Hey Rhody Fall September 2023

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Rhode Island Fruit Growers Apples Now in Season!

PHANTOM FARMS

2920 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland • 401-333-2240

Open Daily 6am-5pm Phantomfarms.com

PYO Apples, Fresh Cider, Café & Bakery, Lunch & Dinner options

Veggies

ROCKY BROOK ORCHARD 997 Wapping Rd., Middletown (401) 851-7989

Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10-4:30; check website or call for additional days rockybrookorchard.com

PYO Apples, Pears & Quince

NARROW LANE ORCHARD

213 Narrow Lane, N. Kingstown (401) 294-3584

Open daily 10-5 Narrowlaneorchardri.com

PYO Apples

SCITUATE NURSERY FARM AND GREENHOUSES

717 Hartford Pike, N. Scituate (401) 934-0581 | Open to Tues-Sun 9-5 Closed Mondays scituatenursery.com

PYO Apples & Pumpkins, Hardy Mums, Our Own Garlic

SMALL WORLD FARM

229 Long Highway, Li le Compton 617-719-7841

Open Thur-Sun 10-5 Organic Veggies, Grass Fed Beef, Eggs, Honey, & Flowers

PYO- Organic Apples

SOWAMS CIDER

STEERE ORCHARD

150 Austin Ave., Greenville (401) 949-1456

PYO daily 9-5 steereorchard.com

PYO Apples

EcoApple Certified!

SWEET BERRY FARM 915 Mitchell Lane, Middletown (401) 847-3912 | Open daily 9-6 sweetberryfarmri.com

PYO Apples, Pumpkins, Farm Market, Cafe, Lunch & Ice Cream

Please

CONTENTS

News & Life

12 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO : Town of Westerly will request ownership of Watch Hill Lighthouse property

14 RHODY PETS: Three adoptable pets of the month

16 RHODY GEM: Custom woodwork from a studio/ shop inside a Peace Dale mill

18 Baked bread, fresh flowers, and aquaponics are all in a day’s work at a Burrillville family farm

Food & Drink

52 EXPERIENCE: Wakefield’s new talkof-the-town taco spot

54 RHODY EATS: RESTAURANT GUIDE

56 RECIPE: A spin on chowder uses early fall corn harvests

58 ROUNDUP: Sweet and savory dishes starring pumpkin

Home & Style

62 HOME: A Smithfield Cape gets its own chapter in new book on small spaces

66 INFLUENCER: Meet the talented eye behind stunning South Coast scenes

68 ENTERTAINING: Turning leaves and local sellers make hosting fall gatherings a snap

Art & Culture

74 MAKE : Pull up a stool and get creative at Cranston’s bead bar

76 ON STAGE: Aquidneck Island alt-rockers kick o tour to support Fort Adams

77 Tiverton photographer captures fleeting assemblages

78 RHODY READS: Six thrilling picks from a guest celebrity author

80 HEY RHODY PHOTOS: A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram

On the Cover: East Greenwich harbor, photographed by Rhonda Grace. Instagram: @rhondagrace03

Photo courtesy of Mapleville Farm

Photo courtesy of Firefly Mandalas

Photo by Kayla Aucoin, courtesy of AUCOIN

Hey Rhody,

There’s a strange phenomenon that happens on the first day of school in Rhode Island: it’s chilly. It can be 90 degrees the day before and the day after, but on the maiden voyage of those yellow school buses, the temp drops to 60 degrees. And while it’s technically summer nearly all month long, it’s still melancholy to swap beach bags for backpacks – that is until you put on your favorite lightweight hoodie or flannel shirt for the first time – and even though you’re wearing shorts, the excitement of fall quickly replaces any wistful feelings.

Ready to embrace autumn, there are so many things to do, which is why we work for months compiling The Bushel List to be the singular resource for everything from apple picking to festivals, themed markets to ghost tours, and more; no outlet or wifi required. Divided by region, it’s an expanded version of our monthly calendar that extends from September through Halloween.

In this issue you’ll be motivated to take leaf-peeping rides as you explore places like Mapleville to buy baked goods, blooms, and veggies at a family farm; South Kingstown to a Mexican restaurant named for one of early-fall’s favorite crops; Tiverton to visit the studio of a photographer who creates assemblages from nature finds to capture and

release; and Providence for a festival celebrating green infrastructure. You’re sure to be inspired by two friends who became beekeepers and challenge perceptions about farming while producing delicious varieties of honey.

In the celeb files, former movie actress and soap star turned Ocean House’s resident thriller author curates this month’s Rhody Reads; there’s an interview with the bassist of RI’s only band to make the cover of Rolling Stone , in anticipation of the group’s concert at Fort Adams; and a local on-air personality interviews the photographer/model taking Insta by storm. All this and so much more awaits!

Thank you for picking up a copy at your favorite small business. Please use the hashtag #heyrhodyphotos when posting photos of your favorite fall activities on Instagram! They just may end up in the magazine!

Enjoy!

ELYSE MAJOR, Editor in Chief Instagram: @elyse.elizabeth.major

Photographed at Castle Hill Inn

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

Editor in Chief

Elyse Major

Editor Ken Abrams

Advertising Design Director

Layheang Meas

Senior Designer

Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

Shelley Cavoli

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Gallagher

Kristine Mangan Olf

Interested in advertising?

September

General Manager & Creative Director

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

Senior Editorial Designer

Abigail Brown

Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Contributing Photographers

Kayla Aucoin

Gary Boden

Christine Chitnis

Corey Favino

Mark Lohman

Contributing Writers

Kayla Aucoin

Ashley Erling

Patty J

Karen Kalunian

Liz Murray

Alex Nunes

Interns

Audrey Keefe

Abigail Lebowitz

Looking for an internship?

Loverly Photography

Lynn Martin

Jana Mierta

N. Millard

Wild Tea Photography

Emily Olson

Fifi O’Neill

Stacey Place

Deborah

Goodrich Royce

Megan Schmit

Rebekah Swenson

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

NEWS & LIFE

Water Festival | The Public’s Radio | Rhody Pets | Rhody Gem | On the Farm

Poet Sussy Santana sharing water stories at last year’s Rain Harvest Festival

Photo courtesy of Providence Stormwater Innovation Center

Water is Life

An early fall festival sheds light on green infrastructure through art and environmental activities

By Abbie Lahmers

If you’ve ever admired the lush bodies of water and vibrant blooms buzzing with pollinators around Roger Williams Park, then you have the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center to thank, in part, for introducing and maintaining these ecosystems, which are also the first stop on a downstream journey toward cleaner water.

On September 24, the fourth Rain Harvest Festival celebrates and sheds light on more than 40 green infrastructure projects the Providence Parks Department has invested in around the park. From constructed wetlands around Roosevelt Lake to native plant gardens, “These stormwater projects, while beautiful, are also doing heavy lifting – they are helping to slow down and filter polluted water from the surrounding area before it reaches our ponds and lakes,” explains Rebecca Reeves, stormwater education and outreach coordinator.

“Stormwater runoff can carry many things with it: trash, bacteria, animal waste, oil and exhaust, and sediment. Sediment that contains nutrients, namely phosphorus and nitrogen, is of major concern because it can lead to invasive plant growth, harmful algal blooms (cyanobacteria), and eutrophication, which causes plants and animals in a water body to die,” explains

Reeves. “It’s important to remember that all watersheds are connected, so while we often hear of these issues happening in our smaller local water bodies, these issues affect downstream waters, too, and impact our oceans.”

But you don’t need to be an environmental scientist to enjoy September’s festivities, which aim to spark curiosity and conversation through games, interactive walks, activities, and art. “We want to focus less on technical information, and more on how we all connect to water in our communities and what we can do to help keep it clean,” says Reeves.

RI Latino Arts poet-in-residence Sussy Santana, who invited participants to write and share their “water memories” in vials at last year’s festival, will return this year with activities to reflect on the meaning of water. There will also be aquatic animal touch tanks from Save the Bay, complimentary admission to the Roger Williams Park Natural History Museum a short walk away, self-guided tours, and augmented reality activities. Through a partnership with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, local students painted rain barrels that will be raffled off during the festival. Chalk art, face painting, and crafts offer avenues for all ages to be engaged in all things water. By illuminating everyday relationships with

The free and open-to-the-public Rain Harvest Festival takes place September 24 from 12-3pm at Roger Williams Park Boathouse Lawn, featuring performances and activities with Sussy Santana, Dawn Dove, and old-timey band Alpaca Lunch. Guests can visit with environmental organizations including the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, RI Resource Recovery, 15 Minute Field Trips, The Nature Conservancy, The University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute, and more. For a full schedule, visit StormWaterInno vation.org.

waterways, the festival’s goal is to arm citizens with the tools to identify stormwater issues in their own neighborhoods. “Certainly, recent flooding issues have put a spotlight on the importance of stormwater management and the implementation of more green infrastructure to help mitigate these issues,” says Reeves. “We don’t want to minimize the role that individuals can play in their communities, and their participation also helps create buy-in for municipal and statewide plans, too!”

For instance, the Stormwater Innovation Center developed RainSnap.org, allowing anyone around the Providence metro area to document green infrastructure in action to help the center assess how the projects are functioning. The BloomWatch app lets the public monitor harmful cyanobacteria blooms in bodies of water across the state.

And what better way to inspire environmental participation than at one of the state’s most beloved parks? “Roger Williams Park has over a million visitors each year, and for some residents of Rhode Island’s urban core, it is the only large accessible green space near their neighborhoods,” says Reeves. “Our goal is to encourage people to participate, have them feel empowered to make positive changes in their community!”

Families learn about stormwater through a watershed model at the Rain Harvest Festival

courtesy of Providence Stormwater Innovation Center

Town of Westerly Will Request Ownership of Watch Hill Lighthouse Property

The move comes three weeks after US Sen. Jack Reed announced the property was slated to be transferred to a private non-profit in Watch Hill

•

The Westerly Town Council is formally requesting that the US government transfer ownership of a roughly four-acre shoreline property in Watch Hall to the town instead of the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association.

The decision to seek ownership of the Watch Hill Lighthouse property came in a 5-1 vote during a special meeting to consider a resolution that would also support giving the lighthouse building and other structures on the property to the Lighthouse Keepers and exempting them from town property taxes.

A copy of the resolution will now be sent to U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, US Rep. Seth Magaziner, whose district includes Westerly, state lawmakers representing the area, the National Parks Service, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and the state Coastal Resources Management Council.

Councilor William Aiello, who authored the resolution, called it “a great opportunity for everyone involved.”

Councilor Joy Cordio said she supported the move as a way to ensure public access to the property in the years to come and that passage of the resolution shouldn’t be interpreted as a reflection on the Lighthouse Keepers.

“This is about the land, and it’s not about the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association,” Cordio said. “I’m hopeful that we’re going to have a great partnership that will benefit the public.”

Councilors Dylan LaPietra, Mary Scialabba, and Phil Overton joined Aiello and Cordio in passing the resolution.

Council President Edward Morrone voted against it, saying he was opposed to the process of considering the decision at a special meeting where public comment isn’t allowed instead of at a regular meeting where the council could have heard from the Lighthouse Keepers.

“I cannot support a one-sided document,” Morrone said.

Councilors scheduled the special meeting last week because the transfer agreement between the federal government and Lighthouse Keepers is expected to be finalized soon.

Monday night’s decision reverses course from Westerly’s position under the previous town council, when the town formally supported the Lighthouse Keepers’ application to the federal government for ownership of the property.

Reed announced the impending transfer of the lighthouse property July 9, as part of a group of three approved lighthouse transfers in Rhode Island. Shoreline access advocates quickly responded by asking the current town council to intervene, because they feared transfer of the land to private hands could result in the loss of shoreline access to a peninsula that’s popular with fishermen and sightseers.

Reed’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

Before Monday’s meeting, the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association President Ann Snowden Johnson and Vice President Buck Barber expressed disappointment with the current town council’s direction on the matter, saying the town

was right when it initially passed on the property when it had an opportunity to seek ownership.

During a tour of the grounds, which the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association has been managing under an agreement with the federal government since 1986, Barber pointed out cracked areas in the seawall that goes around the peninsula and said repairs to reinforce the barrier are expected to cost millions of dollars over the coming years.

He and Johnson said their group was prepared to take on the responsibility of making necessary repairs and pointed out a more than 200 foot section of seawall that was rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy with state grant funding from the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission and private financial support. They estimated the cost of that work at upwards of $750,000.

“We’re rebuilding what’s falling apart,” Barber said.

Johnson said, “I can’t stress enough how much this is pure devotion and love.”

Johnson said public access would be maintained at the property under the ownership of the non-profit, as required by the federal law that

Photo by Alex Nunes

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

By Alex Nunes

The Watch Hill Lighthouse Property

guides the transfer of government lighthouses.

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act says organizations that assume ownership of lighthouse properties need to make the areas accessible to the general public “at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.” Shoreline access advocates argue that language is vague and leaves too much open to chance in Watch Hill, where the town and state are now being sued over an access point to another shoreline area in a separate case.

The Lighthouse Keepers shared the “use plan” section of their federal application when asked for documentation on plans for public access in the future. The plan included current policies, like the hours the property is currently open to the public, but not specific commitments for public access to the land that surrounds the lighthouse going forward.

Local fishermen are particularly concerned by the prospect of the transfer to the Lighthouse Keepers because, they say, a gate to the property blocks them from fishing at night. The land is reachable by foot and only accessible by vehicle to people who are elderly or have disabilities.

Current policies posted near the entrance to the property grounds say the area is “only for sightseeing and casual strolling.”

When asked if that means fishing isn’t allowed on the property, Johnson said people can fish on the public trust land adjacent to the lighthouse property.

Johnson would not say whether she was willing to partner with the town going forward, if Westerly wants to own the land. She said she was operating under the conditions that the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association was selected to take ownership of the property and is working toward finalizing its agreement.

This article was originally posted on July 31, 2023. Alex Nunes can be reached at ANunes@thepublicsradio.org

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 state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.

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

Honey

Sweeten up your life by adding a little Honey! This six-year-old girl has a coat and disposition to match her name. She loves being a couch potato, eating yummy snacks, and spending quality time with her human. If you’re looking for a loving companion and can offer Honey a home where she will be your one and only pup, make an appointment to meet her outside of her cage to see her truly shine.

CRANSTON ANIMAL SHELTER

401-464-8700 • Ttorres@aspectsinc.com

Jack

Though he’s a little shy when you first meet him, this big fluffball can’t wait to get to know you and become part of a family. Jack is a three-year-old oh-sohandsome Retriever mix with a beautiful cream-colored coat. He prefers a fencedin yard so he can run and play, and also wants to be your one and only dog to soak up all of your love and attention.

RHODE ISLAND SPCA 401-438-8150 • RISPCA.org

Honey Jack

Photo by Karen Kalunian

Photo by Lynn Martin, courtesy of RISPCA

Magnolia

This kitty has it all: big beautiful green eyes, whiskers for days, and a purr -fect temperament. A young Domestic Shorthair with a gorgeous white and tabby coat, Magnolia is very playful and loving! To meet her, visit the shelter during open adoption hours: Wednesdays 3-7pm, Thursdays and Fridays 12-2pm, and Saturdays 10am-2pm.

EGAPL THE HEART OF RI 44 Worthington Road, Cranston 401-467-3670 • HeartOfRI.org

Magnolia

Photo by Karen Kalunian

Black Forest Custom Woodworks

Studio and Retail Space

What it is:

A woodworking shop where you can consult with owner Rick Black to design and build custom furniture and purchase readymade pieces, from jewelry boxes to tables.

Where to find it:

Black Forest Custom Woodworks is located inside Peace Dale Mill Complex, that enormous brick building on Route 108 that also houses Sons of Liberty Spirits and other businesses.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Nominator Briana Bielecki shares that she and her boyfriend fell hard for a bespoke built-in bar featured in the Home issue of our sister magazine So Rhode Island , and decided they wanted custom furniture. They turned to their neighbor Rick Black, AKA Black Forest Custom Woodworks, to build a sideboard and dining room table. “Both pieces came out gorgeous. These one-of-a-kind pieces will forever be in our home, and we could not be happier,” says Bielecki. Inspired by his father, after retiring Black opened up his workshop and retail space in the mill building. “Clients and I go back and forth to ensure the design includes their input,” says Black. Small crafts and finished pieces are also available for sale, and Black is always happy to chat to plan the furniture of your dreams.

Black Forest Custom Woodworks

1425 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown 860-841-5790

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

P hoto courtesy of Black Forest Custom Woodwoeks

BUILDING MATERIALS | DOOR & MILL SHOP | KITCHEN + DESIGN | MASONRY PRODUCTS

Four Locations Serving Rhode Island, Neighboring Connecticut, and Massachusetts Communities

West Kingston Branch 251 Fairgrounds Rd. West Kingston, RI 02892 (401) 783-2266

Wakefeld Branch 297 Main St.

Wakefeld, RI 02879 (401) 783-3311

Bristol Branch 545 Metacom Ave.

Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 253-7322

Westerly Branch 124 Oak St. Westerly, RI 02891 (401) 596-2806

FALL FAVORITES

Rising to the Challenge

From fresh bread to aquaponic-grown leafy greens, a Mapleville family’s farm journey

By Abbie Lahmers

Behind the orange and blue-painted greenhouse luring patrons inside with the smell of fresh-baked bread and pastries, the sun-bathed field of flowers ready to be fashioned into artisan bouquets, and the farm-grown produce subscriptions, there are four industrious siblings combining their talents into a mini wonderland of agricultural spoils, all with the support of their parents Tom and Mary Ryan (and some help from two cats – one mouser and one “mooch”).

While it’s the baked goods that have earned the Ryans a steady following of loyal fans, it’s hard to define Mapleville Farm by just one specialty. Born out of their family home and property in the Burrillville village it’s named for, the once-roadside stand has grown organically, though not without its twists and turns, since 2011.

“When we started, we worked like fools,” says youngest sister Emma Echt during a visit to the farm sitting down with three of the siblings. Mike and Casey chime in with the nearly endless list of jobs in those early days: “We did farmers markets – it was somewhere between nine and 12 between Wednesday and Sunday. The kitchen lights were on 24/7, and we worked overlapping 16 to 18-hour shifts. There were two of us who

never saw the sun.” The labor of love had them burning out all through farmers market season, from early May to the end of October.

It took a worldwide pandemic and going curbside to bring some clarity, and since, they’ve struck a more sustainable balance through CSA (community supported agriculture) subscriptions of produce and flowers, expanding the kitchen inside and moving bake shop sales to the lush plant-filled greenhouse (that doubles as a growing space in the back), and making room to settle into their respective interests.

For Emma and Casey, the self-appointed “flavor specialists,” those interests lie in flower growing and arranging, respectively. Emma is also behind the social media posts, and all contribute to farming and baking. Ben is the “bread chemist” in charge of their Bread Box subscription – and it was his early interest in baking that played a role in their parents operating a separate bake shop when the siblings were kids. Mike is the go-to for fixing and building things, from the tractors and handmade picnic tables you’ll see around the farm to the unique aquaponic set-up in their first greenhouse.

Combining aquaculture, which is keeping a fish crop, and the hydroponic method of

“We’re basic to the core – pumpkin spice,” says Mike of the autumn flavors available at the bake shop this season. With rotating specials posted weekly online, watch for baked goods getting pumpkin spicier as we head into September and October; preorder at BensBakery.com so you don’t miss out. The farm is open Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 9am-3pm. Here’s a handful of can’t-miss harvests and goods this season:

BEN’S BREADS

A customer favorite, Butternut Squash Bread flies off the stands during Thanksgiving. Pro-tip: buy two loaves, one for fall sandwiches and a second for making stuffing.

GOODS AND GIFTS

Jams and jellies are a hit this season, and find goat’s milk soap made by Casey (did we mention there are goats on the farm?).

CSA HARVESTS

Run by Emma, the CSA program allows customers to make an upfront investment to reap the harvests all growing season long. For September, subscribers will likely receive leafy greens, zucchinis, cucumbers, and more.

FALL FLOWERS

Bring home a bouquet of hand-picked seasonal stems arranged by Casey every Saturday by signing up for the six-week flower share. The fall session, which includes sunflowers, runs September 2-October 7.

soilless farming, aquaponics is an environmentally friendly method of growing. Mike explains the process of using the aquaculture’s surplus nutrients to feed the plants, which also cleans the water without the need for synthetic nutrients, taking the pollution out of both operations. “You’re taking two systems that have waste water problems and putting them together so there’s no waste water problem,” Casey says.

“You get a lot more turnover out of the vegetable crop. Things just grow faster, and they’re more manageable,” says Mike, listing a few lesser-known crops they grow, like cucamelons and malabar spinach, as well as leafy greens and herbs used in their fresh bread.

For Mike, who raised fish as a kid and first experimented with growing terrestrial plants over P hotos

courtesy of Mapleville Farm

Pumpkin donuts

fish tanks, building a greenhouse for aquaponics was a no-brainer – though the challenges, organic chemistry, and investment it comes with make some farmers leery of starting their own. The family has faced their share of obstacles with it – including a power outage that lost them all their koi last year – but as the resident fixer, Mike doesn’t let the setbacks overshadow its successes. “I was lucky enough to be able to [invest in aquaponics]; I live here, I have the land…I was probably less intimidated than most,” he says, and notes that its application is even more advantageous in urban environments. “You can grow on top of pavement; couple that with vertical growing and you can tuck it into small spaces.”

If the family weren’t busy enough, they’re also excited to host events in the greenhouse this fall. While their popular Mother’s Day Tea, for instance, isn’t a new occurrence, the indoor area gives them space for year-round foodie gatherings, gardening workshops (including wreath-making and boxwood trees in the winter), and more. “We’re big dreamers –we do a lot of things,” says Emma.

Inside the aquaponics greenhouse

Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail Rhody

FOOLPROOF BREWING COMPANY

This Pawtucket staple brews on premise and is open 7 days a week o ering daytime hours, game nights, outdoor seating, cans to-go and more. 241 Grotto Ave #1, Pawtucket. (401) 721-5970. BreweryCollective.com

JONATHAN EDWARDS WINERY

At Jonathan Edwards Winery, enjoy award winning wine in a relaxed picturesque setting. Open daily, year round. Shop wine and event tickets online at JEdwardsWinery.com.

Rejects Beer Company is a local craft brewery focusing on great beer without too much fuss. Walk from the beach, dog/ kid friendly & food van on site every weekend! 124 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown 401-6198200 RejectsBeerCo.com

SALTWATER FARM VINEYARDS

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

TAPPED APPLE CIDERY & WINERY

Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery turning locally sourced apples into a variety of handcrafted hard ciders and wines.

37 High Street, Westerly. TappedApple.com

Enjoy a full lineup of artisan craft beer, cocktails & spirits. Relax inside our family-friendly taproom with a board game, or enjoy the sunshine on our pet friendly outdoor beer garden. Wood burning pizza oven on site. 65 Canal St., Westerly. 401.596.4151, GreySailBrewing.com

MAUGLE SIERRA VINEYARDS

Maugle Sierra is a Coastal Connecticut vineyard specializing in Jamie, Delicious Red Wines. Our locally crafted wines are best enjoyed with friends. O ering live music Saturday and Sunday year-round. Shop our wines: MaugleSierraVineyards.com.

RHODE ISLAND SPIRITS

Pawtucket’s award winning Rhodium gins & vodkas feature flavors built from fresh, farmed & foraged ingredients. Newly relocated. Tasting Flights & Cocktails. 40 Bayley St., Pawtucket, RI. RhodeIslandSpirits.com

STONINGTON VINEYARDS

Stonington Vineyards is a boutique farm winery located on the CT Wine Trail, open 7 days a week, yearround from 11am to 5 pm. 523 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington, CT. stoningtonvineyards.com

TILTED BARN BREWERY

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

GREY SAIL BREWING OF RI & SOUTH COUNTY DISTILLERS

REJECTS BEER CO.

A statewide calendar of autumn must-dos across Rhode Island

BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF

FALL BUSHEL LIST

Hayrides, apple picking, carving pumpkins, outdoor festivals and harvest fairs, corn mazes, and so much more: these are the activities to revel in during the beloved third season. And while it’s bittersweet to wave goodbye to summer, let’s face it, it’s still going to be warm until we publish our Holiday issue. Get ready to circle, highlight, and dog-ear pages because each section, divided by region, kicks off with recurring events followed by calendar listings by date. There are also statewide groupings by activity to help you find what you need quickly. We suggest exploring new-to-you destinations, sure to become new favorites and annual traditions to fall for.

Please note that all events are subject to change. To avoid disappointment, we recommend first checking with the host venue for any details, restrictions, rain dates, and cancellations. For any ongoing restrictions visit COVID.RI.gov. If we missed your favorite event or activity, let us know! Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Photo by Christine Chitnis

CENTRAL RHODE ISLAND

COVENTRY, CRANSTON, WARWICK, EAST GREENWICH, WEST GREENWICH, WEST WARWICK

ALL FALL

Warwick Food Truck Nights: Sip and savor from your favorite food vendors as they take over Crowne Plaza on Thursday, September 21 and Friday, October 6. Facebook: PVD Food Truck Events

Oakland Beach Cruise Nights: Motor down to Oakland Beach for a gathering of classic cars, food trucks, raffles, and music, all overlooking the Narragansett and Greenwich Bays. Select Tuesdays through September 17, Warwick, Facebook: Oakland Beach Cruise Night presented by Greater Warwick Lions Club

Maize/Fall Fest: Billed as “Rhode Island’s most popular Halloween destination,” Confreda Farms pulls out all the stops with hayrides, train rides, carnival rides, a corn “maize,” tomato cannon, and the list goes on! While we couldn’t confirm at press time, our hunch is that the fun begins on September 22 and occurs weekends through Halloween. Hope, ConfredasFallFest.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 9

Warwick Fall Apple Festival: Live dance and music performances, special character guests, touch-a-truck and other children’s activities are all part of the fun at Rocky Point. Warwick, WeBeJamminEvents.com

SEPTEMBER 16

Mac & Cheese Festival: Local vendors flock to LineSider Brewing Company, where you can pair plates of mac with some of the best craft beer in the state. East Greenwich, LineSiderBrewing.com

SEPTEMBER 24

Cranston Fall Festival: Indulge in the treasures of the vendor-lined Itri Square, along with a beer garden, food trucks, and live music! Kids’ activities are also available. Cranston, WeBeJamminEvents.com

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 8

East Greenwich Restaurant Weeks: Find warming fall specials at town-wide eateries offering discounts tantalizing new and frequent diners alike. Savor East Greenwich is a culinary showcase kicking off the event September 28. EastGreenwichChamber.com

SEPTEMBER 30

Paws In The Park Dog Walk: Enjoy a fun-filled day of pet activities at Rocky Point Park, including local vendors, treats, a canine costume contest, and a walk along Narragansett Bay. Warwick, RISPCA.com

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 3

12th Annual Fall Golf Tournament: Sign up to tee off in this annual fundraiser for the East Greenwich Little League at the Cranston Country Club. EastGreenwichChamber.com

OCTOBER 7

Yankee Steam-Up: Sparks fly during the region’s oldest steam engine show for model makers, engineers, and history buffs at the New England Wireless & Steam Museum. Live music by CruisinBruce, as well as food and beverages. East Greenwich, NEWSM.org

OCTOBER 21

Spooky Fall Festival: We Be Jammin and Ocean State Food Truck Festivals join forces for this family-friendly fest featuring 17 food trucks, plus vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and more at Rocky Point Park. Warwick, WeBeJamminEvents.com

OCTOBER 21 - 22

West Bay Open Studios: Meander through North Kingstown, Warwick, and East Greenwich for a self-guided tour of artists and their maker spaces. Check back online for more details closer to the date. WestBayOpenStudios.com

Changing Tides, Warwick is part of the West Bay Open Studios tour

Photo by Elyse Major

For event updates please check with venue

EAST BAY & NEWPORT

BARRINGTON, BRISTOL, EAST PROVIDENCE, LITTLE COMPTON, MIDDLETOWN, NEWPORT, PORTSMOUTH, TIVERTON

ALL FALL

Fall Railbike Rides: Experience three miles of unique vistas over the Narragansett Bay as you ride to the Bayside Station for a sunset ride in September, and in October, sign up for Fireside Tours, with a break for BYO s’mores over small campfires. Portsmouth, RailExplorers.net

Live Music & Food Trucks: Enjoy jazz tunes and eats from the Village Greek Food Truck or Newport Chowder Co. while sipping wine at Greenvale Vineyards on select weekend nights. Portsmouth, Green v ale.com

Newport History Tours: Learn the history behind burial grounds, legends and lore, and other local history with a variety of fascinating tours throughout September and October. NewportHistoryTours.org

Private Adirondack Experience: Along with first-come, first-served seating on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn, plan ahead and reserve a private group of chairs for six to 12 friends, with cocktail service and menu add-ons. Newport, CastleHillInn.com

Pumpkin Palooza: Celebrate fall with special events every weekend, from a ride on a magic pumpkin coach and pumpkin painting to a DIY scarecrow workshop. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com

Sunday Bird Walks: Norman Bird Sanctuary leads guided morning walks throughout the conservancy for novice and expert birders on select Sundays through October. Middletown, NormanBirdSancuary.org

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 9 & 10

Mum & Scarecrow Weekend: A contest is the linchpin of this fun all-ages happening where you can build your own scarecrow

following set categories, for judging on Sunday. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com

Raptor Weekend: Bird enthusiasts of all ages won’t want to miss this Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium celebration of raptors featuring food trucks, sing-a-longs, and live presentations with eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. Bristol, ASRI.org

SEPTEMBER 14 - 17

Newport International Boat Show: Take in the shiny new boats along the harbor, some making their US debut, and all the marine accessories and services you can imagine for boat show events all over downtown.

NewportBoatShow.com

SEPTEMBER 16

Newport Oktoberfest: Bavaria meets the East Bay at this rollicking annual fundraiser for Fort Adams Trust where authentic German beer flows, along with plenty of traditional food to go. NewportOktoberfest.com

SEPTEMBER 17

Thrive Outside in the Mud: Get messy for a good cause! Thrive Outside teams up with BoldrDash to raise funds for youth programming by inviting participants to compete in obstacles and challenges to get to the finish line. Warren, ThriveOutside.info

Bristol PorchFest: Local bands and musicians take the “stage” on neighborhood porches, entertaining passersby and music-goers with acoustic sets all over town. Rain date is September 24. Facebook: Bristol PorchFest

SEPTEMBER 22 - 24

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival: Enjoy a weekend of seminars by day and restaurant and wine dinner events by night –all backdropped with exquisite ocean views. NewportMansions.org

Ocean State Bluegrass Festival and Pick-nic: Head to Frerichs Farm for two days of performances, jam sessions and workshops, food, and camping. Warren, RIBluegrass.org

Photo courtesy of The Newport Exhibition Group

Newport International Boat Show, held at the Newport Yachting Center

FALL FOR FLOWERS

According to the National Gardening Association, the first frost in Rhode Island could occur as early as October 7 or the first week of November. Early fall is the peak season for heat-loving flowers like dahlias and zinnias so be sure to visit local flower farms ASAP and be on the lookout for honor system stands selling beautiful bunches of freshpicked blooms along rural roads! Here are a few of many sellers to get you started.

CENTRAL RHODY: BLUE SKYS BLOOM Cranston; BlueSkysBloom.com

EAST BAY:

SWEET BERRY FARM Middletown; SweetBerryFarmRI.com

NORTHERN RHODY: DAME FARM & ORCHARDS Johnston; DameFarmAndOrchards.com

PROVIDENCE: ROBIN HOLLOW Pro v idence; RobinHollowFarm.com

SOUTHERN RHODY: THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER South Kingstown; TheFarmersDaughter.com

Photo by Elyse Major

Pick-your-own bouquet at Dame Farm & Orchards in Johnston

SEPTEMBER 23

Hope & Main’s Schoolyard Twilight Party: Hand-crafted small bites and beverages by local makers, plus a raw bar, are the centerpieces of this can’t-miss foodie evening under the stars. Warren, MakeFoodYourBusiness.org

SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 30, OCTOBER 1

Johnson’s Roadside Farm Market: Enjoy vendor samplings, food and drinks, raffles, giveaways, face painting, and more just over the state line near Warren. Swansea, MA, JohnsonRoadsideMarket.com

SEPTEMBER 23 - 24

Fall Vintage Market: Shop the upcycled, unique, antique, and more while grabbing bites at popular local food trucks, all on the grounds of Mount Hope Farm. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 1

Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week: Dining pop-ups, seminars, cocktail hours, and Gatsby-esque VIP parties are all part of this car enthusiast’s dream,

For event updates please check with venue

ACROSS RHODY

Classic Car Cruise Night: Held at various locations throughout the state, radio personality Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer holds classic car shows while DJing classic tunes. CruisinBruce.com

Farmers Markets: Enjoy buying fresh produce, flowers, and more from local farms and vendors across the state. Find details on times and locations at FarmFreshRI.org

RI Land Trust Days: Get outside with guided walks, wildlife hikes, and other nature programming in our state’s protected open spaces with all kinds of events facilitated by expert naturalists through October 29. RILandTrusts.org

Rhode Island Witches Guild: What began as a group of witchy women performing their spooky dance in Wickford has grown into a statewide guild of witches performing and hosting broom decorating workshops across the state throughout October. RIWitchesGuild.com

building up to a showing of rare and vintage automobiles. Newport, AudrainConcours.com

SEPTEMBER 29

Super Harvest Moon Ride: A 15-mile bike ride stretches from Newport to Fort Adams, cruising by the Ocean Loop and the Bellevue mansions. The Hunter’s Moon ride takes place on October 28. Newport, BikeNewportRI.org

SEPTEMBER 30

Newport Festa Italiana: This annual appreciation of Italian culture through food, music, and the arts kicks off with the Ziti Night benefit. A series of lively events continues through October 9 with the Italian Heritage Parade. NewportFesta.org

SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 1

Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair: The 45th annual Harvest Fair features craft and food vendors, hay rides, face-painting, and even a mud pile. Participate in the home and garden competition and enjoy live music. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

SEPTEMBER 30

Harvest Moon Gala: The Warren Heritage Foundation hosts a celebration of historic Touisset Point as their 9th Annual Gala, featuring the Paper Moon Jazz band, delectable appetizers, and hors d’oeuvres.

WarrenHeritageFoundationRI.org

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1

Great Townie Pumpkin Festival: Along with decorating your own festive gourds, this family-friendly event at Crescent Park Carousel hosts a variety of vendors, games with prizes, food, and more. Riverside, CrescentParkCarousel.org

French & Breton Bal Folk Dance: Dance to the folksy sounds of French bagpipes, accordions, fiddles, and even the didgeridoo for this Bay Spring Community Center concert and dance instruction. Barrington, BSCCRI.org

Photo by Elyse Major

Fall Vintage Market at Mount Hope Farm, Bristol

Folk on the Farm: The Collaborative hosts a lineup including Jake Blount, The Whelks, The Vox Hunters, and The Atwater Donnelly Band at Frerichs Farm. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org

OCTOBER 5 - 8

Fall Fest: Start the month off laughing at the fall installment of the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, Little Rhody’s only stand-up comedy festival. Check for updates on the list of talent and locations. Newport, RogueIslandComedyFest.com

OCTOBER 6 - 9

Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale: Enjoy breezy browsing at this lively annual event where participating shops put their wares outside and offer special discounts. Newport, BowensWharf.com

OCTOBER 8

Newport Marathon & Half Marathon: Support local charities as you qualify for the Boston Marathon, or simply elevate your morning jog! NewportMarathon.com

OCTOBER 8, 15, 22 & 29

Warren Walkabout: Park, walk, take the free trolley, or hop on a pedicab to explore historic downtown at this annual festival of arts, food, independent businesses, and history; live music all over town and artist demonstrations add to the scene. Disco v erWarren.com

OCTOBER 11 - 31*

Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch: Each year 1 Q ueen Anne Square is filled with pumpkins as far as the eye can see. Also find gourds, mums, and more. *Dates based on last year; not confirmed at press time so please check before visiting. Newport, TrinityNewport.org

OCTOBER 14 - 15

Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Fest: Sip on Whalers, listen to live music, and eat lobster rolls, fish tacos, calamari, and oysters to your heart’s content . Newport, BowensWharf.com

OCTOBER 15

Pell Bridge Run: Wake up early to participate in this annual bridge run, a picturesque four-mile journey, all while supporting dozens of nonprofit organizations. Newport, PellBridgeRun.com

OCTOBER 17

Garlic Roast: Garlic lovers, this event is for you! Held at the Tiverton Town Farm Rec Area, this first-annual celebration includes vendors selling garlic-infused foods, a “Tent Talk” about the benefits of planting and eating, and more. Tiverton, TivertonFarmersMarket.com

OCTOBER 29

Trunk or Treat: Rather than going door to door, head to Fort Adams State Park where kids get to visit a fleet of car trunks. Admission is typically a canned good. Newport, AudrainAutoMuseum.org

NORTHERN RHODY

CUMBERLAND, LINCOLN, CENTRAL FALLS, PAWTUCKET, JOHNSTON, NORTH PROVIDENCE, SMITHFIELD, NORTH SMITHFIELD, BURRILLVILLE, SCITUATE, FOSTER, GLOCESTER, WOONSOCKET

ALL FALL

Fall Fest: Weekends in October, visit Butterfly Farm for their ongoing celebration of autumn. Local vendors will be on hand, along with hay rides, food trucks, and more. Even get a jump-start on the holidays by tagging your Christmas tree! Lincoln, ButterflyFarmRI.com

Historic House Tours: On first Saturdays, head to Smith-Appleby House for prime leaf-peeping and tours of the circa 1702 streamside home. A GoFundMe page has been created to help pay for repairs. Smithfield, SmithApplebyHouse.org

Photo courtesy of Trinity Church

The Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch is a Newport tradition

FALL BUSHEL LIST

Observatory Open Nights: On clear Saturday evenings, head to Peeptoad Road to view the sky at the Seagrave Memorial Observatory. Free and open to the public, weather permitting. Scituate, TheSkyScrapers.org

Seven Cedars Farm Haunted Hayride: Ride through a mile-long trail that twists and turns through the farm’s haunted woods for a Halloween experience you won’t soon forget, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Smithfield, SevenCedarsFarm.us

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 1 - 10

Pawtucket Arts Fest: This nine-day festival features a variety of programming, from arts in the park to live music and a block party put on by members of the Pawtucket community, all with an emphasis on education and public engagement. PawtucketArtsFestival.org

Pawtucket & Central Falls Flavor Fest: Taste comes first during this celebration of all things food, featuring American, Asian, Cape Verdean, Irish, Italian, Latin American, and Indian cuisine; the PCF Empanada-Fest will also return September 2. Pawtucket and Central Falls, PawtucketArtsFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 1 & 2

River Bend East Songwriters Festival: Local singer-songwriters will perform outside at Slater Mill along the banks of the Blackstone River. Performers include High Planes with David Lawlor of Run of the Mill, Rachel Sumner, and Jeff Byrd. Pawtucket, Facebook: River Bend East Songwriters Festival

SEPTEMBER 2

Dragon Boat Festival: See the fiberglass Taiwanese-style dragon boats float along the Pawtucket River during the Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival, a day of cultural performances, cuisine, and fun. Pawtucket, DragonBoatRI.com

SEPTEMBER 3

Revive the Roots Open Mic Night: Bring

your poetry, music, storytelling, and all other art forms to perform at the farm, hosted by local artist Morgan Johnston. Smithfield, ReviveTheRoots.org

SEPTEMBER 9

Fall Festival: The annual celebration at Seven Cedars Farm features vendors and artists selling everything from honey to baked goods to jewelry. Rain date is September 10. Smithfield, SevenCedarsFarm.us

SEPTEMBER 9 - 10

Apple Festival: Nothing signals the start of fall quite like an apple festival. To celebrate, thousands flock to Johnston Memorial Park for apple pies, contests, and artisan row, now in its 35th year. Facebook: Apple Festival Johnston

SEPTEMBER 16

Swallow Spectacular: Witness nature’s incredible “ballet” as thousands of swallows congregate on the lower Connecticut River at sunset. Hop aboard Audubon’s River Q uest to watch the show with binoculars and a packed supper. Smithfield, ASRI.org

Great Pumpkin Festival: Experience the start of autumn with this family-friendly fall fest. Celebrate everything pumpkin with contests, food vendors, live entertainment, and community organizations. North Smithfield, GreatPumpkinFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 23

Apple Picking Bike Ride: The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council invites cyclists to get together for a pleasant 14-mile (round trip – roughly four hours) bike ride to Dame Farm for some classic autumn apple picking. Johnston, WRWC.org

Great Road Day: Every year, the public historic properties on quaint Great Road open their doors for visitors, each displaying special exhibits and free tours curated for this event. Lincoln, HearthsideHouse.org

Rootstock: Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for a concert on the farm, where you can wander the grounds, snack on farm-fresh foods, and make arts and crafts (for all ages!) while listening to a lineup of folksy and groovy bands. Smithfield, ReviveTheRoots.org

For event updates please check with venue

Enjoy live music on the farm at Rootstock at Revive the

Roots, Smithfield

Photo courtesy of Revive the Roots

HAUNTED HAPPENINGS

13TH WORLD Cumberland, 13thWorld.com

FACTORY OF TERROR

West Warwick, FactoryOfTerror.com

SCARY ACRES RI Cranston, ScaryAcresRI.com

SEVEN CEDARS FARM

Smithfield, SevenCedarsFarm.us

SLATER PARK HAUNTED TUNNEL

Pawtucket, Facebook: Haunted Tunnel RI

Dinner Theater: Mapleville Farm hosts an evening of authentic farm-to-table dining with local comedian legends Charlie Hall and Doreen Collins performing “Aging Disgracefully.” Mapleville, BensBakery.com

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 1

Oktoberfest: The German American Cultural Society of RI invites guests to their biergarten, Bierhalle and Rathskeller bar for a cultural celebration of live music, dancing, festbier, and traditional cuisine. Pawtucket, GACSRI.org

SEPTEMBER 30

Harvest Festival and Tractor Show: Find tractors, regional music, food trucks, scenic hayrides, historic barn tours, pony rides, and more at Franklin Farm’s annual show. Perfect for family fun, this event is a fundraiser for the Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm. Cumberland, FranklinFarmRI.org

Bewitched and Bedazzled: Chase Farm Park, the filming location of Hocus Pocus 2 , invites you to don a costume and enjoy entertainment, local vendors, psychics, contests, hayrides, live music, and more. Lincoln, GreatRoadHeritageCampus.org

Fall Artisan Fair at Beef Barn: The popular restaurant known for their roast beef sandwiches hosts a day filled with vendors and more in their back fields. North Smithfield, Facebook: Fall Artisan Fair at Beef Barn

GROWERS

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 7 - 9

Woonsocket AutumnFest: Since 1979, this event that spans the entire long weekend has been a Northern RI favorite. The largest fest in the area’s long history includes a parade, rides, food, live entertainment, fireworks, and more. Woonsocket, AutumnFest.org

Scituate Art Festival: Don’t miss this annual event that stretches across and beyond the town’s postcard-perfect village green. Shop arts, crafts, and antiques from regional makers and enjoy live music and a food court, rain or shine. ScituateArtFestival.org

OCTOBER 8

Autumn Harvest Tea and Luncheon: A home-grown farm-to-table experience curated by the Mapleville Farm family, this scrumptious lunch includes teas and pastries made from scratch. Mapleville, BensBakery.com

OCTOBER 14

Glocester Scarecrow Festival: Contest participants have been asked to include solar lights in this year’s entries for the Scarecrows in Illumination theme. Adding to the fun is live music, pony rides, face painting, a marketplace, and more. Chepachet, GlocesterScarecrowFestival.org

OCTOBER 27

Wing and Beer Night: Gourmet wings and farm-fresh fare from Mapleville Farm is complemented by beers from Pascoag’s Bravo Brewery during this pre-Halloween feast. Mapleville, BensBakery.com

OCTOBER 28

Train Excursion: All aboard! This scenic two-hour train ride doubles as a history lesson of the Blackstone River Valley, with a tour booklet from historian Barbara Zdravesky and a chance to go antiquing and grab a bite to eat in Putnam. Woonsocket, TourBlackstone.com

GHOST TOURS

BLOCK ISLAND GHOST TOURS BlockIslandGhostTours.com

HAUNTED BRISTOL AND WARREN TOURS

Facebook: Haunted Bristol Tours

GHOSTS OF NEWPORT GhostsofNewport.com

PROVIDENCE GHOST TOUR ProvidenceGhostTour.com

WESTERLY GHOST TOUR SeasideShadows.com

For event updates please check with venue

Spooky tales await at Seaside Shadows ghost tours in Westerly

Photo courtesy of Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours

FALL BUSHEL LIST

FARM FUN AT A GLANCE

A handy chart to help plan outdoor adventures! Turn farm visits into a game with the Rhode Island Farm Scavenger Hunt. Learn more at RIFruitGrowers.org

NOTE: We urge readers to call each location before visiting to ensure activities and crops are still available. At press time, the following appeared accurate in our research and these are not sponsored listings. If we missed something, let us know at Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

ADAMS FARM

APPLELAND ORCHARD

BARDEN FAMILY ORCHARD

CARPENTER’S FARM STAND

CLARK FARMS

CONFREDA GREENHOUSES & FARMS

CUCUMBER HILL FARM

DAME FARM & ORCHARDS

DECASTRO FARMS

ESCOBAR FARM

ELWOOD ORCHARD

FESTIVAL FARM

FRERICHS FARM

GOODWIN BROTHERS

HEALEY FARM

HIGHLAND FARM

JASWELL’S FARM

LEACH FARM & ORCHARD

MANFREDI FARMS

MAPLEVILLE FARM

MORRIS FARM

NARROW LANE ORCHARD

OLD STONE ORCHARD

PASQUALE FARMS GARDEN CENTER

PEZZA FARM AND GARDEN CENTER

PHANTOM FARMS

PIPPIN APPLE ORCHARD

QUONSET VIEW FARM

SALISBURY FARM

SEVEN CEDARS FARM

SPRING HILL SUGAR HOUSE

STEERE ORCHARD

SUNSET ORCHARD FARM

SWEET BERRY FARM

THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

YOUNG FAMILY FARM

WALKER’S ROADSIDE STAND

Cumberland

Green v ille

North Scituate

Wakefield

Wakefield

Cumberland

Foster Johnston

Portsmouth

Portsmouth

North Scituate

Hope Valley

Warren

North Scituate

North Kingstown

Wakefield

Smithfield

Green v ille

Westerly

Mapleville

Warwick

North Kingstown

Little Compton

Richmond

Johnston

Cranston

Portsmouth

Cumberland Johnston

Smithfield

Richmond

Green v ille

North Scituate

Middletown

South Kingstown

Little Compton

Little Compton

For event updates please check with venue

APPLES TOWN BAKED GOODS HAYRIDES MAZE PUMPKINS

Watch

events at Escobar Farm Corn Maze

Apple picking at Sweet Berry Farm, Middletown

Photos by Corey Favino, courtesy of

PROVIDENCE

ALL FALL

Brown University Football: Watch the Brown Bears throw around the pigskin at their home games at Richard Gouse Field all fall long for their 2023 season. Varying dates, BrownBears.com

Food Truck Fridays: Craving handheld eats and an evening outdoors? Roger Williams Park Zoo hosts local food trucks doling out street fare at Carousel Village. Fridays through September 29, RWPZoo.org

Haunted Boat Tours: Take a spooky boat tour and learn about the many restless souls that haunt the streets and rivers of Providence. Tours run all season. Pro v idenceRiverBoat.com

Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular: Take a stroll through Rhody’s favorite pumpkin patch as Roger Williams Park Zoo is lined with thousands of masterfully carved, candlelit gourds. September 28 through October 31, RWPZoo.org

Providence Artisans Market: Artists from all over Southern New England convene at Lippitt Park to sell their fine crafts, jewelry, paintings, and more. Saturdays through October, Facebook: PVD Artisans Market

Providence Flea: Take a leisurely stroll down South Water Street through tents of vintage clothing and decor. Sundays through September 24, Pro v idenceFlea.com

Stranger Stories: Local writers gather to share their true stories and personal essays for this intimate reading series taking place at Askew and other city venues. Watch for upcoming readings by checking their website. StrangerStoriesPVD.com

Trinity Rep: Celebrate Trinity Reperatory’s 60th anniversary with The Good John Proctor , a retelling of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible , and Becky Nurse of Salem , a dark comedy about a woman who consults a local eccentric to try and reverse her bad luck. TrinityRep.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 2, 9 & 30

WaterFire: This iconic Providence tradition of seeing the river set ablaze while strolling Waterplace Park continues into the cooler months, with food trucks, live entertainment, and more. WaterFire.org

SEPTEMBER 8 - 10

PVDFest 2023: Providence’s signature art festival will feature artists and performers from near and far to celebrate the artistic community. The festival comes to a spectacular conclusion on the 10th with music, food, dancing, and a variety of art installations. Firstworks.org

SEPTEMBER 9

The Steel Yard Market: Along with a slew of workshops and community studio access on select nights to learn welding and other skills, a bi-monthly outdoor art market showcases the wares of local makers. TheSteelYard.org

SEPTEMBER 10 & OCTOBER 28

LGBTQQIA+ Resource Fair & ART

Marketplace: Haus of Codec hosts a recurring outdoor market and clothing swap featuring a variety of local vendors at Dexter Park. HausOfCodec.org

Pumpkins Around the World is the theme of this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at RWP Zoo

Photo by N. Millard, courtesy of Go Providence

SEPTEMBER 11 & 25

Architectural River Tour: Departing from 101 Dyer Street, these sell-out 75-minute boat tours take guests through 300 years of architectural history along the city’s waterways, from landmarks to hidden gems, led by the Providence Preservation Society. PPSRI.org

SEPTEMBER 13

Music in the Garden: Mile of History Association sponsors this concert series presented by Providence Preservation Society at historic garden Shakespeare’s Head. This month features the Phil Sanborn Jazz Trio. PPSRI.org

SEPTEMBER 16

Heritage Day: Bring the family to the WaterFire Arts Center to explore world cultures

represented in Rhode Island through exhibits, visual art, demonstrations, diverse cuisine, and a multicultural fashion show. Preservation.RI.go v

SEPTEMBER 16 & 17

Rhode Island Seafood Festival: Pack a picnic blanket and soak up the last rays of summer while dining on lobster rolls and clam chowder at this popular fest, now in its 12th year, at India Point Park. RISeafoodFest.com

SEPTEMBER 23

RI Herb Festival: This annual gathering invites enthusiasts and expert herbalists alike to experience a day packed with workshops, plant walks, community circles, family-friendly fun, food trucks, and more. RIHerbFestival.com

RI VegFest: Oktoberfest goes plant-based with a vegan foodie extravaganza at Trinity Beer Garden, showcasing samples from local restaurants and breweries, plus a marketplace of artists and makers. RIVegFest.com

SEPTEMBER 24

Rain Harvest Festival: Taking place at Roger Williams Park’s Stormwater Innovation Center, this community event engages the public in stormwater runoff cleaning projects and water quality through visual and performing arts, presentations by environmental scientists, and more. StormWaterInno vation.org

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 1

Narragansett Beer Oktoberfest: The Fox Point brewery brings a taste of Munich to Providence for one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the state, with their very own festbier, authentic German food, and lots of fun in store. Facebook: Narragansett Beer

SEPTEMBER 30

Makers Market: Stroll Wickenden Street for this family- and pet-friendly fest, where the street will be closed to traffic so vendors and artists can showcase their wares among local food trucks. ShopWickenden.com

Beervana Fest: The Waterfire Arts Center welcomes 45+ brewers and over 150 beers to sample. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited two-ounce pours of some of the most diverse brews in the world. WaterFire.org

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 6 - 9

Columbus Day Festival: An annual tradition put on by the Federal Hill Commerce Association, Atwells hosts entertainment stages, live chef demonstrations, a parade, and a taste of the hill’s many restaurants throughout the weekend. FederalHillPro v .com

OCTOBER 7

RISD Craft: Stroll Benefit Street to peruse handmade fine art and design work by 130+ student and alumni artists, exemplifying mastery of craftsmanship and attention to detail in a wide variety of media. Facebook: RISD Craft

Photo courtesy of RI Veg Fest

Sample vegan eats and more at RI VegFest

For event updates please check with venue

THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET

Over 200 cheeses, local meats & produce; house-made bread, sandwiches, soups & spread and meals.

Custom charcuterie & cheese boards available.

Call to order! Open 9-5 Tues-Sunday 3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 • @thecheesewheelri

LOU LOU’S DÉCOR

Make your beach house a home with a cozy & fun addition from Lou Lou’s Décor with locations in Tiverton & Newport. Full interior design services available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 loulousdecor.com • @loulousdecor

COURTYARDS

Celebrating 41 years in Tiverton 4 Corners! We offer an ever changing collection of home & garden goods sure to entice everyone!

Holiday Open House Nov. 18th & 19th, 2023 3980 Main Road • courtyardsltd.com (401) 624 8682

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry. Stop in and discover our artists and the new work!

Hours: Tuesday-Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm

Saturday 10am-5pm • 3848 Main Road fourcornersgalleryri.com • @fourcornersgalleryri

ASHLEY AINSWORTH ART & CÉDIAN PAINTING

Working studios of Ashley Ainsworth & Jennifer Jones Rashleigh. Fine art paintings, prints, pillows, tiles & notecards. Please join us for their Solstice Celebration on September 23rd, 5-7pm 3848 Main Rd • ashley-ainsworth.com  cedianpainting.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

STUDIO BY THE SEA

I transform your ideas into heirlooms!

Internationally sourced Royal Blue Sapphire set with diamond components from an older family ring. What can Peter Tirpaeck, master jeweler create for you? 3848 Main Road • (401) 639 4348 studiobyetheseari.com • @studio_by_the_sea

TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

Explore the power of gemstones with Tiffany’s handmade fne jewelry. Crystal Bed Light Therapy, Reiki, Fine Art by Peter Dickison. 3851 Main Road • tiffanypeay.com (401) 816 0878 • @tiffanypeayjewelry

BARKSFIELD SHOP

The captivating destination for eco-friendly artisan gifts, antiques & refurbished furniture. Enjoy beautiful grounds with ample parking; entrance at back of building. Open TH-SAT 10-5, SUN 12-5. Shop online at barksfeld.com 3988 Main Road • (202) 423 3106 • @barksfeld

TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET

A growing collection of farms, food vendors and makers. Sundays 10am-1:30pm.

Upcoming Events: Firefy Wellness Market - Sept. 17th Garlic Roast - Oct. 15th Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Rd tivertonfarmersmarket.com • @TivertonFarmersMarket

Explore a vibrant village of shops, galleries, amazing food, antiques, handmade jewelry, home & garden and so much more. Enjoy open space in the beautiful farm coast of RI.

FALL BUSHEL LIST

OCTOBER 14 - 15

Little City Thrifty: Shop vintage and preloved clothing, books, records, art, home goods, furniture, and more at this curated experience of rummaged regalia taking over the WaterFire Arts Center with more than 90 vendors. LittleCityThrifty.com

OCTOBER 20

PVD Flea x Witches’ Night Out: This collab promises a bewitching twist on the Flea with themed vendors and mor, held in the evening. Pro v idenceFlea.com

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 5

PVD Vegan Restaurant Week: Celebrate little Rhody’s big vegan scene with plant-based cuisine prepared by chefs and restaurants across the city and beyond. Find specials from participating eateries online. VegRestaurantWeek.com

OCTOBER 29

Halloween Monster Dash 5K: Dash through the RIPTA bus tunnels in your costume of choice dodging spooky zombies – and bring the little ones along for a fun dash of their own. MonsterDashRace.com

SOUTHERN RHODY & BLOCK ISLAND

CHARLESTOWN, COVENTRY, EXETER, HOPKINTON, NARRAGANSETT, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RICHMOND, SOUTH KINGSTOWN, AND WESTERLY

ALL FALL

Downtown Ghost Tours: Do you believe in ghosts? Seaside Shadows shares stories of deadly shipwrecks, cursed pirate treasure, and witches while exploring the historic architecture of this small seaside town. Westerly, SeasideShadows.com

Fall Harvest Festival: It’s fun on the farm at The Farmer’s Daughter. Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin dunk tank, corn maze, scavenger hunt, barrel train, and more. Weekends September 23-October 29, South Kingstown, TheFarmersDaughterRI.com

Field Nights at Whalers: Head to Whalers Brewing Company to enjoy a drink and the handcrafted gems of Field of Artisans’ vendors. Thursdays September 28-October 26, South Kingstown, FieldOfArtisans.com

The General’s Market: This new incarnation of the oldest continually operating flea market in Rhode Island features an array of handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and more, curated by Field of Artisans. Weekends through October 8, Charlestown, FieldOfArtisans.com

Stargazing Nights at Frosty Drew Observatory: On clear Friday evenings head to what Yankee Magazine called the “Best Stargazing in New England.” See the rings of Saturn, the Milky Way, and more, conditions permitting, and don’t miss a Spooky Views Halloween stargazing event October 27. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org

URI Rhody Rams Football: Bring your Rhode Island pride to the Ryan Center for the URI college football team’s home games. Arrive early for the tailgate, which requires a separate ticket, or just hit the stadium at gametime to cheer the team on to victory. Kingston, GoRhody.com

Wickford Art Association: See themed, juried art on view for the Fur, Feather, and Fins exhibit showcasing wildlife representations from September 1-October 1, and From Ordinary to Extraordinary is a selection of photography on view October 6-November 5. WickfordArt.org

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 1 - 3

Rhythm and Roots Festival: This music fest takes over Ninigret Park Labor Day weekend, showcasing a range of musical styles on three stages, plus on-site camping, food and craft vendors, family activities and more. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com

SEPTEMBER 8 - 10

Folk Art Q uilt Show: The South County Museum celebrates the history of quilting and contemporary forms for its 37th annual show, featuring quilts from local makers and a raffle. Narragansett, SouthCountyMuseum.org

Photo by Christine Chitnis

Bountiful displays at The Farmer’s Daughter, South Kingstown

For event updates please check with venue

Christine Levy, M.Ed.

FALL BUSHEL LIST

SEPTEMBER 9

Applumpkin Fall Festival: Celebrate the season’s fave fruits at Ninigret Park with activities like apple-pumpkin tic-tac-toe, pumpkin painting, costume parades, a bounce house, and more. There’s also a beer and wine tent for adults. Charlestown, Applumpkin.com

Trifecta Festival: Enjoy a full day of activities at Saugatucket Park. The long list includes performances, kids activities, local breweries and food trucks, open studio tours, and a music festival that runs late. South Kingstown, FieldOfArtisans.com/trifecta

SEPTEMBER 15 - 17

Gansett Fest: Three festivals in one kick off on Friday with the Endless Summer Music Festival. Saturday is the RI Calamari Festival and Cook Off and Gansett Days, capped by live music at night. Sunday is all about more Gansett Days fun with helicopter rides, music, and more. NarragansettCOC.com

Misquamicut Fall Fest: Take in the view of the Block Island Sound from atop a ferris wheel, snack on food truck fare, admire classic cars, and enjoy other fall festivities on the beach. Westerly, MisquamicutFestival.org

SEPTEMBER 16

Winery Comedy Tour: A nationwide tour of topnotch stand-up performers makes an appearance at Tapped Apple this month with laughter flowing from the taps. Westerly, TappedApple.com

SEPTEMBER 23

Colonial Harvest Festival: Family fun at Smith’s Castle includes live performances, vendors, docent tours, a book fair, apple crisps, music, pumpkin painting, and more. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

Exeter Fall Festival: Celebrate the start of the season at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area by shopping the used ski sale, perusing arts and crafts vendors, snacking on food truck fare, and painting pumpkins, all to the beat of live tunes. The festival benefits the Exeter Public Library. Exeter, Yawgoo.com

For event updates please check with venue

Photo by Gary Boden, courtesy of Yawgoo Valley

Photo by Loverly Photography, courtesy of Narragansett COC

All-ages fun at the 109th Fall Festival in Exeter

Sample squid to your heart’s delight at the 2023 RI Calamari Festival

Bark on the Beach: Leash up your pup and head to Narragansett Town Beach for an invigorating mile-long walk on the beach to raise money for Animal Rescue Rhode Island. Narragansett, AnimalRescueRI.org

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 1

Block Island Birding Weekend: Autumn on the island is flock-full of migratory birds on their way to their winter homes. Audubon naturalists lead birders on field trips to spot all kinds of species. Block Island, ASRI.org

OCTOBER

Wakefield Oktoberfest: While unconfirmed at press time, check for updates on this lively celebration which features a biergarten and more. WakefieldVillageAssociation.com

OCTOBER 1

Hobbit House Photo Op: The Preserve’s Hobbit House™ opens for pumpkin-filled photographic opportunities! Richmond, PreserveASpot.com

Thriller Panel with Deborah Goodrich Royce: Enjoy wine and light bites while thriller panelists discuss their latest books, writing process, and genre. Watch Hill, OceanHouseEvents.com

For event updates please check with venue

OCTOBER 6 - 9

Atlantis Rising: Return to the beach for the International Sand Sculpture Competition, Atlantis Rising. A drone show, food trucks, and live music are part of the fun. Westerly, SouthCountyRI.com

OCTOBER 7

Pumpkin Weigh-off & Fall Festival: Pasquale Farms Garden Center is excited to host the SNE Giant Pumpkin Growers event, which will feature enormous gourds and their proud growers, a pumpkin smash, hay rides, kids activities, music, food, and more. Richmond, PasqualeFarmsRI.com

OCTOBER 14

Annual Solar Eclipse: Head over to Frosty Drew Observatory as they open their campus to view this spectacular once-a-year phenomenon. Charlestown, FrostyDrew.org

Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night: The Misquamicut Players reenact Monty Python’s parody of Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605. A bonfire will set the stage for this comedic night at The Windjammer. Misquamicut, Facebook: Windjammer Surf Bar RI

OCTOBER 14 - 15

HopArts Studio Trail: Hopkinton and Richmond artists and artisans open their studios to the public for the weekend, offering demonstrations, details of their craft, and work for sale. Hopkinton and Richmond, HopArts.org

OCTOBER 21

Spooktacular & Kid’s Craft Day: Head over to Fayerweather Craft Guild for a craft fair and a variety of hands-on family-friendly Halloween art projects, demonstrations, and activities along with delicious treats. South Kingstown, FayerweatherCraftGuild.com

Witches Dance Parade: Get in the spirit of the spooky season and join in the Witches Dance with the Witches of Wickford at this family-friendly parade through historic Wickford Village. Rain date October 22. Wickford, RIWitchesGuild.com

Wickford Wicked Week: While unconfirmed at press time, our crystal ball sees a roster of spooktacular events like the Witches Paddle, Spooky Sip ‘N Stroll, Scarecrow Contest, and more returning, all leading up to Halloween. Wickford, Instagram: @ilo v ewickfordvillage

Don’t miss the spectacle that is the Witch’s Dance Parade in Wickford

Photo by Wild Tea Photography, courtesy of RI Witches Guild

Photo by Liz Murray

Q ueen Bees

The women owners behind an all-natural apiary cultivate delicious honey and equity in agriculture

By Emily Olson

For beekeeper Rebecca Mancini, creating thriving pollinator populations goes hand in hand with carving out representation for women of color in a male-dominated field. Mancini is the founder of the apiary B. Royal Honey, a pandemic hobby that turned into a company she launched with her business partner Kou Tukala Nyan. “As we began to research farming grants, we realized that nationally, a very low percentage of farmers are women,” she says. There are even fewer farmers who are people of color.

With two properties, B. Royal Honey maintains six beehives on its Coventry grounds, each of which is capable of producing between 40 and 80 pounds of honey per year. The bees share land with a pollinator and erosion-prevention garden that houses more than 200 native plants. On its Providence property, the company has three hives and 15 native plants. “I made a commitment to raise bees as naturally as possible,” says Mancini. “I want my honey to be as organic as possible, so I give them a variety of plants so they don’t have the need to travel and potentially get into pesticides.”

The company’s native plants were purchased in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an organization that provides reimbursable grants to farmers who have at least one beehive, federally protected livestock, and the potential to impact local food systems. These grants support soil health and small farms, and Mancini is working with the NRCS to build a greenhouse, a well, and a drip irrigation system on her Coventry property.

Mancini draws parallels between the homogenous makeup of farmers and beekeepers in America and the way farm workers generally approach beekeeping. “We tried to turn it into a monolith, but

Kou Tukala Nyan and Rebecca Mancini of B. Royal Honey

The duo tends beehives in Coventry and Providence

it never really was,” she says. “Integrating different backgrounds and cultures into beekeeping helps with the diversification that’s so important to preventing honeybee colony collapse.”

Nyan agrees and adds that representation is important. “People of color in America may not have access to beekeeping or know the benefits of using beekeeping to connect with nature. I think we should work together to teach people about the environment and ways we talk about it.”

Environmental education is a very important aspect of B. Royal Honey’s mission. Mancini and Nyan were recently invited to share their knowledge about beekeeping at a local library, have hosted free lunch-andlearn sessions in partnership with Project Overflo, and they have huge dreams for the future. “I’d love to have an educational center for beekeeping,” says Mancini, describing her vision of an incubator for aspiring beekeepers where they could receive education and support in developing a healthy colony.

But for now, Mancini and Nyan are content to talk with curious customers at the farmers market where they sell their honey. “The education we offer is not just about the bees,” says Nyan. “It’s also about the honey.” The two women regularly teach their customers about the health benefits of local honey and guide them to flavors that would best suit them. “Honey made from spring flowers is much lighter in taste than the bolder fall honey,” Mancini explains.

The different flowers and herbs the bees have access to also contribute to the flavor of the honey. “Last fall, I had 40 blueberry plants and the honey tasted like berries,” Mancini says. “It was phenomenal.”

B. Royal Honey is available for delivery, for pickup at Mancini’s Pro v idence property, or at farmers markets. For purchasing information, visit Facebook: B Royal Honey or @broyalhoney on Instagram.

195 DISTRICT PARK PROVIDENCE

Tacos on the Mainland

Formerly on Block Island, a foodie family now dishes authentic Mexican eats in Wakefield

By Stacey Place

Southern Rhode Island is perhaps best known for its seafood scene, but a recently opened Wakefield eatery adds to the authentic Mexican dining choices south of Providence. Maiz, a family-owned and -operated restaurant, opened in mid-May by the Mendozas, which includes husband and wife Julio and Iliana with daughter Julianne. Though now dishing their favorite recipes on the mainland, you may recognize the family from the former Calaveras on Block Island.

In their new digs, you can find Iliana and Julianne greeting and serving guests at the front counter and Julio working his magic in the kitchen, where everything is made from scratch,

MUST-TRY ITEMS

GUACAMOLE ( $9 )

Made to order with avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and optional jalapeños, served with chips

BIRRIA TACO ( $7.50 )

Slow-cooked shredded beef, onion, cilantro, and cheese

VEGGIE BOMB BURRITO ( $14.75 ) Veggie mix, rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, pineapple, and jalapeños

Cuisine: Mexican Atmosphere: Fast-casual, lively outdoor seating

from the salsas and guacamole to the corn tortillas and fried chips. The meats are slow-cooked in house, and the beans are soaked, cooked, and masterfully seasoned each day. A rotating selection of agua frescas (water infused with fresh fruit) and a cooler of Mexican sodas are at the ready to complement any meal.

Though there are a few seats inside, the spacious outdoor dining area is ideal for savoring the warm days of fall. Visiting with friends on a late-summer day, we started with a classic choice:

Shrimp Tacos

A handful of taco flavors from Maiz

Photos courtesy of Maiz

chips with guacamole and salsa. The nachos were warm, crispy and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. If I had to pick a favorite between the guacamole and the salsa, I would be at a loss. The former is prepared to order and you can tell – the balance of flavors hit just right with the creamy avocado, chopped tomato and onion, cilantro, and the acidic bite of the lime juice. The salsa verde was flavorful without being too spicy. The tangy taste of tomatillos and just a hint of heat from the jalapeños was addictive.

Next came a sampling of their many tacos. Each was delicious, but the best of the best had to be the Birria Taco; the slow cooked beef was a burst of rich flavor. Garnished simply with onions and cilantro, it didn’t need anything else. The Shrimp Taco was excellent, too, with the addition of grilled pineapple offering satisfying sweetness.

Julianne brought us out the special Tostada de Tinga, which was made using her grandmother’s recipe. The chicken was tender and cooked with the ideal proportion of tomato and chipotle sauce. Julianne suggested we try it with the salsa verde, and the combination did not disappoint.

Not to be skipped is the burrito section of the menu. The carnitas version was excellent, but the unexpected favorite was the Veggie Bomb. Along with the usual mix of veggies, rice, beans, jalapeños, and guacamole, the oh-so-refreshing pineapple made a comeback. The tropical fruit mingling with savory ingredients hits in just the right way. The Veggie Bomb was so delectable, my friend went back the next day to get another one.

As the fall season creeps up on us, a hangout with friends on Maiz’s patio is a must for making the most of patio season. You will not be disappointed.

Maiz

58 High Street, Wakefield

Facebook: Maiz • 541-1396

Private Events Al

Live Music

Weekly Specials

Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody o ers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace

Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island

401-558-0190 |

davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials

Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

All Favorites Cafe

1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550

allfavoritescafe.com |

A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille

8 locations across RI!

Chelos.com |

A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

El Paisa Restaurant Patio and Bar

598 Dexter Street, Central Falls

401-726-8864 | ElPaisa.com |

Since 1978, El Paisa Restaurant and Bar has served home-cooked, classic Colombian recipes and cocktails with great joy.

BLU On The Water

20 Water St. East Greenwich | 401-885-3700

bluonthewater.com |

Fresh seafood daily and live outdoor entertainment make BLU RI’s premier waterfront destination.

Chelo’s Waterfront

1 Masthead Dr. Warwick | 401-884-3000

Cheloswaterfrontri.com |

Fresh food, family friendly, and unparalleled views of Greenwich Bay.

MainStreet Coffee

137 Main Street, East Greenwich

401-885-8787 |

MainStreet-Co ee.com

Casual co ee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

CAV Restaurant

14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164

CavRestaurant.com |

Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant

40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700

thecoastguardhouse.com |

Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Mambo Sushi

380 Atwells Ave, Providence

401-642-8439 |

mambosushiprovidence.com

Peruvian Flair to Asian Cuisine

Marcelino’s Boutique Bar

1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088

marcelinosboutiquebar.com | Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos

Tallulah’s Taqueria

Three Locations:

West End • Fox Point • Jamestown tallulahstaqueria.com | Order by App, Online, or In-Store. Chicano Street Food...Rooted in Hospitality.

New Harvest Coffee & Spirits

10 Sims Ave, Providence | 401 438-1999 NewHarvestCo ee.com |

Our flagship cafe accentuates the journey from co ee seed to cup and the journey of grain to glass.

Twin Willows

865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com | Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.

A brand new web guide to local eateries created and maintained by locals.

Rise ‘N Shine Coffee Bar

97 Holden St., Providence | 401 340-5112

@RiseNShineCo eeBar |

Espresso bar with organic co ee, signature drinks and fresh pastries located in historic 1858 Christopher Dodge Carriage House.

Feature your Restaurant, Bar, Café, etc. All for only $175 per month

Slice of Heaven

32 Narragansett Ave. Jamestown

401-423-9866 | sliceofheavenri.com

| Serving breakfast, lunch and daily handcrafted pastries. Family and dog friendly with a great outdoor patio.

For more information, email Marketing@RhodyEats.com

Off the Cob

A corn and poblano pepper chowder summons the season with fall harvests

By Liz Murray

As the air cools down and the leaves begin to change colors, we also flip the page on summer’s cool fruit salads and turn to warm chowders. Though Rhode Island’s history is steeped in traditional clam chowder – and everyone has their strong feelings in favor of clear or creamy iterations – this warming soup recipe takes advantage of a crop of the land rather than sea. Farm-fresh corn isn’t hard to come by throughout September, and the addition of poblano chilis adds a satisfying kick to this creamy chowder featuring potatoes, feta cheese, cilantro, and other wholesome ingredients. While dusting off your warm sweaters and fave pumpkin spice latte mug for fall, be sure to add this savory soup to your weekly meal rotation.

CORN CRAWL

A visit to any local farmers market almost guarantees the availability of corn this season, but why not take advantage of the crisp air and scenic drives by going straight to the source? Here’s a handful of farms where you’re likely to find fresh cobs for sale – though it never hurts to call or check online to confirm availability.

Carpenter’s Farm Stand , Wakefield

Confreda Greenhouses & Farm , Hope

Ferolbink Farms

(Potatoes), Tiverton

Goodwin Brothers Farm Stand , North Smithfield

Poblano Corn Chowder

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tsp and 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 2 poblano chilies, stemmed, halved lengthwise, and seeded

• 5 cups fresh corn kernels

• 2 small onions, peeled and chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or pressed through a garlic presser

• 7 cups chicken broth

STEPS

• 1 pound of potatoes, peeled and cubed in to ½ -inch cubes

• ½ cup half and half

• 2 Tbsp cilantro, minced plus more for garnish

• 1 Tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice

• ½ cup feta cheese

• Scallions, chopped

• 1 tsp salt, divided, plus more to taste

• Crusty sourdough bread

1. Preheat the oven broiler to 500ºF. Carefully cut the corn off of the cob by placing a small bowl upside down in a larger bowl and holding the corn on top of the upside-down bowl while running a knife down the kernels. The kernels will fall into the larger bowl.

2. Toss the poblano peppers in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and place them skin side up on a baking sheet. Toss the corn kernels in 2 teaspoons of olive oil and ½ teaspoon salt, then spread them on the other side of the baking sheet. Broil for 10-15 minutes until the peppers are blackened and the corn is beginning to brown.

Morris Farm , Warwick

Old Orchard Farm , Man v ille

Pezza Farm , Johnston

Walker’s Roadside Stand , Little Compton

3. While the poblanos and corn are cooking, heat a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, then the chopped onions. Saute until they begin to become translucent, about 6-8 minutes.

4. When the poblanos and corn are done, remove them from the oven and take about half of the corn and set it aside.

5. Add the garlic to the onion pot and stir for 60 seconds before pouring in the broth, ½ teaspoon of salt, cubed potatoes, and half of the baked corn. Bring to a vigorous simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

6. Remove from heat and stir in half and half. Using a hand blender, mix the chowder until smooth. If you want a few potato chunks in the chowder, blend it a little less. Chop the poblanos into small pieces and add them to the pot, along with the leftover corn, cilantro, and lime juice.

7. Taste mixture for salt; the salinity of the broth that you use will determine how much is needed. I usually add at least ¾ teaspoon to the chowder.

8. Ladle the soup into bowls and evenly distribute the feta over the top. Sprinkle with extra cilantro, chopped green onion, and any leftover corn kernels. Serve with a crusty piece of sourdough bread and enjoy!

Photo by Liz Murray

FRANK

Saturday 9/9 | 8pm

HUEY

Sunday 9/10 | 2pm

MARIA MULDAUR

Friday 9/15 | 7:30pm

STEVE KATZ OF BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS

Saturday 9/16 | 8pm

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE SAINTS IN THE CITY

Thursday 9/21 | 1:30pm

AGING DISGRACEFULLY AGING IN THE FALL

Friday 9/22 | 7:30pm

CHERYL WHEELER

Saturday 9/23 | 7pm

THE DUKE ROBILLARD BAND

SPONSORED

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

By Patty J

September is synonymous with pumpkin spice season, whether in the form of tantalizing desserts or swapping iced coffee for the beloved PSL (pumpkin spiced latte). If you’re already in full autumn palate mode – you’re in luck. Local cafes, restaurants, and breweries are serving up both classic and surprising offerings starring the ingredient of the season: pumpkin.

Crooked Current Brewery

People come from near and far to enjoy the Plunderdome Pumpkin Maple Ale (say that five times fast!) at “the smallest brewery in the smallest state,” a woman-owned craft beer establishment. Sit outside on a mild day and sip one of these wildly popular, multi-layered brews on tap for fall. Pawtucket, CrookedCurrentBreweryRI.com

Delekta Pharmacy

Stepping through the door at this soda fountain (that’s also a toy and candy shop) is like traveling back in time. It’s a mainstay for indulging in a classic Rhody cabinet – ice cream mixed with coffee syrup, milk, and shaved ice, shaken vigorously. Come this time of year, you can sip a pumpkin cabinet or opt for a dish of pumpkin ice cream straight up. Warren, Facebook: Delekta Pharmacy

Laura’s Bar And Grill

This lively restaurant and sports bar has a

marvelous selection of not one but multiple varieties of pumpkin martinis to choose from this time of year. How does Caramel Salted Pumpkin, or White Chocolate Pumpkin sound? Go for the ‘tini specials and stay for the ginormous lunch and dinner menu (and Pumpkin Mocha Cream cake for dessert). Smithfield, LaurasBarAndGrill.com

Le Favorite Bakery

My husband and I first discovered this family-owned bakery that’s been around for 35 years when sampling their delightful selection of sweet goodies last fall. Regulars wait all year long for the return of their flavorful pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Bonus points for the fun-tastic autumnal decorations inside and out. Warwick, LeFavoriteBakery.com

Nook Coffeehouse

If you live for pumpkin spice lattes, then you’ll flip for the Pumpkin Dirty Chai at this Main Street cafe, prepared with house-made syrup. Bring a little decadence to any autumn morning by adding a fancy toast or steaming bowl of oatmeal to your pre-work coffee run, or sit inside for a deliciously slow start to the day. East Greenwich, NookCoffeeHouse.com

T’s Restaurants

This family-run local chain of restaurants has been serving breakfast and lunch all day for over 40 years. Fall means the return of their pumpkin pancakes, available as a full stack or a single (to add a little something sweet to your usual breakfast order), and, of course, served with warm pure maple syrup. Cranston, East Greenwich & Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com

Venda

Ravioli

Proving that not all seasonal extravagances come in the sweet variety, specialty Italian grocery staple Venda invites shoppers to treat their families to pumpkin-filled ravioli for dinner. For friends who don’t live on Federal Hill, you can have these prepared pasta delicacies shipped to cook up at home for a cozy evening meal. Pro v idence, VendaRavioliStore.com

Who Cut The Cheesecake?

This cheesecakery in the heart of a quaint village in Glocester has two different made-fromscratch pumpkin cheesecakes to choose from – the classic edition and their latte-inspired dessert. Grab a full-size or one of their minis for a mouth-watering midday indulgence. Chepachet, WhoCutTheCheesecakeLLC.com

From spiced lattes to savory ravioli, statewide spots get creative with autumnal flavors

Pumpkin Pancakes from T’s Restaurant

Ru n’ Wranglers® gives your pup more than just a leash walk – we give them an adventure! It starts when your dog is picked up from your home and whisked away to a doggie oasis, the Ru n’ Wranglers® Ranch in Rehoboth.

The 14.5-acre ranch boasts seven acres of fenced-in grassy fields and trees with amazing trails that were cleared by some of our own Wranglers. We have created such a beautiful space for your dog to run, play, and make furry friends.

Socialization, exercise, and freedom are crucial to your pet’s health, happiness, and your sanity!

Since 2007, the Ru n’ Wranglers® team has provided over 270,000 excursions. The Wranglers handle the pick-up and drop-o in our doggie outfitted SNIFF Mobiles and are hands on with all the fun at the ranch. The dogs have a better social life and exercise routine than most humans!

We know our clients’ dogs are their children. Our Wranglers are deeply invested in the dogs; there is no other team like them. They get to know each dog, their preferences, what causes them anxiety and what they love. They ensure every dog has the experience they crave…it may be extreme ball chasing, lots of kisses, wrestling, running through trails or just snoofing at their own pace!

We have dogs that have been with Ru n’ Wranglers® most of their lives and are still

at the ranch weekly! We are going to have to outfit a geriatrics SNIFF Mobile for those dogs and me soon! I had a vision for the company when I started it 16 years ago, but I really did not conceptualize where we are today.

We were full for about a year and a half and I said I would not buy another van, but I did! We have also added a few routes, so we are able to accommodate more dogs!

We not only provide excursions, but overnights to our weekly clients. When you travel, you know your dog is living their best life with one of our Wranglers in their home, being a part of their family and running at the ranch all day! It’s like being at a doggie camp while you are gone…they might ask you to travel more often!

I am so proud of our team of Wranglers and the leader of our pack, Austin Wright. He just celebrated his 11-year anniversary! There is absolutely no way we would be where we are today without his dedication to Ru n’ Wranglers®.

There is nothing like seeing pure joy in the eyes of a dog, and that is what we provide, joy...not bad for your daily gig!

We are so grateful for our loyal customer base, the Ruffin’ Wranglers® Family. We would have never accomplished what we have in 16 years without the support of our human and canine clients.

Ruffin’ Wranglers® covers the East Side, West Side and Downtown Providence, Oakhill in Pawtucket, Edgewood in Cranston, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Southern Seekonk, Barrington, parts of Rehoboth and parts of Swansea close to the ranch.

Austin Wright, Operations Manager, with Thor at the Rufn’ Wranglers® Ranch

Blythe Penna, Owner, with her sleepy Vizsla, Clara I Do Declare, in a SNIFF Mobile

Sadie Rose fying at the RW Ranch!

Vintage Vibes

Our EIC’s love affair with little houses brought her to a cozy Cape Cod-style cottage in Smithfield

By Fifi O’Neill

Elyse and Jeff Major were drawn to Smithfield for both its high-ranking public school system and affordability, which isn’t always a match. “We knew the area from visiting its orchards in the fall for apple picking with our, then-little, boys Jonah and Ethan. With the town decided, we just needed to find the cottage!” Elyse recalls. It didn’t take long for the couple to zero in on a 1,100-squarefoot home with the classic New England style they coveted. “Typically, Cape Cod-style homes have many small rooms, which I knew could morph over time – a playroom becomes a study becomes

a bedroom, hence offering versatility,” Major explains. “I also love the architectural details like the arched doorways, hardwood floors, and shiplap ceiling in the upstairs master bedroom.”

The 1949 home had seen a few improvements over the years but needed a new roof and front steps. “Other than that, most everything we did has been cosmetic and very much on a shoestring. The timing was perfect as I was discovering home decorating magazines and DIY TV shows and was inspired and motivated to try my hand at a range of projects to fulfill a vision of cottage/shabby/romantic style throughout the home,” Major says. “I painted

RIGHT: Walls are put to work with mirrors to enlarge the space, and a peg rack to hang favorite notes and cards. A ladder offers additional storage for throws and blankets

Kept free of a door or curtain, the archway opens up the kitchen to the dining room and allows for traffic flow and a sense of visual continuity

Photography by Mark Lohman, courtesy of © CICO Books 2023

walls, upcycled furniture, and my tinkering activities of transforming everything with paint and paper went into overdrive.” So much so that her love of ‘tinkering’ led her to author two books Tinkered Treasures and Seaside Tinkered Treasures ; additionally she co-authored a book on IKEA hacks.

Major has always been smitten with little beach cottages and that ideal is always part of her decorating selections – from a seaside palette to using foraged finds like stones, sea glass, and shells as accents, to keeping utilitarian within reach. “My

current version of cottage style is very much influenced by two UK designers: Atlanta Bartlett who mixes worn furnishings with elements like shiny disco balls, and Christina Strutt of the iconic Cabbages and Roses. Each of these creative and resourceful women bring an approachability to their designs and mostly work with what they have, it goes from being aspirational to inspirational.”

Keeping spaces flowing and neatly organized and lack of storage are often a small home’s biggest challenges. “Even without an open

floor plan, it’s likely that most rooms on the main level are in view so adhering to a singlecolor palette or thematic vibe throughout will create a cohesive flow,” Major says, adding, “Through the years I’ve learned that furniture needs to have storage. I joke that if someone leaves a backpack or sneakers in the living room it’s an instant mess – or the remains of a wild party! Small rooms don’t have the space to absorb random stuff. I’m also a big proponent of hooks! My boys can say this in unison with me: hooks turn any spot into usable space.”

Being the editor in chief at Providence Media and overseeing four monthly magazines, and with both boys now in college, doesn’t leave much time and money for decorating. However, whenever possible, Major loves to visit and support small shops. “There are so many wonderful makers and sellers local to us. It’s an opportunity to decorate with uniqueto-Rhode Island goods.” With its clever use of space, personality, and nostalgic vibe, Major’s home mirrors her ingenuity, creativity, and her winning making-do attitude.

A tall but slender etagere provides space-saving vertical storage for everyday items

The armoire was bought for its versatile storage possibilities. Major painted it white with an aqua stripe, and it holds everything from dishware to tea towels and small appliances

Photography by Mark Lohman, courtesy of © CICO Books 2023

Excerpt from Small Spaces, Big Appeal: The Luxury of Less in Under 1,200 Square Feet by Fifi O’Neill. © CICO Books 2023

Get Rhody Style

“This book provides such a lovely opportunity for me to showcase some of my favorite small and local businesses and makers to a wide audience,” says Major of the book released in July. Below find a source list of items that appear in photographs.

Berry baskets

Buy the produce, keep the teal container

Braided area rugs

Rhody Rug, Lincoln

Canvas tote bags

Bloom Collective, Pro v idence

Seven Stars Bakery, various

Small Business Saturday x Rifle Paper Co. tote: Cafe Such a Bagel, Smithfield

Ceramic book vase: Homestyle, Pro v idence

Cupcakes

Ivy and Lace Bake Shop, Smithfield

Flower pot and glass orb

Blooming Blossoms, Pro v idence

The Glass Station, Wakefield

French market basket

Blanc & Bleu Home, Riverside

Ladder

Smith-Appleby House Museum Vintage Market, Smithfield

Pitcher

Beehive Handmade, Warren

Plant spritzer

The Farmer’s Daughter, Wakefield

Reclaimed window

The Town Trader, Chepachet

Slipcover

Pernilla Berkvist, Pro v idence

Table linens

Coastal Brahmin, Barnstable, MA

Wall art

Margaret Owen (peonies) and Monica Lee Rich (postcard on clipboard), Pro v idence. Oyster print, Saltwater Living, Newport

Meet Kayla

Mandeville

This photographer/model is influencing us in everything from photo ops to local hangouts

By Ashley Erling

Photography by Jana Mierta Photography courtesy of Kayla Mandeville

When shooting, where do you get your inspiration from and what are some of your favorite places to shoot in the area? When I’m out shooting, I really try to be in the moment and look for things that are beautiful or photogenic to me. One of my all-time favorite places to shoot is Sakonnet Point lighthouse. I started going there when I moved to the area and was new to photography. The drive to and from, especially during golden hour or right after sunrise, is magical.

In addition to your gorgeous photography, you’re often exploring and reviewing different hot spots, from restaurants to boutiques and everything in between. How has that evolution been for you?

My family and I are always out and about walking around exploring different places, so checking out restaurants and little shops just really came naturally to me. It started off as just something I would add to my Instagram stories occasionally, and my audience really seemed to enjoy it so as time went on, I just integrated it a little bit more alongside my photography.

What are some of your favorite local businesses and places to visit in your free time?

I absolutely love coffee. I’m always sharing it in my stories. I’m really loving The Nitro Bar at Walker’s in Little Compton; it’s a great addition to the area. I also enjoy Coastal Roasters in Tiverton. In Your Ear in Warren has always been a favorite. I love collecting vinyl, and they always have a great selection. I recently stumbled upon Carmen and Ginger in Warren and loved it.

You’re now doing more in front of the camera, too! How does it feel being on both sides?

Contrary to popular belief, I find it to be extremely nerve-racking. Being in front of the camera isn’t necessarily my favorite place to be but I’m leaning in and having a lot of fun with it. I’m so grateful for everyone who has given me an opportunity to be in front of their lens and I’m interested to see how it evolves!

What’s your perfect Lil’ Rhody day?

It would probably start with sunrise at the Cliff Walk followed by a walk along the pathway. It’s my favorite walk and it never gets old! Then I’d grab a coffee because that’s extremely important. I’d grab dinner (preferably pasta!) and drinks somewhere by the water, then catch the sunset. I’m pretty simple.

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As we shift into fall, the coastal air becomes a bit cooler and night arrives a little sooner, encouraging us to take our gatherings inside. In this ode to fall tablescaping, we traded seashells for apples, welcoming a vibrant colorway inspired by scattered leaves and early sunsets.

Main Attraction

What’s better than produce that works double-duty as decor? For this display, we set out on a traditional apple picking adventure at Narrow Lane Orchard in North Kingstown, where you can wander through 30 acres with 13 different kinds of apples. Collect a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and scatter your bounty across a table runner, and don’t forget the candles. To complete the look, we turned to Jessica Billings of Exeter, who creates arrangements and centerpieces using faux elements for her business, The Accidental Farmgirl Co. Starting with a brass compote bowl as the base, Billings filled it with artificial pear and apple branches, English roses, and maple leaves; lotus pods spilling over the edge lend a natural feel.

TIP: An artificial arrangement allows you to easily move the centerpiece to avoid congestion upon sitting down. Move candles inward or fill the void with tasty accouterments.

Equinox Party

Let falling leaves set the tone for a dinner party that celebrates the change of season

TIP : Use produce to fill nooks around vases

Material Matters

Let the colors of autumn influence your tabletop choices. We’re falling for patterned plates from Stewart House, a new home decor shop on the East Side of Providence, owned by sisters Ellen and Karen Deutsch. Next door to Hawes Fine Foods, enjoy exploring the Deutsches’ shop, finely curated with collections of textiles, tabletop, whimsy, and more – including these fun green glasses – perfect for toasting the new season.

Gathering friends and family doesn’t need a reason but here are a few dates to inspire making plans in September:

4: Labor Day

10: Grandparent’s Day

11: Patriot Day

15: Rosh Hashanah

21: International Day of Peace

23: Autumnal Equinox

29: Sukkot

By Kayla Aucoin

Photography by Kayla Aucoin, courtesy of AUCOIN

RHODY RESOURCES

A handy list of brands, shops, and makers featured in this article:

Featured: Stylist

North Kingstown | @aucoindesigns

The Accidental Farmgirl Co.

Featured: Centerpiece

Exeter | @the.accidental.farmgirl

Narrow Lane Orchard

Featured: Apples

North Kingstown | NarrowLaneOrchardRI.com

Pumpkins and kiwi berries available in September, apple picking through October

Stewart House

Featured: Napkins, placemats, napkin rings, dinner plates, salad plates, tumblers, sphere candle

Pro v idence | @stewarthousepvd

will b. baking

Featured: Apple Pie

North Pro v idence | @will.b.baking

Place orders by email: will.b.baking@gmail.com

It’s Pie Time

Enhance the autumnal ambiance with freshly baked pies. Since you’re using your apples as decorations, why not place an order and save yourself the work? North Providence-based will b. baking is Jessica and William Barboza, a mother-and-son team who founded their business with the intention of a solid career path for William, who loves to bake and has autism. Together, the duo offer pies that are free of peanuts, tree nuts, and coconut, along with all kinds of other scrumptious treats. Each order is hand-delivered with a smile right to your front door.

FEINSTEIN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

FALL/WINTER 2022

READING FOR LIFE CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR

CELEBRATING THE CREATIVE IMPULSE by David Lee Black

November 6-December 7

September 5-28

Galler y Night September 21, 5-9pm with special guest readers

WOMEN'S RIGTHS ARE EQUAL RIGHTS October 2-31 Galler y Night October 19, 5-9pm with a special performance

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE LADIES October 20 & 21, 7:30pm Performance by Patricia Hawkridge with LaVoce Theatre That Lets People Speak

Galler y Night November 16, 5-9pm with performances by Providence Drum Troupe

Community Artists: SPEAKING OUT Exhibit Honoring Black

History January 16-Febrary 28

Galler y Night February 1 5:30-8:30

CELEBRATING AND RAISING VOICES Exhibit Women’s History March 4-29

19 ON PAPER Exhibit April FOR INFORMATION ON CONSIGNING VISIT OUR WEBSITE https://www.mikesestateservices.com/consign

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In the Pink

Back-to-school #Barbiecore essentials in the season’s hottest hue

By Elyse Major

Who knew that a movie about a fashion doll experiencing an existential crisis would become a global phenomenon? Written by real-life couple Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Barbie is deeper than its sparkly pink media blitz might imply, but the film itself is empowering and fun – kind of like hiding broccoli in a technicolor cupcake. An organic reaction is the exuberant donning of pink by movie-goers to see the picture on the big screen. To prep for your visit to the cinema and surround yourself with the mood-boosting color, here are goods from around Little Rhody in the season’s hottest hue.

LOVE VINTAGE BARBIES?

Follow @dawsondigsdolls on Instagram. Originally from TN, Mike Dawson is an editorial art director and doll collector currently living in Providence. FOR KEN!

Men’s Pink Boxers in Little Palm Island

THREE ISLANDS, Watch Hill

THE BARBI JO SHOW

weeknights from 7pm to midnight on 92 PRO-FM

Pink Metal Muzen Bluetooth Speaker & FM Radio BARRINGTON BOOKS, Barrington

Acrylic Daisy Earrings

CRAFTLAND, Providence

Neon Pink Glam Party Earrings

JOJOLOVESYOU.COM*

Shuck the Patriarchy Tote MATRIARCH, Newport

Mini Luna Belt Bag LOTUFFLEATHER.COM *

Magenta Beanie

NICO SCOUT, South Kingstown

House-Blend Coffee

OAK BAKESHOP, Providence

Pompea Hot Pink Dress

OMO JEWELS, Westerly

Loretta Pink Denim Trousers

OMO JEWELS, Westerly

ONCEPT Tokyo Prism Pink Sneaker

OMO JEWELS, Westerly

Straw Ginger Earrings

SARA CAMPBELL, Newport & Watch Hill

Glass Bead and Gold Links Necklace

SARA CAMPBELL, Newport & Watch Hill

Cover-up Maxi Dress

THE SALTY BABE, Newport

Sunglasses

SHADES & PIER OPTICAL, Narragansett

*Available at various stockists

ART & CULTURE

Tiverton photographer’s scavenger hunts result in artful assemblages

Photo courtesy of Firefly Mandalas

Charmed

A next-gen RI jewelry family dazzles with Garden City pop-up offering DIY options through fall

By Elyse Major

Iconsider myself a serial crafter in the sense that I generally have some kind of singular creative outlet, soon replaced by another. I’ve dabbled in painting furniture, decorating trash-picked dollhouses, and developing makes for my own craft books (Google Tinkered Treasures – it’s all there). One endeavor that resurfaces every few years is playing with beads. I won’t say jewelry making because that seems to imply artisanship and tools; I simply enjoy stringing pretty colors on stretchy cord. Years ago there were places to do this. Pour one out for Beauty and the Beads on Thayer Street in Providence, where I once spotted actor Dustin Hoffman spelling his name with alphabet beads. Alas, one generally has to source the same ol’ mixes at big box craft stores and get busy at home – until now.

On a recent visit to Garden City Center in Cranston, a white brick facade caught my eye, and the sandwich board in front that reads “Where fast lives slow down” compelled me to enter Air & Anchor. One step inside and I was like a kid in a candy store. The back wall of the main space is lined with metal file cabinets, its drawers loaded with different charms; clipboards hang above stating the intentions of each symbol and material. There’s a section called The Factory, an alcove with spools of chains mounted to the wall, along with hardware, branding tools and machinery, and a long work table set with bead boards for planning bracelets and necklaces by length. And then there is the bead bar: a stunning display from top to bottom of wooden compartments showcasing sparkling beads by color, with three horizontal racks hovering above holding glass

tubes of beads. Throughout the store there is also finished jewelry and a range of branded goods, from tote bags to candles.

I asked a salesperson if the store is locally based, and yes, all jewelry is made in Cranston in a factory just five minutes away, founded by one of the owner’s grandfather. When I came back down to earth, I realized this was the brick-andmortar of Rachel and Omar Ajaj, the industrious couple who were guests on our own Hey Rhody Podcast , episode 68. And those custom shelves and bead cubbies? Made by Aaron Guttin of Edge and End, featured in Hey Rhody last October. I decided it was my duty as a Rhode Island lifestyle journalist to make a necklace and report on my findings (pun intended).

Returning on a Tuesday afternoon – and admittedly giddy about the opportunity to be

Bead bar selections and my nearly complete necklace

on assignment – I’m greeted by Josh Raposo, a delightful chap who is happy to show me the ropes, or chains. He gives me a tour of all the materials and we discuss myriad options. To get the full experience, I decide on a half-bead, half-chain necklace with a charm and clasp. The process begins with choosing a chain and I go with the paper clip-style in polished stainless steel. Raposo hands me a bead board and small spoon and directs me to the BIY (bead it yourself) area to “go crazy!” and fill my tray. With so many glorious varieties, I decided to narrow my focus to a rose colorway plus some silver. I grab a stool at the work table and map out my necklace in the U-shaped channel of my bead board, and like my stretchy bracelets, the goal is a random pattern, which I’m well aware is an oxymoron. Indie rock plays in the background and there’s fun chatter while I work on my necklace. I’m having a great time. After completing the stringing of beads on the dainty silver chain, I hand things over to Raposo to work his alchemy with various tools; he soon reappears with my half-bead half-chain necklace that now boasts the brand’s signature Cuff Keeper clasp. For the finishing touch, I select a charm and am drawn to the sparkling Here & Now crystal pendant. Raposo ceremoniously places my work of art around my neck, assisting with the clasp (which is clever but tricky to maneuver at first). He and coworkers Alicia and Mel tell me this is one of the prettiest pieces ever made at the bead bar, and I’m so delighted that I choose to believe them. While Air & Anchor looks as permanent as their weldedon options, at press time it’s only a pop-up through December, so visit this gem soon.

Air & Anchor

8 Midway Road, Cranston • 401-227-9929

AirAndAnchor.com • @airandanchor

Feed the Tree, Support the Fort

Fort Adams State Park celebrates 200th anniversary with a concert from local alt-rock stars Belly

By Ken Abrams

Landing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine was once considered a crowning achievement for a rock and roll band. There was nothing as career-affirming as “the thrill that’ll get ya when you get your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone ,” as the memorable lyric by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show goes. Since the magazine began publishing in the late 1960s, only one Rhode Island band has ever made the cover – Newport’s own Belly –who will be playing a rare hometown show at Fort Adams State Park on October 1 at 6pm.

The alt-rock quartet includes Gail Greenwood, who replaced original bassist Fred Abong; Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses and Breeders fame; and brothers Chris and Tom Gorman. In 1993, the song “Feed the Tree” from their debut album Star hit number one on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, a rare feat for a local band. “We had a fabulous publicist at Warner Brothers Records at the time,” says Greenwood. “Deb Bernardini was a real powerhouse in the industry, very kind to work with, and dogged about getting us this kind of attention. I tell people now, ‘Hey, your Auntie Gail was on the cover of Rolling

Stone ’ and nobody has any idea of what I’m talking about. I’m super proud of it; we all are, it was a great time.”

The band had its heyday in the mid-1990s, playing sold-out shows coast to coast and around the world, reuniting several times since to tour and record new music. But they have never played Fort Adams, so the upcoming concert is especially meaningful. “The show is a nice way to say thank you to family and friends in the area,” says Greenwood. “I’m a maritime naval war buff so for me it’ll be super fun to be playing in a 19th century fort. There’s going to be fire pits, s’mores, video projections on the walls of the fort… and we’ll be joined by our friends, the Parkington Sisters.” A portion of ticket sales for the show will benefit the Fort Adams Trust.

Belly rose to fame in an industry that, to this day, is still heavily male-dominated. Greenwood recalls mainly positive experiences. “Unless I was oblivious and didn’t notice, I never really faced any sexism,” she says. “I always felt accepted when I played in hardcore bands on the Providence scene. I have always been treated as a musician in a band, which has been really great. The [Throwing] Muses – I have to give them credit, they were always in charge of their own

career. They knew what they wanted to do from the early days, and were not marketed or pimped out in any way.” Acknowledging that many women in the industry faced discrimination, harassment, and assault, Greenwood adds, “I can totally understand somebody else’s position and I sympathize with them for sure.”

The band is planning a short tour following the Newport gig, with sold-out shows in Boston and New York City, followed by a west coast swing later in October where they will be joined by The Breeders, Donnelly’s other band. Of course, going out on the road is a little different these days; all members have regular day jobs, and they can’t pile into a van like they did 30 years ago, which means skipping smaller cities. “It’s fun to go to the small towns, but at this point, we kind of do hit and runs in the big cities,” says Greenwood.

Headquarters on Aquidneck Island is Greenwood’s home studio. “We practice at the rock and roll control center, as we call it,” says the bassist. They’ll be rehearing with the Parkington Sisters, who will join the band on their east coast dates. Belly is also working on a new album, expected to be released in 2024. Find tickets at FortAdams.org; BellyOfficial.com

Chris Gorman, Gail Greenwood, Tanya Donnelly, and Tom Gorman

P hoto courtesy of Belly

Foraged Flatlays

On her idyllic Tiverton farm, an artist finds what she needs to create assemblages to photograph and release back to nature

By Megan Schmit

Six years ago, Firefly Mandalas started on Tiverton-native Meredith Brower’s morning walk with her dog. She would gather pretty flowers, leaves, or shells and carefully arrange them on a minimal backdrop as part of a meditative ritual. Now, you can find the mandalas printed on aluminum panels, cards, mini-notes, photographs, ornaments, and tile coasters.

“My art is impermanent,” says Brower, who is also an avid gardener, freelance photographer, and director of the Tiverton Farmers Market. “I make the design, photograph it, appreciate it for a moment, and then it blows away or dries up, and I move on.”

All of Brower’s mandalas are composed of the “ever-changing inventory of flora” she is surrounded by at Arrowhead Farm, her home and workspace. Whether it’s a delicate, spiraled stem or brightly colored flower petal, Brower is fascinated by the colors, structures, and interactions between the materials she forages.

However, Firefly Mandalas is more than just art; it’s a product of Brower’s personal philosophy. “It’s about stopping the argument between the head and the heart,” she explains. Through particular obstacles in her life, Brower has persevered with the help of “changing perspective.” Sometimes she gets stuck on a mandala, and has to step back, turn the table, and find a new view for inspiration – “Just like in life,” she says.

In the future, Brower hopes to expand her product line with a yearly calendar and a coffee table book. She also offers commissioned mandalas for special events or wedding flowers and private workshops at her farm.

Brower urges others to slow down and investigate the ground beneath your feet. “Get outside and interact with nature, pull out those shells or stones you’ve collected, dump them on the ground, and get lost in the tactile, fleeting nature of mandala-making.” Learn more at FireflyMandalas.com

Brower’s method is “forage, focus, photograph”

Thriller writer Deborah Goodrich Royce shares what’s on her book list this month

By Deborah Goodrich Royce

Rhody Reads T

he glorious month of September marks – much more than January for most of us – the beginning of a fresh new year. As we return to school or work, the days grow shorter and will soon yield to the colors and comforts of autumn. As a local author of twisty thrillers ( Finding Mrs. Ford –set in Watch Hill! – Ruby Falls , and Reef Road ) and host of the Ocean House Author Series, I am delighted to share with you my selection of new fall books, three of them featuring Rhode Island themes and/or authors. So settle in your favorite chair with a roaring fire and a dog or cat on your lap. The following list will keep you happily reading until the snow comes!

Who doesn’t love a good fake? On September 5, Zadie Smith’s The Fraud is published. Based on a trial that divided Victorian England, it explores the true story of a lower-class butcher from Australia who claimed to be the rightful heir of a large estate and title. Seen through the eyes of a formerly enslaved man from Jamaica and a Scottish housekeeper, The Fraud examines truth, lies, and the liminal spaces between them.

Playing the Witch Card by KJ Dell’Antonia, New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters , comes out on September 12 and promises to be loads of fun. Three generations of magic plus two rogue exes plus one tarot deck equal the perfect recipe for chaos. Billed as Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic , all I can say is please make more hot chocolate and count me in!

Halloween brings a treat in the form of Rhode Island-based Vanessa Lillie’s newest thriller, Blood Sisters . The novel follows Syd Walker, a Cherokee archaeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Providence, when she is called back to rural Oklahoma to investigate the disappearance of two women, one of them her sister. There are secrets in the land and Syd must go home to uncover them.

I love the world of 1940s movies – the snappy dialogue, the glamorous clothes –and can’t wait for Sarah James’ Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen on November 7. At a glamorous WWII club for serviceman staffed exclusively by those in show business, a hated film critic is found dead. A newly arrived murder mystery playwright finds herself at the center of a hunt that may lead to a movie star killer, and may also land a target on her back.

Rhode Island author Christa Carmen’s The Daughters of Block Island will land in your book stores on December 1. In a subversive twist on the classic gothic novel, the mysterious past of an island mansion lures two sisters into a spiderweb of scandal, secrets, and murder. The sisters, strangers since birth yet bound by family secrets, soon find themselves caught up in a century-old mystery on isolated off-season Block Island.

On December 5, Luanne Rice brings us Last Night , a murder mystery set in the Ocean House Hotel. A famous artist is killed in a blinding blizzard. Her young daughter is a witness. A passing detective and his girlfriend are soon drawn into a tangled web. Making full use of every nook and cranny of the storied Victorian hotel, Rice takes the reader on a cat-andmouse pursuit of a killer, a missing child, and a trove of buried secrets. Pro-tip: don’t miss the publishing party at Ocean House on December 6.

ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

With her sunny demeanor, who would guess that Royce is a writer in the thriller genre, examining puzzles of identity in her highly acclaimed books. She began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films, before transitioning to a story editor at Miramax Films. Together with her husband Chuck, the Royces have restored beloved properties in RI and the Catskills, including the Ocean House, the state’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel. Listen to a conversation with Royce on episode 47 of the Hey Rhody Podcast .

OCEAN HOUSE AUTHOR SERIES

Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases

The Ocean House Author Series brings world-class authors to readers in the stunning seaside location of Watch Hill. Fall highlights include The Thriller Panel which includes Vanessa Lillie on Sunday, October 1. All tickets are inclusive of food, drink, and a signed copy of the book. For full schedule visit OceanHouseEvents.com

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