Hey Rhody Summer June 2025

Seven habits of highly e ective home sellers:

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these proven strategies, you can maximize your home’s appeal and achieve the best possible outcome.

Let’s work together to make your real estate goals a reality!

1. Hire an agent who is a local expert 2. Always declutter before listing

3. Hire a professional cleaner + stager 4. Show the buyer you love your home 5. Leave the house for every showing

6. Review o ers objectively

7. Contact me for a market analysis

BARBARA

SARAH

TARA

LANZI

NICOLE

ANN

ARIANNA

AURORA

STACEY

TABBY

Rhody Pets

Adoptable pets, summer tips, and equine therapy

Beach Bucket List

200+ activities to fill your summer with fun

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

News & Culture

11 East Bay sisters continue farm legacy with flower-forward shop

20 Actress-turned-podcaster finds her place in West Warwick

24 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Remembering the Mad Peck

26 RHODY GEM: Shop treasures for a cause in Charlestown

28 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

Home & Style

A19 HOME: Behind the mindful revival of a 135-year-old Saunderstown home

A24 RHODY READS: Noteworthy releases and author chats from Watch Hill’s bestseller

A26 SHOP: Handmade goods in the mellow color of the moment

A28 PROFILE: A soulful artist sets up shop in Wickford

Food & Drink

81 IN THE KITCHEN: NYC chefcouple opens fine dining concept in PVD

94 EXPERIENCE: Breakfast meets nightlife at a Cranston cafe

100 ROUNDUP: Wineries and taprooms to get your nosh on

102 RECIPE: Westerly foodie shares simple strawberryrhubarb dessert

Hey Rhody Photos

104 A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram

Photo by Erin McGinn

Photo courtesy of Gooseneck Vineyard

ON THE COVER: Living the cabana life at Ocean House. Photo by Chip Riegel, courtesy of Ocean House

Photo by Ken Abrams

CONTRIBUTORS

KEN ABRAMS

If you see longtime contributor and staff editor Ken Abrams out and about, wish him congratulations in his new role as managing editor. Abrams brings “Kenergy” to all he does, whether attending live music shows, writing, or taking photos. Listen to his roots/folk/rock radio show The Kingston Coffeehouse every Tuesday from 6-9pm on WRIU 90.3FM.

CAITLYN BAILEY

As a recent graduate of Salve Regina University, Caitlyn Bailey is excited to begin her editorial career, and enjoyed digging into work on this year’s Summer Bucket List – back when it was still 30 degrees outside. Bailey plans to spend her summer in the City by the Sea, soaking up sunshine and checking out many of the events she wrote about.

ABBIE LAHMERS

Since joining our team in 2019 and quickly ascending to managing editor in 2021, Abbie Lahmers has been an integral part of the small-but-mighty production team at Hey Rhody Media Co. After this issue, she will transition to contributing writer to focus her time uplifting environmental and science journalism with URI’s Metcalf Institute. Find her talents throughout this entire issue.

ERIN MCGINN

Warwick-based photographer Erin McGinn has built a stunning portfolio, capturing “moments of delight” inspired by the warmth of film, and she’s also a writer. This month, she shares about her visit – in both words and photography – to a unique business that mixes art with healing. Read “Creative Energy” on page A28. Check out her new website: ErinMcGinn.com.

SUMMER LOVE

PUBLISHERS

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Elyse Major Elyse@HeyRhody.com

ADVERTISING DESIGN DIRECTOR Layheang Meas

GENERAL

Nick DelGiudice Nick@HeyRhody.com

MANAGING EDITOR Ken Abrams Ken@HeyRhody.com

SENIOR DESIGNER Taylor Buttie SENIOR EDITORIAL DESIGNER Abigail Brown

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Jenna Kaplan Jenna@HeyRhody.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Shelley Cavoli Central RI & New Business Shelley@HeyRhody.com

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich East Bay & MA Louann@HeyRhody.com

Ann Gallagher South County Ann@HeyRhody.com

Kristine Mangan Olf

South County & Aquidneck Island Kristine@HeyRhody.com

Chris Revill Providence Chris@HeyRhody.com

Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Liv Audino

Steve Benoit

Christine Chitnis

Victoria Costello

Elizabeth Field Photography

Justincase Photography

Karen Kalunian

Katie Karlberg

Jennifer Leal

Kayla Mandeville

Erin McGinn

Donna Normand

Chip Riegel

David Salafia Tandem

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ben Berke

Luis Hernandez

Patty J

Karen Kalunian

Abbie Lahmers

Jennifer Leal

Erin McGinn

Andrea E. McHugh

Cynthia Munrayos

Emily Olson

Deborah Goodrich Royce

Ruthie Wood

Interested in writing?

Email Editorial@HeyRhody.com

INTERNS

Caitlyn Bailey

Interested in an internship?

Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com

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The Flower Girls

Sisters turn a family legacy and shared love of blooms into their livelihood

By Caitlyn Bailey

nown as “the flower girls” to folks around Little Compton, Hattie and Sarah Young have been working together for as long as they can remember, picking strawberries and arranging bouquets. Their parents, Tyler and Karla Young, have owned and operated Young Family Farm on West Main Road since 1997. Through swelteringly sunny days across acres of land, the sisters learned how to grow a business. Today, they own Young Designs Floral Studio, a flower-forward gift shop in Newport.

Photo by Katie Karlberg, courtesy of Young Designs Floral Studio

Hattie and Sarah Young

The siblings’ connection to farming is generational, dating back to 1866 when their great-great-grandfather, William Peckham, opened Peckham’s Greenhouses with his brother. Eventually, William’s son Bink Peckham, separated from the estate to start Ferolbink Farms – which happens to be Rhode Island’s leading potato producer and is presently owned by Pete

Peckham, great uncle to the Young sisters. After working at Ferolbink Farms, the girls’ father, Tyler, purchased Young Family Farm with his wife, Karla, to continue the generations of farming.

“We grew up witnessing our parents start from scratch,” explains Sarah, recalling the early days of Young Family Farm, when their mother Karla placed an old wooden

courtesy

Photo

of Young Designs Floral Studio

The sisters with mom, Karla Young at the Little Compton farm

e know how important your home is to your well-being. As custom home builders for nearly 40 years, we have crafted and restored coastal and luxury homes in Rhode Island and throughout New England. Our goal is to create spaces that allow you and your family to thrive.

More than 50 percent of the flowers at Hattie’s wedding came from Young Family Farm

spool in front of their house with containers of strawberries to sell; eventually, it blossomed into a farmstand. While Karla would encourage her daughters to be more involved with the retail side of things, the girls were eager to be on-call as farmhands, often sprinting into action at 4am to help their father pack corn if a worker called

out sick. However, it was helping Karla design arrangements for small gatherings that planted a seed.

Fast-forward to 2016, when the sisters decided to start a floral design business after Hattie graduated from university and Sarah was finishing her degree. At only 23 and 21 years old, they agreed

Visitors are welcome Thursdays, through October 9, 2025. Tours meet at 11:00, 12:30, and 2:00. Online reservations and a $20 ticket purchase are required.

To learn about the history of this distinctive 100-year-old Gilded Age garden and landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, go to thebluegarden.org.

Photos courtesy of Young Designs Floral Studio

“Our parents always said to reach for the stars, and go after what you want.”

to each invest $500 to acquire their business license and start from scratch like their parents had done. Working out of their Allston, MA apartment, the business began with orders for small events and restaurants before blooming through word of mouth. With their flowers mostly sourced from the family farm, the

Photo courtesy of Young Designs Floral Studio

business continued to grow from Allston, to their Westwood apartment, and finally to a studio in Norwood.

At the end of 2019, their Norwood storage location was impacted by a fire, forcing the sisters to return to Little Compton, where they pondered their next step. Eventually, they found a commercial property on Thames

EXHIBIT SCHEDULE

“Everything Summer”, June 21st – July 27th “Cities by the Sea”, August 2nd – September 14th “Abstraction”, September 20th – October 26th

Street, and had just one month to flip the space before opening. Daunting but worthwhile, the new location put them closer than ever to their family farm, about 20 miles away.

“When we were younger, we said we would never be a part of the farm,” Sarah laughs. “But we’re finding ourselves working our way closer and closer back.” The sisters are currently building a floral studio on

Growing entrepreneurs at the family farm in Little Compton

Photo courtesy of Young Designs Floral Studio

the Little Compton farm and plan to keep their Newport location as a gift shop. The industrious duo credit working on the farm as children with having a major impact on the businesswomen that they have become. “It trained us to work for what we wanted,” Hattie says. “Our parents always said to reach for the stars, and go after what you want.” Learn more at YDFlowers.com

Daisy Explains It All

A Tony-award winning actor on moving to Rhody and podcasting about mysteries of the unknown

By Andrea E. McHugh

Daisy Eagan knows what it’s like living in the spotlight. She’s the youngest actress ever to win a Tony Award, nabbing Best Featured Actress award for her portrayal as Mary in The Secret Garden on Broadway in 1991 when she was just 11. An acting career with appearances on more than a dozen TV shows, including The Mentalist , Good Trouble , and Girls , followed, having her bounce back between New York City and LA for years, but when she became a trailblazer behind the microphone of her wildly popular podcast, Strange and Unexplained , she was able to work from anywhere. Tired of the demands, high cost of living, and environmental threats of California living, Eagan sat down with her husband early in the pandemic to decide where they wanted to start a new chapter, and the answer was clear: Rhode Island.

“We were back in LA and the pandemic happened, and we were stuck in this tiny, little two-bedroom in the Valley, and we looked at the fire map, and the entire state was on fire and running out of water,” she recalls. “Our son was eight or nine at the time, and we just thought, if we stay here, we’re not going to have anything to leave to him.” Eagan says nothing was off the table. “We really looked at the entire globe, and asked, where would we go if we could go anywhere?” she explains. Once they decided to stay stateside, they weighed a number of different factors. “It was a confluence of politics, affordability, climate, food, and queer culture,” she says.

While she concedes she missed the sheer breadth of culinary diversity found in her former home cities, she’s been relishing in Rhode Island living. “Last night, I was washing dishes, and my husband and my son were out in the backyard, playing badminton without a net, and I was like, this was on the vision board in my head of being able to stand at my sink and look out and see my family and my dogs in my backyard,” Eagan muses.

Eagan makes her home in West Warwick

Photos courtesy of Daisy Eagan

When it came to podcasting, Eagan was already sprinting when the rest were just lacing up. Her debut series, Strange and Unexplained with Daisy Eagan, launched in early 2021, quickly luring listeners for each episode’s deep dive into curious incidents ranging from scary and scintillating to the really weird and just plain macabre. A closer look at what really happened to Amelia Earhart, UFO encounters, Bigfoot, the infamous Cecil Hotel, crop circles, the Loch Ness Monster, Jack the Ripper and his victims, are just

some topics she’s covered, as well as taking a closer look at missing persons cases, unsolved murders, weather phenomena, and interviews with people in the “strange and unexplained” stratosphere. Since its inception, the podcast series has amassed more than 30 million listens. The fifth season drops on June 5th.

Capitalizing on her podcasting success, Eagan added two more shows to her repertoire: a show recapping hit reality series Love is Blind with co-host actress/singer and wellknown podcaster, Ellyn Marsh, and Dear

Daisy , an advice show. At the end of last year, Eagan joined Pulitzer Prize winners Amber Hunt and Amanda Rossmann to launch Grab Bag Collab, a podcast network that defies convention by allowing their creators to keep ownership of their shows.

While it may seem like every celebrity, reality star, and everyday Janes have a podcast these days, Eagan says the medium is here to stay. “I think that’s important in any art that you make – people will listen, and you can still do it independently. It’s a ton of work,

Season 5 of Eagan’s podcast drops June 5

Photos courtesy of Daisy Eagan

but it’s still possible.” But “independently” doesn’t mean alone. Eagan says making a podcast is much more challenging than it may seem, from research and writing to scripts, recording, and editing. With her new network, she, along with her partners, are making the platform more widely accessible. “I think a beautiful thing about Grab Bag, part of our philosophy is, you shouldn’t have to do things by yourself. We should have community, and we should have support.”

Remembering The Mad Peck

The eccentric artist behind iconic Providence poster

In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org •

By

Luis Hernandez and Ben Berke

One of the most iconic pieces of artwork associated with Providence is a black and white poster with comic book panels that makes the city look like a film noir. Some people know it’s text by heart, which ends with a classic line: “Rich folks live on Power Street, but most of us live off Hope.” The man who designed the poster, John Peck, recently passed away at the age of 83. The Public’s Radio ’s Ben Berke profiled The Mad Peck almost 10 years ago for the Providence Journal . Morning host Luis Hernandez talked with Berke about the eccentric poster artist, comic book historian, culture critic, and disc jockey.

LUIS HERNANDEZ: Ben, how did you meet The Mad Peck?

BEN BERKE: I was looking at the poster one day and I saw the little copyright mark on the bottom that said, “Copyright, The Mad Peck.” I just thought, “This poster is so brilliant. Who is this person?” I Googled the words, The Mad Peck, and I found a website that had an email address on it, and I sent an email. I think I put my phone number in the email, and I woke up the next morning to a phone call from him and he was like, “Yeah, sure you wanna meet? Like, come on over.” He gave me an address. It was on America Street on Federal Hill, and I remember walking up and down the street.

HERNANDEZ: What did he say about the legacy of the poster?

BERKE: The Providence poster, he loved it so much. I mean, he really sold it as something that almost anybody could buy. He wanted it at a reasonable price point so that it would spread throughout the city. You can, to this day, buy the poster at a place like Frog and Toad.

HERNANDEZ: What did he say to you about the way people approach that poster today? I’d imagine there are people who have it and they may not even know who the artist is.

BERKE: He had kind of a funny relationship to the very small amount of fame and notoriety he got from that poster. I think he both enjoyed the attention if it was coming from somebody that he felt was maybe smart enough to see the whole shtick he was doing in every aspect of his art. But if somebody wanted to just snap a picture of him to put it up on social media, he was very hostile. I think he, at one point, dismantled a gallery show of his artwork because of some slight or something that he detected. But I think he also was yearning to be understood in a deeper way. I think he also feared that the popularity of the poster made him seem like a one-hit wonder, when he had produced quite a lot of work as a young man that was also very clever and related to the comic book idiom.

HERNANDEZ: Obviously, I’m someone who’s only been here for a little while, but I look at the poster and I’m wondering to myself, it’s 47 years, almost 50 years ago. I’m wondering how true is it still to this day?

BERKE: Friendship is still a one-way street. Power Street, the houses still look pretty nice. I mean, Hope Street’s getting more expensive, but, you know, I think that’s still a place a lot of working class folks live on or near.

HERNANDEZ: Reading up on his life, one of the things I found interesting was that, in that era in the 70s and 80s, there’s this counterculture that really was happening here. How does he feel about what that era was like and how it shaped him?

BERKE: He was in it. He was selling rock posters. He was selling rock T-shirts. He was selling comic book reviews of rock albums to Rolling Stone and Creem and all the famous magazines of that era. So he was part of the counterculture, but he was also one of those people that I think prefers to have a skeptical view of trends and fashions and society. He was countercultural and I think he started to see that there was a new form of cultural orthodoxy taking place as people started to adhere to this new norm of being a hippie. And

he started to see that that could be a little silly and normative in this new way.

HERNANDEZ: Ben, how do you think he would want to be remembered?

BERKE: I think he’d wanna be remembered through his work. He was never really that hungry to be written about. He refused to be photographed ever, so he definitely wouldn’t wanna be remembered by a photograph. His work was brilliant and I think, like so many artists, that was the most comfortable way he knew how to interface with the world. He left a lot of good work behind so I’d say he’d want you to go find his stuff and read it.

This article has been edited for length and style, and was originally posted on March 31, 2025. Reach Luis Hernandez at lhernandez@ripr.org; Ben Berke at bberke@ripr.org

Frog & Toad in Providence is one of the places where you can still find this iconic poster by The Mad Peck

Photo courtesy of The Public’s Radio

Wannamoisett Country

Schedule a wedding tour and mention this ad for a free gift when you visit!

(TBD)

Porch Rockers

The Van Pelt Duo

Keturah’s Dream

Earl Knightwood Band Edge of Dreams (TBD)

The Hitmen

The Northeast Groove Papa Dukes

JULY 4th (Fri): 5th (Sat): 11th (Fri): 12th (Sat): 18th (Fri): 19th (Sat): 25th (Fri): 26th (Sat): AUGUST 1st (Fri): 2nd (Sat): 8th (Fri): 9th (Sat): 15th (Fri): 16th (Sat): 22nd (Fri): 23rd (Sat): 29th (Fri): 30th (Sat):

Keturah’s Dream

The Complaints

CarTune Heroes

The Van Pelt Duo

Rory and the Blues Hounds

Makin’ Waves (TBD)

All Over Band

Keturah’s Dream Caboodle

CarTune Heroes Street45 Band

The Hitmen Back in the Saddle

The Complaints

Oblivious Fools

The Kickin’ Katz MAY 30th (Fri): 31st (Sat): JUNE 6th (Fri): 7th (Sat): 13th (Fri): 14th (Sat): 20th (Fri): 21st (Sat): 27th (Fri): 28th (Sat):

Overserved Again

Melissa Lewis Photography

The South County Habitat ReStore

Nonprofit home improvement store and donation center

What it is:

A treasure-hunter’s paradise filled with an ever-changing variety of rare, vintage, antique, brand new, or gently used items at deeply discounted prices. Every purchase directly supports South County Habitat for Humanity’s mission of everyone having a place to call home.

Where to find it:

From Route 2 in Charlestown, turn onto Shannock Road and look for a grey building surrounded by a dirt parking lot and split rail fencing. The bright blue and lime green logo above the door confirms you found it.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

“Find everything from kitchen utensils, jewelry, and books, to larger items like refrigerators, windows, doors, full cabinet sets, even cars!” says Jason Brown, ReStore manager. He explains that they accept donations of new or gently used items and then re-sell them to the public at discounted prices; funds raised cover 100 percent of South County Habitat’s overhead expenses. The ReStore promotes environmental sustainability by giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfills. “Since opening in 2007, we estimate that the ReStore has helped divert more than nine million pounds of reusable goods from entering local landfills,” says Brown. They also offer a free donation pickup service for large items (unable to fit in a car) for households in Rhode Island, and volunteer opportunities.

The South County Habitat ReStore

1555 Shannock Road, Charlestown SouthCountyHabitat.org

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 Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

Photo courtesy of The South County Habitat ReStore

The Must List

10 essential events this month

Through June 15: The Grammy and Tony Award-winning musical American Idiot captures the spirit of a generation, bringing the combative lyrics and high-energy sounds of Green Day to the stage. TheWilburyGroup.org

Through June 27: Fans of the HBO show won’t want to miss Inside The Gilded Age , a guided tour of select mansions featured in the series, with stories about the residents who inspired many of the characters. Newport, NewportMansions.org

Through June 29: Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky tells the compelling story of four friends living through the creative revolution of the Harlem Renaissance, followed by the hardships of the Great Depression. TrinityRep.com

June 7: The third annual Providence Porchfest features dozens of local musicians, including Mark Cutler, Beth Barron, and Olivia Dolphin, performing for free on front lawns, driveways, and porches across the East Side. ProvidencePorchfest.com

June 7: The Tomaquag Museum hosts Strawberry Thanksgiving at Ninigret Park, with programming that includes traditional drumming and dance, demonstrations from indigenous artists, vendors, delicious berries, and other appetizing eats. Exeter, TomaquagMuseum.org

June 7-8: The Rhode Island Day of Portugal celebrates Portuguese-American heritage with a parade from the State House, and additional events at 195 District Park as well as other locations around the state. Facebook: RI Day Of Portugal

June 7-8: The Ragged Island Music Festival is a day of outdoor fun in the sun boasting a line-up of local and national touring bands Dudemanbro, The Ravers, John Brown’s Body, and The Original Wailers, plus refreshing craft beer. Portsmouth, RaggedIslandBrewing.com

June 14: Providence Animal Rescue League’s inaugural Paws & Listen Festival at The Guild is an afternoon that brings together music, storytelling, and adoptable pets. American Idol Lee DeWyze, Lainey Dionne, and Alison Rose are scheduled. Pawtucket, PARL.org

June 21-22: The Summer Solstice Makers Market at Wildwood Nursery is an outdoor market event with local artisan vendors, food and beverage trucks, and live music among the flowers! East Greenwich, WildwoodRI.com

June 22: Juneteenth RI , commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, returns to the Temple to Music at Roger Williams Park for a day of celebration with inspiring speakers, live music, and more. JuneteenthRI.com

Photo by Ken Abrams

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

New Artists & New Art Works!

Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry

Hours: Monday-Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm Saturday 9:30am-5pm • 3848 Main Road @fourcornersgalleryri • fourcornersgalleryri.com

SAYLES LIVINGSTON HOME

Fine Home & Outdoor Furnishings, Interiors, Antiques & Gifts 3847 Main Road • (401) 625 5814 @sayleslivingstonhome • sayleslivingstonhome.com

MILUKAS STUDIO

Art sessions offered for all levels, weekly classes & private lessons. Check website for events. Kelly Milukas is a multi-media painter and sculptor. 503 S Lake Rd, Tiverton • (401) 480 3536   kellymilukas.com/events • @kellymilukas

CEDIAN PAINTING

Art of the Palette ShowMay 10 to June 22 Pillows, tiles and paintings by Jennifer Jones Rashleigh 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting cedianpainting.com

TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

Beautiful Handmade Fine Jewelry, Energy Work,Crystal Bed Light Therapy & Peter Dickison Fine Art 3851 Main Road • (401) 816 0878 tiffanypeay.com • @tiffanypeayjewelry

WRIGLEY

STUDIO & GALLERY

South Coast Artists Open Studio Tours: July 19-20 & August 16-17

Monthly visiting artists & weekly painting groups. West Wing Gallery & Painting Groups 3852 Main Road - Garden Entrance (401) 339 9676 • @wrigley_studio @tivertonfourcorners

GRAY'S ICE CREAM

Scooping homemade ice cream for over 100 years! 16 East Road, Tiverton • (401) 624 4500 graysicecream@gmail.com graysicecream.com • @graysicecream

RHODY PETS

Equine Therapy | Adopt | Ask a Vet

Stable Environment

Equine therapy facilities are about more than athletic prowess

By Abbie Lahmers

sk anyone who’s worked extensively with horses and they’ll probably share a testimony illustrating the power of the human-equine connection. Riders and trainers form unbreakable bonds with their horses, and thanks to a handful of equestrian therapy visionaries in the state, that bond isn’t exclusive to those who grew up spending their days in the barn.

Working with Warmblood horses and IET therapists to create new neural pathways

INTEGRATIVE EQUINE THERAPY AT BEACHWOOD

At Beachwood, clients experience a unique mode of healing called Integrative Equine Therapy (IET) that doesn’t involve riding or caring for the horses, but rather fosters opportunities to be vulnerable in the presence of a sensitive animal. “Horses are prey animals; they sense the emotions that humans are feeling and show us physical cues of what’s happening in the client’s internal world,” says executive director Lynne Bryan Phipps. “Sometimes horses see us deeper than we can even see ourselves.” Under the guidance of an IET therapist and a specially trained horse, “clients are taken through a process to shift from reactions to chosen responses by creating new neural pathways,” Phipps explains, listing anxiety, medical trauma, and grief among the numerous problems the method can address. For instance, a client working through childhood trauma was aided in regulating her nervous system through the horse-human connection fostered at Beachwood. Phipps shares that the IET protocol is backed by science: data, compiled with the help of Brown University, shows that many clients experience greater healing results in a shorter amount of time than traditional talk therapy. Charlestown, BeachwoodRI.org

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY AT FAITH HILL FARM

Offered in both individual and group settings, the Faith Hill Farm Foundation, a nonprofit, specializes in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) – methods dubbed as the “secret sauce” by Rhode Island clinical social workers who have witnessed the results. The former focuses on building confidence and achieving growth goals, while EAP centers on mental and emotional health, and is often paired with other forms of treatment to address anxiety, depression, communication challenges, trauma, bereavement, and other issues. Sessions take place at the facility or off- site, and partnerships with other nonprofits – including Adoption Rhode Island, Hope Hospice, Harmony Hill School, Ocean Tides, Tides Family Services, Sargent Rehabilitation Center, and Shine the Light Healing and Wellness – allow for expanded access. But it’s the horses that make all the difference. “Our

People have reported feeling a sense of relief, calm, lightness, and a renewed sense of curiosity in 7-10 sessions

equine partners don’t judge,” says owner Pam Maloof. “They’re natural healers. We’ve found that, with the help of equine and mental health professionals, these special horses lead individuals toward emotional well-being.” East Greenwich, FaithHillFarmRI.com

THERAPEUTIC/ADAPTIVE RIDING AT YELLOW HORSE EQUINE

Joye Dolan, founder and executive director of Yellow Horse Equine, has been working with horses since she was five years old. From training and barrel racing to working in therapeutic programs and teaching foundation horsemanship, Dolan is a passionate equestrian who always dreamed

of opening her own center. Yellow Horse is that vision fully realized, with a mission of “facilitating physical, social, and emotional growth and learning to individuals, families, and communities through equine- assisted activities and therapeutic programs.” Dolan has experienced firsthand how lives can be improved through companionship with horses – the facility is named in memory of her equine partner, Bubba, who she credits with helping her become the teacher she is today. From community groups to therapeutic/adaptive riding and other activities, programs are tailored to different ages and abilities, with the goal of achieving cognitive, physical, and emotional outcomes that come with riding, caring for, and interacting with horses. Ashaway, Yellow-Horse-Equine.com

Photo (L) courtesy of Beachwood, (top right) courtesy of Faith Hill Farm Foundation, (bottom right)

courtesy of Yellow Horse Equine

HUMANS HELPING HORSES

Rhody Pets of the Month

By Karen Kalunian

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters across the Ocean State have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are a trio of sweet faces 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.

BREED: Mixed breed, large

AGE: 4

GENDER: Male

Big dog lovers, Hugo is the boy for you! He is as handsome as they come with his beautiful black-and-white coat and soulful dark chocolate-brown eyes. When you meet Hugo, he will instantly steal your heart. He’s playful, sits up for treats, and loves to snuggle. Did we mention that he is extremely smart, active, and lovable?

EGAPL HEART OF RI

ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE

401-467-3670

BREED: Tabby American Shorthair

AGE: 2 years

GENDER: Female

With big golden-green eyes and long white whiskers, Hope is a beauty. She’s a bit shy but once she trusts you, she likes having her chin and head scratched. Hope is best suited for an adult home but enjoys the company of other friendly cats, so the shelter is seeking a home where she will have a cat-pal. If you’ve been looking for another feline friend, Hope could be the one.

EXETER ANIMAL SHELTER

401-294-2754

Hugo

Hugo Hope

Photo (L) by Karen Kalunian, (center) courtesy of Exeter Animal Shelter

Ken

BREED: Husky

AGE: 2

GENDER: Male

Attention Husky lovers, this handsome boy appropriately named Ken is a doll, and ready to join your family. Ken has the brightest blue eyes you’ve ever seen and that Husky zest for life. With all the Kenergy, he’d love a big fenced-in yard or a hiking partner. If you have been searching for a true beauty and a pup who will be your loyal, loving companion, then Ken is waiting for you.

Unleash Summer Fun

An

emergency vet weighs in on planning fun and safe outings in

By Abbie Lahmers

With beach season upon us, it’s prime time to grab the leash and run into the sunset with your beloved pup. Along with packing sunscreen and an iced coffee for yourself, don’t forget to also prepare your pet for a fun-filled adventure that centers on safety. From tick prevention to beating the heat, Dr. Christie D’Andrea, founder and CEO of Veterinary Urgent Care Center, offers expert insights on making the most of the season – plus news of the center’s newest location right in the heart of Narragansett.

What motivated you to open an urgent care practice?

Dr. D’Andrea: In 2017, I started our first Veterinary Urgent Care Center (VUCC) in Quincy, MA. I saw how people were struggling to get their pets convenient and appropriate care for minor to moderate injuries and illnesses. I specifically remember a family whose dog had an ear infection, and they had to wait a few weeks to get their pet seen or wait for hours at an emergency medical center. I felt terrible for both the dog and his dog mom. I decided to create a better option, so we opened our first hospital – the need was definitely there. In the eight years since we started VUCC, we’ve opened seven more hospitals and now have more than 200 people on our team.

What’s something well-meaning pet owners often overlook when it comes to their furry friend’s safety, and what steps can they take to become more vigilant?

Dr. D’Andrea: Tick prevention. Preventing tickborne diseases in dogs and cats is a critical component of veterinary care, particularly in regions where ticks are prevalent, such as New England. Proactive prevention strategies – such as the consistent use of veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives, routine tick checks, and minimizing exposure to tick-infested environments – are essential to protecting pet health. Early detection through regular veterinary screenings and client education on the risks and signs of tick-borne illnesses also play pivotal roles in reducing the

the sun

incidence and severity of these diseases. Through a combination of prevention, monitoring, and prompt treatment, we can significantly reduce the impact of tick-borne diseases in dogs and cats.

How can people prepare for safe and engaging summer outings with their dogs?

Dr. D’Andrea: Make a plan when you are out and about with your dog. For instance, if you know you have to stop by the grocery store or run errands and you have your pet, drop them off at home or plan to do those things at a different time. Always have plenty of water with you, and do your very best to monitor your pets if you are at a backyard BBQ or other family event. A lot of problems we treat in the summer are from heatstroke or from pets ingesting something they should not have, leading to potentially serious health outcomes.

RHODE ISLAND LOCATIONS:

NEW: 91 Point Judith Road, Narragansett

73 Highland Avenue, East Providence

Learn more and find additional MA locations at VetUrgentCare.com

Dr. Christine D’Andrea attends to a patient with care

What are the signs of heat exhaustion, dehydration, or injury that pet parents should keep an eye out for after a fun day outside?

Dr. D’Andrea: The telltale signs of heat exhaustion in pets include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, and even collapse. Your pet may also appear disoriented or have difficulty being on their feet. To protect them, always provide shade and fresh water, and avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day. Never leave pets in a parked car – even for a minute. Early intervention can prevent heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Are there any updates or news about your practice that you would like to share?

Dr. D’Andrea: We are incredibly excited to open our eighth urgent care hospital, and second in the state of Rhode Island, on Monday, June 2, in Narragansett! We have a great team of veterinarians ready to go and will be accepting walk-ins daily (as we do at all locations!). We are open 9am-10pm on weekdays and 11am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Book online at VetUrgentCare.com or just walk in seven days a week!

Photo courtesy of Vet Urgent Care

Beach Bucket List 2025

How to Use This Guide:

ACROSS RHODY ALL SUMMER LONG : Page A2

PROVIDENCE: Page A6

NORTHERN RHODY: Page A7

EAST BAY & NEWPORT: Page A10

BY ELYSE MAJOR

ACTIVITIES TO MAKE THE MOST OF A RHODY SUMMER

On your mark, get set, summer! The season we’ve been waiting for is here, and across the Ocean State, organizers are ready for it with activities planned to keep folks having fun in the sun – and after dark, too – from June through Labor Day. This annual comprehensive guide known as the Beach Bucket List is the culmination of research from various places to provide our readers with a singular source to plan the best summer ever.

EDITOR’S NOTE: As this issue goes to press in May, some information is not yet available and may be missing. Also, as many events are weatherdependent, please always check with host venues before heading out to avoid disappointment. If we missed your favorite, please let us know by emailing Marketing@HeyRhody.com. Show us your summer fun by tagging #heyrhodyphotos on Instagram!

Listings are divided into sections by region, starting with recurring events, and followed by dates and descriptions from June to Labor Day.

CENTRAL RHODY: Page A12

SOUTHERN RHODY: Page A14

BLOCK ISLAND: Page A16

PRIDE: Page A16

Newport Folk

ACROSS RHODY, ALL SUMMER LONG

Organized by category, ongoing activities are sure to have you driving from Woonsocket to Westerly to Warren and every spot in between.

ART & CULTURE

Art Gallery Visit: Rainy or hot days were made for art galleries. A statewide sampling includes Dryden Gallery, North Providence; Four Corners Gallery, Tiverton; the galleries at Providence Art Club; Hera Gallery, Wakefield; and Spring Bull Studio & Gallery, Newport, just to name a few. Arts.RI.gov/galleriespublic-art

Block Island Art Trail: Grab a map and take a self-guided tour of galleries, studios, shops, and more of where to view and buy work from local artists. Find at locations or download. SpringStreetGallery.com

Concerts on the Beach: North Beach Clubhouse is the stage for acts on select dates from June 30-August 25. Dance on the sand to the sounds of Roomful of Blues, Mark Cutler & the Electric Tiny String Band, and more. NarragansettRI.gov

Gazebo Summer Concert Series: This popular series has a line-up of acts ready to roll, including local faves like Take It To The Bridge, Jesse Liam, and more. Select dates June 6-August 29. NarragansettRI.gov

Mural Tour: Embark on a self-guided tour of the Creative Capital’s murals via map or app! Providence, TheAvenueConcept.org

Music in the Garden: Providence Preservation Society and Mile of History Association host concerts on the lawn at Shakespeare’s Head. Providence, PPSRI.org

Ocean House Author Series: Enjoy stimulating chats and refreshments at the breathtaking resort with an ongoing calendar of conversations, moderated by Rhody Reads contributor and best-selling author Deborah Goodrich Royce. July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27. Find details in this month’s column. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com

Summer Beats: Billed as a “celebration of global music,” FirstWorks presents a series

Theater

of four free concerts June through August at various locations including Roger Williams Park and Jenks Park in Central Falls. FirstWorks.org

Theatre By The Sea: Four musicals will be staged this summer at Bill Hanney’s historic barn theater. Performances are six days a week, all boasting Broadway-caliber casts. Pre-game shows at Bistro By The Sea and at the garden gazebo bar. Wakefield, TheatreByTheSea.com

FAMILY FUN

Full Moon Bike Rides: Newport is the location for monthly 15-mile rides on scenic roads and coastline. June 11: Strawberry Moon; July 10: Buck Moon; August 9: Sturgeon Moon. Weather-dependent. BikeNewportRI.org

Glass Float Project: Search outdoor locations on Block Island for beautiful glass

balls made by Eben Horten; finds are yours to keep but please register to help keep track, and consider making a donation to keep the ball rolling. GlassFloatProject.com

Main Street Strolls: Visit East Greenwich for monthly themed strolls, including dogs, art, music, and food, with local businesses bringing their wares outside for a day of shopping and festivities. Dates to be announced. EastGreenwichChamber.com

Providence Grays: Catch baseball fever with this historic club that takes its playbook from the 19th century. Games are held locally in East Providence, Warwick, and across the East Coast. ProvidenceGrays.com

Return of the Dinosaurs: Journey back in time to witness awe-inspiring creatures just a step away! Adventure, discovery, and dinosaurs await at the Roger Williams Park Zoo exhibit. Through August 10. RWPZoo.org

Photo by Tandem, courtesy of South County Tourism Council

United

14 THEATERS TO CHECK OUT

BURBAGE THEATRE COMPANY

Pawtucket

CONTEMPORARY THEATER COMPANY

Wakefield

COURTHOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

West Kingston

THE GAMM THEATRE

Warwick

GRANITE THEATRE

Westerly

THE GREENWICH ODEUM

East Greenwich

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

RHODE ISLAND STATE ENSEMBLE

Burrillville

TEATRO ECAS THEATER

Providence

THEATRE BY THE SEA

Wakefield

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY

Providence

STADIUM THEATRE

Woonsocket

THE UNITED THEATRE

Westerly

THE WILBURY THEATRE GROUP

Providence

River Cruises and Nature & Heritage Tours: Get schooled in the Blackstone Valley’s natural history aboard a scenic cruise for 50-minute boat tours Saturdays and Sundays. Central Falls, RiverTourBlackstone.com

Summer Bike Rides: Discover the state by bike with the RI Northeast Mountain Biking Association, through woodsy trails off the beaten path and routes ranging from easy rides to challenging technical ones. RINEMBA.org

HISTORY

Talks and Teas: Smith’s Castle hosts a variety of programming, including their Lecture on the Lawn author talks and Tea and History and Breakfast Talks, both with a roster of engaging topics. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

Lectures and Exhibitions: The Rhode Island Historical Society, including the house-museums and centers under its supervision, hosts seasonal events for the whole family to learn about the state’s past and present. Woonsocket & Providence, RIHS.org

Life on the Farm: Bring the whole family to visit the Coggeshall Farm Museum and travel back to a more rustic time, with summer programming for the kids, reenactments, and more. Bristol, CoggeshallFarm.org

MOVIES

Misquamicut Drive-In: Skip the streaming, pack the car, and head to Wuskenau Beach to view blockbusters on the big outdoor screen. Vehicle too small? Camping chairs permitted. Misquamicut, MBADriveIn.com

Pirates in the Park Outdoor Film Series: Paired with Food Truck Fridays at Roger Williams Park, see themed movies screened at sunset at Boat House Lawn. Instagram: @pvdfilmfestival

Rustic Tri View Drive In: Get off the couch and pack the family into the car to enjoy a double feature at Little Rhody’s last drive-in theater. A walk to the concessions stand for a cheap dinner or snacks is part of the fun. North Smithfield, Facebook: Rustic Tri View Drive In

OUTDOOR MARKETS & ACTIVITIES

Farmers Markets: Make shopping fresh and local a breeze at one of the many farmers markets in Rhode Island. A statewide sampling includes farm-hosted events that include Casey Farm in Saunderstown and Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, along with the Tiverton Farmers Market, South Kingstown Farmers Market Tuesdays at Marina Park, and many more. Various, FarmFreshRI.org

RI Farm Scavenger Hunt: The RI Farm Bureau encourages finding new farms with

this activity that has participants exploring the state. The map changes every year to keep things as fresh as June strawberries! RIFB.org

RI Walks Challenge: Hit trails across the state to find 30+ whimsical nature-inspired steel creatures posted in the woods, and track your progress by scanning QR codes on each. Find them all to win prizes! RIWalks.org

Morning Bird Walks: Each week a new birding destination will be chosen, led by a naturalist. Advance registration is required and location will be sent via email to registered participants in advance. Various locations, ASRI.org

Weekend Goat Hikes at Gather Farm: Goat hikes start with meeting the herd at the goat greenhouse and then being led by Aidan Simmons, who shares goat facts, stories, and more. Johnston, GatherFarm.com

WORKSHOPS

Craft yourself a cool decor accent this summer by taking a glass blowing or steel workshop.

• Blackstone River Glass Center, Cumberland

• Gather Glass, Providence

• The Glass Station, South Kingstown

• Thames Glass, Newport

• The Steel Yard, Providence

Photo by Christine Chitnis

Hope Street Farmers Market

PROVIDENCE

ALL SUMMER LONG

SUNDAYS

Flea in the Park: If you’re looking for unique gifts and beautiful artwork with a side of food and fun, don’t miss this summertime version of Providence Flea as it takes over 195 District Park, Sundays from 11am-3pm. ProvidenceFlea.com

TUESDAYS

Sunset Celebration with the Providence Drum Troupe: Head to the 195 District Park (begins 6:30pm) for a rousing two hours of illuminated mobile drummers, dancers, artists, and circus performers. Participation encouraged! DowntownParks.org

THURSDAYS

Gallery Night: Third Thursdays, take a deep dive into the Creative Capital’s art scene with guided tours to studios, galleries, and museums throughout the city via walking and mini coaches or trolleys. Providence, GalleryNight.org

Movies on the Block: Bring a blanket or chair and head to Grant’s Black at 260

Westminster Street, for the monthly movie series featuring fave films. Special concessions will be available from downtown restaurants. Starts at dusk. June 26, July 24, August 28. InDowncity.com

FRIDAYS

Food Truck Fridays: Celebrate TGIF with dinner from a rotation of food trucks at RWP Carousel Village, plus beer and wine, live music, and kiddie train rides, too. Providence, RWPZoo.org

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY

Weekend Ice Cream Making Classes at Gather Cafe: Learn to craft your dream ice cream flavor at the newly opened Gather Cafe and Ice Cream Bar (next to Gather Glass) using fresh ingredients sourced directly from Gather Farm – one hour and one pint. GatherFarm.com

SATURDAYS

Providence Artisans Market: For over a dozen years, shoppers have found handmade crafts, fresh produce, food trucks, and live music with this artist-run market at Lippitt Park. Facebook: Providence Artisans Market

JUNE

JUNE 7

Providence Porchfest: This volunteerled community music fest features acts in a variety of genres playing free shows on porches, driveways, and lawns, happening rain or shine. ProvidencePorchFest.com

JUNE 7-8

Rhode Island Anime Con: Cosplay, photo ops, autographs, and more await at this unique extravaganza held at the RI Convention Center . RIAnimeCon.com

Rhode Island Day of Portugal:

195 District Park is the setting for this year’s Dia de Portugal. Since 1978, the cultural celebration has featured a parade, music, and plenty of Portuguese food. DowntownParks.org

JUNE 22

Juneteenth: The Temple to Music at Roger Williams Park provides the setting for inspiring speakers, live music, and more to commemorate the end of slavery in the US. JuneteenthRI.com

JUNE 27-29

Providence 48 Hour Film Project: On your marker! Script, shoot, and edit a short film after receiving directives, and have it screened – all in one weekend. 48HourFilm.com

JULY

JULY 2

Fourth of July Fireworks Boat Rides: Embark on a casual cruise of the downtown waterways before heading out to India Point to anchor in the harbor for the city’s fireworks display. ProvidenceRiverboat.com

JULY 6-19

Providence Restaurant Weeks: Savor two weeks of participating area restaurants featuring deals and specials for lunch and dinner, with some offering prix fixe menus, breakfast, signature cocktails, and more. GoProvidence.com/rw

Juneteenth RI Festival

Photo by Justincase Photography, courtesy of Juneteenth RI

WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

Don’t miss the award-winning spectacle along the rivers of downtown that has captured the imagination of over 10 million visitors.

BASIN & PARTIAL LIGHTINGS: June 19, August 18

FULL LIGHTINGS: July 4, August 9 STARTS AT SUNSET: July 17

Learn more at WaterFire.org

JULY 13-26

FringePVD: Revel in this crosssection of entertainment presented by The Wilbury Theatre Group. With over 300 performing artists, enjoy uncensored performances of theater, dance, visual arts, and more. FringePVD.org

JULY 14-19

Narragansett Shark Week: Crush it like Quint during this week of events celebrating the movie JAWS . Partake in everything from a lookalike contest and trivia to riding a mechanical shark, a movie marathon, and more. NarragansettBeer.com

JULY 17

Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl: Part of the Cool Summer Nights Series, head to Providence Performing Arts Center to party like it’s 1989. Eighties attire encouraged! PPACRI.org

AUGUST

AUGUST 5-10

Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival: RIFF returns for its 29th year to continue its celebration of independent filmmakers from around the world. FilmFreeway.com/RIFilmFest

AUGUST 6

Summer Pops: Remember TV theme songs? Conductor Troy Quinn invites audiences to an evening of orchestral versions of tunes from Star Trek , Jeopardy , Hawaii Five-O , and more. Facebook: RWP Pops at Roger Williams Park

AUGUST 23

Brew at the Zoo: Sample hundreds of beers and libations from local, regional, and national breweries at Rhode Island’s largest outdoor beer festival. This adultsonly event includes live music, animal encounters, and more. RWPZoo.org

NORTHERN RHODY

ALL SUMMER LONG

SUNDAYS

Assembly of Food Trucks: On select dates, enjoy “good eats, beats, and beer” against the backdrop of the Nipmuc River. BYO picnic blankets and chairs. June 29, July 27, August 24. Harrisville, FoodTrucksIn.com

Summer Farmers Market: Phantom Farms is the place to be from 9am-1pm for this first-ever farmers market at that location. Shop unique local products, handcrafted goods, and fresh produce. June 1-August 31. Cumberland, Facebook: Phantom Farms Summer Farmers Market

TUESDAYS

Slater Park Children’s Performance Series: On select Tuesdays, make memories watching kiddie entertainers live. Pawtucket, Facebook: Pawtucket Parks & Recreation

WEDNESDAYS

Foster Fairgrounds Food Truck Night Event Series: Break up the week with a picnic blanket and dinner from a rotation of vendors. Live music and beer and wine available. June 25, August 20. Foster, Facebook: Foster Fairgrounds Food Truck Night

THURSDAYS

Daggett Farm Summer Concert: On select Thursdays in July and August, a night of live tunes awaits at Slater Park. Pawtucket, Facebook: Daggett Farm at Slater Park

FRIDAYS

Pawtucket Farmers Market: Not an early-riser? Shop local for food and stuff 4:30-7:30pm (except July 4) at this pet-friendly market at Jordan’s Jungle. Pawtucket, TourBlackstone.com

SATURDAYS

Chase Farm Food Trucks and Concerts: On select dates, the nature preserve grounds transform into a live music venue with a rotation of food trucks and beverages. June 14, July 12, August 2 & 30. Lincoln, Facebook: Food Trucks & Concerts - Chase Farm 2025

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Butterfly Farm’s Sunflower Fest: During August weekends, pick your own sunflowers from the sunnyyellow field, with vendors, food trucks, and farmfresh goods on hand. Leashed dogs are welcome. August 9-24. Lincoln, Instagram: @butterflyfarmri

JUNE

JUNE 7, 14, 21, 27

Rhode Island Football Club: Cheer on the state’s pro soccer club at the new Centreville Bank Stadium when they play USL Championship season home games this month! Pawtucket, RhodeIslandFC.com

JUNE 7

Lifted Voices: Mixed Magic Theatre music director Kim Pitts-Wiley and MMT Exult Choir members invite the community to take part in an immersive vocal performance workshop. Eventbrite: Lifted Voices

JUNE 8

Music at the Farm: Emma Robertson, soprano, and Chris Carson, piano, perform six songs for voice and piano in a rustic farm setting. Inquire about making your visit an overnight stay at onsite B&B. Pascoag, GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

JULY

JULY 4

Arnold Mills Parade and Road Race: Since 1927, this event has been a community and family tradition. The four-mile road race begins at 9am, and the parade steps off at 11am. Cumberland, ArnoldMillsParade.com

JULY 5

Rhode Island Football Club: Watch the fireworks and cheer on Rhody’s pro soccer club as they play the Birmingham Legion FC. Pawtucket, RhodeIslandFC.com

JULY 11

Join Audubon for an evening celebrating the living lightshow that is the firefly. Make a glowing craft to take home and end the evening by going out to the fields to watch their blinking displays. Rain date is July 12. Smithfield, ASRI.org

JULY 13

Music at the Farm: The Eureka Piano Trio, which includes violin and cello, is slated to perform at the venue and B&B. Pascoag, GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

JULY 18

Yacht Rock Experience: Enjoy a

summertime concert featuring music produced in southern California between 1976 and 1984, performed Boat House Row. Woonsocket, StadiumTheatre.com

JULY 19, 25

Rhode Island Football Club: Cheer on the state’s pro soccer club at the new Centreville Bank Stadium when they play USL Championship season home games this month! Pawtucket, RhodeIslandFC.com

AUGUST

AUGUST 2-3

Dogapalooza Family Festival: Slater Park transforms into a destination for pet lovers

and shoppers alike, with a host of vendors, delicious food trucks, and live entertainment. Pawtucket, Facebook: Dogapalooza 2025

AUGUST 6, 9, 30

Rhode Island Football Club: Cheer on the state’s pro soccer club at the new Centreville Bank Stadium when they play USL Championship season home games this month! Pawtucket, RhodeIslandFC.com

AUGUST 30

Chinese Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival: Observe traditional dragon boat races, celebrate cultural performances, enjoy Asian Cuisine, or even take part in a dumpling eating contest at this special riverside event. Pawtucket, DragonBoatRI.com

Photo courtesy of Dragon Boat RI

Chinese Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival

EAST BAY & NEWPORT

ALL SUMMER LONG

Newport Gulls: Take yourself out to the ballgame! Cheer on the Newport Gulls – a wooden bat, collegiate summer team – play at Cardines Field. Home games are held most Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays throughout June and July. Newport, NewportGulls. PointStreakSites.com

SUNDAYS

Barrington Summer Concert Series: Dance the night away to local musicians in Latham Park and Barrington Town Beach on Sundays July through August. BarringtonLearningCTR.org

WEDNESDAYS

Music at Sunset: Take in the lush gardens and live music at Blithewold for their summer concert series which runs weekly from June 4-August 27. Bristol, Blithewold.org

Nature Walks: Be ready to spot native species and identify different plants during guided trail walks led by a naturalist. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

THURSDAYS

Art Night Bristol/Warren: Tour the thriving art scenes of these two towns, held the last Thursdays of the month through August. Bristol & Warren, ArtNightBristolWarren.org

newportFILM: Keep a lawn chair or blanket in the trunk for evenings of critically acclaimed documentaries screened at outdoor locations throughout Aquidneck Island. MidJune through early September. NewportFilm.com

Sakonnet Green Market: Thursday afternoons (3-6pm), take a ride to Sakonnet Vineyards for this shop event hosted by Tiverton Farmers Market. Little Compton, TivertonFarmersMarket.com

FRIDAYS

Herreshoff Museum Summer Artisan Market: Head to the Herreshoff for a daytime market on most Fridays featuring hand-picked vendors. Bristol, Herreshoff.org

Rhythm is Going to Get You: This social ballroom dance is held on the first Friday of

each month. Portsmouth, DTDBallroom.com

SATURDAYS

Free Family Fun Days: The hidden gem that is the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is free on first Saturdays, offering nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes, and more. Bristol, ASRI.org

Newport Polo: Experience a breezy night at Glen Farm watching this historic game played on horseback. Arrive early for pre-game refreshments, shopping, and socializing. Portsmouth, NPTPolo.com

JUNE

JUNE 6-71

British Motorcar Festival: Car fanatics and anglophiles alike are in for a treat. With historic autos, vendors, and stunning views of Narragansett Bay, this event will surely be your cup of tea. BritishMotorCarsInBristol.com

JUNE 7

Farm Coast Art & Garden Ramble: This outdoor event promises an unforgettable combination of art and nature at historic Tiverton Four Corners. Along with vendors and

live music, art workshops and demonstrations are planned. TivertonFarmersMarket.com

Rhode Races Wine Run: A three-mile race along various (uneven) trails concludes with dinner, wine, and music at the coastal vineyard. Race participants will receive a souvenir wine glass. Little Compton, SakonnetWine.com

JUNE 12

Design by the Seasons: A Floral Arranging Series : Led by Julia Christina, each month enjoy learning to create designs using a different flower. June is garden roses, and August 14 is wildflowers. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org

JUNE 14

State Street Art Fair: This event promises something for all ages, from art, food, and flower vendors to live alpacas and more, rain or shine. Repeats August 23. Bristol, DiscoverNewport.org

JUNE 20-22

Newport Flower Show: Held at Rosecliff, this year’s theme “A Floral Fair,” includes an opening night party, installations inside and outside the mansion and grounds, a marketplace, and inspiration that is anything but garden variety. NewportMansions.org

Sakonnet Green Market

Photo courtesy of Sakonnet Green Market

JUNE 22

Annual Strawberry Shortcake Social: This special edition of the Sunday market celebrates the harvest of the mighty fruit. Indulge in strawberry-everything, from treats to mocktails. TivertonFarmersMarket.com

JUNE 23-26

Newport Charter Yacht Show: A can’t-miss for yacht charter pros, this four-day event showcases luxury yachts, and ancillary goods and services, plus an agenda filled with fun competitions, seminars, and a fundraiser soiree. NewportCharterShow.com

JUNE 27-29

Secret Garden Tours: This self-guided walking tour offers access to a host of beautiful private gardens. Newport, SecretGardenTours.org

JULY

JULY 4

Independence Day Open House: The Colony House will be open (9-11am) for visitors to explore the first floor and hear stories of independence and revolution in Newport. A slate of free events is also scheduled to take place at Washington Square. NewportHistory.org

Newport Fireworks: Weather permitting, this year’s display is scheduled to light up the harbor at 9:15pm. For best viewing, find a westward-facing spot along Newport Harbor. Popular viewing locations include Perrotti Park, King Park, and Queen Anne Square. CityOfNewport.com

JULY CELEBRATION

JULY 4-22

Newport Classical Music Festival: Twentynine intimate concerts, 100 artists, and 11 venues – including Castle Hill Inn, The Elms, Blithewold Mansion – make this showcase of music and venues a highlight for classical music lovers. NewportClassical.org

JULY 6-13

Hall of Fame Open: Watch the pros play from great seats in the shade. Every Hall of Fame Open ticket comes with one free admission to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum. Newport, TennisFame.com

JULY 12

Cars & Coffee - Youngtimers: Fort Adams is the place for food trucks and a car show with prizes. Rev-up with merch available online. Newport, AudrainYoungtimers.com

French in Newport Reenactment: A day of living history features reenactments, exhibits, and free family fun returns to Washington Square with a kids’ scavenger hunt, fife and drum corps, tea tasting, silhouette art, and more. NewportHistory.org

JULY 16-20

Newport Dance Festival: Prepare a picnic and sit on the lawn to watch beautifully choreographed performances. NewportContemporaryBallet.org

JULY 19

Newport Beer Run: Lace up your kicks and hit the road at this 21+ event that combines a 5K road race with 30-plus breweries at Fort Adams State Park. NewportBeerRun.com

JULY 19-20

Open Studio Tour: Grab a map and plot your course on this self-guided art tour of Little Compton and Tiverton. Enjoy peeks at studios of various mediums and chat with artists as you tour the pastoral beauty of the farm coast. Repeats August 16-17. SouthCoastArtists.org

JULY 25-27

Float Fest: No ticket to Newport Folk Festival? No problem. This annual “spontaneous” event has boaters and paddlers heading to public ramps and making their way to Newport Harbor to watch the concert from the water. Newport

JULY 26-27

Newport Show: Fine arts enthusiasts are sure to enjoy this fundraiser filled with antiques, art, and other exquisite objects held at St. George’s to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and the Newport Historical Society. Middletown, TheNewportShow.com

One of the oldest Independence Day traditions continues with a full agenda that kicks off in June. Major events include this month’s Summer Concert Series, upcoming fireworks, a ball, Miss and Little Miss 4th of July pageants, carnival rides, and the parade. There are also contests, sporting events, a firemen’s field day, dinners and tastings, children’s shows, an orange crate derby, visiting the Memorabilia Room, and more. FourthOfJulyBristolRI.com

HOT TIP: Feel like skipping the lawn chairs and port-a-potties?

The following offer ticketed events that include shaded seating, elbow room, views, and restrooms: Linden Place , LindenPlace.org Herreshoff Museum, Hereshoff.org

Newport Flower Show

AUGUST

AUGUST 1-3

Newport Jazz: Swing into this festival weekend at Fort Adams with a lineup including stars like The Roots, Janelle Monae, Raye, and more. NewportJazz.org

AUGUST 9

Wet Paint: This annual event brings together artists, collectors, and art-lovers for a day filled with creativity, connection, and celebration. This year’s event promises to restore some beloved traditions while introducing exciting new outdoor arts experiences. NewportArtMuseum.org

AUGUST 10

Cruise-In for a Cause: Cars of all types and sizes will be on view at the James D. Rielly Foundation car show, featuring food trucks, specialty vendors, 50/50 raffle, music by Triple J DJ, and a $500 cash prize for Best in Show. Bristol, JDRFoundation.org

AUGUST 16

Folks Fest: This annual event offers a snapshot of what makes Warren so cool. Enjoy a full family-friendly day of art, music, activities, food, a beer garden, and non-profit orgs. Parking is scarce, so walking or biking over is encouraged. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org

AUGUST 16-17

Open Studio Tour: Tour the workspaces of up to 75 artists throughout Little Compton and Tiverton and admire quality, creative work produced in this scenic community. SouthCoastArtists.org

AUGUST 22-24

Black Ships Festival: Celebrate Asian culture with colorful ceremonies and delicious food. With a cultural marketplace fair and Taiko drum performance, combine fun with community. Bristol & Newport, JASRI.org

AUGUST 22-24

Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta: These waterfront races invite you to a weekend of competition or a classic yachting experience. Bristol, Herreshoff.org

AUGUST 24

Rhode Island Folk Festival: Rose Larisa Memorial Park is the bayside setting for this music showcase with a side of craft vendors and food trucks. RhodeIslandFolkFestival.com

CENTRAL RHODY

ALL SUMMER LONG

THURSDAYS

Warwick Food Truck Night: The Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick lawn transforms into an outdoor picnic venue when the food trucks come rolling in. Warwick, Facebook: Warwick Food Truck Night - Crowne Plaza

FRIDAYS

Bring Your Own Improv: Belly laughs abound at this family-friendly interactive comedy event. Warwick, WarwickCFA.org

SATURDAYS

Oakland Beach Cruise Nights: Car enthusiasts – motor over for classic, vintage, and sports cars, plus raffles, refreshments, and a DJ playing tunes. Warwick, Facebook: Oakland Beach Cruise Night

JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST

JUNE 1

Ocean State Card Con Summer 2025: A day full of cards, trading, comics, toys, games, food, and fun is on deck at the ultimate gathering for collectors and gamers, held at Oakland Beach Boys and Girls Club. Warwick, Eventbrite: Ocean State Card Con June 2025

JUNE 1, 4, 7, 8, 10

Music on the Hill Festival: This harbinger of summertime presents chamber music concerts at Cranston, East Greenwich, and Warwick venues. MusicOnTheHillRI.org

JUNE 11

Taste of Rhode Island: Sample your way through dozens of exciting eateries while enjoying live entertainment, a charity raffle, and sips from wine and beer partners at this 21+ evening. Warwick, TasteOfRI.com

JUNE 21

Summer Festival: Food trucks, vendors, fireworks, and more are back by popular demand at this event, returning to Coventry High School, with a rain date of June 22. CoventryRI.MyRec.com

GASPEE DAYS

The “first blow for freedom” that led to the American Revolution came in June of 1772 in Warwick, when colonists burned British revenue schooner, the HMS Gaspee. Pawtuxet Village pulls out all the stops to celebrate with a Symphony in the Park and fireworks (June 7), 5K foot race, and two-mile Gaspee Days Parade (June 14) replete with fife and drum corps, Shriners in miniature cars, and more, all capped by the Burning of the Gaspee reenactment (June 15). History buffs are sure to appreciate the Colonial encampment in the park (June 1415). Warwick, Gaspee.com

JULY 11

National French Fry Day: Apponaug Brewing Company hosts a celebration of fries inside the taproom. This familyfriendly event is equally delicious and unique. Warwick, ApponaugBrewing.com

AUGUST 24

Rocky Point Historic Baseball Festival: Vintage northeastern teams are up to bat following baseball rules of 1884 and 1864. Warwick, ProvidenceGrays.com

Gaspee Days

Photo by Elyse Major

SOUTHERN RHODY

ALL SUMMER LONG

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

For four weeks, register children ages 5-10 to explore different entities of the farming world along with nature art, hiking, nature-themed literature, and more, held at Barlow Nature Preserve. July 8-July 31. WesterlyLandTrust.org

THURSDAYS

Wickford Harbor Fire: On third Thursdays, the charming village glows with shops and restaurants open late, live music, carriage rides, and family fun, all with a backdrop of floating fire pits. June 19, July 17, August 14. WickfordVillage.org

RiverFire: Special basins along the Saugatucket River are set ablaze, lighting up downtown Wakefield, along with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Schedule TBA: WakefieldVillageAssociation.com

FRIDAYS

Children’s Festival: Make memories attending live shows (10am and 12pm) at this series which kicks off July 11 with a juggling magician. A sing-a-long show, slapstick comedians, “semi-famous” magician, and more follow. Wakefield, TheatreByTheSea. com/kids

Summer Concerts at the Gazebo: The heart of the pier across from Narragansett Town Beach will be alive with music each Friday night this summer. Music includes blues, classic jazz, R&B, and tribute acts. June 6 through August 29. NarragansettRI.gov

State Beach Parking: Get updates on the status of parking lots at the busiest state beaches at RIParks.RI.gov.

JUNE

JUNE 1, 8, 15

Sunday Funday: Support local establishments as they take their businesses into the street for days of pedestrian shopping and dining. A creation station for kids, nine-hole mini golf course, lawn games and more are planned. Westerly, OceanChamber.org

JUNE 4-29

Birds, Bees & Blooms - The Annual Flower Show: An exhibit of work featuring artists Tammy Blais and Janet Maher at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly. OceanChamber.org

JUNE 7

Strawberry Thanksgiving: Celebrate the Strawberry Moon at this annual event held at Ninigret Park. Storytelling, a Native arts market, traditional dances, food vendors, games, and more are all planned. Charlestown, TomaquagMuseum.org

Wickford Harbor Lights

Photo (L) courtesy of I Love Wickford Village, (R) Photo courtesy of Charlestown Seafood Festival

JUNE 7-8

Open Studios at the Shady Lea Mill: Shop original jewelry, rugs, sculpture, pottery, paintings, photography, and more from participating artists, with a suggested donation of a canned good for the NK Food Pantry. North Kingstown, TheMillAtShadyLea.com

JUNE 10

Strawberry Moon Paddle on the Quonnie: Led by Weekapaug Inn’s onsite naturalist, this moonlit paddle pauses at a secluded beach for a champagne toast. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com

JUNE 13

Charity Golf Tournament: Swing for a great cause with the Brad Friel Memorial Golf Classic. The all-day affair starts with check-in and lunch, followed by a raw bar and prime dinner, raffles, and awards after golf. Hope Valley, CharihoRotary.com

JUNE 14

Strawberry Festival: The second Saturday in June is devoted to the strawberry at the national historic site Smith’s Castle. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

JUNE 21

Summer Pops 2025: A pre-show at 6pm ushers in performances by The Chorus of Westerly and The Pops Festival Orchestra, and fireworks by Grucci, all at Wilcox Park. Rain date is June 22. ChorusOfWesterly.org

JUNE 21-22

Narragansett Art Festival: Spend a day shopping for art by the sea at Veteran’s Park and Gazebo Field. Narragansett, WakefieldRotary.org

JUNE 28

Summer Soirée: The primary fundraiser for the Jamestown Art Center includes artwork, seasonal savories, cocktails, and more. Take part in the live auction and grab your dancing shoes for this unforgettable occasion. JamestownArtCenter.org

JULY

JULY 4

Fireworks Cruise: Hop on board Rhode Island Fast Ferry’s Julia Leigh for a sunset cruise down Narragansett Bay, ending with the fireworks display over Newport Harbor and/or Narragansett Town Beach. North Kingstown, FastFerry.com

JULY 5

Independence Day Beach Ball: Enjoy a beachside New England Lobster Boil, specialty cocktails, and dancing to live music. A stunning fireworks display caps the night. Westerly, OceanHouseEvents.com

JULY 11

Summer Pops: Don’t touch that dial! The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will be honoring various television periods with this year’s summer show, conducted by Troy Quinn. Narragansett, RIPhil.org

JULY 12-13

Wickford Art Festival: Spend two days discovering the handiwork of 200 artists at Wilson Park. North Kingstown, WickfordArt.org

JULY 23 - AUGUST 3

Kingston Chamber Music Festival: The 37th season celebrates the unique beauty of making music in the Ocean State: From Coast to Cadence. Kingston, KingstonChamberMusic.org

JULY 24-26

Blessing of the Fleet Celebration: This three-day fete, boasting attendances of over 30,000 people, will feature live music, a beer tent, games, rides, a 10-mile road race, a boat decoration contest, and of course, the blessing. NarragansettLionsClub.org

JULY 26

Celebrate The Milky Way: Weather permitting, hang out with astronomers and telescopes at Frosty Drew Observatory as they showcase many of the celestial objects found along the Milky Way galactic plane. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org

River Glow: Floating bonfires illuminate the Pawcatuck River and set a backdrop for a night of steel drums, dancers, shopping specials and more. Westerly, OceanChamber.org

DATE TBD

Colonial Theatre Shakespeare: Pack bug spray and blankets to best enjoy the Bard at RI’s longest running Shakespeare festival staged each summer at Wilcox Park. Westerly, ColonialTheaterArt.org

AUGUST

AUGUST 13-17

Washington County Fair: Mark your calendars for five days of family fun with midway rides, livestock shows, tractor pulls, and everything else that promotes this county’s rural heritage. Richmond, WashingtonCountyFair-RI.com

AUGUST 29-31

Rhythm & Roots: People make a weekend out of this annual music festival that has 1,500 camping tickets available, merch, food, and headliners Little Feat, Trampled by Turtles, and Blackberry Smoke. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com

AUGUST 1-3: THE CHARLESTOWN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: Ninigret Park is the place to be for one of the biggest events in New England. Along with seafood for days, there’s a daily schedule of live bands, a car show, amusement rides, raffles, karaoke, and more. Did we mention RV camping and fireworks? CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com

Charlestown Seafood Festival

Across Rhody: PRIDE

Held in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising in New York City, these events are all about making LGBTQ+ youth and adults feel safe, welcome, appreciated, and seen.

JUNE 1:

North Kingstown Pride Parade

JUNE 2: Pawtucket Pride

JUNE 8: Woonsocket Pride

JUNE 14: South County Pride

JUNE 14:

West Warwick Pride

JUNE 21: Providence 2025 PrideFest & Illuminate Night Parade

JUNE 22: Big Pride Flea

JUNE 27-29: Newport Pride Festival & Parade

TBA: East Greenwich Pride Celebration & Picnic

BLOCK ISLAND

ALL SUMMER LONG

SATURDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

Block Island Farmers Market: Even if you’re on vacay, it’s worth setting the alarm for this 9-11:30am outdoor market held at Legion Park. Flowers, honey, jewelry, and more are all part of this quintessential island experience. BIFarmersMarket.com

THURSDAYS

Thursday Night Programs: While details were unavailable at press time, the Block Island Historical Society is known for hosting evening programs at 7pm. Look for updates at BlockIslandHistorical.org.

JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST

JUNE 11

Sunset Full Moon Kayak and SUP: Register to kayak or paddleboard in time for sunset and the rising full moon. BlockIslandChamber.com

JUNE 22

ConserFest: “Embrace your place” at this donation-based, family-style outdoor event that has become a mainstay. Held at Southeast Lighthouse, experience a full day of music, lawn games, vendors, and more. ConserFest.org

JULY 1

Fireworks: Expect the display to begin at dusk. Launched from a barge off Crescent Beach, fireworks are visible from much of the island. BlockIsland4th.com

JULY 4

Fourth of July Parade: Block Island Lore and Legends is the theme for this year’s parade, which runs along West Side Road and ends at the statue of Rebecca. Prizes awarded for floats. BlockIsland4th.com

JULY 26

Great Salt Pond Swim-10: This annual fundraiser to protect the pond is a onemile swim limited to 150 individuals, beginning and ending at Andy’s Way Beach . CGSPBlockIsland.org

AUGUST 2

Block Island Triathlon: A quarter-mile open-water ocean swim, 12 miles of biking, and a four-mile run on Fred Benson Town Beach are all part of BI’s largest and most popular race. NewShorehamRI.gov

AUGUST 9-11

Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival: Paintings, handmade pieces, photography, and more will be for sale at this outdoor event hosted at Narragansett Inn. Facebook: Block Island Arts and Artisans Festival

 Fireworks confirmed at press time

Block Island Farmer’s Market

Big Pride Flea

Photo (L) courtesy of Big Pride Flea, (R) by Elyse Major

HOME & STYLE

Home | Rhody Reads | Shop | Profile

Material Matters

Behind the mindful revival of a 135-year-old coastal home

By Andrea E. McHugh

onald and Allyson Scarlata know a thing or two about quirky old homes by the sea. For all of their rich histories and architectural charm, the past relics of coastal grandeur often come with complex issues and myriad spaces requiring next-level restoration. The couple had been renting a home in Saunderstown for some time, along with Lola, their eight-year-old Vizsla-mix rescue, when they decided it was time to plant roots. The Scarlatas were willing to compromise on some features in their home search, as homeowners must, but there was one thing the couple wasn’t willing to budge on: the home had to be near the water.

The interior wall color throughout the home is Paper White by Benjamin Moore, a mild neutral tone without any undertones

home

At the time, there was just one waterfront home on the market in Saunderstown, the coastal village straddling North Kingstown and Narragansett. The single-family home built in 1890, just steps from the Plum Beach Club (established in 1923), was a diamond in the rough; the former grand dame perched above Narragansett Bay came with serious needs.

“Due to disrepair and aging, it had been on and off the market for more than four years,” says Allyson. “Being native New Englanders who have lived in older homes in the past, we knew what this home would require from us – or thought we knew.” As

the owner of Colonial Mills, a braided rug manufacturing company located in Rumford which has been in business for 47 years, Donald knows more than most about extraordinary craftsmanship. With a unique appreciation for age-old artistry and earnest workmanship, the couple was committed to bringing back the integrity of the home.

The couple turned to Craig Couture, a kitchen and bath designer at Cypress Design Co. in East Providence, to merge past and present. Together, they chose Benjamin Moore’s Paper White for the interior wall color throughout, giving the home a

Couture chose to make the existing structural post and beam to make a design feature instead of trying to hide it away. This was achieved through incorporating the post into the seating area and adding warmth with wood on the bottom of the beam

The

was one of the first built in Plum Beach, a waterfront hamlet on Narragansett Bay overlooking the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge

clean, crisp canvas that embraces the spirit of yesteryear. The outdated kitchen had a complete overhaul to meet contemporary demands, but gives a nod to traditional styling. New Shaker cabinets align with the cottage vibe of the home, chosen specifically as the style has also withstood ever-changing trends. The couple added custom paneling to their appliances from Wickford Appliance to give the kitchen a warm, inviting feel. “Due to the smaller size of the home and its open concept, I didn’t

want the appliances to stand apart from the beautiful cabinetry,” says Allyson. Original ash flooring with a durable five-inch-wide solid white oak was refreshed, and to maximize coveted views of Narragansett Bay, six windows were added to the ground floor. When it came to furnishings, lighting, and other features, Couture and the Scarlatas mixed antique finds with carefully selected newer pieces that work with the eclectic textures of the interior. Looking around, Allyson shares, “it was one of the first homes built in Plum Beach. We were told it had once been referred to as the heart of the neighborhood.” The restored home beats on.

Upper cabinets echo the lines of the windows

Accents complement the fixtures

by

Get Rhody Style

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

Bay Windows

In this Plum Beach stunner, the homeowners worked with Couture, who embraced a neutral color palette to let Mother Nature shine. “Our main view is Narragansett Bay,” says the homeowners. “This is what provides the pop of color to our decor.”

Local Love

The Scarlatas say that living in a small town in the smallest state has advantages. “Of course, the ocean is close no matter where you live, but we also have quaint towns, museums, beautiful nature trails and the city of Providence,” says Allyson, adding that they often frequent the neighboring village of Wickford. “We usually dine on the outside deck at Tavern By the Sea [and] often shop at Beauty and the Bath, and Green Ink.” Other favorite local stops include the weekly farmers market at Casey Farm, just a mile from their home, and The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown.

Outlet Shopping

Scarlata’s Colonial Mills braided area rugs are sold nationwide through select retailers. Visit the factory outlet store at their facilities in Rumford. Learn more at ColonialMills.com.

Rhody Reads

Watch Hill’s own bestseller shares new releases and author events

By Deborah Goodrich Royce

Friends, I don’t know about you, but 2025 has been complicated for me. I find it helps to be intentional about doing what soothes our souls – such as reading a great book! Summer in Rhode Island is glorious and here’s a collection of some of the books and authors who will visit our Ocean House Author Series in the coming months.

Watch Hill’s own Jim Pierce will join us on July 2 to discuss The Beginning , a work that takes readers on a journey into Winston Churchill’s world, set in the tumultuous years of 1940 and 1941. From the very first day he became prime minister, Churchill faced relentless challenges. Through historical fiction, the author skillfully transports readers back to these pivotal events, personalizing the experience and bringing history to life.

On July 9, we welcome New York Times bestseller Mary Alice Monroe back to the Ocean

House with her historical novel, Where the Rivers Merge . Tracking the life of Eliza Rivers, the novel sweeps the 20th century at Mayfield, a grand Lowcountry Carolina estate. This story of unyielding love, lessons learned, and the profound sacrifices follows a woman determined to persevere in the face of change in order to protect her family legacy and the land she loves.

Nationally bestselling author and Rhode Island’s own Jessa Maxwell will join us on Wednesday, July 23. Her delicious new thriller, Dead of Summer , is set on a remote New England island. When Orla O’Conner returns to clean out her parents’ house to sell it, locals talk and stare. Soon, Orla can no longer avoid seeking answers to the disappearance of Alice, her best friend in high school, the thing that has kept her away from Hadley Island for years.

Beatriz Williams is back! Her newest novel, Under the Stars , invites readers back to Winthrop

Island, and the author herself returns to the Ocean House on August 6. A devastating secret haunts the women of an old New England Family. In this richly woven tale, the destinies of three women converge across centuries, as a harrowing true disaster at the dawn of the steamship era evokes a complex legacy of family secrets in modern-day New England.

A Harvard-trained neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author, Lisa Genova always delivers a fresh perspective on the human mind. Join us on August 13 when we discuss her latest work, More or Less Maddy , a riveting novel about a young woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder who rejects the stability and approval found in a traditionally “normal” life for a career in stand-up comedy.

On August 20, we welcome Wilbur Ross with his memoir, Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life . Already known

as the “King of Bankruptcy” in his 55-year career on Wall Street, Ross joined the first Trump administration in 2017 as Secretary of Commerce (a role later played by Rhode Island’s former governor, Gina Raimondo, under Biden). Rising from humble origins, Ross applied discipline and hard work to live a life up close to many of the seminal events of recent decades.

New York Times bestseller Karen White joins us on August 27 with That Last Carolina Summer , a novel about sisterhood, secrets, and one woman’s reckoning with the past. Phoebe Manigault’s lightning strike as a child left her with mysterious dreams. When she is summoned home to care for her ailing mother, she connects with Celeste, a woman whose grandson disappeared years ago in this unforgettable family

drama about unbreakable bonds and the gift of second chances.

We wrap up summer on September 3 with Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? , Sarah McCoy’s poignant novel about a 1960s movie star who chucks it all for the cloistered life of a nun. Posing the big question of who we are – bodies with souls or souls inhabiting human bodies – McCoy deftly weaves a tale of old Hollywood glamor and romance mixed in with more mystical yearnings. What did happen to Lori Lovely and why did she let it all go?

Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases.

ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

Deborah Goodrich Royce’s Reef Road , a national bestseller, was named one of the best books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and an Indie Next pick by the ABA. With fellow authors Luanne Rice and Amy Scheibe, she created the Deer Mountain Writers’ Retreat in the Catskills. Her Ocean House Author Series, in partnership with Martin House Books and WCRI, brings world-class authors like Sarah Ferguson, Chris Bohjalian, and Katie Couric to Watch Hill. For tickets and more, visit OceanHouseEvents.com.

Royce began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films, before transitioning to the role of story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time . She holds a bachelor’s degree and two honorary doctorates, from both Lake Erie College and the University of Rhode Island. With her husband, Chuck, she has restored the Ocean House, United Theatre, Martin House Books, and numerous Main Street revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on multiple governing and advisory boards.

Butter Up

Made-in-Rhody home accents in a range of yellows worth melting for

By Elyse Major

In both fashion and home interiors, yellow is having a moment. The cheer-inducing of the year” lists, lauded for its mix of optimism, comfort, and nostalgia. Ever versatile, yellow has a wide palette ranging from cozy-cottage warm to bright and mod or sophisticated with darker tints like ochre, all ready to give any space a shot of sunshine. Across the state, makers are as smitten with the happy hue as we are, with goods made right here and available in the Ocean State.

THREE PIECE PLACE SETTING, SUNGOLD Rumford, Myrth.us

HONEY POT, SUNSHINE YELLOW Tiverton, LEPottery.com

FLOUR SACK TEA TOWEL, BLACK EYED SUSAN Warwick, NoonDesignShop.com

SPOON AND KNIFE SET, YELLOW SWIRL Wakefield, TheGlassStation.com

Creative Energy

A holistic boutique brings “coastal hippie” vibes to historic Wickford

By Erin McGinn

Alana Almonte is a familiar face at art festivals, known for her mixed-media pieces that often combine paintings embellished with shells, driftwood, and rope. She sources much of the ephemera used in her work locally on the shores of Rhode Island and also off Sanibel and Captiva Islands in Florida, places that hold special ties to her life with her husband and their two young daughters. Now

Almonte’s handiwork can be found at her newly opened Anchored Soul in Wickford.

Inside a cheery little white cottage, Almonte brings a revived sense of community and purpose, along with art, jewelry, clothing, books, plants, and crystals to the second iteration of her concept, originally in Pawtuxet Village. “Wickford has a beautiful, calming energy that immediately resonated with me,” she explains. “The village is rich in history and surrounded by water, which has always been a source of grounding inspiration for me.”

Located a short drive from her home, Almonte reveals that she has a few “elves” foraging for her nearby. She often comes home to her Munroe Dairy porch box filled with shoreline finds that her neighbors and their children collected on nature walks. Her parents also join in the fun, decorating planters with seashell mosaics that line the shelves, and her brother built the

Photography by Erin McGinn

Alana Almonte inside her shop which opened mid-April

bohemian-style wooden light fixture that adorns the ceiling of the store.

Not your typical gift shop, Almonte is a Reiki Master, the Japanese technique for stress reduction and healing. At the space she offers both tarot and angel/oracle card readings, meditation classes, and energy work. “After years of exploring various healing modalities, I discovered how combining mindfulness, creativity, and

Apparel and jewelry to create boho looks

Artwork and gifts fills the sunny space on Main Street

Look for upcoming in-store events at AnchoredSoulRI.com

intentional practices can offer profound shifts, and I simply want to share that with the world,” says the entrepreneur. Doing everything with intention and purpose is a key component of Anchored Soul; from class offerings to inventory, everything is designed to inspire and uplift. “I created Anchored Soul because it grounds me to the depths of my being and has been nothing short of transformative to my life. I find so much joy and purpose in creating safe spaces for others to experience and discover the same sense of wholeness and renewal,” Almonte says.

Community is key for Almonte, and patrons will discover goods from other local artists, makers, authors, and jewelers for sale, along with her own. She also co-hosts social networking events via her Soulful Collective to empower women, and is collaborating on a candle line with Rhode Island-based Sacred Flame, choosing the scents and infusing them with Reiki. A membership is also offered at Anchored Soul, giving special access to options like meditation art classes, an online community platform, and VIP shopping experiences. With warmer days ahead, Almonte is excited

about opening the back patio for gatherings, pop-up events with other artists, and group classes. She finds herself moving towards a group environment for her energy work in Reiki, intention setting, and art workshops, creating a “bigger energy to hone in on,” she explains. Private group workshops for those who want to host friends for special gatherings or milestones are also an option. “Many of my clients enjoy surrounding themselves with a like-minded community and come to release stress, navigate life transitions, or deepen their spiritual growth within a trusted circle.” Learn more at AnchoredSoul.com.

Photography by Erin McGinn

Inspired days start in Inspired Closets. Each customized space is designed around you, providing easy access to everything you need to confidently take on the day. Wherever it may take you. Get inspired at InspiredClosetsRI.com

• Comprehensive Skin Exams & Skin Cancer Detection

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FEATURE

All That Jazz

How the acclaimed festival was founded, and its year-round commitment to Newport

By Ken Abrams

For two weeks every summer, Newport sits at the center of the music world, hosting two historic festivals that attract top performers, national media, and fans from around the globe. The summer of 2025 will see the return of both the Newport Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival, over two mid-summer weekends at Fort Adams State Park. First up, the folk festival, held the weekend of July 25-27, with a lineup that features artists from multiple musical genres, including headliners Kenny Loggins, Maren Morris, and Luke Combs, alongside lesser-known performers, who fans eagerly discover each year.

Photo by Ken Abrams

Cory Wong performs

BE FEST-READY

Suggestions to make the day even better

• Buy tickets in advance and have them ready on your phone

• Dress comfortably, bring rainwear, sunscreen, and bug spray

• Bring cash for parking or buy parking passes in advance

• Charge devices to 100 percent and be on the lookout for charging stations

• Stay hydrated, empty reusable water bottles are permitted at security, with filling stations available on the festival grounds

• Review FAQ’s: NewportJazz.org

A week later, the jazz festival will celebrate its 71st anniversary with a roster as strong as ever, showcasing a diverse mix of performers. Bands that are difficult to categorize, like The Roots, Thee Sacred Souls, and Bela Fleck, play alongside more mainstream jazz artists like Christian McBride, Ron Carter, and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

Tickets for the folk festival, which sold out in under a minute, are not easy to find, but organizers host a safe, reliable waiting list on the DICE platform, which tends to open up in the days leading up to the event. Meanwhile, tickets for the jazz festival are generally more accessible, although it has also sold out in recent years.

Longtime festival producer George Wein

Photo by David Salafia, courtesy of Newport Festivals Foundation

with our new humboldt penguin habitat! These quirky, sun-loving birds bring South America’s coast to you. Come for the waddles, stay for the splashes! Find your adventure this summer at Roger Williams Park Zoo. rwpzoo.org

A HISTORIC EVENT

Considered the first outdoor popular music festival in the United States, The Newport Jazz Festival was founded in 1954 when Newport socialite Elaine Lorillard and her husband Louis approached George Wein, a Boston promoter and owner of Storyville, a popular jazz club. The couple wanted to bring an outdoor festival to the sleepy summer retreat they called home, and Wein jumped

on board. Although outdoor classical music concerts at venues like Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts were well established, no one had yet produced a large outdoor festival of popular music.

The newly minted celebration of the genre was a hit, and within a few years, the City by the Sea was the epicenter of the jazz world for at least one weekend each summer. Over the

years, many historic performances have been recorded and made into live albums, by top names like Duke Ellington and Nina Simone. In 1959, the film Jazz on a Summer’s Day captured the passion and spirit of the event.

Wein, who also produced the New Orleans Jazz Festival, went on to operate both festivals through the early 2000s, until Jay Sweet took over as producer in 2009. The Newport

Thundercat taking the stage

Photos by Ken Abrams

Jazz Festival has continued to redefine the genre, presenting artists as diverse as Elvis Costello, Mavis Staples, Andra Day, and Khruangbin in recent years. This year is no different, with traditional artists like Christian McBride, Ron Carter, and Dianne Reeves scheduled to play alongside more eclectic performers like De La Soul, Sofi Tukker, and Willow.

DOING GOOD WORKS IN THE COMMUNITY

In recent years, the Newport Festivals Foundation has prioritized working in local communities through several charitable initiatives. To date, the foundation has donated over 2,300 instruments, provided over 2000 lessons, and served over 100,000 students. They’ve also provided over 600 artists relief grants to organizations around the country.

“The nonprofit started in 2011 with the mission to preserve the festivals and expand their impact through music education programs,” says director of development and programs Dan Swain. “For a while, we would go visit a school to perform for students, or we’d donate some instruments, or make grants to other nonprofits that were doing great work in the community.” Fast forward

to the 2020 pandemic, which heavily impacted school music programs. “When COVID happened, a lot of public school music education budgets were completely gutted,” notes Swain. “In talking with students, parents, and teachers, we realized that we really had to step up and start providing more support for music education and provide our own programs.”

Photo by Steve Benoit, courtesy of Newport Festivals Founadtion

Allison Russell and Kid’s Choir

Among other initiatives, the foundation provides free music lessons to children ages 9-18 in Newport and Providence, with plans to expand to other areas around the state. Instructors include regional professional musicians and music teachers. “We’re currently working to expand into Westerly; the goal is to develop a network of partnerships with schools.”

The foundation also runs the Newport Jazz Summer Camp at Salve Regina University, a week-long experience which culminates in a performance at the festival. “Each summer, we bring in different musicians from the festival community to engage with the students who perform on the foundation stage at the end of the week,” adds Swain.

Photos by Steve Benoit, courtesy of Newport Festivals Founadtion

MET East Bay High School students performing

Jazz Camp students

LOCAL ARTISTS ON THE NEWPORT STAGE

Providence native and saxophonist Leland Baker, who also serves as music education manager for the Newport Festivals Foundation, graced the jazz festival’s harbor stage last summer with his band Sunday Jazz. Among other things, he heads up a program that brings festival artists into the Women’s Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston. “I’m there every Friday night,” says Baker. “I go into the prison with an

instructor to teach women songwriting lessons.” Baker is also involved with the foundation’s Music Lab, a new program at The MET School - East Bay, which aims to train the next generation of professional musicians. “The plan is that it will kind of bleed into the Newport Jazz Assembly program, and we can start taking these young Rhode Islanders out into the schools and their communities to

Leland Baker performs

Photo by Ken Abrams

Plumb

Presented

build jazz appreciation,” he adds. Baker, who first attended the jazz festival as a fan, reflects on the meaning of playing the iconic event. “I’ve been going to the festival since 2008, almost every year, up until the pandemic, I’d go with friends to see artists like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Sonny Rollins,” he says. “To be able to play on that stage, it’s sacred to me.”

FOOD & DRINK

In the Kitchen | Spotlight | Experience | Round Up | Recipe

Oui, Chef!

NYC’s husband-and-wife haute cuisine power couple choose Providence for their fine dining concept

By Ruthie Wood

Those who are passionate about making food often convey the sentiment that cooking or baking is an act of love. For Providence’s newest fine dining restaurant, Claudine’s love story is as rich as their Basque cheesecake, combining romance, family, and the dedication of epicures. Claudine is the brainchild of Josh Finger and Maggie McConnell, co-owners and husband-and-wife team. Finger, the executive chef, and McConnell, pastry chef, were both deeply influenced by food and hospitality their entire lives. For McConnell, making food has been a lifelong drive: “I have loved cooking for as long as I can remember. My mom even has a book she kept from my childhood that quotes my four-year-old self saying I wanted to be a baker!”

Photo courtesy of Claudine

Ossetra caviar alongside celeriac cream crepe cake with Burgandy wine and date purée

FOOD & DRINK

Bacon-wrapped pork loin served with cannellini bean and pork croquettes

Where McConnell always knew that she wanted to be cubing butter, sifting flour, and kneading dough, Finger’s passion for the restaurant industry grew from gentle admiration into an obsession. He shares that his mother worked in restaurants throughout his life, which sparked an admiration for hospitality. “I had an older friend who had already been cooking for a few years,” Finger recalls of his teenage years. “One day, he showed me

The French Laundry Cookbook [by Thomas Keller, Susie Heller, and part-time Providence resident Michael Ruhlman], and at that moment, everything changed. Flipping through the pages, I became obsessed with the craft, the stories of discipline, and the raw energy of that kitchen. He later gifted me Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential ; the unfiltered stories made it feel even more electric.”

McConnell’s culinary journey took her to

Washington D.C. for college; Austin, Texas for the start of her career; and then to New York City “to really learn fine dining at the highest level and hone my pastry skills,” she says. She landed a job at chef Thomas Keller’s renowned Per Se as pastry chef de partie. Finger moved to New York City when he was 18, working in different kitchens for six years until he landed a job at Per Se, where he serendipitously met McConnell.

Photo courtesy of Claudine

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We service both commercial and residential properties throughout Rhode Island with a 10 yard minimum.

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During the pandemic, when Per Se was forced to close, Finger stayed on with a team to help guide its reopening, reestablishing the culture and philosophy of the restaurant and contributing to the Manhattan eatery maintaining its three-Michelin star status. McConnell left for a yearlong stint at Keller’s The French Laundry during that time, but returned to Per Se – and to Finger – as pastry sous chef when the restaurant eventually reopened.

Maggie McConnell and Finger were both high achievers at Per Se, with their careers – and romance – taking off. “We found ourselves spending all of our weekends in Maggie’s hometown of Providence,” Finger recalls. “I quickly fell for Rhode Island and Maggie’s extended family, too, so together we made plans to settle in Providence and start a new chapter.”

Thus, the concept of Claudine was set in motion. “I always knew one day I would move back here to open something of my own,” McConnell asserts. “While most of my life I thought it would be a bakery, I really fell in love with dinner service during my time in NYC and decided that was what I wanted to create for my future.” They named their venture after Finger’s mother, and spent three years meticulously planning out the guest experience, from the menu concept to design, and completely renovated the former location of Ellie’s Bakery to make Claudine’s atmosphere fit their vision.

“We like to think of Claudine as our take on contemporary fine dining,” McConnell explains. “It’s about combining our passions for refined, intentional cooking and service with a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests feel both excited by what’s on the plate in front of them and connected to the experience.”

With only 26 seats and an open kitchen, guests will be surrounded by haute cuisine. “Our approach to cooking is deeply rooted in French technique,” Finger says. “We believe a tasting menu is the most immersive way to experience a meal.” Rotating eightcourse experiences will make the most of seasonal New England ingredients, though flavors will be dictated by a variety of places and influences, while staying firmly rooted in the French style.

Photo courtesy of Claudine

Claudine chefs and co-owners Josh Finger and Maggie McConnell

A unique practice Finger is bringing to the restaurant is storing and aging fish in-house, a process that takes anywhere from three to 30 days. “We also strive for whole-animal utilization,” he says, to encourage sustainability and to push culinary creativity by “transforming every part of the animal into thoughtfully crafted dishes.” One course may be pork and Point Judith squid raviolo with Parmigiano Reggiano; another might be sashimi of dry-aged bluefin tuna with a honeynut squash emulsion.

As a pastry chef, McConnell explains she wants to “find the balance of French classics with fun childhood favorites.” This means a traditionally sweet crepe cake may turn into a savory wonder, like the roasted celeriac cream crepe cake with Burgundy wine, date puree, and Ossetra caviar. “Classics are classic for a reason,” she says, “but dessert by nature is pretty fun, so why not also lean into that sometimes?”

Claudine

225 Weybosset Street, Providence ClaudinePVD.com

A Quonnie rock oyster with dry-aged beef tartare, oyster trim emulsion, capers, and slow-cooked egg yolk purée

Claudine’s Basque cheesecake

Photos courtesy of Claudine

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Artwork © Debra Valeri

The Edge of Greatness

An up-and-coming neighborhood enchants with creative bites and community spirit

By Emily Olson

Tucked along the banks of the Pawtuxet River is a living postcard where the edges of Cranston and Providence’s Washington Park neighborhood blur together. Gentle rapids run under the bridge that connects the two halves of Broad Street, and a picturesque waterfront is lined with colorful boats.

Edgewood is a town that looks like it minds its manners, but the rebellious spirit of its neighboring Pawtuxet Village – where, as Rhode Islanders well know, colonists sparked The Revolutionary War in 1772 by burning British Royal Navy ship the HMS Gaspee – spills over into this quaint town, in the form of a bold restaurant scene that refuses to play it safe. There’s no watered down coffee or limp lettuce to be found here. Instead, there’s everything from high-end dining to quick bites.

And the neighborhood serves up a riot of global flavors that prove rebellion tastes better when shared.

Those who wander from the busiest blocks of Broad Street will find a few fun food spots that draw foot traffic to Edgewood. One such locale is Ming’s On Broad, a brick-and-mortar that put down roots this spring after its start in 2018 as a food truck slinging Asian-inspired fried chicken sandwiches. Owners and husband-andwife partners Josh Burgoyne and Korn Suom returned to their home to open the new spot.

“Korn and I were born and raised in Cranston, moved all over Rhode Island in our 20s, and then we were fortunate enough to buy a home in Edgewood,” Burgoyne explains. “When we saw that the space formerly occupied by Edgewood Cafe had become available, we knew it would be a great spot for our concept.”

Gaspee Days

June 7, 10, 14, 15 Pawtuxet Village gives Bristol a run for its patriotic cred with a symphony in the park, fireworks, 5K foot race, parade with fife and drum corps and Shriners mini cars, a colonial encampment, and blessing of the fleet. The weekend caps with a reenactment of the Burning of the Gaspee at Pawtuxet Cove. Gaspee.com

Photo by Victoria Costello, courtesy of Ming’s On Broad

A fried chicken sandwich from Ming’s on Broad

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Families with children of all ages are invited to join us for Friends & Family Days—fun-filled days of art-making, exposure to traditional lifeways and fun! Museum members will enjoy exclusive in-person activities where materials are provided to encourage hands-on creativity and Pequot cultural learning opportunities.

One reason for their commitment? Since Suom and Burgoyne grew up in Cranston, they already have a serious fan base in the form of friends, family, and friends of friends. But the other reason is because they noticed a vacuum they could fill. “Selfishly, I always just wanted to see a good sandwich shop in the area,” Burgoyne says. “There’s already a solid base of places to eat and drink. But I always thought that just a straight-up sandwich shop would kill it here.”

The menu of panko-fried chicken sandwiches is rounded out with a variety of treats and apps like dumplings, crab rangoon, and wings. The new hotspot, outfitted in marigold-yellow awnings, was eagerly anticipated by neighbors. “We remodeled the whole restaurant in a little less than three months and we could feel the hype while we were building. People were looking in the windows and knocking on the door during the remodel. So we knew there was a good energy here,” Burgoyne says. “And this is a great neighborhood. Everybody loves walking, biking, and being outside, which is perfect for foot traffic. People who live here are really proud of the area.”

Closer to the Pawtuxet border is another newish kid on the block: Pawtuxet Village Market, a bright little country store with a small-town vibe that opened its doors last fall. Owner Jaymie Hazard was born and raised in Pawtuxet Village and grew up going to the local market, Lindsey’s, which closed its doors in 2012. “I opened the market because I love the nostalgia of it,” Hazard explains. “But I also filled a void here.”

Pawtuxet Village Market combines oldschool charm with a modern vibe. Its shelves are stocked with organic, vegan, and gluten-free items, many of which are from other local small businesses. “My Italian side comes through in the bakery,” Hazard says. “My goal is to provide a little something for everyone.”

Hazard’s market fits right into the energy buzzing through Broad Street. “There’s lots of exciting changes going on here,” she says. “There’s a reimagining of The Blue Room that will offer live music. The village staple O’Rourke’s just changed hands. Everyone in the town is lovely, and I love the fact that people come into my store to wander, chat, and meet their neighbors.”

Rhody Resources

Start an Edgewood and Pawtuxet Village afternoon visiting these spots (mentioned in the article), and discover favorites of your own while you’re in the neighborhood.

ALL FAVORITES CAFE 1678 Broad Street AllFavoritesCafe.com

THE BLUE ROOM

Visit online for updates: TheBlueRoom.com

MING’S ON BROAD 1864 Broad Street MingsRI.com

LILY’S SOUPS AND SCOOPS 1850 Broad Street LilysSoupsAndScoops.com

O’ROURKES BAR & GRILL 23 Peck Lane ORourkesBarAndGrill.com

PAWTUXET VILLAGE MARKET 2180 Broad Street PawtuxetVillageMarket.com

Now Open!

SEVEN STARS BAKERY on Broad Street in the Edgewood neighborhood is the seventh location of this localfavorite! SevenStarsBakery.com

Seven Stars Broad Street

P hotos by Elyse Major

Chatting with neighbors is one of the things Lily Scott, owner of Lily’s Soups and Scoops, likes best about her Edgewood restaurant. “People seem to feel really comfy sitting down at our little takeout counter. People in this neighborhood have a keen interest in supporting their own, and people like to come in and talk. We get to know our neighbors pretty well.”

Lily’s Soups and Scoops is a long-held idea made manifest. “The soup and ice cream concept had been floating around in my head for years,” says Scott. Eight years ago, she began making bone broth commercially under the label Lily’s Ladle. Scott sources vegetable and animal products from local farms and turns them into mineral-rich beef, chicken, and veggie broth that she sells to regional grocery stores, including Pawtuxet Village Market. “The broths have nothing in them but lovely ingredients,” Scott says. When she started her broth company, she shared

her kitchen with a caterer that eventually bought its own building. When the catering company moved out, Scott took over the lease to make her dream of a soup and ice cream shop a reality.

“I use my broth as the base for our readyto-eat soups,” she explains. Four permanent fixtures – tomato basil, Portuguese kale, chicken noodle, and chicken and rice – anchor the menu, but everything else rotates almost daily. “I think of them as guest stars, featuring seasonal ingredients.”

Summer menus feature some of Scott’s favorite ingredients, like watermelon. “When it’s in season, I make a watermelon gazpacho. It’s vividly pink with base notes of tomato, cucumber, and red onion. We finish it off with lemon and vinegar and add a sprinkle of feta cheese to add those salty notes,” she says. “Four Town Farms in Seekonk grows abundant watermelons, so when they become

available, I walk in and say, ‘Load me up!’” Bread is baked fresh daily as a side to every bowl of soup that leaves her shop, and grilled cheese rounds out the menu for those who want to take home the perfect comfort combo. Another pairing she serves with pride is ice cream and coffee. “We offer Warwick Ice Cream by itself, but we can also make an affogato, which is ice cream with espresso poured over it. We also have a frozen coffee and tea menu – including frozen matcha – that people really like.”

Scott is delighted with her restaurant neighbors popping up along the street, as she sees them more as collaborators than competitors. “I think it’s great if you find Lily’s Soups and Scoops because you went to All Favorites Cafe,” she says. “This is such a lovely part of town, and the more restaurants that choose to make their home here, the less we have to do to convince people this is a cool area.”

Photos courtesy of Lily’s Soups and Scoops

Lily Scott of Lily’s Soups and Scoops

Whether warm or cold, sweet or savory, there’s a soup or ice cream for every mood

Coffee is the New Cocktail

A Cranston cafe mixing Latin-inspired lattes and beats with party vibes

By Cynthia Munrayos

When you think of a cafe atmosphere, dancing and DJ music may not be top of mind, but Cafe Ava has proven that it’s never too early to party. The Cafecito Social Club debuted earlier this spring with Gibran PVD curating the beats, latte specials on tap, and a full house of coffee-goers grooving with their morning brews.

For Andrea Cabrera, who owns the Cranston cafe with her husband Derek, this upbeat programming

plays into their mission of curating good vibes in an inclusive space. Of the social club, she says, “I think it’s definitely a movement because many people are looking for ways to entertain without alcohol. Fewer people are drinking, and alternatives are becoming more popular.”

The couple opened Cafe Ava, named after their daughter, in 2022. Andrea, a Johnson & Wales grad, found herself navigating the next chapter of her life as a mother seeking community in Rhode Island, where Derek grew

up, and both were driven by a desire “to create a space for Latinos that represents diverse cultures and who we are,” says Andrea.

The interior aesthetic and food represent each of their cultures – Andrea’s Guatemalan heritage and Derek’s Dominican roots – but she emphasizes, “I like to say that we’re a Latin cafe because our influence goes beyond our own countries. There are flavors from Mexico, Peru, and Cuba, as well. I love that because it makes so many people feel welcome.”

Cafe Ava has quickly become known for their 12 lattes

Cafe Ava has grown a following for their specialty coffees, including favorites like the flan and tres leche lattes and others with Latin-inspired flavors. “All of those specials stick around because they connect with who we are,” says Andrea. And the baked goods, including arepas, not only channel her upbringing; they’re also baked from scratch by her mother, head pastry chef Marivel Villavicencio, using family recipes.

On the breakfast and lunch menu, El Ranchero is a popular sandwich choice, combining scrambled eggs, chorizo, diced tomatoes, green onions, and mozzarella cheese. The Tres Golpes Wrap is a twist on a traditional Dominican breakfast, featuring fried eggs, fried Spanish cheese, salami, sweet plantains, pickled red onions, and avocado cilantro crema.

Cafecito Social Club embodies the Cabreras’

effort to create a movement around the morning coffee ritual. The dry day drinking vibe is all about positivity, upbeat music, culture, and, of course, coffee. Andrea marked the first occasion with limited-release menu items exclusively available at Cafecito, including the Dulce de Flor Latte, an elevated offering made with hibiscus syrup distilled from the rosa de jamaica flower, torched sugar, vanilla cold foam, and drizzled honey

Owner Andrea Cabrera surrounded by pastries baked by Marivel Villavicencio

P hoto by Liv Audino, courtesy of Cafe Ava

Another coffee beverage incorporates clove and cinnamon to mimic a rum drink. “While we don’t serve alcohol, rum is a big part of our cultures – Zacapa in Guatemala and Brugal in the Dominican Republic. We created a syrup using those flavors for a unique twist. We’re always experimenting with new ideas, but everything we create ties back to our roots,

which is what matters most to us.”

The Rolfe Square community has been the perfect place for Andrea and her family to lay the groundwork for the vision of their cafe. “I see all backgrounds at Cafe Ava, and that makes me so happy because it shows everyone feels welcome. That was the whole point of opening it,” she says, emphasizing the importance of exposing patrons

to different cultures, especially within the Latino community. “By being in this area, we’re able to showcase who we are.”

Cafe Ava

48B Rolfe Square, Cranston CafeAva-RI.com

Follow @cafeavari for future Cafecito Social Club dates.

P hoto by Liv Audino, courtesy of Cafe Ava

Cafecito, culture, and connection served here

Savoring Rhody

Taprooms and winery kitchens serving up eats with atmosphere

By Patty J

June means sunshine, mild temps, and a juicy list of wineries, vineyards, and breweries around the state where you can plant yourself for sips and eats right now. While indulging in wine, beer, or even a cold lemonade, this list of eight also boasts good food, interesting locales, and some breathtaking views. Set a course for making a summer trek at these fine establishments.

Apponaug Brewing Company

Situated in the Pontiac Mills, this women-owned brew pub has a dog-friendly patio overlooking the Pawtuxet River, where you can indulge in one of their beers (menu updates weekly), rotating seasonal ciders, and a full menu with dessert. Regulars rave about their flatbreads, chicken sliders, tacos, and pretzel bites. Warwick, ApponaugBrewing.com

Diamond Hill Vineyard

I’ve clinked glasses filled with this family-owned winery’s best sellers, like their River Valley White, named after the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Purchase picky bits in the tasting room to take out to the back porch, and ask about their catered garden parties. Cumberland, DiamondHillVineyards.com

Gooseneck Vineyards

This new chapter at GV is an exciting one. The refurbished barn and outdoor space are splendid. In addition to pours, snack on popcorn, charcuterie, and other snacks. Ongoing events include Thursdays with 401 Oyster Co. and live music on Fridays. North Kingstown, GooseneckVineyards.com

The Langworthy Inn & Winery

This pretty circa-1875 property was once a 700acre dairy farm and the home of Samuel Ward, a farmer and one-time RI governor. Nowadays, the proprietors host both overnight guests, and wine enthusiasts in the tasting room. Grab a cheese or olive plate to go with your vino and sit out on the patio. Put Food Truck Thursdays on rotation, too. Westerly, LangworthyInn.com

Leyden Farm Vineyards & Winery

You know the location from their Christmas trees, but in summertime the outdoor space is a beaut with Adirondack chairs, porch seating, and a tent — all perfect for an afternoon of sip-sip hooray and eats. Check their website for info on the annual BBQ, upcoming pig roast, a clambake, and more. West Greenwich, LeydenFarm.com

Newport Vineyards

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, reserve a table for a farm-to-table lunch, dinner, or nosh at the award-winning vineyard. The food is quite good, from the pickle and olive appetizers to the tomato salad and fish sandwiches. And for those who don’t imbibe, there’s always Yacht Club Soda or ice-cold lemonade. Middletown, NewportVineyards.com

Sakonnet Vineyard

After reopening last summer under new management and with a new winemaker, New England’s oldest winery has also added a sweet menu of small plates. Find tasty options like cheese or charcuterie boards, flat breads, baguettes, and even baked-to-order chocolate chip cookies. Little Compton, SakonnetWine.com

Photo (L) courtesy of Sakonnet Vineyards

Sakonnet Vneyards

Screaming Unicorn at Buttonwoods Brewery

Open since May 2023, this chef-run eatery that shares the space on Sims Avenue with Buttonwoods, has been cooking up a host of favorite casual eats from scratch. So when you pop in for a few brews, you can also dig into some flavorsome smash burgers, buffalo popcorn chicken, fries, and mushroom banh mi. Providence, ScreamingUnicornRI.com

Follow Patty J on her adventures on Instagram: @pattyjdotcom

Diamond Hill Vineyard

Gooseneck Vineyard

Newport Vineyards

Summer Sundae

This fuss-free take on a pie gets its zing from June produce

By Jennifer Leal, with Elyse Major

Rhubarb-curious? Like its farmyard friend the tomato, there’s some debate over whether the crop that looks like pink celery, is a vegetable or a fruit, but either way, it’s a perennial plant whose harvest time aligns with strawberries, making them perfect partners for baked goods like pies, compotes, even cocktails. However, rhubarb is known for being sour, so sugar is needed to temper it down. This recipe, developed and photographed by Westerly’s own Jennifer Leal, features a sauce made from strawberries and rhubarb, drizzled over frozen balls of ice cream rolled in graham cracker crumbs.

Photo by Jennifer Leal

RHODY RESOURCES

FARMSTAND FRESH: Why grab a container of strawberries from California when they harvest right here, right now in the Ocean State? Once you’ve tasted a just-picked strawberry, you’ll never settle for anything less. The window is short, so head to your nearby farm stand today.

SCOOP LOCAL: With makers like Warwick Ice Cream Co. available in local markets, multiple locations of Wright’s Dairy Farm, and small-batch shops like Big Feeling in Providence, it’s easy to add fresh scoops to your recipe.

Graham Cracker Ice Cream Pie Sundae

INGREDIENTS

• 3 scoops of ice cream

• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (place a few graham crackers in bag and smash ‘em, or pulse in a processor)

• 1 cup of heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB VANILLA SAUCE:

• 1 cup of chopped rhubarb

• 2 cups of strawberries, chopped

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup water

FOR THE ICE CREAM:

1. Place the graham cracker crumbs onto a plate. Take three scoops of ice cream and roll each into a ball, and then roll through the graham cracker crumbs until covered. Place each ball onto a plate and put in the freezer until ready to serve.

2. Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine cream and sugar. Whisk them on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until soft peaks form. Place into the refrigerator until ready to use. Alternative: Storebought whipped topping or cream.

FOR THE SAUCE:

1. Place all of the ingredients into a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. On a new plate, place a dollop of the whipped cream, place the ice cream balls on top, and then drizzle the sauce on top. Devour!

Jennifer Leal of Westerly, shares recipes and more on her Savor the Thyme platform and is the co-author of Rhode Island Recipes: Creative, healthy cooking with iconic local foods . Find more at SavoringTheThyme.com

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