SO Rhode Island August 2026

Your Home. Center Stage.

August is the peak of the summer market, and the perfect time to prep for what’s next. If you’re ready to position your home for a standout performance before the fall rush, or if your own house hunt has stalled out, it’s time for a strategy that brings confidence, clarity, and a little star power. Stephen Gaskin

508.991.0151 StephenJGaskin.com @therealtorstephen

Left to right: Emily Olson, Abigail Burnham, Elyse Major (accepting for Jenny Currier Shand), Nick DelGiudice, and Zach Pona

Hey Rhody Media Co. Takes First Place Awards in Design, Photography, Writing

Hey Rhody Media Co., publisher of Rhode Island’s premier lifestyle magazines, including Providence Monthly , So Rhode Island , The Bay , and Hey Rhody , was well represented at this year’s Rhode Island Press Association Awards banquet, held in June. Submissions poured in from member media outlets such as The Boston Globe , The Providence Journal , and Rhode Island Monthly , among others. Hey Rhody Media Co., won a total of seven awards.

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Burnham won two awards: Design: Special Section, 1st Place, for Providence Monthly’ s “Lunch is Back” feature, as well as Design: Best Newspaper Front Page, 2nd Place, for So Rhode Island’ s “The Great Outdoors” piece.

In the Design: Best Cover category, Senior Graphic Designer Taylor Buttie won 2nd Place for the Hey Rhody Weddings issue.

GM and Creative Director Nick DelGiudice won Photography: Food Photo, 1st Place, for Hey Rhody’ s “The Joy of Lunch.” Contributor Zach Pona won Photography: Feature Photo, 3rd Place for The Bay ’s “Mrs. Skipper.”

In the Writing: Food/Dining category, contributor Jenny Currier Shand won 1st Place for “The Return of Going Out for Lunch,” and contributor Emily Olson won 1st Place in Writing: News/Features Columnist.

“We have a small but mighty team!” says Editor-in-Chief Elyse Major. “Warmest congrats to these team members and our valued contributors for their accomplishments!”

FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR

EDITOR IN CHIEF Elyse Major Elyse@HeyRhody.com

ADVERTISING DESIGN DIRECTOR Layheang Meas

MANAGING EDITOR Ken Abrams Ken@HeyRhody.com

SENIOR DESIGNER

Taylor Buttie

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Riana Ouellette

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Jenna Kaplan Jenna@HeyRhody.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

EDITOR Ann Martini Martini@HeyRhody.com

SENIOR EDITORIAL DESIGNER

Abigail Burnham

Theresa S. Carrington South County & East Bay Theresa@HeyRhody.com

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

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

Ann Gallagher South County Ann@HeyRhody.com

Chris Revill Providence Chris@HeyRhody.com

Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

ACCL Marketing Mackenzie Bremges

Victoria Costello

Max England

Karen Kalunian

Erin McGinn Meghan Sepe

Nick DelGiudice Nick@HeyRhody.com Distribution

Honey Buns Social Robert Isenberg

Donna Normand Rhonda Woloohojian

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Luis Hernandez

Robert Isenberg

Patty Jeffrey

Karen Kalunian

Britt Machado

Jonah Major Erin McGinn

Hugh Minor Faye Pantazopoulos

Sarah Toatley

Interested in writing? Email Editorial@HeyRhody.com

Gabriella Cos

Interested in an internship? Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com

Looking for copies?

Visit our offices at Beacon Communications: 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm

Presented by Hey Rhody Media Co. (Formerly Providence Media), publishers of Providence Monthly, The Bay, and Hey Rhody

1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 401-305-3391 • Mail@HeyRhody.com HeyRhody.com

Copyright ©2026 by Hey Rhody Media Co. All rights reserved.

Proud member of the Rhode Island Press Association

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The Scoop

9 250: Small museums share the stories of everyday Rhode Islanders

14 ROADTRIP: A family-friendly shopping destination just over the state line

18 RHODY PETS: Adoptable pets of the month

20 OCEAN STATE MEDIA: Grow Smart RI director on priorities for the state

22 RHODY HEALTH: The importance of having a PCP

24 RHODY GEM: French finds inside a former dairy barn in Wickford

26 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

Home & Style

49 HOME: A minimalist take on coastal farmhouse decor

54 SHOP: Local goods to outfit your coffee bar

56 LEISURE: New app offers day pass to area resort pools

58 MAKER: The Plum Beach artist behind your favorite cafe prints

Feature

61 Rhode Island is the canvas for young filmmakers

Food & Drink

71 EXPERIENCE: Weekapaug restaurant goes all à la cart

78 ROUND UP: Where to savor micro-harvests and coastal views

82 IN THE KITCHEN: A Coventry coffee house is a lesson in following one’s dreams

88 SOUTH COUNTY SCENES

Uncommon Grounds:

Meet the new batch of roasters poring over the state’s signature coffee scene.

Photo courtesy of TLC

Photography by Erin McGinn

Photo courtesy of Jonah Major

cans of pure black iced coffee. Photo courtesy of Dave’s Coffee.

Photo by Elyse Major

THE SCOOP

RI 250 | Road Trip | Rhody Pets | Ocean State Media | Rhody Health | Rhody Gem | Calendar

Living History

As the US celebrates 250 years, heritage museums honor Rhode Island’s diverse narratives

By Robert Isenberg

The first thing you may notice about the Cape Verdean Museum is how big it is; 4,000 square feet is a lot of space. Yet every wall and corner is put to good use: archival photographs depict early immigrants in Rhode Island. Shelves are packed with history books. A handwoven tapestry set festive characters against wave-like shapes. If you’ve never heard of the 1970s R&B group Tavares, you’ll learn how these afro-flaunting brothers were rooted in Providence and New Bedford. Upstairs, classrooms are set aside for learning Cape Verdean Creole, a distinctive blend of Portuguese and West African languages. The space is bright and spotless, and on a weekend afternoon, the exhibition buzzes with visitors.

Photo by Robert Isenberg

The AAPI History Museum is “not static” and offers changing exhibits

SIX PLACES TO EXPLORE

Plan a visit to learn more about local history, culture, and traditions.

The Cape Verdean Museum stands on Prospect Street in Pawtucket, and it’s a prime example of heritage museums that have opened, one by one, across the state. The Tomaquag Museum in Exeter has celebrated Indigenous peoples in what is now southern New England since 1959, and plans are in place for a gleaming new complex on the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston campus when enough funds are raised. The Asian American and Pacific Islander History Museum opened in Providence’s Jewelry District in

early 2025, featuring exhibits and workshops that honor the AAPI experience. Last April, the African American Museum of Rhode Island opened in Providence’s West End.

In each case, an institution sheds light on a sizable ethnic group in Rhode Island that is little known among mainstream residents. Middle schoolers have long expected field trips to Sturbridge Village or Newport’s mansions, where textbook histories come to life. But even lifelong Rhodies might never know

• AAPI HISTORY MUSEUM

Providence, AAPIHistoryMuseum.org

• AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF RHODE ISLAND

Providence, AAM-RI.org

• CAPE VERDEAN MUSEUM

Pawtucket, CapeVerdeanMuseum.org

• FEDERAL HILL HERITAGE CENTER

Providence, HistoricalFederalHill.com

• RHODE ISLAND JEWISH MUSEUM

Providence, RhodeIslandJewishMuseum.net

• TOMAQUAG MUSEUM

Exeter, TomaquagMuseum.org

Ribbon-cutting at the AAPI History Museum in Providence

that Providence once had its own Chinatown, or that New England is home to the largest population of Cape Verdeans outside of their ancestral island chain. If you can’t name more than one pre-Columbian nation that once lived and hunted in Rhode Island’s woodlands, the Tomaquag Museum will quickly catch you up. Interestingly, Executive Director Lorén Spears does not refer to the woven baskets and preserved wampum inside glass cases as “artifacts” but “belongings.”

Photo by Robert Isenberg

The power of each museum lies in its native narration, with spaces and collections curated by members of the communities they represent. For example, before she founded the AAPI History Museum, Jeannie Solomon grew up in Hong Kong and worked as an educator for decades. Similarly, Spears is a born member of the Narragansett Tribe.

The Cape Verdean Museum is a successful trailblazer: In 2005, a government worker named Denise Oliveira opened the original

Cape Verdean Museum, a modest display of archival items from the diaspora. Some 17 years later, the museum moved into its current location, a two-story structure with a bold sign and half-timbered facade that faces a busy intersection. At the grand opening, the recently elected president of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, made it point to attend. Oliveira passed away the next year, but the museum is now thriving under Executive Director José DaMoura.

Representation is not an exact science, of course. Rhode Island’s Jewish heritage is spread out among several small institutions, while the state’s 52,000 Dominicans have no brick-and-mortar museum to date. But all these existing institutions had their naysayers, and emboldened communities have still willed them into being. As the nation celebrates its semiquincentennial, heritage museums are powerful reminders of how diverse a single place can be.

Indigenous belongings on display at the Tomaquag Museum

Photo by Robert Isenberg

Rhody Roadtrip

An easy day trip just over the state line with coastal charm, unique finds, and plenty to wander

By Jenna Kaplan

Cobblestone paths, storybook storefronts, and the soft churn of a waterwheel set the tone before the day even begins. Well under an hour from Narragansett, Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, CT, feels like the kind of place Rhode Islanders instantly understand. It’s charming without trying too hard, a little whimsical, and best explored without a strict plan.

Think of it as a build-your-own day trip. Spread across 22 manicured acres, the Village invites visitors to slow down and wander along tree-lined paths, where more than 50 independently owned shops create a mix that feels closer to Wickford or Bristol than a typical tourist stop. Families stroll with iced coffees in hand, dogs lounge on benches with water bowls waiting nearby, and the duck pond quietly anchors it all. It’s the kind of place where small moments do the heavy lifting. Here’s a simple day trip game plan to get you going. P

hotos courtesy of Olde Mistick Village

Olde Mistick Village is spread across 22 manicured acres with shade trees and paved paths for easy strolling

Start with a wander

Skip the map and follow what catches your eye. With 53 shops to explore, discovery is part of the appeal. Step into Manufaktura for hand-crafted Polish pottery made using centuries-old techniques dating back to the seventh century, then drift into a whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired bookshop that feels like a hidden chapter waiting to be read.

Find the hidden gems

This is where the Village shines. Bestemors stands out as a longtime favorite, stocked with Scandinavian sweaters, jewelry, and one of the largest selections of Dansko clogs in the Northeast. Around the corner, niche boutiques and specialty shops build a sense of place that feels personal rather than polished.

Dogs are always invited at Olde Mistick Village, and most merchants even put out a water bowl as a welcome sign

DR. LETITIA HORRIGAN, DO DEANNA WRIGHT, MSN, AGNP-C, BSN

Shoppers can relax around the duck pond and waterwheel, and feeding the ducks is always fun for kids

Pause for lunch

Settle in at Trattoria Amalfi, where fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and house-made pasta anchor the menu. Recently ranked among the top 1 percent of restaurants worldwide by TripAdvisor, it’s the kind of spot that turns a casual day trip into something a little more memorable. Not quite ready for a full meal? Grab something quick and keep moving; the Village makes it easy to follow your appetite.

Catch the Village in motion

Seasonal events bring an extra layer of energy without overwhelming the experience. The annual Garlic Festival returns September 19-20 with more than 50 vendors, and the Apple Festival takes over in October. Throughout the year, live music at the gazebo adds a gentle, steady rhythm to the day.

End by the water

Before heading out, circle back to the pond. Kids gather to feed the ducks, couples settle onto benches, and the pace slows just enough to make you forget how close to home you are. It’s a simple ending, but it’s part of what keeps people coming back.

For Rhode Islanders, Olde Mistick Village hits that sweet spot between familiar and just far enough away. It’s an easy escape that doesn’t ask for much planning, just a little curiosity and a willingness to wander. Spend a few hours or stretch it into the afternoon. Either way, it delivers the kind of low-key charm that earns a spot on the repeat list. Learn more at OldeMistickVillage.com

6196 POST ROAD NORTH KINGSTOWN

Rhody Pets of the Month

By Karen Kalunian

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and 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 Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

CALVIN

BREED: Mixed

AGE: 3 years

GENDER: Male

Are you ready for some action? Well, so is Calvin, a smart boy with a zest for life who wants to learn all of the tricks. He is looking for a home where someone will continue to work with him and help him blossom. If you fell in love with his great big smile and want to learn more about how you can meet him, please contact Celebrate Rescue. Calvin will be ready to run right into your heart and home.

CELEBRATE RESCUE celebraterescue401@gmail.com; 401-524-9071

CHEWY

BREED: Siamese mix

AGE: 5 years

GENDER: Male

This beautiful blue-eyed boy will captivate you with his stunning looks! Chewy is searching for an adult home with experienced cat owners. He’d love to find the sunny spot in your home and be a part of your world. Treats are one way to his heart – along with your time, love, and affection. Chewy needs to be your one and only prince; he will truly be all you will want and need. Reach out to Scruffy Paws if you think Chewy is the one for you.

SCRUFFY PAWS ANIMAL RESCUE Contact@scruffypawsanimalrescue.org

Calvin Chewy

Photo (L and center) by Karen Kalunian

BREED: Cocker spaniel-mix

AGE: 8 years

GENDER: Female

Meet Luna, a playful and lovable spaniel-mix with a fluffy, chocolate-brown coat, whitetipped paws, and a face that will surely make you smile every day. She is best suited for an adult-only home with no other pets. Luna loves to play outside, so a fenced-in yard would be ideal. She has chronic ear issues, so please keep that in mind. The shelter can share more about her ear care when you visit. Otherwise, all Luna needs is a comfy spot in your orbit.

As RI faces Population Decline, Can More Housing, Better Transportation Lure People to the Ocean State?

Scott Wolf, executive director of Grow Smart RI, says the state’s lack of action on transportation and housing could threaten its ability to stave off projected population loss

In Partnership with Ocean State Media • OceanStateMedia.org • By

Luis Hernandez

For the past 27 years, Scott Wolf has served as executive director of Grow Smart RI. The nonprofit think tank plays a critical role in helping to develop creative policy solutions to a number of challenging issues, including housing, transportation and downtown development. Wolf is stepping down at the end of the year. He joined Ocean State Media morning host Luis Hernandez to reflect on his tenure with Grow Smart RI, and to preview the organization’s Power of Place Summit, held last month at the Rhode Island School of Design.

On the initiative he’s most proud of supporting during his tenure at Grow Smart RI

WOLF: First among equals is the state historic tax credit, which we played a lead role in getting established and have promoted and defended and seen it through excellent times and some more challenging times. The reason why I think that’s the most significant initiative during my tenure is its on the ground impact throughout Rhode Island. It has facilitated the rehabilitation of 324 vacant or underutilized historic buildings throughout Rhode Island. And those rehab projects are bringing new life, new jobs, and new housing to many downtowns and main streets in Rhode Island (and) represent an investment in the state, cumulatively, of $2 billion. So that is an incredible impact. I think it’s the best community and economic development tool Rhode Island has seen in a quarter century.

On the lack of improvements to the state’s public transportation system in recent years

WOLF: It’s a source of much frustration. The positive thing I think we’ve accomplished is getting us a well-vetted, robust, long-term plan to dramatically improve transit service established as a blueprint. Obviously, more

than half the battle is implementing the blueprint and we haven’t seen much action on that. I think that the fact that not many Rhode Islanders currently use transit reduces the political imperative that leaders feel to fund that system more adequately. They’re not looking much at the potential of transit, a better funded system with more frequency, more duration. They’re just looking at it as a status quo thing that’s more of an obligation than an opportunity. And we think it’s an incredible housing, economic development, and economic mobility opportunity if funded appropriately. It’s a chicken-and-egg problem because one of the main reasons why more people aren’t using (RIPTA service) is that it’s not convenient for people who have a choice. In most cases, there are a few routes where it’s as quick as auto travel, but in the vast majority of routes, traveling by car is quicker. That’s due to a number of reasons, including the lack of frequency of service, the lack of duration of service and not much service at night or on the weekends. And the antidote to that is largely funding. So if we don’t have more funding to make the system a more viable option for more people, we’re going to continue to have this very suboptimal transportation situation.

On Grow Smart RI’s priorities

WOLF: We need to continue to forge ahead with creative approaches to what I would call “location-efficient housing development” to make it imperative that communities allow more housing in places where infrastructure and services exist. (Former Rhode Island House Speaker) Joe Shekarchi and others have championed that approach, and it’s starting to pay off with the increased number of housing permits in the state during the last year. I think another thing that we need to be looking at as a state is the fact that we’re projected to have a population decline over

RIPTA implemented service cuts in September 2025

the next several decades. I don’t think that’s a foregone conclusion, but I think if we don’t change our attitude about housing and change our attitudes about transit, those sobering predictions may come to pass.

What I’m most concerned about regarding the population projections I see is not the aggregate prediction of decline, but the prediction that our urban and town centers are going to have a decline. I think it’s important that we have population growth in the areas that can best accommodate it. If that growth is

Photo courtesy of Raquel Zaldívar / The New England News

Collaborative

happening in areas that can’t accommodate it, then that’s kind of a classic sprawl scenario that we’ve been fighting against for 28 years with some success. If we want to attract and retain young talent, we need a better transit system because we’re competing for those people with other jurisdictions that offer a much better transit system.

This article was originally posted on June 26, 2026. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@oceanstatemedia.org.

➤ Neck Pain

➤ Numbness

➤ Herniated Discs

➤ Peripheral Neuropathy

➤ Leg Pain

➤ Arm Pain

➤ Tingling

➤ Sciatica ➤ Stenosis

Primary care creates a strong foundation for better health and wellness

In partnership with South County Health

By Sarah Toatley

W Rhody Health

hen it comes to living a healthier life, having a trusted primary care provider can make all the difference. Primary care serves as the front door to the healthcare system, offering comprehensive, personalized care that supports individuals through every stage of life. From preventive screenings and vaccinations to managing both acute and chronic conditions and addressing mental health concerns, primary care providers play a critical role in helping patients stay healthy, informed, and empowered. Primary Care Providers Taryn Carbone and Diane McKeeff provide their insight.

Prevention starts with primary care

One of the most important benefits of primary care is its focus on prevention. Regular checkups allow providers to identify potential health concerns before they become serious problems. These visits also ensure patients stay current on recommended vaccinations, screenings, and routine tests that help protect long-term health. Primary care providers can assess risk factors, discuss family health history, and recommend preventive measures tailored to each patient’s needs. Family Nurse Practitioner Taryn Carbone reflects on one of primary care’s greatest values being prevention. “Preventive care is one of the most effective tools we have to help patients avoid serious illness and maintain their health over time,” says Carbone.

Supporting mental and emotional well-being

Primary care is about more than physical health. Increasingly, primary care providers serve as an important first point of contact for mental health concerns. Routine visits often include screenings for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and

stress-related issues, helping identify concerns early and connect patients with appropriate support. Because primary care providers often build long-term relationships with patients, they are well-positioned to notice changes in mood, behavior, or overall well-being that may warrant additional attention. As Carbone states, “mental health is a critical part of overall health, and primary care provides a safe, trusted environment to start those conversations.”

An advocate for your overall health

For Nurse Practitioner Diane McKeeff, a lot comes together under the umbrella of primary care. “Our role is to help patients navigate their healthcare journey and make sure every part

of their care works together to support their goals,” she says. A primary care provider helps coordinate care across specialists, treatments, and services, ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time. They often serve as advocates, helping patients understand their options, make informed decisions, and manage complex health needs.

Partnering with patients to achieve health goals

Whether someone wants to lose weight, lower blood pressure, improve nutrition, increase physical activity, or better manage a chronic condition, primary care providers offer guidance and support tailored to individual goals.

Diane McKeeff, APRN, consults with a patient

By developing personalized care plans and monitoring progress over time, providers help patients make sustainable changes that can improve both short-term and long-term health outcomes.

A provider who knows you – and listens

Perhaps the greatest value of primary care is the relationship itself. Primary care providers gain a deep understanding of their patients’ medical histories, lifestyles, concerns, and priorities. As healthcare continues to evolve, primary care remains a cornerstone of overall wellness. By focusing on prevention, supporting mental health, advocating for patients, and building trusted relationships, primary care providers help individuals lead healthier, more informed lives.

MEET T H E TEAM

TARYN CARBONE Family Nurse Practitioner

DIANE MCKEEFF, APRN Assistant Medical Director, Primary Care, South County Health

SOUTH COUNTY HEALTH

100 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield 401-782-8000 • SouthCountyHealth.org

COURTHOUSE

CENTER FOR THE ARTS

FRIDAY, JULY 31 • 7:30PM FLEETWOOD MACKED FLEETWOOD MAC

SATURDAY, AUGUST • 1:00PM HARRY CHAPIN, GOLDEN LIGHTFOOT CAT STEVENS, TOM DIMENNA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 • 7:30PM BLUSHING BRIDES ROLLING STONES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 • 7:00PM SAINTS IN THE CITY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 • 5PM ERIC LUTES GALLERY OPENING

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 • 7PM ANNIE POWELL & FRIENDS COMEDY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 • 7:30PM JON POUSETTE-DART WITH JIM CHAPDELAIRE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 • 7:30PM JON POUSETTE DART WITH JIM CHAPDELAINE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 • 1PM SCOTT ALLAN - MEDIUMTHROUGH THE VEIL

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 • 7:00PM YESTERDAY ONCE MORE THE CARPENTERS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 • 1:30PM AWARD WINNING DAN FONTAINE ELVIS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 • 7:30PM RETRO FLOYD PINK FLOYD

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 • 7:30PM LoVe SeXy PRINCE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 • 1:30PM & 7:00PM STUDIO TWO - 2 SHOWS! BEATLES

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 1:30PM CHRIS JASON & JOELLE RIGHETTI SINATRA & FRIENDS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 7:30PM NOTHING BUT THE BEST SINATRA & FRIENDS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 7:30PM EVERYONE WANTS SOME VAN HALEN

3481 Kingstown Road West Kingston • (401)-782-1018 CourthouseArts.org

My Paris Maison

Home decor

What it is:

A French-inspired home and garden shop.

Where to find it:

Follow the path behind Wickford Gourmet Factory Outlet until you see a shingled cottage with a green window. The green “open” flag confirms you found it!.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

My Paris Maison is the latest enterprise of Toni Chandler and Will Dewey, entrepreneurs with eyes for beauty via a distinctly French lens. The former shingled dairy barn that most recently housed the first iteration of Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage – as well as an earlier version of Chandler’s shop – has connected with the adjacent property, resulting in a large inviting space with brocante vibes. Francophiles will enjoy exploring artful displays of antique furnishings and Brimfield finds, mixed with new accents, paper goods, textiles, and provisions in every nook and corner. Potted plants, topiaries, and flowers, too. “Every piece tells a story,” says Chandler. “Merci to our wonderful customers for your support, loyalty, and love for My Paris Maison,” she said at the late-spring opening. “You are the heart of everything we do.”

My Paris Maison

25 West Main Road North Kingstown MyParisMaison.com

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

by

Photo

Elyse Major

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The Must List

For weekly Musts, subscribe to our newsletter at HeyRhody.com

August 28-30: Don your best cloak or corset when the Ocean State Renaissance Faire returns for year two. The weekend of revelry includes enchanting entertainment, food, sea shanties, peddlers, and a costume contest. Wakefield, TheContemporaryTheater.com

Through August 15: The Tony Award-winning production Titanic, The Broadway Musical , tells the captivating story of the maiden journey of the doomed ship, and the passengers who traveled on the fateful voyage. Wakefield, TheatreByTheSea.com

Through August 29: The Jamestown Arts Center presents A Celebration of Trees , a multi-media group exhibition showcasing the beauty and mystery of trees, curated by Laurie Dolphin, on exhibit Wednesdays-Saturdays. Jamestown, JamestownArtCenter.org

August 1,15: The hands-on, educational, and exploratory experience with Salt Pond Safaris at the Ninigret Wildlife Refuge introduces your family to the world of various aquatic creatures that make the salt ponds their home. Charlestown, SaltPondsCoalition.org

August 2: The Country Music Festival at the General Stanton Inn features locals Jake Hunsinger, Nick Casey, and Country Wild Hearts under the tent, plus beer, BBQ, and a variety of vendors. Don’t forget to pack your lawn chair. Charlestown, TheGeneralStantonInn.com

August 4, 18: Enjoy a tour of the harbor on a Hobie Eclipse Pedalboard , followed by a fish taco dinner. Find your balance on these floating stair-steppers and get in a great workout with a fabulous view. Wickford, KayakCentre.com

August 5, 19: Movies on the Beach is a relaxing evening at Narragansett Town Beach with family-friendly favorites including Zootopia (Aug. 5) and Minions (Aug 19). Screenings start at dusk. Narragansett, Narragansettri.gov

August 7-9: Bring a hearty appetite to the 41st Annual Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival , for delicious seafood plus a variety of crafts, rides, rock climbing, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Charlestown, CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com

August 12-16: The 60th annual Washington County Fair celebrates rural heritage with food, entertainment, and lots of family fun, including livestock shows, midway rides, and tractor and truck pulls. Richmond, Washington County Fair-RI.com

August 28: The Wickford Art Association presents Color Me Green , an exhibit that celebrates the unique interpretations of the color green by artists across all media. Observe creative talent that symbolizes nature, renewal, and emotion. Wickford, SouthCountyRI.com

Photo by Max England Photography, courtesy of OSRF

The Ocean State Renaissance Faire

Uncommon Grounds

Meet the new batch of roasters poring over procuring the best cup of Joe possible

BY ANN MARTINI

In the early 1800’s, French novelist Honoré de Balzac dramatically wrote that coffee “sets ideas into motion like battalions of a grand army marching toward their legendary battlefield.” The literary giant was so devoted to caffeine that he reportedly consumed as many as 50 cups a day – and when he ran out of water, he ate the grounds. Read that again. “Coffee lover” might be an understatement. Since the first coffee café opened in Paris in the 1600s, coffee has evolved from a beverage that fuels us into a lifestyle, a gathering place, and a form of self-expression. Few people understand

that better than Providence-based marketing and communications professional Cristy Raposo, whose passion for local coffee inspired her to create the social media platform #CoffeeWithCristy, where she highlights cafés and coffee shops throughout the state. “Growing up, I loved the smell of the Folgers coffee my Portuguese grandmother brewed in her percolator,” Raposo says. “I knew that when coffee was brewing, company was coming. Coffee became associated with family, conversation, laughter, and connection. Coffee gives people a reason to slow down and connect.”

Morning lattes at Reprise Coffee & Vittles, Providence

Photo by

Photo (top) by Mackenzie Bremges, (bottom) by Erin McGinn

Sip by the salt pond at Java Madness, Wakefield

Specialty roasts by Stephen Miller at Coventry’s Longshore Coffee

Rhode Island’s relationship with coffee runs deep. The beverage exploded in popularity with the arrival of Italian immigrants in the late 1800’s. And since then, New Englanders consistently rank among the nation’s most enthusiastic coffee drinkers. Rhode Islanders consume roughly two cups per person each day, according to the National Coffee Association, which also reports that beyond the caffeine boost, a growing body of research suggests that regular coffee consumption may even offer health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and increased longevity.

You can’t talk about coffee in the Ocean State without mentioning the Massachusetts-born Dunkin’ Donuts. With one of the highest concentrations of Dunkin’ locations in the country, Rhode Island has embraced the brand as part of its daily routine. While Starbucks, whose star is now waning, built its reputation around lingering over handcrafted drinks, Dunkin’ has long positioned itself as the fuel of the working day – quick, familiar, and accessible. Yet both have played an important role in shaping how Rhode Islanders experience coffee, helping turn a simple daily habit into a defining part of the state’s culture.

Today, Rhode Island’s coffee scene extends far beyond the major chains. Independent cafés and specialty roasters across the state are elevating the conversation, exploring the nuances of origin, processing, roasting, and brewing. Rhode Island has about 500 independent coffee cafes, many that roast their own beans. Transforming a humble green coffee bean into a cup layered with flavor, aroma, and character is both an art and a science. Factors such as growing region, elevation, processing method, bean variety, and sourcing practices all influence the final flavor long before roasting even begins. The roaster’s role is to unlock those unique qualities, bringing out everything from bright citrus notes to rich chocolate undertones. Fortunately, Rhode Island is home to a passionate community of coffee roasters who have devoted themselves to mastering this craft, ensuring every cup reflects the very best each bean has to offer.

The bright orange Dave’s Coffee logo is familiar to most Rhode Islanders, either because they see the company’s coffee milk on grocery store shelves or visit one of their two cafes in Providence and Charlestown. “At Dave’s Coffee, our mission is to help our customers make lasting memories,” owner David Lanning explains. “We believe coffee is more than just a drink; it creates feelings and connections.” Whether it’s a quiet morning alone or a bustling table of friends, the goal is the same: “to be the bridge that helps you make fresh memories every day.” That emphasis on experience over complexity sets the tone for a brand focused on a sense of place. While they honor responsible sourcing and careful roasting, they’re more interested in how coffee lives in people’s daily rituals than in technical precision. “We don’t focus on complicated or technical details. Instead, we care about how our coffee makes people feel,” Lanning says.

For many Rhode Islanders, that feeling is intertwined with something uniquely local: coffee milk. “As a lifelong Rhode Islander, coffee milk holds a special place in my heart,” Lanning says, recalling childhood memories of the sweet, creamy drink that became the official state beverage in 1993. Its roots trace back to immigrant communities in the 1930s, when families blended sweetened coffee syrup with milk to create something both familiar and celebratory for children and adults alike. Dave’s Coffee continues that legacy, refining it with specialty-grade cold-brewed coffee and pure cane sugar. Beyond the cup, there’s gratitude for the community itself.

“It amazes me that people wait in long lines, patiently and happily, to support their local coffee shops,” the team says. “It really shows how communities come together.” With cafés in Providence and Charlestown, plus local retail partners and nationwide shipping, Dave’s Coffee has grown without losing its grounding principle: connection over competition.

“If you worry too much about competing, you can lose sight of your own identity,” Lanning says. “It’s a wonderful community to be part of.”

Photos courtesy of Dave’s Coffee

Dave’s has been roasting coffee since 2009; locations in Providence and Charlestown

RHODY RESOURCES

Places around the state to get the freshest cup and more.

• All Favorites Cafe, Cranston

• Apothica Cafe, Cumberland

• Arabella’s, Wakefield

• Beach Rose Cafe, Charlestown

• Bloom Patisserie, Warwick

• Borealis Coffee, Bristol, Pawtucket, Riverside

• Bucket & the Bean, North Kingstown

• Cafe 1888, Westerly

• Cafe Alma, East Providence

• Cafe Richmond, Providence

• Cafe Water Street, Warren

• CHOP, Providence

• Coastal Roasters, Tiverton

• Coffee Exchange, Providence

• The Coffee Guy, Narragansett

• Cold Brook Cafe, North Scituate

• Dave’s Coffee, Charlestown, Providence

• Eastside Bagel Company, Providence

• Fresh Cup Coffee, Westerly

• Fuel Coffee Bar, Narragansett

Continued on next page...

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4

ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES

FUTUREBIRDS • DONNA THE BUFFALO KINDRED VALLEY • LOS TEXMANIACS

SONS OF LEVIN • PAUL GABRIEL BLUES BAND • PLANET ZYDECO

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

TOWER OF POWER • MARGO PRICE

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY • JOHNNY MULLENAX LOS TEXMANIACS • DONNA THE BUFFALO WARD HAYDEN & THE OUTLIERS • KNICKERBOCKER ALL-STARS

THE QUAHOGS • THE ALPACA GNOMES CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6

THE DEVIL MAKES THREE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND • ROOMFUL OF BLUES QUINN SULLIVAN • THE SUITCASE JUNKET JASON INGRISELLI & THE MILES NORTH CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE

SUNDAY SCHOOL WITH CHRISTINE OHLMAN & REBEL MONTEZ FEAT. THE SIN SISTERS & FRANK VIELE

PERFORMING DAILY

STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS PINE LEAF BOYS • OLD-FASHIONED ACES RUBEN MORENO

3 stages | covered dance floor

beer & wine | onsite camping food & craft vendors

In the state’s ever-evolving coffee galaxy, a quiet story of craft, community, and persistence brews behind the East Bay counter at a pair of beloved cafés and a roastery shaped by husband-and-wife owners Brian and Jessie Dwiggins: the brand that is Borealis Coffee. Brian’s journey began far from New England, in Anchorage, Alaska, where early exposure to specialty coffee arrived before the wider American coffee boom. The seeds of a future business were planted early, but it wasn’t until years later – after meeting Jessie in college in Colorado and eventually relocating to Cumberland – that those ambitions began to take form.

While working as a lighting technician, Brian began home roasting small batches and bringing them to set. Word spread quickly. “People started talking about the guy who roasts his own coffee,” Jessie says. At its core, Jessie says, the mission was simple. “The goal was roasting his own beans and owning a coffee shop. He just started, kept going, and stayed alert for opportunities to grow along the way.” Today, the cafés reflect that same sense of momentum and community. From commuters grabbing morning coffee to RWU students studying for hours, knitters and mahjong groups who return weekly, and bike path visitors lingering on patios, each space carries its own rhythm. “We see people working on their ideas or taking a break for themselves,” Brian says. “Coffee gives us a moment of connection with ourselves and others.”

That sense of connection extends into music, workshops, and education – from jazz nights and improv performances to cupping sessions and brewing classes.

“Education has always been a part of our mission,” Jessie explains, “because coffee is an agricultural product, and there’s so much work that goes into its production.” Enthusiasts can even see “where the sausage is made,” with a visit to the Borealis roastery in Pawtucket. Even the smallest details at the Borealis cafes are intentional: house-made syrups, seasonal pastries, and a full evening menu of cocktails and bar snacks that many guests are surprised to discover. “We’ve seen their curiosity for great coffee grow,” says Brian. “We get some really unique single-origin coffees in, some with unusual tasting notes, and people are always up for trying them – they may not always love them, but they’ll try them.”

Photos by Honey Buns Social, courtesy of Borealis Coffee

Borealis’ Brian Dwiggins at work

The Aurora Bar at Borealis Brisol

Continued from previous page...

• Hive Bar at Jordan’s Jungle, Pawtucket

• Java Madness, Wakefield

• Junk N Java, Westerly

• LaSalle Bakery, Providence

• Lighthouse Coffee Roasters & Cafe, North Kingstown

• Nana’s, Westerly

• New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Providence

• North Koffee, North Kingstown

• Onshore Brewing, Little Compton

• Phantom Farms, Cumberland

• Queen of Cups, Narragansett

• Red, White, & Brew Coffeehouse, Warwick

• Reprise Coffee & Vittles, Providence

• Rhody Hen Cafe, East Providence, Pawtucket, North Providence

• Sophie’s Brewhouse, Exeter

• Standards, Jamestown

• Sunset Cove, Portsmouth

• Sweet Althea’s, Wakefield

• Sydney, Providence

• Tamp, Bristol

• TLC Coffee Roasters, West Kingston

• Yumi Bar, Providence

Set along the Sakonnet River in Tiverton’s Old Stone Bridge district, as Coastal Roasters approaches its 25th anniversary, its story reads like a love letter to coffee, community, and resilience. The café opened its doors in July 2002, but the vision began years earlier, when co-founders Donald and Lisa Machado first became captivated by roasting coffee

while living in Alexandria, Virginia. “We were frequenting a coffee shop with a working roaster out in the open for customers to see,” current owner Lisa Machado recalls. That spark followed them to Tiverton, where home experiments soon followed. “We were roasting our own coffee at home in a Whirley Popcorn maker, sharing with friends and family.”

Photography by Gabriella

Cos

Tiverton hot-spot, Coastal Roasters

Artwork © Azin Majooni

What began as a dream to leave corporate life and build something rooted in craft quickly accelerated when a lucky break aligned with preparation. A future café space located in Tiverton became available. “We were lucky enough to acquire the lease,” Lisa Machado says. The café offers more than coffee – it offers a view, a pause, and a sense of place. The waterfront patio remains a gathering point where guests sip lattes, matcha, or drip coffee as boats drift by. Sadly, Donald passed away in 2022. But his legacy endures here thanks to his family and the Coastal Roasters team. The café still roasts on its original Diedrich

IR-12, a fully manual machine that reflects its philosophy: no shortcuts, just skill and attention. Today, roasting is led by head roaster and his second wife, Adriana Machado, continuing the craft tradition that has defined the business for decades.

But the heart of Coastal Roasters has always been its people. “It’s a family vibe, from our small crew to our community and beyond,” Lisa Machado says. Many baristas have stayed for years, learning regulars’ names, drink orders, and even their dogs. “They make it their mission to make customers feel at home and welcome.” With every cup, Coastal Roasters also

by Gabriella

Coastal Roasters supports honey producers in Guataemala via Every Bean Counts

A specialty latte topped with cold foam and cocoa powder at Coastal Roasters

Photography

Cos

gives back, supporting Fair Trade farming initiatives in Guatemala through donations tied to every pour and pound sold. “Coffee and community go hand in hand for us, locally and globally,” Lisa Machado says.

Not far from URI in West Kingston, inside the café at TLC Coffee Roasters, the aroma drifts from an on-site roaster where the roasting team brings each batch to life. According to Jill Querceto, who owns the shop with her husband Jim, TLC carefully sources beans from small estate farms around the world,

prioritizing organic and sustainable growers, and partnering with Rainforest Alliance-certified producers. For them, sourcing is not a marketing phrase – it is a guiding ethic.

Once the green coffee arrives from origins across South America, Central America, Africa, Indonesia, and India, the transformation begins. At roughly 500 degrees inside a rotating drum, the beans develop through heat, airflow, and time. Moisture is released, sugars caramelize, and the unmistakable “first crack” signals the moment when raw seed becomes aromatic coffee. The goal is balance rather than

TLC Coffee Roasters in West Kingston has a menu of cafe classics

Photos courtesy of TLC

Spill the Beans

10 popular drinks demystified.

• Americano: Equal parts espresso and hot water.

• Café au Lait: Equal parts coffee and steamed or scalded milk.

• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, with milk foam on top.

• Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours and then filtered.

• Cortado: Two ounces of espresso and two ounces of steamed milk.

• Espresso: Concentrated coffee made by forcing water through finely ground beans.

• Iced Coffee: Regular coffee poured over ice.

• Latte: Espresso and steamed milk is topped with a layer of foam.

• Macchiato: A concentrated espresso shot marked with a small amount of steamed or foamed milk.

• Nitro Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen for creamy texture.

NURTURING CHILDHOOD

Meaningful learning, time in nature, and purposeful work inspire children to think creatively, grow with confidence, and develop empathy for the world around them.

Learn more about our educational approach and our 28-acre woodland campus at meadowbrookschool.com.

TLC Coffee Roasters was established in 1999

dominance. The hands-on approach to roasting and high-quality sourcing makes the best coffee. At TLC, roasting happens daily –sometimes all day – to keep pace with demand. But TLC is not only a roastery; it is a gathering place. With ample seating, free WiFi, and a steady hum of regulars, the café serves roughly 700 customers daily, most of them familiar faces. The kitchen extends the same philosophy: made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, panini, soups,

salads, and an array of pastries baked fresh each day.

Flavored coffees, from sea salt caramel mocha to French toast, are created using as many locally sourced natural extracts infused into freshly roasted beans. Here, customization and care are as important as consistency. “At the end of the day, we hope people leave with more than a great cup of coffee,” Querceto says. “We hope they leave feeling welcomed, cared for, and connected.”

TLC is five minutes from the URI campus

Photo courtesy of TLC

A Barista’s Tale

The basics of coffee inform each enjoyable brew at this mornings-only spot

While the chefs of a noodle bar on Providence’s Luongo Square begin their day prepping for dinner in the back, the front of house is bustling with a different service – coffee. The barstools are occupied by patrons lingering over their first morning espresso while baristas pour cappuccinos rather than cocktails. This is the kismet of Pickerel and Reprise Coffee & Vittles – two distinct establishments under one roof, and the transformation is literally day and night. The dream arrangement took shape when Nick Berry realized his passion for serving the perfect cuppa needed its own venue. The former Nitro Bar barista honed his craft at the hopping Broadway location, where he was immersed in all things coffee, from training other baristas on traditional drinks to developing buzzy specials.

“I wanted to create a place that really focuses on the basics of coffee,” elaborates Berry. All of the shop’s brews are made with single-origin coffee from Berry’s friend, Justin Enis. Well-known for his tenure at Bolt Coffee, Enis was just starting to heat things up with his business, Enjoy Coffee Roasters,

around the same time Reprise opened. “Along with a rotating batch of single origins, house-made syrups, and – from what I’m told – a cult-like following for limited merch drops, there’s so much more to be seen from us on all fronts. We take things slow and try to iron out any creases before we make a move so that we can ensure quality and satisfaction,” says Berry.

The barista-turned-entrepreneur cites their basil vanilla house-made syrup as one of his personal favorites – a simple syrup made with fresh basil, vanilla, and lemon. “It’s a flavor combination that isn’t seen with coffee and the community has really gone crazy for it,” he says. “We also introduced our Big Star cold brew to the menu, a strawberry co-fermented coffee that is absolutely mind bending. The cold brew process rounds out the acidity and leaves you with a big strawberry flavor without tasting artificial, processed, or needing any milk or sugar,” says Berry. “It really is the coffee of the summer.” 3 Luongo Square, Thursday-Monday, 7am-1pm, @reprisepvd – Abbie Lahmers & Elyse Major

is open Thursday-Monday from 7am-1pm

by

Photo (L) by

Marketing, courtesy of Reprise

Reprise

Photo (L)

ACCL Marketing, courtesy of Reprise

RHODY ROASTERS

Even more bagged local brands to try for your new home brew.

• Bolt Coffee Co. Roastery

• Cooper’s Cask Coffee

• Downeast Coffee Roasters

• Enjoy Coffee Roasters

• Lighthouse Coffee Roasters

• The Lil’ Rhody Coffee Company

• Longshore

• Mills Coffee Roasting Co.

• New Harvest Coffee Roasters

• Roast House & Richard Alan Coffee Roasters

• Seaworthy Coffee Roasters

• Springline Coffee

• Tropics of Coffee

Nick Berry prepares a latte

HOME & STYLE

Home | Shop | Leisure | Maker

Coastal by Design

A former horse pasture becomes a sophisticated farmhouse with nods to both coasts

By Ann Martini

by

Some people discover their life’s calling in a classroom. For Karin Dillahey, it emerged through a series of homes scattered across the country. Here, on a quiet lane in Middletown, surrounded by historic stone walls, wild beach roses, and the distant cacophony of waves crashing against the rocks at nearby Pebble Beach, the Dillahey family home feels as though it has always belonged to the landscape. The quintessential farmhouse – with its welcoming wraparound porch, generous entertaining spaces, and understated elegance – is the culmination of years of creative exploration and a deep appreciation for coastal Rhode Island.

Photo

When Karin and BJ Dillahey purchased the 1.5-acre property in March 2020, it was little more than a former horse pasture. But Karin immediately saw something more. “I had the perfect Aquidneck Island canvas for my most exciting project to date,” she says. For Dillahey, the home represents more than a personal residence. It is the realization of a passion that eventually became her design firm,

KJO Design Co. Her path to interior design was anything but traditional. After arriving at Johnson & Wales University in 1999 with plans to play soccer and enjoy college life, she pursued a degree in marketing and launched a successful career in the beverage industry. Yet creativity was always simmering beneath the surface.

Years later, a series of corporate relocations for her husband’s career would unexpectedly shape

her future. In Lincoln, the couple built their first custom home. A move to St. Louis inspired another build. Atlanta followed, where Karin designed a striking brick Tudor nestled among towering tulip poplar trees. Upon returning to Rhode Island in 2017, the family undertook a complete renovation of a property in Newport’s Fifth Ward neighborhood. With every project, Dillahey’s passion for design deepened. By 2019, as the family

A salvaged door from a NH farm infuses history to the new kitchen

searched for more space, she found herself fielding requests for design advice from friends and acquaintances. The timing felt right. As plans for the Middletown farmhouse began taking shape, Dillahey officially launched KJO Design Co. The home became both a family retreat and a showcase of her design philosophy. Inspired by the property’s natural beauty, Dillahey kept the palette intentionally

restrained. Soft whites, warm creams, natural wood tones, leather, jute, and seagrass create a calm backdrop that allows texture to take center stage. Deep charcoal accents and earthy honed soapstone add contrast and sophistication without disrupting the home’s relaxed atmosphere. “I wanted it to feel unlike anything else being done locally while still being comfortable, casual, and cool,” she

Karin Dillahey embodies the vibes of her interior designs

explains. “I wanted it to embody coastal New England without being too literal.”

Throughout the home, thoughtful details elevate the design beyond the expected. In the living room, a dramatic custom fireplace anchors the space. Dillahey collaborated closely with Wakefield-based master plasterer Jason Howard of J.H. Home Improvement to create a statement hearth framed by understated inset bookshelves. Suspended overhead is an oversized chandelier crafted from irregular lengths of white wood and wire – a sculptural focal point that manages to feel both rustic

and refined. The kitchen showcases one of Dillahey’s favorite design decisions. Handmade Moroccan Zellige tile brings organic texture and character to the backsplash. Captivated by the imperfect edges of each tile, she made the unconventional decision to leave them ungrouted. “The edges were so beautiful and organic,” she says. “I didn’t want to take away from the character of each imperfect square.”

While every KJO Design Co project has its own personality, Dillahey acknowledges that Rhode Island’s coastline quietly influences all her work. Rather than relying on obvious

Get Rhody Style

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

Infuse Whimsy

“Having one-of-a-kind pieces and remembering where each one came from helps create a home that feels authentic,” says Dillahey. Unexpected acquisitions add humor and personality, including a beloved photograph of Chewbacca surfing at Mackerel Cove – an unexpected accent discovered in a Jamestown liquor store.

Treasure Hunt

Vintage items sourced from Facebook Marketplace contribute another layer of character. For Dillahey, the appeal extends beyond the objects themselves. “I find so much on Facebook marketplace while meeting great neighbors and learning their stories. Having one-of-a-kind items with a memory of thrifting each one really sets the tone for an inviting, locally inspired home,” Dillahey says.

Start Small

In addition to larger-scale projects, Dillahey offers a single-room refresh service. The package includes a 45 minute site visit and a customized follow-up plan. Learn more at KJODesignCo.com

nautical themes, she incorporates subtle references to place through texture, color, and carefully curated collections. That sense of authenticity is what ultimately defines the farmhouse. While the architecture feels timeless and the interiors effortlessly sophisticated, the home never takes itself too seriously. It is a place designed for gathering, storytelling, and everyday living. Much like the landscape that inspired it, the house balances beauty and comfort with ease – a reflection of both its coastal setting and the creative vision of the family who calls it home.

P hoto by Meghan Sepe, courtesy of KJO Design

The cloche pendant lamp made of palm leaves brings big style to the small breakfast nook

Signature Sips

Drinkable experiences from ale to tea

By Britt Machado

Rhode Island’s celebrated dining scene is now being joined by

truly a powerhouse in its own right. Around the Ocean State, you’ll find incredible beverage experiences, ranging from trendy tea services to award-winning bars that feature curated non-alcoholic selections. This diverse array of options extends to your home as well, whether you are looking to elevate a celebration or find wellness and harmony through a healthy sip. No matter the occasion, your perfect drink and accoutrements are never far away.

Aquidneck Honey Bee Pollen

McQuades Market

Jamestown | AquidneckHoney.com

Chipmunk Cream Sugar Set

Peter Pots Pottery West Kingstown | PeterPots.com

Cocktail Lifter Table by Giossi & Kuhn JohnnyCakes Design

Providence | JohnnyCakesDesign.com

RIFC Pale Ale

The Guild Brewing Co. Warren | TheGuildWarren.com

House-blended Loose-leaf Tea (Bag or Tin) Schastea

Providence | Schastea.com

Vintner’s Select Pinot Gris

Newport Vineyards Middletown | NewportVineyards.com

Simon Pearce Ice Bucket

The Green Door East Greenwich | TheGreenDoorRI.com

FUEL COFFEE BAR

Dive Into Luxury

Enjoy day access to resort pools, no overnight booking required

By Faye Pantazopoulos

There’s something undeniably satisfying about spending a summer day by the pool: the warm sun on your shoulders, a cold drink within reach, and the luxury of doing absolutely nothing for a few blissful hours. That experience was typically reserved only for overnight hotel guests. But with ResortPass, you can now enjoy hotel pools without booking a room. This app allows day visitors to purchase access to hotel amenities, including pools, beach, lounge chairs, hot tubs, spas and other perks – all from your smart phone. It’s a concept that has become popular among locals looking for a daycation.

As travel costs rise, ResortPass offers luxury hotel experience without an overnight stay. Whether you prefer the beachfront tranquility of Pleasant View Inn, the upscale energy of the Newport Marriott, or the island charm of Block Island Beach House, each offers its own version of a poolside paradise. When your social media feed fills with photos of tropical resorts and infinity pools, don’t be jealous. Rhode Island has plenty of pool-worthy escapes. All it takes is a day pass, a swimsuit, and a willingness to embrace adventure.

A Coastal Classic: Pleasant View Inn, Westerly

Perched along the sands of Misquamicut Beach, the Pleasant View Inn offers one of South County’s most relaxing waterfront escapes. With ResortPass, you can enjoy the pool along with the laidback atmosphere that makes this family-owned property a beloved summer destination. ResortPass guests also have access to the inn’s beach, an opportunity to enjoy both amenities without an overnight stay. Unlike larger resorts that can feel crowded, Pleasant View Inn maintains a relaxed vibe. Hungry? Visit The Kitchen or The Hatch for cocktails and snacks, turning a pool day into a seaside retreat. For those looking to capture that vacation feeling without venturing far, Pleasant View Inn delivers a classic New England beach experience with just the right amount of luxury.

PRO-TIP: Get there early to secure a lounge chair. Park across the street, check in at the front desk, put your parking pass on your dashboard, and go grab a chair. There is a bathroom to change in, outdoor showers by the pool, towel service, and floaties!

Seaside Escape: Newport Marriott

If your idea of a perfect pool day includes waterfront views, upscale amenities, and easy access to one of Rhode Island’s most vibrant destinations, the Newport Marriott is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of Newport’s historic

downtown waterfront district, the hotel offers ResortPass visitors access to the heated pool, which is enclosed and comfortable regardless of the weather and year-round. Whether you’re planning a girls’ day, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, the Newport Marriott transforms an ordinary day into something that feels remarkably close to a full-fledged vacation.

PRO-TIP: Towel service, locker room access, gym access and spa are included in your ResortPass. You can order from the restaurant and bar from the comfort of your lounge chair. Parking is not included, but the lot is right next to the hotel.

Photo (top) courtesy of Pleasant View Inn, (bottom) courtesy of Newport Marriott

Newport Marriott

Pleasant View Inn

Island Time:

Block Island Beach House

For those willing to take their pool day adventure one step further, Block Island Beach House offers a getaway that feels worlds away. Located just steps from Block Island State Beach, this stylish property embodies the carefree spirit that has made Block Island a favorite summer destination for generations. The ResortPass experience includes access to the property’s beach, and the hotel pool is at The Gables, its sister property just a two-minute walk away. Sip a refreshing drink poolside and settle into island life.

Start with a morning bike ride around the island, spend the afternoon at the pool, and finish with a sunset stroll along the beach before catching the ferry home. The result is a day that feels less like a day trip and more like a true vacation.

PRO-TIP: Towel service is included. For beach access, walk down the stairs and someone will get you a lounger, an umbrella, a towel and a menu to order your drinks and snacks for the day!

Our spiral fluted Pie Plate is the perfect piece for serving summer salads, cold dishes, and fruit, and in the fall you’ll be ready for pie baking. Order online to ship anywhere or come pick one out.

Block Island Beach House

Cafe Culture

By Hugh Minor

For many of us, coffee is where it all begins. Artist Lisa Marie Lyckland is no different. “I need a nice little hot latte to wake up. I make it for myself at home. But when I go out, I really enjoy a specialty coffee on ice like the caramel iced latte at Ellie’s in Providence. You can totally tell the difference because their caramel is homemade.”

Lyckland’s love of coffee culture has been a driving force behind Fleetwood Studios, which she founded in 2017 when she moved from Brooklyn, New York to Plum Beach, a coastal neighborhood in North Kingstown.

Arriving in Rhode Island, she hit the ground running, immediately seeking out the cafe scene, and was thrilled with what she found.

Specializing in watercolor, Lyckland recreates the world around her. “I started to dabble in illustrating food, which is very conducive to pen and ink and watercolor, and I just love putting my view of those places on paper.” While displaying her artwork of local scenes at cafes, as many artists do when establishing a foothold in the community, businesses began to commission Lyckland to create distinctive note cards and prints of their food and spaces, which are wildly popular

with customers and fans. “At Ellie’s, I painted their amazing croissant. Then their lavender latte. Then I made note cards for them to sell. That’s how that partnership evolved. I love telling someone’s story through my eyes and my experience.” Her work can also be found at CafBar in South Kingstown and Bucket and the Bean in North Kingstown, and at various pop-up events.

Lyckland’s work takes a traditional approach with a modern flair which makes it accessible and popular, appreciated by art connoisseurs and foodies alike – not to mention letter writers who adore fancy stationery. “I see a lot

Coffee brews inspiration for watercolor artist

Fleetwood Studio note cards at Ellie’s

Photos courtesy of Fleetwood Studios

of people will take my note cards and frame them, so that’s fun. I’ll see them in houses. I’ll see them in people’s little bathrooms.”

With her passion for the art of watercolor, Lyckland encourages others to explore and expand their craft by offering classes and kits they can complete at home. “I’m conducting these watercolor workshops where I’m pre-illustrating note cards, and people are painting them. It’s like a coaching session where folks just enjoy wine and paint unstructured. It’s very social and very casual.” To date, she’s hosted events at unique locations like Shepherd’s Run winery and

resort in South Kingstown, and Buttercup Flower and Wine Bar in Wickford Village.

For aspiring artists who want even more practice, Lyckland has created travel kits that provide all of the tools they need to build their talents, either alone or with a group of friends. Each set contains four note cards, envelopes and seals, paints, brushes, and a list of tips and tricks. “People have asked me to take the experience with them, so I have these cute little watercolor kits that you can do at home.” Learn more at FleetwoodStudio.com and follow along on Instagram at FleetwoodStudio.

WATCH HILL, RI

NEWPORT, RI

MYSTIC, CT SARASOTA, FL

ALL OPEN DAILY 10AM-9PM

Lisa Marie Lyckland admires her work on display at Ellie’s

FEATURE

Lights, Camera, Ocean State

With varied locations and access to visiting projects, the smallest state is just right for a cadre of budding talent

By Jonah Major

See any good movies recently? In Rhode Island, the answer might begin at a local landmark like Providence’s Avon Cinema, Newport’s Jane Pickens Theater, or United Rewind in Westerly, where audiences can find everything from major releases to classics to low-budget independent films shown on the big screen. The state’s deep connection to entertainment history is visible in tributes to historic figures like triple-threats George M. Cohan (a statue in Fox Point) and Eddie Dowling (a highway in North Smithfield), reminders that Rhode Island has long played a role in the motion picture story. But as recent in-state productions like Ella McCay and The Gilded Age have shown, the future of film in the Ocean State is still being written. Young filmmakers are making their mark on the local industry, creating films and forging connections that keep Rhode Island’s legacy in the motion picture business alive.

Elsa Kincaid looks through the monitor while camera operating for Daydream, a new feature film shot in Bristol on which she served as director of photography

Photo

FEATURE

One such filmmaker is Jacob Snowiss, a cinematographer and graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s film program, whose impressive resume includes high-profile projects such as a video piece on the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall for the Fidelity Investments Young Artists Competition. Working alongside the project’s lead, Patrick McCarthy (a Rhode Island resident himself), Snowiss applied the techniques he developed and honed at URI under the mentorship of film professor Nicholas Corsano. He “taught me the true nitty gritty elements that I was aching for, as well as how to hone the lens as a storytelling tool,” says Snowiss of time spent in Corsano’s courses.

A frequent competitor in the 48 Hour Film Project Providence (48HFP), Snowiss has worked on films that have won awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Actress. “Making films in Rhode Island is in many ways a dream come true,” he says. “The state offers such a wide array of landscapes and architectural styles that you’re almost bound to find what you’re looking for, regardless of period. The colleagues I’ve befriended around Rhode Island are vast and emblematic of the state’s welcoming demeanor.”

Audrey Collins, another local filmmaker and URI graduate, agrees. “One of the great things about Rhode Island is that it’s a very close-knit network,” she says. “Everybody lives near each other, and nothing is ever more than an hour or so drive away, and I think that helps build community.” While Snowiss works primarily as a cinematographer, Collins, who’s set to attend the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts next spring, works on set as a director, having recently screened two short films, Control and Love Bites , at an event honoring URI’s alumni filmmakers. Serving as writer on all of her own projects, she also wrote the script for Scott Embleton’s Cowboy Connor, which recently screened at the New Bedford Film Festival. “I’ve been making films ever since I was very little,” says Col -

Audrey Collins (center) works with actors Talli Russell (left) and Molly Vasileva (right) on the set of Love Bites in the basement of Providence’s The Salon

Alexander Pretorius helms the Super 8 camera filming the short film Oh Boy at the now closed CWTheaters in Lincoln

Photos courtesy of Jonah Major

lins, “I think my first movies were when I was four or five – the Transformers Happy Meal toys were my first actors. Then, you know, we eventually transitioned to the Muppet stuffed animals. And then, eventually getting a little riskier and adding real people too.”

Collins’ recent work is riskier and with real people. Control features an ensemble cast of interconnected paranoids whose lives

converge at a movie theater (filmed at the now-shuttered CWTheaters that previously occupied the Lincoln Mall). Her other recent work, Love Bites , is a time-hopping romance that follows the strained affair between a vampire (Rhode Island native Molly Vasileva) and her familiar (recent Rhode Island transplant Talli Russell). The film’s explosive climax features dozens of local extras gathered

in a nightclub, filmed at The Salon in Providence. “We have great locations in Rhode Island,” says Collins. “We’ve had convenience stores, we’ve done dungeons, we’ve done churches, we’ve done weddings, we’ve done nightclubs, we’ve done movie theaters, we’re about to do beaches (for her upcoming short film Ripples)… I mean, people come to Rhode Island for the sights.”

Actor Aidan Thomas Dyson appears opposite actress Gwenn Hope in Daydream, the film Hope wrote and directed with cinematography by Elsa Kincaid

Photos courtesy of Jonah Major

Smithfield’s Deerfield Park serves as another location for Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc in Domremy

Actress Izzy Tiska plays Joan of Arc in a scene from Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc in Domremy as filmed by Jacob Snowiss

Alexander Pretorius, whose skills range from motion picture cinematography to event photography and everything in between, developed his love for movies at what was then known as Patriot Cinemas in East Providence, later retitled East Providence 10 Cinema before its closure in 2020. “That was our primary place to watch movies, that little theater,” says Pretorius, “I remember when they

closed. It was so sad. It’s not like it was a nice cinema, but it was still like a third space for some people.” Describing himself as a “very visual person,” he continued his love of the moving image at Pawtucket’s Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts, where he honed in on any type of image composition course they had, whether it was working with the local public access station

or making public service announcement parodies with his classmates on the school’s mini DV (digital video) tape cameras.

Always looking for new techniques to learn and always diversifying the types of images he can make, Pretorius now works as manager of visual media at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a non-profit summer camp in Eastford, CT, founded in 1988 by actor Paul Newman,

Actor Brandon Tallardy (left) and actress Molly Vasileva (right) as they appear in Love Bites, the new short film directed by Audrey Collins

Photo courtesy of Jonah Major

to give children with serious illnesses an unforgettable residential summer camp experience. Pretorius has done videography work for the camp, which serves families across the Northeast, for years, but still pushes himself to learn new skills, such as formatting visual media not just for theater screens and televisions, but also phones and tablets.

Speaking to the multi-disciplinary and multi-media nature of this new generation of Rhode Island filmmakers, Elsa Kincaid recalls childhood movie experiences not from a theater, but DVDs. “We had like three DVDs,” says Kincaid. “And it was Mamma Mia , Newsies , and I think High School Musical 3 . And so I watched them an absurd amount of times because that was what we had.” While her original dream was not to work in feature film but to make ski and snowboarding videos for Teton Gravity Research in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, her interest shifted to narrative pieces, studying cinematography at URI, and she was accepted post-graduation to the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (also known as FAMU). Upon returning to Rhode Island, and a summer living with her sister in New Orleans and networking with whomever she could, she connected with director Gwenn Hope, who was looking for someone to shoot her feature film debut, Daydream Kincaid proved to be the perfect fit (she says Mamma Mia was a frequent common reference), and spent this past June shooting the film in Bristol. Daydream , which follows childhood friends as they grow up set against the backdrop of New England summers, is described by Hope and Kincaid as a film “made in Bristol for Bristol.” The production was made possible through support from Women in Film & Television New England and was the recipient of a tax credit through the Rhode Island Film & Television Office. The filmmakers hope to show it in the community when it’s finished in May of next year, giving all Rhode Islanders a good answer to the question “See any good movies recently?”

Crew and cast assembled at the craft service table

Photos courtesy of Jonah Major

Fresh Approach

A new concept at Weekapaug offers diners autonomy and discovery

By Elyse Major

My favorite places in Rhode Island are the ones that started as surprises: you turn a corner and are suddenly met with something wonderful and unexpected. This is how a jaunt exploring Misquamicut’s beachy Atlantic Avenue led me to the rugged Weekapaug Breachway, and a couple of turns later, to the Weekapaug Inn, a cedar-shingled resort nestled in flora with a sweeping back lawn that leads to the Quonochontaug salt pond. During the warmer months, you are likely to see the inn’s Quonnie Queen glide by, an electric motor yacht with a jaunty green scalloped canopy. That’s the property in a nutshell – playfully luxe meets LL Bean.

Photo by Elyse Major

Strawberry lychee n’ cream dessert

I’m a daytripper with a reservation to experience a newly launched concept at The Restaurant, Weekapaug’s indoor dining room. Like the place as a whole, the space is a mix of elegant (linen napkins, warm lighting) and casual (natural fibers, plump pillows on chairs). In addition to new dishes, the menu now offers patrons a singular fluid list: what they want, where they want it. General Manager Dan Abrashoff tells me, “Some people want a burger in The Restau -

rant, and some of our guests want fine dining on the deck. Now it’s the same menu.”

But that’s not all that’s changed. As I peruse the offerings on branded parchment fastened to a wooden clipboard, a modern format is revealed. There are five sections, sans headers, starting with raw bar options, first courses, handmade pastas, vegetables, and entrées, all engineered by Executive Chef Gerardo Viejo, a Johnson & Wales University alum. Even with myriad choices in

recognizable categories, ordering isn’t easy, only because everything sounds oh-so hyper-seasonal and delicious. As my eyes dart from the list to my window’s view of lush green grass and bright blue skies, Viejo stops by. He exudes a palpable joy as he explains his enthusiasm for introducing diners to lesser-known species and sustainable ingredients, while incorporating harvests – including clippings from the Chef’s Garden just steps away – into sources and dishes.

Photo by Elyse Major

Weekapaug Inn’s Executive Chef Gerardo Viejo

Must-Try Items

BLISTERED GREEN BEANS ($12): Green beans cooked with a light char and dressed in a soy glaze with hints of cilantro; topped with a heap of garlic chips.

KOMBU CURED BLACK SEA BASS ($48): A tender and tasty seafood dish, accompanied by a side of glazed carrots (miso nage) with charred Mandarin relish.

STRAWBERRY LYCHEE N’ CREAM ($14): A tasty seasonal dessert made with strawberries, lychee, chantilly, and lemon almond crumble.

Cuisine: Ingredient-driven farm-to-table fine dining. Atmosphere: Cozy, elegant, and coastal.

by Elyse Major

Photos

Black sea bass gets dressed for dinner in carrot butter sauce

Crusty bread from nearby Nana’s Westerly

My dinner begins with hunks of naturally leavened bread from Nana’s Westerly (one of many local nods), served on a wood slab alongside a dainty filled butter bell topped with sea salt, and my spirit-free cranberry bog cocktail – a refreshing drink made fanciful with cranberries skewered on a bamboo pick. Ready to order, I landed on seabass carpaccio for my first course, and blistered green beans and black sea bass cured with kombu (an edible kelp) for my main course. Viejo assures I’ve made excellent choices. “We wanted to create a format that gives guests the freedom to explore the menu in their own way while showcasing the precision, seasonality, and coastal character that inspire our kitchen every day,” he says.

The sea bass carpaccio is an inventive flatlay composition of thinly sliced pink fish, verdant bits of sea asparagus (an aquatic succulent), and pools of yellow lemon oil and transparent citrusy ponzu sauce. Tangy and vibrant, it clearly exemplifies Viejo’s mission to introduce diners to new tastes. The sea bass adventure continues when my entree arrives. My delightful server ceremoniously pours a golden carrot butter sauce over the fileted fish (head removed) and leaves the remainder for me in a small pitcher with a grilled half-lemon; the combination coalesces into one of the

tastiest seafood dishes I’ve ever had. Delicate and sweet, buttery and fresh, it comes with a ramekin of miso carrot nage, which complemented both the fish and blistered green beans; wavy garlic chips piled high over the vegetables added bite to the tender meal.

I’m a simple gal when it comes to dessert and have been disappointed by sugary constructs posing as treats, but when Viejo described the strawberry lychee n’ cream created by Pastry Chef de Partie Erin Breton, I was sold. As pretty as it was scrumptious, it featured a trio of strawberry panna cotta rosebuds with strawberry

lychee compote filling, dollops of chantilly, and lemon-almond crumble filling negative space, all on a bright green of lychee gel, embellished with small lychee candies shaped like daisies. Over the course of my courses, I felt worlds away. Beautiful surroundings, outstanding service, and new flavors enhancing old favorites. Discover for yourself!

The Restaurant at Weekapaug Inn 25 Spray Rock Road, Westerly Dining Services: 401-637-7600 WeekapaugInn.com

Photo by Elyse Major

A spirit-free cranberry bog cocktail

Savoring Rhody

Best bets for enjoying seasonal harvests and coastal views

By Patty J

August in Rhode Island means there’s an abundance of produce available, and chefs and cooks across the state are putting it to good use. Make the most of the final weeks of summer by enjoying a meal at a scratch-made kitchen, a drink infused with fruit, or sipping coffee over coastal views. It’s a wonderful way to hit pause and make time stop, or at least make it feel that way.

Ciao Ciao

Open since May by industry vets Adam Stabile and CJ Carmello, this Hope Street newbie isn’t playing around. They’re cooking up housemade pasta, crafting mouthwatering cocktails, and whipping up decadent desserts like ricotta cake. Other favorites from those in-the-know include their meatballs, sausage and broccoli rabe, and espresso martinis. Providence

Cook and Dagger

Married restaurateurs Taylor Krickl (front-ofhouse) and Chris Kattawar (chef) have moved their popular New American bistro from Greenville to Centreville. Cook and Dagger has built a solid following for their creative comfort food, highlighting seasonal ingredients and supporting local farms. There are delish harvest-informed cocktails, too. Reservations requested. North Providence

Cozi Eatery

Discover West African and Caribbean flavors with a Southern US twist at this cozy new restaurant from the owners of Auntie’s House. Billed as a brunch and lounge spot, you do not want to miss their chicken and waffles made with cinnamon butter, savory oxtail with rice and beans, and plantains, or cocktails like the mango margarita. Pawtucket

Photo (top) courtesy of Farm and Barrel Bistro, (bottom) courtesy of Hidden Gem Coffee Bar

Farm and Barrel Bistro

Hidden Gem Coffee Bar

Farm and Barrel Bistro

This latest addition to Newport Vineyards and Winery is a recently launched atmospheric dining experience built around a field-to-fork menu using ingredients fresh from the vineyard’s gardens and other local purveyors. Pastoral ambiance, delicious seafood and burgers, excellent wine pairings, and a standout Sunday brunch are all on deck. Middletown

Hidden Gem Coffee Bar

My wish for coffee at Fort Adams State Park came true last summer with this seasonal stop. Tucked inside the visitor’s center, this wife-and-husband-owned biz (Rachel Clair and Luke Leys) serves organic coffee drinks, a selection of baked goods (they sell out quickly), and smiles daily from 8am to 2pm. Newport

Patty J at Seb’s

Honey’s Cafe

Looking for lattes that are as Insta-worthy as they are tasty? You’re sure to be sweet on Honey’s Cafe. Opened this past winter by owner Gilma Alvarez, Riverside-ians are making a beeline for breakfast-all-day (woohoo!) with yummy items like mini pancakes, smoothies, and fan favorites like Honey’s proclaimed “drink of summer” – the coconut water matcha. Riverside

The Jefferson

From the team who brought us the Jefferson Speakeasy comes The Jefferson. If you’ve always wanted to enjoy a nice dinner and sip superb cocktails in sultry surroundings, this is the place for you. Menu standouts include their lobster fettuccine, short rib ravioli, and charcuterie boards. Additionally, sips like their bananas foster daiquiri are a must-try. Warwick

Seb’s Wood-Fired Pizzas

Katelyn and Ben Cantone’s bright red food trailer is hard to miss on Wood Street, and is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. I can’t think of anything better than their wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza or signature specials like clam pies. They even have homemade cookies or tiramisu for dessert. Picnic tables, bistro lights, and an overhang for rainy weather. Bristol

The Jefferson

Seb’s Wood-Fired Pizzas

Photo (L) courtesy of The Jefferson, (R) Seb’s Wood-Fired Pizza

Mr. Miller’s Opus

A teacher ditches books for brews in Coventry

By Erin McGinn

Right off Tiogue Avenue in Coventry, past the lake, look for the white, modern farmhouse-style building with black trim and a teal blue sign. Inside you’ll find Stephen Miller, serving up coffee drinks like this summer’s Friendship Bracelet, a tasty confection of spiced

peach, brown sugar, and vanilla, shaken with a concentrated shot of espresso (ristretto) and milk. The youthful beverage tracks for Miller who spent six years as a Providence high school teacher. It was there that the former home-roaster was inspired after creating fictional business plans for a coffee shop with his class.

In 2019, a student asked, “Mr. Miller, why don’t you start your own business?” The following school year, he decided to do just that and let the students see the whole process in real time. After they graduated, he opened the doors to Longshore Coffee in the fall of 2021. Converting a former home into a bright and cheerful coffee

Stephen Miller at the helm of Longshore Coffee

Photography by Erin McGinn

Miller sources coffee from farms and producers around the globe, roasting premium blends and single-origin specialty coffees. He works in small batches (6.6 pound capacity) using a Mill City Roasters gas roaster, which he finds allows for greater control and

consistency, and likens the process of creating blends to assembling parts to a song. For single-origin coffees, his aim is to roast for maximal flavor development according to the characteristics of each particular coffee.

In addition to all the classic coffee drinks

and fun menu items like the Kiddiccino (steamed milk with flavor syrup), there are breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and baked goods. And for merch-loving coffee-drinkers, a tote bag designed by Providence artist Jenny Brown is for sale, as part of the shop’s artist series.

by Erin McGinn

Photography

Comfortable seating and surfaces encourage lingering

Longshore prides itself on tasty coffee, food, and community

“What you don’t want to miss when you’re ordering is the Beach Coffee. Miller says, “It’s a banana latte made with banana milk and banana syrup, topped with a cinnamon maple cold foam.” The sweet sip has been a Longshore best-seller from day one, and Miller says it will always be on the menu. “We wanted to make something that would be popular year-round, and also pay homage to Rhode Island being the Ocean State. It’s great in the summer to sip on the way to the beach, and during the winter, it gives folks the hope of warmer days to come.” 315 South Main Street, Coventry, LongshoreCoffee.com

Photography by Erin McGinn

Signature blends are for sale to bring the taste home

SOUTH COUNTY SCENES SOUTH COUNTY

Black Eyed Susan in the afternoon sunlight, East Greenwich

ABOUT RHONDA

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