage is a full-service bike shop

24 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

27 BEER, WINE & SPIRITS TRAIL

Home & Style 47 HOME: A Providence townhouse-turned-grand dame

Photos by Liz Daly Photography, courtesy of Lindsey Dana Interiors

Photo by Elyse Major

Photo by Jason Wessel Photography, courtesy of Ellie’s

50 SHOP: Stylish finds for September

52 FASHION: Meet local designers reshaping apparel 56 DECOR: Shell-seeking simplified at Wickford pop-up

Food & Drink 67 MAKERS: Follow the breadcrumbs to find small-batch bakers 76 ICE CREAM: A honey of an ingredient in city cafe’s new offering

78 ROUNDUP: Eight places to soak up “local’s summer”

Hey Rhody Photos 80 A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram

ON THE COVER: Exploring Arcadia Management Area. Photography by Nick DelGiudice.

PUBLISHERS Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

GENERAL MANAGER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nick DelGiudice Nick@HeyRhody.com

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ADVERTISING DESIGN DIRECTOR Layheang Meas

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brittany Adams Liz Daly Peter Green Sarah Petrarca

Donna Normand Jason Wessel Rhonda Woloohojian

Memories That Last a lifetime!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Luis Hernandez Emily Homonoff Patty Jeffrey Karen Kalunian

Britt Machado Emily McCoy Nina Murphy Emily Olson

Interested in writing? Email Ken@HeyRhody.com INTERN Gabriella Cos Interested in an internship? Email Ken@HeyRhody.com Distribution Services Special Delivery

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Looking for copies? Visit our offices at Beacon Communications: 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm Presented by Hey Rhody Media Co. (Formerly Providence Media), publishers of Providence Monthly, So Rhode Island, and The Bay

DJs | Photo Booths | Trivia Game Shows | Karaoke Money Booth 401.769.1325

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More than a holistic pet store!

CONTRIBUTORS

We are your local source for expert pet nutrition and wellness.

GABRIELLA COS

Since 2014

7-Time Winner! Owned by a Clinical Pet Nutritionist and backed by a trained team, we’re here to help your pets thrive through better nutrition, enrichment, and holistic care. 91 Kingstown Rd. (Rte. 138) Richmond, RI 02898 www.FetchRI.com 401.539.8080

We knew our star editorial intern would do a fabulous job with a fashion assignment. “Reshaping the Industry” (page 52) takes a look at local designers making signature marks. Gabriella Cos, a rising senior at Bryant University majoring in digital communication with a concentration in marketing , also contributes to The Must List and has written several Rhody Gems.

EMILY HOMONOFF Operating a small farm has its struggles and rewards, which writer Emily Homonoff explores in “A Growth Industry” (page 59). A Rhode Island native and founder of Little Lion Creative, when she’s not building brands, you can find Homonoff at the mahjong table or on an adventure with her dog ; she is also the co-creator of RI’s original author series, The Cardigan Connection.

SHARE THE LOVE. CHANGE A LIFE. EMILY MCCOY Who better to report on small-batch bakers finding happiness and customers in each loaf than Emily McCoy, founder of Fig & Fromage, a charcuterie company inspired by her passion for gathering people around the table. In “Follow the Breadcrumbs” on page 67, McCoy writes about bread makers selling their goods at farm markets and self-serve stands across northern Rhody. Do you have a pet who loves to meet people? Would you like to share their unconditional love with those in need of companionship and comfort? Then this just might be for you.

Join the DJ Professional Pet Assisted Therapy Program at URI and make a meaningful difference in your community

EMILY OLSON In “ Walk on the Wild Side” ( page 16), Emily Olson reports on Land Trust Days, the two -month celebration put on by the Rhode Island Land Trust Council. For over 20 years, the award-winning journalist has been writing about lifestyle, environmental, and social justice topics. In her downtime, she enjoys exploring the Ocean State with her kids.

Learn how to become a credentialed therapy team https://web.uri.edu/osi/pet/

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Routine Reset Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Educators share strategies for transitioning from summer to school

By Jenna Kaplan

s the new school year gets underway, families are settling into the familiar rhythm of early morning wake-ups, overstuffed backpacks, nightly homework, and busy schedules. While the first bell has already rung , the transition from summer’s unstructured days can take time. Whether you’re guiding a wide-eyed kindergartener or supporting a senior through their final year, thoughtful habits at home can make the adjustment smoother. From reinforcing routines to nurturing emotional readiness, these practical tips can help set the tone for a confident, successful academic year.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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NEWS & CULTURE

2026/2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR From the first day to the last and every holiday and break in between, find it all at the Rhode Island Department of Education website at RIDE.RI.gov

First-day nerves often stem from the unknown, which is why familiarity is a powerful tool Attend school orientations or open houses, if available. Walk through hallways, peek into classrooms, and point out key locations like the cafeteria, nurse’s office, and bathrooms. Even brief visits help kids form a mental map and ease anxiety. If no formal visit is offered, check the school’s website for photos or a virtual tour. Talk through what the day might look like, from drop-off routines to lunch breaks, and reinforce who they can turn to for help.

routines. Summer’s flexible schedules often stretch bedtimes and blur mealtimes, but experts agree : structure gives kids a sense of security and confidence. A solid sleep pattern can improve focus, mood, and memor y, key components for a successful start. Extend structure to morning and evening rituals. A few full run-throughs the week before school, including alarms and getting out the door, help reduce morning meltdowns and boost confidence. Keep things relaxed. The goal is comfort, not perfection.

Re h e a r s e t h e Ro u t i n e

B u i l d I n d e p e n d e n ce

One of the most effective ways to ease back into school life is to re-establish school day

Back-to-school prep isn’t just about supply runs. It’s also about helping kids manage daily

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tasks with confidence. Age-appropriate chores, such as feeding the dog or setting the table, foster time management and a sense of responsibility that carries over to the classroom. Let your child help pack their lunch, choose their outfit, or prepare their school bag. It might take longer, and you may need to negotiate whether pajama pants count as real clothes, but the process builds self-reliance. Encourage younger children to practice tying their shoes, zipping coats, and opening snack containers. These small skills reduce stress during the school day. Older children benefit from a dedicated homework space stocked with essentials and maybe a fun personal touch, like a favorite photo or novelty pencil holder.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

C re a te C a l m

Every Great Adventure Begins with the Right Plan. You wouldn’t set out on a trail without a map, and you wouldn’t embark on a real estate journey without a clear strategy. From initial positioning to staging services and managed marketing, I craft a custom roadmap to guide your sale or purchase seamlessly from start to finish. After a long day exploring, there really is no place like home.

Tom Wegner Sales Associate 401.383.0999 TomWegnerSellsRI.com Licensed in RI and MA BARRINGTON

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Tom Wegner is a licensed real estate sales associate and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

PROVIDENCE

SOUTH COUNTY

WATCH HILL

WEST SIDE PVD

WESTPORT

NEWS & CULTURE

TIP: Consider joining the PTA at all levels of schooling to better understand your child’s school community

G i ve C h o i ce s Choosing your own school supplies can be a surprisingly powerful experience. For many kids, back-to-school shopping isn’t just about ticking items off a list; it’s a chance to feel capable, independent, and ready for what’s ahead. Whether it’s a glittery water bottle, a new backpack, or the perfect highlighter set, letting your child take the lead on small decisions can help them feel more prepared and excited for the year ahead. A first-day outfit, no matter how simple, can also work wonders. It’s not about brands. It’s about helping your child feel like they’re stepping into something new with style and self-assurance.

It’s important to get kids involved in back to school shopping

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The foundation for a smooth school day begins at home, especially with sleep, nutrition, and screen-time habits. Breakfast doesn’t need to be fancy. A banana, toast with peanut butter, or a smoothie can provide lasting energ y. Children who eat breakfast are more likely to stay focused and avoid mid-morning fatigue. Ease back into screen-time limits gradually. Try capping device use at around two hours a day. Turning off screens an hour before bed can help reset sleep patterns. Consider swapping screens

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock

P r i o r i t i ze H e a l t h

for calming nighttime rituals like reading or prepping lunch together. Hydration is often overlooked, so a reusable water bottle that follows your child from the classroom to after-school activities supports both focus and well-being. A consistent bedtime routine with simple cues, such as bath time or quiet reading , can make mornings less chaotic and more intentional.

B e a G o o d L i s te n e r Big transitions bring big emotions. In the weeks leading up to school, create space for low-pressure conversations. Ask what your child is excited or nervous about, and reassure them that their feelings are valid. “You don’t need all the answers,” says Ann Gallagher, a speech-language pathologist in the Woonsocket Education Department. “Just being available to listen and observe can make a big difference.” For younger children, roleplay common scenarios like asking for help or greeting a new friend. Older kids might benefit from journaling or creating simple goals for the school year. These conversations strengthen the parent-child connection and promote emotional readiness.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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NEWS & CULTURE

‘Why Not Now?’ Central Falls Prepares to Reclaim Its Schools After 35 years of state control, school board chair Dorian Rave says the district needs deeper community involvement and a new approach In Partnership with Ocean State Media • OceanStateMedia.org • By Luis Hernandez

Interview highlights Edited for length and clarity ON WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO REESTABLISH LOCAL CONTROL OVER THE CENTRAL FALLS SCHOOL SYSTEM Dorian Rave: I think the time is better than ever. I mean, we’ve been under state control for 35 years. The district continues to rank at the lowest level among the districts in the state. So why not now ? How are we going to change if we don’t change? I personally think that the school is in dire need of community involvement. I don’t believe that existed while it was under state control.

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I don’t believe the segue or the route of communication between actual community members, families, and educators was as easy or was facilitated the way it should have been, and I don’t think that existed. With us coming on board as a new local board, locally appointed with ties to the community, that’s completely going to change. And I think that’s going to reflect positively. ON SOME EDUCATION ADVOCATES WHO CHARGE THAT THE STATE TRE ATED CENTR AL FALLS PATERNALISTICALLY DURING THE STATE TAK EOVER Rave: It’s kind of tough for me to form an opinion on that… there’s always been a narrative that people expect less or don’t expect the city to rise to any point of significance – because it’s a square mile and maybe people don’t take it seriously. I know there’s a stigma that the state supports Central Falls and that everybody else in the state is paying for the Central Falls school system. And this is why we want to take control of our own narrative. This is why we want to take back the school so as a community, we can dictate and direct where we want to go with this. ON WHAT OUTSIDE OBSERVERS GET WRONG ABOUT CENTRAL FALLS Rave: I think what people get wrong about Central Falls is I believe they understate the resiliency of the people in that city. Growing up, I was lucky to have a single mother who worked, provided – I can’t say that I lacked anything growing up. But I had friends who did, friends that I walked to school with who needed more help, who maybe didn’t have that support system like I did growing up…. But there was always the city, there were always the teachers, there were always other parents who stepped in and tried to intervene and help. One of the biggest reasons why I came back for this role is because I know that there’s a strong support system, a strong sense of community that still exists in Central Falls that

I think a lot of people get wrong. I think people look at the news and they think it’s completely opposite than what it is. ON HIS VISION FOR THE UPCOMING ACADEMIC YEAR Rave: Well, the goals are transparency. First and foremost, the biggest thing we all push for is we want our community to see everything good, bad, and ugly. For the next two years, we have a partnership with the state that remains as far as a strategic reporting period where we’re providing them with reports on how the budget is going, making sure that we’re not going to get surprised with any deficit in the budget when it comes to the school. To make sure that, as a board, we don’t fail in the responsibility that we have that was given to us to be the stewards of the school district. Especially now, after 35 years, to have that first opportunity to show that we can do it. This article was originally posted on August 10, 2026. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@oceanstatemedia.org.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photo courtesy of Ocean State Media

he cities of Central Falls and Providence are in the midst of a transition that will see them take full control of their school districts after years of state control. In Central Falls, the state has been in charge for 35 years. Some education advocates in the community call the state oversight of the district a failure, as the Central Falls district remains among the lowest-performing school systems in Rhode Island. “ We want to get our schools back,” Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera told Ocean State Media in June, as political leaders on Smith Hill debated ending state control. “This community wants to get their schools back.” Central Falls will remain reliant on state funding. A legislative commission recommended that the city gradually increase its funding contribution from $167,000 to $3.9 million by 2043. Dorian Rave, chair of a new Central Falls school board that will help in the transition, says the time is right for local control. “The district continues to rank at the lowest of the rest of the districts in the state,” Rave told Ocean State Media’s Luis Hernandez. “So why not now ? How are we going to change if we don’t change?” Rave spoke with Ocean State Media, ahead of the new school year, which began on August 26.

A new local school board in Central Falls is betting that stronger ties to families and educators can help turn around one of Rhode Island’s lowest-performing districts

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NEWS & CULTURE

Walk on the Wild Side Find yo ur t ra i l du r i n g La n d Tr u st D ays By Emily Olson

hen you’re sitting in rushhour bridge traffic, Rhode Island’s exquisite beauty can be easy to overlook. But the scener y that has become commonplace to those of us who live here is the stuff of dream vacations for visitors. For the past

15 years, the Rhode Island Land Trust Council (RILTC) has hosted Land Trust Days, an annual two -month-long celebration designed to make us locals look up, step outside, and remember just how lucky we are. The annual two-month celebration, which runs through October 25, offers more than 100

opportunities to explore Rhode Island’s protected landscapes. Many events are free, though some require advance registration. Participants can join guided hikes and river paddles, fly kites on the beach, arrange flowers, make s’mores by a bonfire, and take part in other experiences inspired by the character of each property.

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island Land Trust Council

Land Trust Days offer over 100 opportunites to get outside and enjoy the state’s natural resources

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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Wednesdays 10:00 – 5:00 PM Saturdays 10:00 – 2:00 PM and by appointment.

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You’re not just on vacation. You’re on island.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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NEWS & CULTURE

The Council, which supports the state’s network of more than 50 land trusts, compiles the independently organized events into a single calendar. Over the past 15 years, Land Trust Days has grown from a handful of outings into a much-anticipated seasonal pro gram. “ We started with just a few events,” says Virginia Streeter, Council program coordinator. “And last year there were more than 120.” This year’s calendar highlights events that stretch from one corner of the state to the other. Streeter is especially excited about the

Guided fungal forays are among popular Land Trust Days activities

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Watch Hill Conser vancy’s g uided walks, including one exploring the histor y of Watch Hill Point, the southwesternmost point of mainland Rhode Island. Other popular programs include those hosted by the Aquidneck Land Trust and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Audubon’s family-friendly Raptor Weekend, September 12-13, features programming centered on owls, hawks, and falcons. For those who prefer to think of their nature walks as quests, Land Trust Days provides an

opportunity to participate in the Rhode Island Walks Challenge, a scavenger hunt that sends walkers to 34 trails around the state, where small metal sculptures created by Greg Rebis, an artist at The Steel Yard in Providence, are hidden along the routes. Each sculpture of a nature-based creature bears a QR code participants can scan as they work toward finding all of the sculptures and earning prizes. “ We encourage all land trusts that are home to one of these creatures to host a nature walk during Land Trust Days,” Streeter says.

Participate in guided walks and hikes by day or by moonlight

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

As Rhode Island’s long summer days slowly slide into fall, Land Trust Days ser ve as an opportunity for people to get outside. Whether the goal is sharing a cold brew among friends and falcons, paddling down a picturesque river, uncovering a lo cally made metal treasure, or simply exploring something new, there is plenty of the Ocean State to discover.

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Find the full Land Trust Days calendar at Meetup.com/Rhode-Island-Land-Trust-Days.

Most Land Trust Days activities are free, although a few carry admission fees or suggested donations. In addition, some programs have limited capacity and require advance registration, so participants are encouraged to review individual listings before heading out. Organizers also recommend wearing sturdy footwear, dressing for changing weather, and bringing water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

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NEWS & CULTURE

Rhody Pets of the Month By Karen Kalunian

ooking to welcome a new furr y friend into your home ? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.

If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

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Biscuit

SMOKEY

BISCUIT

BREED: Mixed AGE: 7 years GENDER : Male

BREED: Corgi AGE: 6 years GENDER : Female

This medium-sized boy is looking for a place to retire. He has a beautiful coat and his eyes sparkle with excitement. Smokey is best suited for an adult home with no kitties, where he can enjoy life and spend his days basking in the sunshine. Don’t let his age fool you – Smokey is very smart and quite playful. If you’ve been searching for a loyal and loving companion, it’s time to meet Smokey.

Corgi lovers, meet Biscuit, a fun-loving bundle of fluffy love. Biscuit’s needs would be best met in an adult-only home with a secure fenced-in yard, giving her the chance to explore the world around her. No other pets for this princess; she wants your castle all to herself. If you’d love to give Biscuit a loving home, contact the rescue to learn how you can meet her in person.

WARWICK ANIMAL SHELTER

RHODE HOME RESCUE

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photo (L) by Donna Normand, (center) courtesy of Rhode Home Rescue

Smokey

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170 Rhodes Street, Providence, RI 401-522-3440 | naturespawprint.com naturespawprint@gmail.com

E VERY DOG DESERVES Zeus

Safe, open-play daycare

ZEUS

Photo (R) courtesy of Pawswatch

BREED: Domestic Shorthair AGE: 2-4 years GENDER : Male With his stunning green eyes and his charming pink nose, Zeus will surely capture your heart. He is an affectionate boy who can’t wait to be spoiled and loved every day, ready to put his past behind him and start a new journey with you. To meet this handsome two-toned lad, please contact Pawswatch at the Community Cat Care Center. Zeus can’t wait to meet his purr-fect match! PAWSWATCH

401-285-9800

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Exercise & education Fun-filled days with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever)

Live playroom webcams All dogs must pass an evaluation to ensure their safety and comfort in open-play environment.

Dogtopia of Warwick 30 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02888 dogtopia.com/warwick | 401.903.4900

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NEWS & CULTURE

Friendly Bicycle Ful l -serv i ce b i ke shop What it is: A full-ser vice bike shop offering sales, service, parts, and custom builds.

W h e re to f i n d i t : In Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood on Ives Street, near Wickenden Street. If the shop is open, the rows of bikes on the sidewalk out front are a clear giveaway you found it.

W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m? The shop is a true labor of love for owner/ founder Eamon McGlynn, who started Friendly Bicycle in 2016 as a Craigslist business operating out of his apartment off Broadway. “At the time I would purchase vintage road bicycles, fix them up and resell them, all via Craigslist,” he explains. He shares that an apartment switch was the catalyst for renting a garage on Ives Street in 2018, which then became his work space; upon learning that the garage was commercially zoned, he decided to make things legit as a more standard, albeit miniature, bike shop. “My focus was still on fixing up and reselling vintage steel road bicycles, mainly high-end and custom-built bikes from Italy and Japan. I still love those types of bikes and carry some at all times, but have shifted focus to more standard city-friendly bicycles and servicing the many bikes of the surrounding communities,” says McGlynn. The shop currently carries both new and used bicycles, and all types of bicycle parts and components, with a focus on indie manufacturers. “Our summer plans include fixing all the bikes,” says McGlynn. “And hopefully having time to go on rides ourselves!”

83 Ives Street, Providence FriendlyBicycle.com 484-8078

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

Photo courtesy of Friendly Bicycle

Fr i e n d l y B i cyc l e

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NEWS & CULTURE

The Must List

September 16: Celebrate WaterFire and one of our founding publishers Barry Fain and his

10 essential events this month

wife Elaine, who are being honored for the impact of their philanthropic work at FireBall. The “creative black tie” gala includes a seated dinner, DJ and dancing. Providence, WaterFire.org

Through September 27: Buy local from dozens of makers, vintage vendors, artists, food producers, and community organizations at Summer Flea in the Park. Sundays from 11am-3pm at 195 District Park, Dyer Street. Providence, ProvidenceFlea.com

September 3-6: The annual Pawtucket Arts Festival promises a weekend of family-friendly fun including Dragon Boat Races, the Taiwan Day Festival, Pops in the Park, the Empanada Fest and Song writers at Slater Mill. Pawtucket, PawtucketArtsFestival.com

September 18-20: Rosecliff is the setting for a weekend of food and drink activities at the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival. Experiences include buffet brunches, tastings, and a vintner dinner inside the ballroom (as seen in True Lies). Newport, NewportMansions.org

September 1-13: Theatre By The Sea wraps its sea-

September 12: URI Rams Football begins a season-long takeover of Centreville Stadium while their home field in Kingston is under renovation, facing division rival Elon, followed by the Governor’s Cup versus Brown on September 25. Pawtucket, CentrevilleBankStadium.com

September 20: Head to Lippitt Park for the inaugural Swell Folk Festival, a free family-friendly concert with local artists Princess June, Melo Green, The Vox Hunters, and others, plus dozens of food and crafts vendors. Providence, SwellFolkFestival.com

September 18: The Concert Series at Linden Place presents the indie-pop sounds of the Olivia Dolphin Band on the grounds of the historic mansion. The series continues on September 25 with Celtic music from Turas. Bristol, LindenPlace.org

September 20-26: The Olivier (UK) and Tony Award-winning musical Operation MinceMeat: A New Musical, the #1 Broadway show of 2025, is an entertaining, fast-paced true story of a secret mission that helped win World War II. Providence, PPACRI.org

son with You’ve Still Got a Friend, A Musical Tribute to the Lives and Friendship of Carol King and James Taylor. Performed with live musical accompaniment, it’s a heartfelt show and concert. Matunuck, TheatreByTheSea.com

September 4-6: Rhythm and Roots Festival is an exciting weekend of live music at Ninigret Park, with stellar bands including Tower of Power, Roomful of Blues, Margo Price, and the Preser vation Hall Jazz Band. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photo by Brittany Adams Photography, courtesy of WaterFire

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Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail

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APPONAUG BREWING CO.

We believe nothing connects people like sharing a great beer or a delicious bite. Take refuge from the daily hustles of life in our historic taproom or our beautiful beer garden. 334 Knight Street, Warwick. (401) 744-0415, ApponaugBrewing.com

KINGDOM OF THE HAWK

Enjoy artisan craft beer, cocktails, and spirits in our family-friendly taproom, a preserved 1920s Italian home with original murals, or relax in our petfriendly beer garden. Bocce, cornhole, board games, and wood-fired pizza on site. 65 Canal Street, Westerly. 401.596.4151, GreySailBrewing.com.

NEWPORT CRAFT

loving, award-winning brewery with a massive beer garden in Providence. Come for the beers, stay for the sunshine and vibes. 432 W Fountain St,

Providence. (401) 648-0150, MonikerBrewery.com

OUTER LIGHT BREWING Outer Light Brewing is Southeastern Connecticut’s hometown brewery. Enjoy our diverse lineup of New England craft beer in our familyfriendly taproom, or take in some fresh summer air on our covered outdoor patio. Located at 266 Bridge Street in beautiful downtown Groton. OuterLightBrewing.com

NEWPORT VINEYARDS & TAPROOT BREWING CO. Enjoy estate-grown wines, fresh craft beer & farm-totable dining while overlooking acres of vines. Family owned and operated for 30 years, and just minutes from downtown Newport. 909 East Main Road, Route 138, Middletown, RI.

Discover Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling, where local flavor meets coastal charm. Enjoy beer, spirits, and Newport Bridge views. 293 JT Connell Highway, Newport. (401)-849-5232 Newportcraft.com

MONIKER BREWERY Howdy! Moniker is a lager-

The contemporary barn located on 50 acres of farm land in North Stonington is a nod to the agricultural heritage of the town. Situated on the edge of a hill highlighting sprawling views of vines, forest, & wildlife. KingdomOfTheHawk.com.

GREY SAIL BREWING OF RI & SOUTH COUNTY DISTILLERS

PRESTON RIDGE VINEYARD Located in historic Preston, Connecticut, Preston Ridge Vineyard is at the peak of a ridge providing breathtaking views of the Connecticut countryside. 100 Miller Rd., Preston, CT; PrestonRidgeVineyard.com

& Spirits Trail

SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR MAP OF LOCATIONS

SALTWATER FARM VINEYARDS

Located in an impeccably restored WWII-era airplane hangar, the tasting room overlooks acres of vineyard and a preserved grass landing strip from the 1930s. 349 Elm St., Stonington, CT. SaltwaterFarmVineyard.com.

STONINGTON VINEYARDS Stonington Vineyards is a boutique farm winery located on the CT Wine Trail, open 7 days a week, 11am–5pm, Saturdays 11am–7pm, June–September. 523 Taugwonk Rd., Stonington, CT. StoningtonVineyards.com. Under New Ownership!

THE LANGWORTHY INN & WINERY The Langworthy Inn & Winery, a 7-bedroom B&B and Winery, located at 308 Shore Rd in Westerly RI just minutes from beaches, restaurants & shops in the Weekapaug, Watch Hill & Misquamicut areas. Visit this gem of the SE New England’s vineyards & wineries for a wine tasting, weekend getaway or private event. langworthyinn.com

TILTED BARN BREWERY Located in our authentic, New England-style post and beam barn, we at Tilted Barn Brewery are proud to be Rhode Island’s first farm brewery. One Hemsley Pl., Exeter. TiltedBarnBrewery.com

SIREN SPIRITS DISTILLING COMPANY Discover Olneyville’s newest destination for craft gin and signature cocktails. Visit the historic Harrison Steam Building for tastings, bottles, and distinctive unique, craft spirits. 41 Troy Street Providence. SirenSpirits.com

TAPPED APPLE CIDERY & WINERY Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery turning locally sourced apples into a variety of handcrafted hard ciders and wines. 37 High Street, Westerly. TappedApple.com.

Want your brewery, vineyard/winery or distillery featured here? THERE’S STILL TIME, RUN IN OUR HEY RHODY FALL GUIDE! DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 10TH. FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT MARKETING@HEYRHODY.COM

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Hello, Outside Ways to reconnect with the natural world around you

The Meadow Trail for pollinators at Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, leads to ocean views

By Elyse Major

Photo courtesy of Norman Bird Sanctuary

ut the phone away, we’re going outside! There’s change in the air, and it’s not just the onset of autumn. People ever ywhere are getting fatig ued with the infinite scroll that’s taking over daily life. While Gen X reminisces about the corded kitchen phone, Gen Z can only imagine a society before devices by watching streaming series nostalgic about the 1990s. For many of us, being told to “touch grass” isn’t enough; we need something to do! Here are a dozen activities sure to lure you outside. Group activities easily done solo, and solo activities that can be merrier with more, it’s all here and then some. Mute your phone, it’s time for recess.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

Volunteer at a farm

The first Sunday of each month, the groovy gang at Revive the Roots invites the community to Volunteer Day. Don your closedtoe shoes, comf y clothes, and willing attitude, to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. Care for the garden, tend to the farm, and tackle seasonal to -dos. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or newbie, ever yone is welcome, no experience needed. Revive pro vides the tools, g uidance, good company, and a community meal at the end! Smithfield, Instagram: @revivetheroots

Pitch in at Revive the Roots, Smithfield

Mushrooming, owling, and elegant dining

Join Audubon naturalists at the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge on September 18 for an exclusive evening of mushrooming , birding , and fireside dining. Enjoy a guided walk, sunset wine on the deck, or a canoe ride on Carr’s Pond. The evening caps with an elegant dinner, a live owl presentation during dessert, and an owl-spotting stroll back to your vehicle. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. This limited event accommodates only eight people. Coventry, ASRI.org

Explore a wildlife sanctuary

Wednesday afternoons at Norman Bird Sanctuar y mean it’s nature walk day. This free public program requires no registration, and meets outside the Welcome Center 10 minutes prior to the walk. In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be made on the website that day determining whether the walk will continue or not. 3:30-4:15pm. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org Photo courtesy of Revive the Roots

Mushrooming before dinner at Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry

Photo courtesy of ASRI

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Photo courtesy of Norman Bird Sanctuary

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Nature walks with Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown

It’s Time To Print Those Vacation Photos PRINT | FRAME | SHIP 51 Liberty St. East Greenwich (401)885-0300

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Forage for edible and medicinal plants

Photo courtesy of Maggie Hatzpanian

Join herbalist Maggie Hatzpanian on September 29 for an informative trek along the wild edges of the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium grounds. With over 20 years of experience, Hatzpanian will guide attendees through plant identification, habitat, and the distinction between native and invasive species. Learn about medicinal applications of various plants and, if feeling adventurous, discover which are edible. Bristol, ASRI.org

Go birding

Its offshore location and many protected areas make Block Island a natural resting and feeding area for a host of migratory birds. Sail away to seek a variety of songbirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey. Areas of note include Clay Head Preserve, Lewis-Dickens Farm, and the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. Note that many shops and eateries remain open through Columbus Day. Ferry departs from Newport or Point Judith, BlockIslandFerry.com

Be a happy camper

No tent, no problem. Both Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown and George Washington State Campground in Chepachet have cabins that can be reserved. These are essentially no-frills sheds but there are bunk beds with boards for the base. For gear, do a little research to figure out what you need for one night before spending a lot of money in case it turns out the overnight adventure is not your cup of tea. Check your local library to see if they offer a Library of Things with items you can borrow with your valid library card – like a hiking pack from West Warwick Public Library, a birdwatching kit from Barrington Public Library, or fishing poles for a small fee from Greenville Library in Smithfield. Camping season ends during or at the end of October for most campgrounds. RIParks.RI.gov

Side-eye from a peregrine falcon spotted on Block Island

Photo by Peter Green

Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

A harvest of violets and dandelions from an ASRI trek with Maggie Hatzpanian

BLOCKISLANDFERRY.COM | 866.783.7996 A rustic cabin at Burlingtam State Campground, Charlestown

Photo by Sarah Petrarca, courtesy of RI Parks SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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Go on a full moon bike ride

Full Moon Rides with Bike Newport

Head to Newport for a ride beneath the glow of the full Corn Moon on September 26. The 15mile route will take riders on scenic roads and coastline, around the Ocean Loop, along Bellevue, and back into town. The pace is patient so nobody gets left behind, and participants are welcome to finish their journey with food and libations together. Rides have limited capacity, so be sure to register. BikeNewportRI.org

Fall in love with boating

Feel like an old salt with a day of fishing aboard the Frances Fleet. Novices and experienced anglers alike are welcome, and the crew is ready to give instructions to anyone who wants or needs assistance. Rods are available for rent or you can bring your own, and bait is supplied free of charge: Narragansett, FrancesFleet.com. For those who prefer a more relaxing day on the water, options abound, whether it’s learning about local lore while passing lighthouses and islands on the Rhode Island Lighthouse and Newport Harbor Tour (FastFerry.com), jaunts departing from Jamestown, Newport, or Wickford (CruiseRI.com), Gansett Cruises (GansettCruises.com), or Sightsailing of Newport (SightSailing.com).

Photo courtesy of Bike Newport Photo courtesy of Kinney Azalea Gardens

Learn to paint outdoors

Ever walk by an artist with their easel set up in a scenic locale? The often-used French term is en plein air, which simply means painting outside. While you can do this all on your own, if you’d like instruction, camaraderie, and sometimes supplies, workshops are offered around the state. Whet your interest at Portsmouth Art Guild, with its schedule of September offerings at Sapowet Marsh, Tiverton; Sachuest Point, Middletown; Rocky Brook Orchard, Middletown; and the Narrows in Bristol (PortsmouthArts.org). September 22, 23, 24, the South Kingstown Land Trust hosts Plein Air Painting with Trish Hurley, South Kingstown: SKLT.org, and check for upcoming programs at botanical centers and arts organizations including Kinney Azalea Garden, Kingston; Blithewold, Bristol; and Newport Mansions, Newport, among others.

Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

Ongoing outdoor programs at Kinney Azalea Gardens, Kingston

Newport Harbor views by boat

VISIT THE POLAND SPRING MUSEUMS Discover History, Heritage & Legacy Visit The Museums And Historic Sites Of Poland Spring

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Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

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Photo courtesy of Portsmouth Art Guild

Outdoor painting at East Bay locations led by Portsmouth Art Guild artists Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

Walk, listen, and get crafty

An Insect Orchestra soloist, 15 Minute Field Trip with WRWC, Johnston

Join the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council ( WRWC) and 15 Minute Field Trips for the family-friendly Insect Orchestra g uided walk on September 26 (2-3:30pm) along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Learn how insects make music and create your own musical instrument to take home. Walks are monthly and take place Saturdays from 2-3:30pm (with a few exceptions). Johnston, WRWC.org

Learn how to hunt deer

Photo (top) courtesy of WRWC, (bottom L) by Nick DelGiudice, (bottom R) courtesy of Adobe Stock

With limited natural predators, many deer populations are running wild. In areas with an overabundance of deer, forests can become damaged, leading to a degraded habitat for other wildlife. Whether you’re new to hunting or looking to build confidence before your first season, this beginner-friendly workshop covers the fundamentals of deer hunting. Participants will learn about local regulations, scouting techniques, gear selection, safe firearm handling, and ethical hunting practices. Led by experienced hunters and educators, this workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to get started in the field. Harrisville, DEM.RI.gov. For any questions, including licensing locations, please contact Maddie Proulx at madison.proulx@dem.ri.gov.

Always don blaze orange when hunting in the woods

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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Go fish

Explore the art of angling amidst meticulously maintained fishing ponds at the Preser ve Sporting Club & Resort. With a thriving population of trout and bass, individuals or families can create lasting memories during countless afternoons of outdoor fishing. Lessons and equipment are accessible upon request, ensuring a fulfilling 90-minute experience that runs from through November 1. Richmond, ThePreserveRI.com

Make like a tree and stretch

Learn to fish at The Preserve, Richmond

Yoga at Rockbriar Farm, Charlestown

Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

Photo (top) courtesy of The Preserve, (bottom) courtesy of Rockbriar Farm

That’s the tree pose, actually. Experts agree that yoga offers physical and mental benefits for all ages. Slow movements warm up muscles, deep breathing increases blood flow, and holding a pose can build strength. Many instructors are taking the practice outside and you can sign-up for classes in a garden (Rockbriar Farm, Charlestown; RockbriarFarm.com), on a farm alongside goats (Gather Farm, Johnston; GatherFarm.com; Simmons Farm, Middletown; SimmonsOrganicFarmRI.com), beside a bunch of barnyard animals at Dragonfly Yoga and Wellness (Chaos Farm, Lincoln; Eventbrite.com), or out in lavender field – which may or may not include a camel sighting – at Lavender Waves Farm, Wakefield, led by Kay Bee (LavenderWavesFarm.com).

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Dec. 17-27

Live the dream!

Dance on The Vets stage alongside Ballet RI company artists! Auditions for The Nutcracker children’s cast are being held September 19th & 26th . Scan the QR code for more information & to register!

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Farm Animal Experiences 10 places to meet animal friends and soak up the sunshine across Whether you’re bringing the kids or channeling your inner child, now’s the ideal moment to head outside, support local farms, and make some furr y (and feather y) new friends. 1. ALEX AND ANI FARMYARD AT ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO: A city favorite, this hands-on exhibit blends learning with fun. Feed and pet alpacas, goats, sheep, and chickens while exploring the agricultural heart of the zoo. Providence

Cuddling Bean at Serendipity Farm, Coventry

2. CLARK FARMS: This South County staple offers more than fresh air and open space – it’s home to a lovable barnyard crew. At the petting zoo, you’ll meet donkeys, goats, and a friendly cow that rounds out the gang. With a laid-back vibe, it’s a family-friendly spot where visitors of all ages can connect with animals in a warm, welcoming setting. Matunuck 3. THE FANTASTIC UMBRELLA FACTORY: Part garden center, part curiosity shop, and part animal haven, this longtime Charlestown favorite lets guests feed chickens and greet George the emu. With new goats joining the quirky crew, it’s an offbeat, artsy adventure not to miss. Charlestown

5. GATHER FARM: This charming, familyrun farm is all about goats – and not just for petting. Along with seasonal events and feeding sessions, Gather Farm hosts goat yoga and goat hikes, where you can stroll scenic trails with a friendly herd in tow. It’s equal parts peaceful and delightfully ridiculous. Johnston

7. PEZZA FARM: Generations of families have made Pezza Farm a go -to for animal fun. From miniature horses to turkeys, each animal brings big personality. The low-cost entr y fee includes feed, making it a budget-friendly destination for daily hands-on encounters. Johnston

9. SERENDIPITY FARM: A visit to Serendipity Farm means one thing : calf cuddles. Book a private 30-minute session (for g uests ages 5 and up) and spend quality time with their newest arrivals. It’s a cozy, moo -velous way to welcome the season. Coventry

6. MANFREDI FARM: Tucked in the coastal town of Westerly, Manfredi Farm gathers Scottish Highland cows, donkeys, ducks, geese, goats, and more in a workingfarm setting. It’s a serene spot to meet a mix of barnyard animals and snap some rustic, postcard-worthy photos. Westerly

8. RUSTY BUCKLE PETTING ZOO & PONY RIDES: Famous for its baby goat cuddle events, this mobile petting zoo delivers serious serotonin. Meet donkeys, horses, chickens, and, of course, those snuggly goats. Events rotate, so check the website for the latest lineup. Statewide

10. XEN’S CRITTERS: This homegrown menagerie features a rotating cast of rescued and adopted animals. While visits are typically by appointment or part of local events, Xen’s Critters is a heartwarming example of farm love and animal care in motion. North Scituate –Jenna Kaplan

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Photo courtesy of Jenna Kaplan

4. FESTIVAL FARM: A quirky countryside gem, Festival Farm invites guests to feed and pet a wide cast of characters – from alpacas and pygmy goats to emus and mini-donkeys. The petting zoo is open daily with no admission fee, and the country store is full of local charm. Hope Valley

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HOME & STYLE H o m e | S h o p | Fa s h i o n | D e c o r

The parlor sets the tone for the home and first introduces visitors to Miss Hudson. “I wanted it to feel elegant and almost ceremonial,” says designer Bouley

Victorian Lady Photos by Liz Daly Photography, courtesy of Lindsey Dana Interiors

A regal townhouse sets a mood with saturated color and bold texture

By Ann Martini

hey call her Miss Hudson. An elegant late Victorian townhouse on Providence’s storied West End, Miss Hudson is less a renovation than a revelation: a home that unfolds room by room, each chamber offering a new mood, a new discovery. “The moment I walked into the condo I knew she was the one,” says the homeowner, a technolog y executive in her fifties. “Light poured through the windows like a permanent art installation, changing throughout the day and transforming every room.”

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Constructed in 1876, the original floor plan – parlor, dining room, family room and kitchen – was a sequence the owner loved and wanted to preserve. “I wanted the house to reveal itself one room at a time,” she says. That decision delighted designer Lindsey Bouley, owner of Lindsey Dana Interiors in Providence. “It’s rare now to have a client ask to keep walls in place,” Bouley explains. “It allowed me to be more creative in telling each room’s story.” The guiding idea for the project was deceptively simple: treat the home like a jewel box. “If this were reduced to the size of a jewel, would it deserve a place in a jewelry box?” the owner asked. That question shaped every selection – furnishings, lighting, artwork, even the smallest decorative

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objects – ensuring that each piece earned its place not by cost or trendiness but by how it deepened the overall experience. Color and light play the canvas for each item. Bouley notes the space’s “magnificent” natural light as her first design principle. An earlier palette of cool blues and black trim left the rooms feeling cold despite abundant sun; together, the women pivoted to warm whites and saturated hues that respond dynamically as daylight shifts. The first-floor palette, save for the kitchen, is Benjamin Moore’s Pink Damask. It was a last-minute choice that inspired the wallpapering of the ceiling in the dining room, making it a conversation-sparking destination. The kitchen opts for Moore’s French Macaron – a soft counterpoint

The owner’s daughter describes this room as “fancy cozy.” Using bright colors and tones was key since this room gets the least amount of light throughout the day. SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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Art of the Deal Bouley notes that she finds endless inspiration wandering aisles at places like Mike’s Estate Services, 30,000 square feet of consigned furnishings, art, kitchen items, lighting, rugs, jewelry and more. With hundreds of new items arriving weekly, the West Warwick mill is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items, all reasonably priced. Similarly, Rhode Island Antiques Mall in Pawtucket offers one-stop shopping for estate items, repairs, appraisals, and more.

All in the Details Bouley enjoys shopping small around Providence and notes Nava (Wickenden Street) and Studio Hop (Hope Street) for curated, often one-of-a-kind homegoods. Nava trends towards unique, whimsical accessories for the kitchen counter, coffee table, bath, and beyond, while Studio Hop offers bold artworks, handmade items, and more from local and national artists. A favorite Providence artist is Jenny Brown, known for her collage and mixed media work.

B o t a n i c a l T h e ra py Looking to add plants to your decor mix? At Providence’s Thea Plant Company, you will find an expansive collection of tropical flora, specialized soils, and thoughtful accessories, alongside expert services including tailored plant care, bespoke design, and professional consultation. Over in Pawtucket, Jordan’s Jungle features vibrant tropical flora and is ready to curate the ideal botanical accents and vessels for your personal sanctuary, workplace, or outdoor living space.

Photos by Liz Daly Photography, courtesy of Lindsey Dana Interiors

The dining room was designed to spark conversation

to the invigorating tones elsewhere. Each room tells a distinct story. The parlor, formally named by the contractor and inspired by Bouley’s love of fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld’s sense of elegant ease, is ceremonial without being stuffy – “collected but smart,” Bouley says. It sets the tone for Miss Hudson: graceful, layered, and a little theatrical. The family room, which the designer’s daughter calls “fancy cozy,” is the house’s everyday heart: a long , narrow space made warm and functional through strategic furniture placement, a builtin reading nook, and a well-loved leather club SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

chair. Texture, too, creates warmth and movement through the rooms. The owner describes her approach as “thoughtful accumulation;” wallpaper, textiles, metals, estate furnishings, books, and collected objects that reveal themselves over time. Bouley builds on that tactile nest with restraint and intention. “Pattern play and texture mixture is central to my design philosophy,” she says, “but I prefer it to feel special, not ubiquitous.” A hand-painted South Asian sideboard anchors the parlor; surrounding textiles and art were chosen to enhance, not compete with, the piece’s decorative detailing.

Providence itself is woven into the design ethos of the home. “The city values history, architecture and independent creativity,” the owner says. “It inspired me to lean into a home that feels unapologetically feminine, deeply personal, and designed to reveal itself one room at a time.” Still, Miss Hudson is not simply a collection of attractive rooms. “The best homes aren’t simply beautiful,” Bouley says. “They’re designed to be experienced.” Learn more about Bouley’s work and services at Lindsey Dana Interiors, LindseyDanaInteriors.com, Instagram: @lindseydana_interiors Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

HOME & STYLE

Off-Runway Fashion Show-sto pp i ng l oo k s a re eve r yw h e re By Britt Machado

n Rhode Island, fashion finds its spotlight off the runway. The best dressed can be found strolling down Thames Street or sauntering along Hope. We inherited the best fashions during the summers of the Golden Age and mashed them up with our proud tradition of workwear and a spirit of sustainability. The result is a style all our own: colorful, understated, bespoke, and a little cheeky. You can have as many looks as there are seasons, and that’s something we can all make work.

Long Tiered Bow Dress in Black Cotton: APD, Pawtucket AmyPageDeblasio.com

Leather Slip-on Fabiano Ricci Sneakers: Blueprint 5, East Greenwich Blueprint5.com

Jennifer Satchel: Brahmin, Newport Brahmin.com

Amethyst Crown Ring: Tiffany Peay Jewelr y & Healing Arts, Tiverton | TiffanyPeay.com

Clare V Romy Hat Black: OMO, Westerly | OMOJewels.com

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A juried sale of alumni and student work Saturday, October 10 10 am–4 pm Benefit Street, Providence

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“Melody” by Maha Barsom

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Reshaping the Industry Meet designers from Rhode Island’s independent fashion scene By Gabriella Cos

hode Island’s fashion scene bridges international culture and New England charm. Bringing world-class tailoring techniques, resourceful craftsmanship, and creative collaboration to the smallest state, visionaries are redesigning coastal fashion from a regional look into an evolving canvas where global heritage meets local creativity. For Cathy Burgess, the designer behind the Burgess Collection, fashion is about defining a

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lifestyle, rather than chasing fleeting trends. Burgess captures the fundamental nature of modern luxury through a blend of European sensibility and classic Newport elegance. Her design philosophy is centered around timeless tailoring and detailed craftsmanship, creating garments that feel like strolling the streets of Paris while simultaneously relaxing along the New England shoreline. Every piece is specifically designed to transition across climates and occasions,

resulting in versatile and effortless pieces. “True luxury isn’t about adding more,” notes Burgess. A perfect example is the Gwen Dress, a bestseller featuring a slightly shifted waist seam and hidden pockets to create a long , flattering silhouette. Utilizing premium, breathable fabrics, the entire collection effortlessly balances polished structure with daily comfort, Burgess has built a recognizable brand – and a devoted following. TheBurgessCollection SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of Maha Barsom

Maha Barsom

Tailor Made Fit, balance, and quality are hallmarks of a bespoke fashion studio and showroom

Cathy Burgess

Not far from the malls of Warwick, yet worlds away quality-wise is the light-filled slow-fashion showroom and studio of Tatyana Ayriyan. Inside you’ll find pieces that Ayriyan has created from scratch – from outerwear to formal wear – each garment revealing intricate details often taken for granted, like the stitching around a button hole, the tufting on a jacket. Along with expert tailoring and alterations, Ayriyan offers custom work: clothing designed and made just for you. It all begins with a visit to T Ayriyan for a consultation about everything from fabric to colors to accentuating the positive. Next are measurements followed by a few visits for fittings, and clients receive styling guidance to help complete their looks. “My work is rooted in creating thoughtfully designed pieces that reflect a woman’s individuality while offering timeless silhouettes and refined tailoring,” says the designer who launched her business in 2018 and had a shop in Newport prior to relocating to Bald Hill Road. “From bridal gowns to special occasion looks, each piece is designed with attention to detail, fit, and the individuality of the client.” Warwick, TAyriyan.com –Elyse Major

Photos courtesy of Cathy Burgess

The Burgess Collection

East Providence-based designer and RISD apparel professor Maha Barsom views fashion as an intimate dialogue with the earth. Her journey began early on with her father’s cotton plantation in Syria, watching her grandmother transform discarded fabrics into meticulously woven carpets. Today, that deep foundation of respect for raw materials has shaped her revolutionary approach. Maha has designed a zero-waste, made-to-order collection constructed SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

entirely from recycled fabric remnants. Having trained in Paris under legendary fashion houses like Dior, Chanel, and Saint Laurent, Barsom takes the elite structural techniques of haute couture and applies them to modern street-fashion silhouettes. She approaches each design like a sculptor, refusing to allow size restrictions to dictate her work. She pieces together irregular scraps to create entirely new fabrics, ensuring no two garments are ever identical. With the

Tatyana Ayriyan

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uproar in fast-fashion, Barsom’s hand-stitched demi-couture pieces offer consumers a deliberate luxury, reimagining modern fashion with “wearable art worth waiting for.” MahaBarson.com Founder and executive producer of Rhode Island Fashion Week, Yemi Sekoni is redefining regional fashion from Cranston. “For me, fashion has never existed in a vacuum,” Sekoni says. Behind each collection of pieces is an eco system of photographers, stylists, jewelers, and visual artists. Sekoni has actively championed this interconnected industr y through her collaborative platform, Fashion Fête. Rather than adhering to the traditional exclusivity of trade shows, Sekoni merges high-end runways with interactive marketplaces, proving local artists don’t need to flee to major hubs to gain recognition in their craft. “Rhode Island doesn’t need to become New York,” Sekoni begins. “It needs to become the best version of Rhode Island.” Her ideolog y centers on intentional rep resentation, supporting emerging and marginalized voices while inspiring creators to “treat your creativity like a business from day one.” FashionWeekRI.com

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Photos courtesy of Yemi Sekoni

Yemi Sekoni

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She Sells Sea Shells A creative entrepreneur DIYs a DIY bar By Elyse Major

Jessica Billings at her seasonal pop-up

ou know that you have an original idea when you research how to tackle it, and nothing comes up. That was the case for Jessica Billings, founder and owner of Farmgirl’s Front Porch in Wickford, when she landed on the concept of a sea shell bar – a self-serve experience of selecting shells as vase fillers or for use in crafting – and was ready to pursue how to realize that vision. “I was brainstorming ideas for a unique in-store

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pop-up when my 15-year-old daughter and her friend had a do-it-yourself night and decorated the most beautiful sea shell picture frames. The second I saw them, I started to plan the sea shell bar,” says the entrepreneur, who opened the brick-and-mortar last spring to add a tactile in-person component to her popular faux floral decor e-commerce site, The Accidental Farmgirl. When Billing’s search for a “sea shell bar” came up empty, she fashioned her own template.

In her pre-Farmgirl life, Billings had a candy buffet business called Party Pants, where she would set-up beautiful displays of apothecar y jars filled with sweets to align with a prescribed party theme. “ That type of display is so simple and attractive, and I’ve been wanting to incorporate something like that in the shop somehow,” she says. The sea shell bar was the perfect fit. With an arsenal of sturdy plastic jars at the ready from Party

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photos by Elyse Major

Shells available include bursa ranna, tiger cowrie, spiny murex, pearlized trochus maculatus, purple turritella, scallop, scotch bonnet, sea urchins, sea stars, and strombus.

Pants, plus baskets and other vessels, the next step was to amass shells. Rather than comb the shoreline and embark on scrubbing and soaking to remove organic matter, she found a trusted vendor and now carries nearly a dozen types of shells, each housed in its own jar. The Seashell Bar sits on a wooden unit akin to a potting shed table, lined at the center with leng ths of sage-and-white-striped paper and risers positioned to provide var ying levels

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for interest and access. On the bottom shelf, there is a basket of mixed small shells with a plastic scoop, and nearby are clear flatbottom bags for shoppers to fill. And whether you know a tiger cowrie from a spiny murex or not, it doesn’t matter – like any hands-on bar or buffet, the choice is yours. Additionally, filled bags are available for grab -and-go. Throughout the shop, inspiration abounds for how to decorate with shells, whether strung ,

stored, or as vase fillers. Billings shares that she keeps a jar of shells collected from family vacations in her kitchen year-round; however the retail installation will be put away to make space for fall. “I am toying with the idea of a DIY bar to switch out with the seasons,” she says. “But I’m not sure if anything will top the Seashell Bar. It’s been so popular, we will keep it up through September.” 10 Main Street, North Kingstown; AccidentalFarmgirlCo.com

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FEATURE

A Growth Industry

Farming in Rhode Island can be a challenging, yet rewarding career

Organic farmer/owner Samantha Vallone at The Farm in RI, Chepachet

Photo courtesy of Clark Farms

By Emil y Homonoff

hode Island’s farming scene is in the middle of a tangible shift. With more than 1,000 farms and the nation’s highest percentage of new farmers, the state’s agricultural sector is growing. From 2017 to 2022, both the number of farms and amount of farmland increased, a genuine reversal after decades of losing ground. Some of that growth is showing up as new infrastructure. For example, Cranston’s Urban Edge Farm just broke ground on a $1.7 million food hub designed to provide small farms with shared processing and aggregation space they could never afford on their own. But the bigger story is happening farm by farm, as growers embrace direct relationships with customers through formats such as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, farmers markets, and agro-tourism. Here’s how four Rhode Island farms are building that direct connection.

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Clark Farms’ Garden Center in Wakefield sells seasonal products and offers family-friendly attractions

Morris Farms is a fifth-generation family-owned farm in operation since 1915

Photo (top) courtesy of Clark Farms, (bottom) courtesy of Morris Farms

For Rich Clark, agritourism isn’t a side project; it’s the business model. Clark Farms in Wakefield runs on a rotating calendar of profit centers: from greenhouse crops in spring, to pick-your-own sunflower fields in the summer, fall festivals, and Christmas trees and decor in the winter. “Moving from Greenhouse crops in spring to sunflower-driven agritourism, to fall festivals, to Christmas decorating and back to spring again is a monumental task for our staff to execute every single year,” Clark says. “As soon as one thing is done, we are racing to start the next season.” That constant motion is deliberate. “We work really hard to create a destination worth visiting whether it’s just to take pictures, create happy family memories, or to take beautiful products home with you,” he says. Clark credits South Kingstown’s pro-agriculture posture for making that model possible, and he’s optimistic about where the town and the farm are headed. In 2025, Clark Farms acquired the property next door, a farm where Clark himself started shoveling manure back in 1983. This purchase brought the farm’s total footprint to more than 200 acres, “giving us almost unlimited potential to add a multitude of crops and purposes to keep our business solid and successful for the next hundred years.” His son Perry is now stepping in as a second-generation owner and manager. “We feel that the future is very bright for our company, for our staff, and our community,” adds Clark.

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14 FARMERS MARKETS TO VISIT RIGHT NOW

FEATURE

Maryellen Sun has big goals for Morris Farms, a fifth-generation family-owned farm that has been in operation since 1915. The Exeter and Warwick locations have been investing heavily in equipment, greenhouse upgrades, and a farmstand that now offers premium Angus-Wag yu cross beef alongside its produce and flowers. “For many farms, local regulations prohibit many agritourism events without special permitting or zoning designation,” Sun says. Morris Farms is working with its towns to change that, with plans for chef-partnered harvest dinners, farm stays, and hands-on classes like flower-arranging workshops. Sun points to rising costs of materials, such as fertilizer and fuel, that hit small farms hardest. “Small

farms like us don’t have the ability to negotiate better prices like the large corporations can,” Sun said. What keeps her optimistic is what a working farm protects. Morris Farms’ fields and meadows in Exeter and North Kingstown host beavers, bobcats, turtles, and monarch butterflies, a habitat that disappears the moment land is developed. “Once farms are developed, there is no turning back,” Sun says. That’s part of why she believes small farms are worth the premium. Without the pressure for crops to survive mass shipping, Morris Farms can grow heirloom varieties like white eggplant, and let tomatoes ripen fully before picking. “Anytime you see a small farmer working, you can pretty much be sure that they are doing this as a labor of love,” Sun says.

Enjoy the bounty of Rhode Island farms this har vest season at farmers markets, many of which are open through October. Here’s a partial list of places around the state to get you started. Note that outdoor markets may be weatherdependent. For best bets, bring your own tote bag and cash!

BRISTOL • Year-round: Mount Hope Farmers Market, Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Avenue, Saturdays, 9am-12:30pm.

BURRILLVILLE • September 12, September 19, and October 3: Burrillville Farmers Market, Stillwater Mill Center, 75 Tinkham Lane, Harrisville, 9:30am-12:30pm

CHARLESTOWN • Through September 20: Charlestown Land Trust Farmers Market at General Stanton Inn, 4115 Old Post Road, Sundays, 9am-2pm.

CRANSTON • Through October 18: Garden City Farmers Market, Garden City Center, 100 Midway Road, Sundays, 10am-2pm.

FOSTER

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The year-round Tiverton Farmers Market moves indoors October 18

• Through October 31: South Kingstown Farmers Market at the University of Rhode Island, 25 West Independence Way, Saturdays, 8:30am-12:30pm Continues on next page...

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Photo courtesy (L) courtesy of Tiverton of BostonFarmer’s Legacy Market FC

• Through October 25: Foster Farmers Market at Shady Acres Diner, 164 Danielson Pike, Foster, Sundays, 9am-1pm.

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LINCOLN • Through October 3: Lincoln Farmers Market, Chase Farm Park, 667 Great Road, Saturdays, 9am-1pm.

MIDDLETOWN • Through November 21: Aquidneck Growers Market, Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road, Saturdays, 9am-noon.

NARRAGANSETT • Through October 11: Fishermen’s Memorial Farmers Market, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park, 1011 Point Judith Road, Sundays, 8:30am-noon.

NEWPORT • Through October 28: Aquidneck Growers Market, Memorial Boulevard between Edgar Court and Chapel Street, Wednesdays, 2-6pm.

PROVIDENCE • Through October 29: Armory Park Farmers Market, Dexter Training Ground, Parade Street and Hollywood Road. Thursdays, 3pm-dusk.

SCITUATE At The Farm in RI, located in Chepachet, surviving has meant learning to say no. Owner Sammie Vallone describes the last five years as a crash course in focusing on what actually works. “We’ve shifted our business model to emphasize direct relationships with our customers through our self-serve farm stand, expanded into our restaurant relationships, and continued to grow our certified organic plant sale,” Vallone says. “We think of it like pruning for the business.” The costs forcing that discipline are almost universal for small farms: seeds, compost, insurance, packaging , labor. “There’s a limit to what customers can realistically afford to pay for food, so margins have become much tighter,” Vallone says. This year

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brought a sharper blow when the farm lost a greenhouse during a blizzard, cutting into what it could grow all season. Vallone sees state grant programs as genuinely useful, but says regulation often assumes a scale small farms don’t have. “Many regulations are written with much larger operations in mind,” she says. “Small farms often end up navigating the same paperwork and compliance requirements as businesses many times their size.” Still, she’s optimistic, pointing to a new generation of growers and a public that increasingly wants to know where its food comes from. “Buying from a local farm isn’t just purchasing vegetables,” Vallone says. “It’s investing in open space, local jobs, food security, and a resilient community.”

• Through September 26: Scituate Rotary Farmers Market, Village Green, 46 Institute Lane, North Scituate, Saturdays, 9am-noon.

WARWICK • Through October: Goddard Memorial Park Farmers Market, 1095 Ives Rd., Fridays, 9am-1pm.

WOONSOCKET • Through October 27: Woonsocket Farmers Market, John A. Cummings Way at Clinton Street near Thundermist, Tuesdays, 3-6pm.

Photo (L) courtesy of The Farm in RI, (R) courtesy of Sanctuary Herbs

Sanctuary Herbs creates “farm-to-cup” herbal tea blends

Sanctuar y Herbs of Providence is a network of farms that produce chemical-free herbal teas and culinar y herbs grown by small farmers across the Providence area, many of them immigrants and refugees from countries including Liberia, Laos, Cambodia, and Uganda. Owner Christina Dedora, who also runs Blue Skys Farm on rented land at Urban Edge Farm in Cranston, knows the economics of small-scale farming firsthand. “Labor cost and material cost have risen over the past five SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

years, thus making margins tighter than ever,” Dedora says. Finding help has become its own struggle, too. People “who want to work hard physically” through “unpredictable weather ever y year,” as Dedora puts it, is a combination that keeps many prospective hires away. What’s made the difference, Dedora says, is support that goes beyond individual customers. Dedora points to the state’s Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant as one

of the biggest reasons Sanctuar y Herbs has been able to grow, “ We were able to purchase equipment and build infrastructure.” She also credits nonprofits like Southside Community Land Trust, where she and Sanctuar y Herbs co -founder Eliza Sutton first met, and Farm Fresh RI for supporting small farmers “over the past 20 years.” Her hope rests less on grants than on people : “an increased number of consumers who truly want to buy local, even though it may cost more.” Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

The Hen House 1189 Putnam Pike • Chepachet, RI

NEWPORT

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from June 11 through October 8, 2026. Tours meet at 11:00, 12:30, and 2:00. Online reservations and a $25 ticket purchase are required. For reservations and to learn more about the garden and its history, visit thebluegarden.org.

They come out only once a year… our famous Pumpkins: each is hand-carved and no two are alike! Available online only: Sept. 10, 17, 24, & Oct. 1 @ 9p sharp In store October 10, 10 am - 2 pm

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FOOD & DRINK B re a d M a ke r s | I n t h e K i tc h e n | I c e C re a m | R o u n d U p

Tess Schofield at her stand awaiting customers

Follow the Breadcrumbs Photo courtesy of The Rhodeside Stand

Along rural roads, small-batch bakers are selling goods worth setting the alarm for

By Emil y McCoy

n Saturday mornings, many Rhode Island families are hustling and bustling to get in the car and make their way down countr y roads to do one thing : shop directly from small producers and farmers before the Sold Out sign is posted. In an age of convenience, many flock to small baker y stands to score fresh baked goods, artisan loaves, and a piece of something special. For the makers behind these stands, baking often begins as something deeply personal, whether it is a creative outlet, a family tradition, or a lifelong passion. Somewhere between the early morning bakes and weekend sellouts, their bread becomes part of something larger: the routines, memories, and tables of the communities around them. A bread trail has quietly beg un to form in the northern part of Rhode Island ; these stands have become more than places to pick up baked goods; they are destinations where traditions are created, connections are made, and friends gather.

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For Tess Schofield, owner and operator of The Rhodeside Stand in Cumberland, the day starts far earlier than when her Open sign goes up at 8am. “Be my morning date,” she likes to say to the followers on Instagram and Facebook who tune in to see what she is baking each weekend. While customers make their way to Diamond Hill Road hoping to buy a treat before she sells out, Schofield is busy putting the finishing touches on goods at the stand with help from her daughters. “I want my girls to see me and know that

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The stand’s famous sourdough loaves

you can do anything you set your mind to,” Schofield says. A mother of four, her baking journey began as a creative outlet and something she could call her own. “Many moms can relate. Sometimes you lose yourself in motherhood,” she says. “I wanted to take something and make it mine.” So, she turned to flour and yeast to find herself. In the process, she discovered a community of people who loved her baked goods. Now, her stand has become part of many families’ Saturday morning routines; something she takes great pride in. “I like to

think that years from now, I’ll be part of peo ple’s stories through my bread and the memories it brought them,” Schofield says. She is known for her sourdough loaves and brown butter chocolate chip cookies, but customers need to arrive early. The Rhodeside Stand sells out ever y weekend, sometimes shortly after opening. For Schofield, bread is becoming part of memories that have not yet been made. For Nicholle Fourquet, owner and founder of The Sweet Spot Baker y in Chepachet, it begins with memories she has carried with

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of The Rhodeside Stand

The Rhodeside Stand is stocked for a busy day

URI Department of Art and Art History & The Tomaquag Museum Presents

THE PURSUIT OF

DADDY’S GIRL A beloved tradition of bread continues in southern Rhode Island Rhode Island is an ocean of secrets, or open secrets anyway, and among them is Daddy’s Bread in Matunuck. For more than 50 years, beach-goers have passed by the brown bread-shaped sign hanging from a wooden post wrapped in faux flowers, but for those who know to stop and follow the driveway to park and approach the boardwalk, a small cottage filled with glorious loaves and more await. The self-ser ve baker y began as a hobby in 1975 by Everett J. Hopkins: educator by day, and watercress cultivator, artist, and baker by night – or after-school anyway. For years now, his daughter Jennifer Hopkins Manzo has been at the helm, keeping the sweet-andsavor y tradition going. Inside, along with wire racks of signature loaves, is a table covered with notes from patrons: love letters to simplicity, quality, tradition, and trust. 808 Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown; Instagram: daddysbread. –Elyse Major

her for years. After graduating from Johnson and Wales University at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fourquet aimed to enter a culinar y world that was difficult to break into. She discovered a passion for food research and development, but after a series of events – the company she worked for closed, and she became a mother – she began to reconsider what she wanted her career and family life to look like. She decided to take her skills into her own hands and open a baker y stand.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

HAPPINESS Juried Exhibition SEPT 1 - OCT15

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A slice of the Sweet Spot Bakery stand

Only eight months in, Fourquet is amazed by how quickly customers have embraced her business. She now sells 50 to 60 loaves on a typical weekend and more than 300 cookies, with devotees returning each week for breads, brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and other rotating offerings. “I love making people feel a sense of home and comfort when they try my baked goods,” she says. Fourquet hopes someone will

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bite into one of her signature cookies and immediately feel nostalgic, like they are tasting something their grandmother once made. “Every bite tells a story,” says Fourquet, who draws much of her inspiration from her Italian and Puerto Rican grandmothers. Both instilled in her the importance of family, tradition, and gathering around a table. Those memories now shape the food she creates and the experiences

she hopes to share with others. In the Burrillville village of Mapleville, four siblings have joined forces to build a farm that has become a community staple. From fresh vegetables and seasonal events to the popular weekend bake shop, Mapleville Farm has become a destination that brings folks together throughout the year. The bakery’s success can be credited largely to Ben Ryan, the baker of the bunch. “I

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of Sweet Spot

Baker Nicholle Fourquet with a fresh-made sourdough loaf

BRING BREAD The stands run on the self-serve “honor” system, so there is generally no staff, so bring cash (and don’t expect change) or research the accepted payment method for each stand (Venmo and PayPal are popular apps to use; simply download and connect to a bank account or credit card). Hours vary, and some are only available on weekends or are seasonal, so please check each seller’s social accounts and/or websites for updates.  = Featured in this article

The Bread Barn: Angel Lane, North Scituate @thebreadbarn.ri

Flourstorm Bakery: Available at Goodwin Brothers, North Smithfield @flourstormbakery

Serenity Sourdough Bakery

Flourstorm Bakery

Freedom Farm: 397 Chestnut Hill Road, Chepachet | @freedom_farm_ri  Mapleville Farm: 544 Victory Highway, Mapleville @maplevillefarm  The Rhodeside Stand: 4418 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland | @therhodesidestand

Sasha’s Homemade: 420 Chestnut Hill Road, Chepachet Also available at The Farm in RI 463B Tourtellot Hill Road, Glocester SashasHomemade.com TheFarminRI.com

Serenity Sourdough Bakery:

Photos by Elyse Major

243 Matteson Road, Hope @serenity_sourdough_bakery  The Sweet Spot Bakery: 1402 Putnam Pike, Chepachet Friday-Sunday 9am-7pm Instagram @thesweetspot_bakery30 –Compiled by Casey Cassano, Emma Echt, and Elyse Major. If we missed your fave, please let us know at Elyse@HeyRhody.com. Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

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always knew I wanted to be a baker,” says Ryan, who has been whipping up tasty goods since childhood. When his parents opened a small bakery in Pascoag in the early 2000s, they named it Ben’s Bakery after their son and his passion. Ryan began by delivering loaves by bicycle to neighbors and baking anywhere he could, including local bakeries, while traveling with his family. Today, he helps operate the 25-acre

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Ben Ryan on a busy weekend

farm alongside his brother Mike and sisters Casey Cassano and Emma Echt, but his passion for baking has remained. “I love working with my hands,” says Ryan, who also enjoys becoming part of people’s routines. Customers return for fresh focaccia and seasonal offerings inspired by what is growing on the farm, including herb breads, blueberry loaves, and the popular butternut squash bread in fall.

Announcements are made in advance for highly anticipated and popular Croissant Sundays, and Breadbox Sessions: eight-week subscriptions for scratch-made bread. Recent varieties included blueberry bread in July, caramelized onion and focaccia in August, and the final summer drop, September’s jalapeño cheddar sourdough. “So many regulars come every weekend, and it is nice to be a part of that.”

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Photos courtesy of Mapleville Farm

Prepping for Croissant Sunday at Mapleville Farm

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A Chef ’s Tale

Th e cul i na r y a nd c u l t u ra l t re k f ro m A l s a ce to Aq u id n ec k Isla n d By Elyse Major

here was a collective gasp heard ‘round the Ocean State last Feb ruar y when a fire damaged the historic Castle Hill Inn on Newport’s Ocean Drive. Among many structural and logistical disruptions, the temporar y clo sure delayed the planned celebration of the appointment of new Chef de Cuisine Quentin Diez, a visionar y pro who brings years of honed classical French technique from his native Alsace, mixed with playfulness and a wide-eyed connection to the land informing

his dishes. The team at Castle Hill Inn was determined to open by Memorial Day, and more than 50 contractors worked seven days a week to realize that goal ; by late-May, g uests were welcomed back to the storied property’s reopening of the main level of the Agassiz Mansion, including the lobby, The Lawn Terrace, The Terrace Bar, Mansion Bar, the Forbes-Five Star Aurelia at Castle Hill and at last, the announcement of Chef Quentin’s appointment. We recently inter viewed Chef about his pro cess and his new life in Rhode Island.

What is your favorite part of creating a chef’s tasting menu? I enjoy the process as much as the final dish. Every idea begins with an image in my mind, but getting there is never a straight line. You try something, taste it, change it, and try again. Sometimes an idea comes together quickly, but more often it takes many versions before it feels right. The best moments usually happen when something doesn’t go as planned. Those unexpected turns force you to think differently, and they often lead to a better result than the one you imagined at the beginning.

How lengthy is the process? The most important thing is understanding the terroir of the place where I’m cooking. Ever y region has its own identity, and my job is to listen to it. Once I discover the ingredients that thrive here, the ideas begin to come naturally. In many ways, the farmers aren’t just supplying the menu – they’re helping create it.

Aurelia at Castle Hill Inn Chef de Cuisine Quentin Diez

Aurelia contributes to the striking views along Narragansett Bay

The chef’s tasting menu features six courses

Do you also write the names of each course (for example, “Shy Squid”)?

Photos courtesy of Aurelia

Sometimes, a dish can have a stor y behind it, and a title can help share the image that inspired it. It’s a way of inviting g uests into my imagination for a moment. Other times, a dish doesn’t need that. A simple descrip tion can be just as beautiful. Guests can create their own interpretation of what’s on the plate. The most important thing to me is that the food feels honest.

What are some of the flavors of the Alsace region that you hope to bring to Newport? Alsace will always be part of who I am, but what excites me most is discovering the flavors of where I am today. I’m working with different products, different seasons, and SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Reservations are required and are available two weeks in advance

different people. Little by little, I’m learning what Newport tastes like, and through that process my culinar y identity is evolving.

What is your hope for a diner experiencing your tasting menu? Cooking is serious work, but eating should be a pleasure. I hope guests leave feeling like they experienced more than a meal. We’re telling the story of this property through food – the land, the seasons, the farmers, and the people who care for it. If a guest can taste a little bit of Castle Hill in each dish, then we’ve done our job.

What produce are you most looking forward to incorporating into your dishes? The products I haven’t discovered yet. This is my first summer here, so I’m still learning what grows best. I asked one of the farmers we

work with if he could grow artichokes and citrus – ingredients I’m familiar with. Instead, he told me we would have chard, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Those weren’t the answers I expected, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting. The land tells you what it wants to pro duce, and then your job is to listen and create something beautiful from it.

What are your favorite things about being in Newport? I’ve cooked in many places throughout my career, from Provence to Burg undy to Périgord. Ever y region has its own products, traditions, and way of life. Newport is completely different from anything I’ve known before. For a cook, that’s exciting. A new landscape means new ingredients, new challenges, and new op portunities to create. Hey Rhody MEDIA CO.

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Milk and Honey

A favo r i te Pa r i s i a n c a fe s e r ve s n o st a l g i a in a c u p By Ann Martini

ome of the best ideas are also the simplest. And they’re even better when they stir a sense of familiarity. At Ellie’s, the beloved Providence Parisian café and bakery, that idea comes in the form of a petite paper cup filled with house-made ice cream. Called Honey Cups, these nostalgic treats evoke childhood summers while showcasing the pastry team’s creativity, technical skill, and commitment to reducing waste, all in a dessert guests can enjoy any time of day, all year-round. “I’ve wanted to make ice cream for a long time,” says Pastr y Chef Kerri Spady. “Partly because I wanted us to offer affogatos (the classic Italian dessert of hot espresso poured

over vanilla ice cream), but mostly because ice cream has always been my favorite dessert.” Once Spady began developing the recipe, she knew exactly what ingredient would make the base distinctly Ellie’s: honey. The Honey Cup name is inspired by owner Ellen Gracyalny Slatter y’s beloved pet pig , Honey, and her lifelong affection for the golden sweetener. Spady incorporates local honey into the vanilla base, discovering it added more than sweetness. “It brings a little more complexity and a subtle floral note,” she says. “ When I created the recipe, I knew Ellen would love that addition.” The nostalgic paper cups were Slatter y’s

idea, inspired by the single-ser ve ice cream Hoodsie Cups she loved growing up. They also solve a practical challenge. During Ellie’s bustling brunches and busy dinner ser vice, staff can simply hand g uests a perfectly portioned dessert without stopping to scoop individual ser vings, there’s even a tiny wooden spoon under the lid. “Our mission has always been to celebrate life’s simple pleasures,” Slattery says. “There’s something universally nostalgic about enjoying ice cream from a little paper cup. Pairing that familiar experience with our own house-made flavors felt like the perfect way to create a dessert that’s playful, elevated, and approachable.”

Photo by Jason Wessel Photography, courtesy of Ellie’s

Honey Cups at Ellie’s

Ice cream cup namesake, Honey the pig

That sense of simplicity belies years of behind-the-scenes work. Perfecting the recipes required countless rounds of testing and refinement before the team achieved the creamy texture and balanced flavors they envisioned. “ We’ve been working on this for several years,” Slattery says. “Kerri makes it sound easy, but there was a lot of trial and error to perfect every flavor.” Honey Cup flavors cleverly give new life to ingredients that might otherwise be discarded. Ellie’s authentic French macarons, for example, are notoriously fragile. Rather than waste cracked shells, Spady folds them into Strawberry Macaron Ice Cream, transforming delicate cookies into colorful bursts of texture and flavor. The Espresso Martini Cake Ice Cream draws inspiration from one of Ellie’s signature cakes, an indulgent dessert that frequently appears on seasonal and holiday menus. Another favorite, Honey Caramel, was designed as a staple, amplifying the floral sweetness that inspired the collection’s name. The Honey Cups also carr y a charitable mission. In honor of Honey, Ellie’s donates $1 from ever y cup sold to Ross Mill Farm in Pennsylvania, a nationally recognized sanctuar y dedicated to rescuing and rehoming surrendered pigs while providing education, veterinar y consultation, and lifelong care.” Their love and devotion to pigs is truly a gem,” Slatter y says. Most of all, the Ellie’s team loves witnessing people’s reactions. “ Watching guests’ eyes light up when we hand them a Honey Cup has been one of the best parts,” Slattery says. “It sparks memories, starts conversations, and reminds people that sometimes the simplest desserts leave the biggest impression.” 250 Westminster Street, ElliesProv.com

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

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Savoring Rhody Eight places to revel in “local’s summer” B y Patty J Photo (top L) courtesy of Patty J, (bottom L) courtesy of Cinder Restaurant, (top R) courtesy of Pescadou, (center) courtesy of Pan D Bono, (bottom R) courtesy of Aldeia Coffeehouse

fter a few months of sharing the Ocean State with tourists, September means we have it back to ourselves to enjoy! I am here for the peaceful mornings at the beach, less chaotic coffee and sourdough bread runs, and relaxing al fresco meals. Here are eight splendid spots to enjoy all the beauty of late summer, sans crowds.

Cinder Re sta ura nt Follow your nose to this smokehouse known for its slow-cooked meats – including brisket, smash burgers, and steak frites – and a patio overlooking the Pawcatuck River. Having recently visited, I can vouch for their margaritas, hummus and chips, squash fries with passionfruit applesauce, and the fried fish and French lentil salad entree. Leave room for desserts like citrus olive oil cake. Westerly

Patty J at Snack Bar Royale

The Butche r Sho p Owned and operated by Dave Surabian since 1970, this old school deli and micro-grocery in the Elmgrove neighborhood of the East Side is a real gem for lunch (so many soups, salads, and sandwiches!) and essentials like cold drinks and snacks. Additionally, there’s hot food, and I am obsessed with their breakfast-all-day pancakes; some of the best you’ll ever eat. Providence

Jo’s Do ug h After starting as a cottage bakery back in 2023, Jodi Lentini opened a cute little storefront for her artisan sourdough bread this past July on Gansett Avenue in Cranston. Sourdough traditionalists will love the Plain Jane, but don’t sleep on the blueberry lemon, cheddar jalapeño, or the kalamata olive. Pre-order online or take your chances at the walk-up window (go early for best selection). Cranston

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Cinder Restaurant

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

P es c ad o u There’s nowhere else quite like this dreamy new French Riviera-inspired brasserie. Lo cated on the main floor of the refreshed Ho tel Viking and named for the Provencal word for fisherman, Chef Robert Andreozzi and Jesse Hedberg have created a menu based on exceptionally fresh, locally sourced seafood. I love the raw bar, Parisienne gnocchi, and their spin on a lobster roll. Newport

Pescadou

Pan D B o n o Open since mid-June, this Colombian bakery and cafe in a plaza on Broadway is fast becoming a go-to spot. Traditional Latin American baked goods like cheesy pandebonos, buñelos, and churros are made from scratch daily by the owner, who is a third-generation baker. They also have amazing empanadas, Colombian coffee, and hot or cold specialty lattes that will wow you. Pawtucket

Al d ei a Co ffeeh o u s e Inside a charming yellow cottage on Maple Avenue, Chef Maggie Mulvena Pearson (Feast and Fettle) has created a slice of Portugal. Lingering over a specialty coffee drink and toasted bolo sandwich with Portuguese red plum jam and salted butter feels like traveling abroad; I mean, even the mugs and plates are imported from Portugal. Barrington

Pan D Bono

O l ym p i a Tea Ro o m The Olympia Tea Room is 110 years old and has been owned and operated by the Felber family for more than 45 years. With its pink walls, temperance clock hanging over the bar, and mahogany booths, any visit feels like stepping into a classic movie. My favorite time to go for delicious salads, seafood, and grilled pizza is in September when the village isn’t so crowded. Watch Hill

S n ac k B ar Royal e

Aldeia Coffeehouse

SEPTEMBER 2026 | HeyRhody.com

Coffee, ice cream, oysters, and cocktails is what you’ll find at Snack Bar Royale, the latest offering from Chef Jake Rojas (formerly of Tallulah’s Taqueria). This jaunty seaside eater y brings coastal European energ y and a curated menu of sips and snacks ideal for slow mornings and leisurely evenings by the water. Seating and window ser vice, too! Jamestown

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