Atmospheric Waves: an exhibition of fine art paintings by Peter Dickison. Shop Tiffany Peay’s Summer Of Pearls. Hats & Fascinators by The Dapper Flapper. 3851 Main Road • (401) 816 0878 @tiffanypeayjewelry
FOUR CORNERS GALLERY
New Artists & New Art Works!
Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry
Painting in progress! New Wave rolling in to Cédian Painting: Studio-Gallery Pillows, tiles and paintings by Jennifer Jones Rashleigh 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting cedianpainting.com
LOU LOU'S DECOR
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 www.loulousdecor.com
Over 200 cheeses available, Sandwiches, Soups, House-Made Bread, Local Meats, Produce & Prepared Meals
Custom charcuterie & cheese boards available. Call to order!
Open 9-5 Tues-Sunday
3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 • @thecheesewheelri
WRIGLEY STUDIO & GALLERY
Pat Warwick, visiting artist during the South Coast Artists
Open Studio Tours: July 19-20 & August 16-17. Weekly painting groups.
7 Bookmobile enchants readers with pop-ups across Aquidneck Island
12 ARTS: Exhibit celebrates Impressionist painter
16 VOICES OF THE BAY:
A Portsmouth man’s career pivot is a sailor’s delight
18 RHODY GEM: A shop for gardenistas on a quiet Newport street
20 CALENDAR:
This month’s must-do’s
Home & Style
A13 HOME: Colorful art inspires a redesign in The Point
A20 INFLUENCER: Bestseller sets her latest suspense novel in RI
A18 SHOP: The enduring allure of stripes and where to find them
A22 WELLNESS: Treatments to help restore body, mind, and soul
Feature
45 Strategies and resources for easing back into the school year
Food & Drink
53 A visionary brings Parisian atmosphere to Bristol
58 ROUND-UP: Eight eateries to try and why
60 RECIPE: East Bay chef shares how to take the sting out of grilling swordfish
62 FOOD BITES: Morsels of what’s new in the culinary scene
64 PIC OF THE BAY
DIY Resort Life
Ways to build a staycation from activities that feel like amenities
Photo courtesy of International Tennis Hall of Fame
Photo courtesy of Flatbed Fiction
Photo by Shannon Hammond, courtesy of Groundswell Guild
ON THE COVER: Horseback riding at Second Beach. Photo by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport
Photography by Cate Brown, courtesy of Maloney Interiors
Seven habits of highly e ective home buyers:
Buying a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a few key strategies, you can feel confident at every step and find the right home for your needs.
Let’s work together to turn your real estate goals into reality!
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THE BUZZ
Pop-Up | Arts | Voices of the Bay | Rhody Gem | Calendar
Shelf Life
A 1961 Studebaker Champ is outfitted into a mobile bookstore
By Andrea E. McHugh
e’ve all had those conversations: what would you do if you didn’t have to work and money was no object? When Andi Bailey found herself out of a tech job last September, she asked herself: what is the best way to use this time?
“My answer was always, own a bookshop,” she says.“I was like, ‘Well, money is an object, but what can I do with this sort of dream?’ I have the time and a little bit of space to think about it, and the job market is very strange, so I decided to try and do a little mobile book shop for the summer.”
Bailey spotted a 1961 Studebaker Champ in Lincoln on Facebook Marketplace and the concept began to take shape. “The idea wouldn’t leave me alone,” she says. “My husband has a composite shop in Bristol where he makes boat parts, and he said, ‘If you really want to do this, we have the people in the shop and space to make it happen.’” Over the winter, the couple customized the truck, outfitting a library on wheels. By late spring, Flatbed Fiction was ready to roll, and in May, Bailey secured a permit to set up at Middletown’s Third Beach for a series of Thursday “Summer Sunset Reading with Flatbed Fiction.”
Bailey got to work hand-selecting titles to line the shelves, starting with some of her personal favorites. She’s a fan of romantasy books, a subgenre of fantasy fiction that combines fantasy and romance popularized by best sellers including A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and the Fourth Wing Series by Rebecca Yarros. “I feel like those genres are often frowned upon in more literary libraries or literary bookstore-type places,” she explains. “But I realized I need to have something for everyone if I’m just going to be popping up in places and expecting people to buy something. I have a lot of friends with kids, and they all said, ‘If you have romance books and kids’ books, I’m there.’”
Bailey also knew the vintage truck would bring curious gearheads, so she stocked a selection of non-fiction and history books. “I have a degree in English, so I couldn’t not stock literary fiction,” she says. Visitors will find two shelves dedicated to literary fiction, including some of the classics, but by and large, you won’t find heavy, dense, serious reads on board, as Bailey notes the whole purpose of Flatbed Fiction is to celebrate the beach read.
Photo courtesy of Flatbed Fiction
The Studebaker beckons readers at Third Beach
THE BLUE GARDEN NEWPORT
Visitors are welcome Thursdays, through October 9, 2025.
Tours meet at 11:00, 12:30, and 2:00. Online reservations and a $20 ticket purchase are required.
To learn about the history of this distinctive 100-year-old Gilded Age garden and landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, go to thebluegarden.org.
On select Thursday evenings this summer (check Flatbed Fiction’s Instagram, @flatbed_fiction, for details), she rolls up to the beach in the late afternoon and welcomes readers big and small to buy a book and experience the wonder of life by the sea.
“The idea behind Summer Sunset Reading, especially for people who live on Aquidneck Island, or if you’re living and working here in the summer, is that it can be really easy to forget on a weeknight that you live in this beautiful, magical summer place. I wanted to give people a reason to come out and enjoy the sunset, maybe bring a picnic, pick up a book, and also offer them something a little bit whimsical that they can check out and have a reason to go to the beach.”
The beach, summertime, and relationships
Photo courtesy of Flatbed Fiction
are common threads that weave together many of the titles aboard Flatbed Fiction. Readers will find rom-com best sellers by popular authors Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Jane Green, and Elin Hilderbrand, plus natural seasonal fits, like Judy Blume’s beloved classic, Summer Sisters , the story of two best friends who spend every summer together in Martha’s Vineyard.
In addition to Third Beach, Flatbed Fiction rolls into Grafik Coffee in Portsmouth on occasion, and you may also catch the truck at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Fort Adams in Newport, and other locales throughout the summer.
“People are so excited to see it out in the wild,” says Bailey, who you’ll typically find with her latest read in-hand. It’s an occupational hazard.
Flatbed Fiction parked at Grafik Coffee Co. in Portsmouth
Strokes of Genius
Newport rediscovers the Gilded Age’s best-kept secret
By Jenna Kaplan
Newport loves a good comeback story, and this summer it welcomes a masterpiece. The Newport Art Museum is rolling out the red carpet for Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color , the first major retrospective in decades of the Gilded Age’s most dazzling yet overlooked American artist.
Opened July 12 and running through the end of the year, the exhibition reunites more than 55 of Cushing’s luminous paintings, many unseen in over 60 years, with the city that shaped his vision. It feels like both a homecoming and a revelation.
“This exhibition invites viewers to rediscover an artist whose influence shaped Newport’s
cultural legacy and whose vision still resonates today,” said Danielle Ogden, the museum’s artistic director. “Cushing’s work bridges eras, combining the elegance of the Gilded Age with the expressive freedom of modernism.”
Born in 1869, Cushing dazzled his contemporaries with ethereal murals, intimate portraits, and richly layered interiors. His work
Photo courtesy of Newport Art Museum
Portrait of Ethel Cushing
SOUTH COAST OPEN STUDIO TOUR : AUGUST 16-17 GALLERY RECEPTION: AUGUST 29, 5-7PM www.fourcornersgalleryri.com Hours: Mon-Fri, Sun: 11am-4pm, Sat: 9:30am-5pm The New York Times picks Four Corners Gallery as a “Standout.”
still hangs in the Met, the MFA Boston, and the Whitney, yet his name somehow slipped from memory – a mystery the museum hopes to solve. “Though I had never heard of Cushing when I encountered one of his paintings as a student conservator, I immediately fell in love with his work,” said guest curator Ricardo Mercado. “This exhibition gives me
the chance to share that moment of discovery with a wider audience.”
The Newport Art Museum’s Cushing Gallery, built in 1919 to house his works, finally feels whole again. Nearly all the pieces come from family and private collections, adding a deeply personal touch to this artistic reunion. Learn more at NewportArtMuseum.org.
IMMERSIVE EXTRA
Pair your museum visit with a cocktail (meal, or stay) at Gardiner House. Co-owned by Howard Gardiner Cushing’s great-grandson Howard Cushing, the property’s entry hall features mesmerizing wallpaper that is a painstaking recreation of his great-grandfather’s mural painted at family home, The Ledges. 24 Lee’s Wharf, Newport
Photo courtesy of Newport Art Museum
Voices of the Bay: Martin Winzer
From desk-bound to sea-worthy, thanks to the lessons of the pandemic
By Nina Murphy
Like many of us, Bristol resident Martin Winzer decided during the pandemic that the time had come to step away from a desk job and pursue his professional dream. The lifelong fisherman, equipped with an MBA from Providence College, had long wanted to own and operate a guided fishing and cruise charter business. Winzer wasted no time setting out to apply his classroom knowledge to a real-life business of his own, crafting an official plan and undertaking the demanding coursework to obtain his captain’s license. Coastal Current Charters was launched a year ago in July, and Captain Winzer has never looked back.
PUDDLE FISHING: It’s been sort of a pipe dream come true for a long time. My dad introduced me to fishing at a very young age. I tried to find a fish in literally any puddle, and was usually successful. Wherever we went on vacation, my parents would go to places where I could find water.
ANCHORS AWEIGH: I bought an Everglades 235cc off Facebook. I love the features and the build of it. I’ve had it 100 miles offshore and there are not too many builds that can do that. I have all of the extras that went into this model. It’s not a very big boat but it’s a very heavy boat at 7,500 pounds with a full tank of gas. I actually needed to go up to a full-size truck. My biggest trailering experience was with an 18-foot boat, so I hired a company to drive it up from Florida. It was actually cheaper than if I drove it myself and paid for all the gas, oil changes, and wear on my truck.
Photos courtesy of Coastal Current Charters
Martin Winzer
HOME PORT: I keep the boat at my house, so it’s very mobile. I added a lane in the driveway which was a cost, but this way I can come home and power wash the entire boat and flush the motors with fresh water. There is a huge investment in technology on the boat, so I like knowing that it’s safe in the driveway.
GETTING REEL: I basically said the business is either going to work or not. There’s a lot of risk that you take on that you can’t really quantify. If last year I forecasted tourism for this
year, I would have been completely wrong because there are fewer bookings this year for hotels. I am not only looking at people who would like to go catch a striped bass, but the tourism industry as a whole because I am definitely part of that. I worked in technology, so I know how to build websites and how to utilize social media and try to use that to my advantage in getting the business out there. Surprisingly a lot of people find me on Google and Google Maps specifically. Learn more at CoastalCurrentCharters.com
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, late summer is still a good time to make a move.
With a trusted partner by your side, you can enjoy the end of this summer while setting the stage for the next.
out any time!
Winzer shows off an Atlantic bonito
Cottage & Garden
Home decor
What it is:
A charming and inspiring Newport shop for one-of-a-kind items for your home and garden.
Where to find it:
Halfway down residential Bridge Street between America’s Cup Avenue and upper Thames Street, within walking distance of shops and hotels.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Vintage chairs, birdbaths, live topiaries, ethereal lighting fixtures, antique garden tools, garden pots of every size – this delicately curated collection is lovingly overseen by owner Jill Buckley. Like a miniature version of European flea markets, enchanting finds are tucked into corners or perched on the ground, such that browsing becomes a sensory adventure. “The shop was created by tastemaker Eleanor Gob is more than 26 years ago,” says Buckley – with help from curator Michael Sederback. “I’ve tried to maintain her early vision for beauty and pieces worthy of Newport’s “cottages and gardens.” If you see something today, it could be gone tomorrow, adding to the store’s sense of magic. “The shop is very welcoming and delivers a lot of inspiration,” says Buckley. “I believe part of our appeal is that we decided to stay small and old school.”
Cottage & Garden
9 Bridge Street
CottageAndGardenNewport.com
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
The Must List
essential events this month
a statewide listing of events visit us online!
August 16: The ninth annual Warren Folks Fest is a free, family-friendly event with art and wares from regional artists and makers, plus music from Fool’s Gold, The Whelks, and Polly Bessette, and a beer garden. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org
Through October: Brick Market transforms into an art-filled public space when Umbrella Sky returns with a tie-dyed canopy shading the walkway. Weekend afternoon concerts add to the fun. Newport, BrickMarketNewport.com
August 1-3: The historic Newport Jazz Festival returns to Fort Adams State Park with three days of music, including headliners Janelle Monae, Dianne Reeves, Ron Carter, Willow, Jacob Collier and The Roots. Newport, NewportJazz.org
August 9: Be part of the first-ever Ocean State Crossing . This event is sure to draw paddlers and rowers of multiple disciplines, all on a mission to celebrate summer safe Ocean State culture. Newport and Point Judith are endpoints. OceanStateCrossing.com
August 9: The family-friendly Looff Arts Festival along the Crescent Park waterfront features vendors showcasing varieties of art, including fine paintings, photography, ceramics, sculptures, metal works, food trucks, live music, and more! Riverside, Facebook: Looff Arts Festival
August 16-17: Plot your course on the self-guided Open Studio Tour of Little Compton and Tiverton, and Dartmouth and Westport, MA. Enjoy peeks at creative spaces and chat with artists as you enjoy the beauty of the farm coast on your trek. SouthCoastArtists.org
August 23: Take a leisurely stroll through the State Street Artisan Festival featuring over 60 artists and makers, craft food and beverages, holistic beauty, pet products, local authors, face painting, henna artists, alpacas, and more. Bristol, BristolMerchantsAssociation.com
August 23: What has 10 scenic locations, food and drink from 10 restaurants, and 10 musical groups performing? Bike Newport’s 10 Spot Ride is a fundraiser to ensure that bicycling is a safe choice for fun and transportation. Newport, BikeNewportRI.org
August 24: Enjoy an afternoon of great music at the Rhode Island Folk Festival , a free family-friendly event with 50-plus performers on four stages, a kid’s stage with giveaways, food trucks, and a beer garden. Riverside, RhodeIslandFolkFestival.com
August 28: Explore local galleries, artist studios, and art-friendly businesses at your own pace at Art Night Bristol/Warren , with music, theatrical performances, dance, artist talks, and live demonstrations. Bristol and Warren, ArtNightBristolWarren.org
Photo courtesy of The Collaborative
Warren Folks Festival
THE RHODYResort Life
From beach yoga to golf, find everything you need to plan a fivestar staycation right here
BY BOB CURLEY
Newport likes to call itself “America’s First Resort.” But the fact is that all of Rhode Island is a playground for the kinds of things you’re likely to find on any resort’s daily activities list. From golf, tennis, and pickleball, to biking, water sports, and guided tours, here’s how to spend the whole summer living that vacation life — including sunset dinners on the beach — without ever having to book a room or pay a resort fee.
Triggs is the only true public course designed by Don Ross
FORE PLAY
Rhode Island has more than 30 golf courses that are open to public play, including Meadow Brook Golf Course in Richmond, which has been ranked among the top 100 courses in the US. Other local favorites include Warwick’s (on the East Greenwich line) Potowomut Golf Club, designed by a protege of golf legend Donald Ross, and Newport National, an 18-hole, links-style course named New England’s top public golf course by New England Golf Monthly . A hidden gem in Providence is Triggs Memorial Golf Course. Recently rated one of the top 14 municipal golf courses in the US, this actual Ross-designed course is a favorite for its challenging layout, generally buffeted by wind. Affordable daily rates, including discounts after 5pm, make it a win-win.
Looking to work on your stroke? Cranston’s Topgolf has three floors of bays to tee off from, and waiter-service means you don’t have to anguish until the 19th hole to get food and drink. If your short game is your only strength, there are 36 holes of mini golf under a fire-breathing volcano at nearby Mulligan’s Island, a nautical-themed 18-hole course at Adventureland in Narragansett, and the quirky, alien-inhabited Dusty Planet in Providence — a nice rainy-day option since it’s indoors.
SERVING TIME
You don’t need to be a club member to book court time at most of Rhode Island’s eight indoor tennis centers, but summer is the best season for outdoor play on the hundreds of public courts available statewide. Some of the best are the 10 clay courts (and one hard court) at Roger Williams Park, where the Providence Tennis Academy runs leagues, tournaments, and tennis camps. Courts are available on a membership basis or with a day pass. The historic grass courts at the Newport International Hall of Fame are available to the public. Racquet rentals are available at the Pro Shop; just be sure to wear your tennis whites – top and bottom – for outdoor play.
Like a lot of people, Lil’ Rhody Pickleball owner Kevin O’Brien’s path to the sport originated with tennis. “I was at a tournament in Massachusetts and they had taped pickleball lines on the tennis courts. I found them distracting and said, ‘this sport needs its own courts.’ So I looked into it.”
It’s been nearly two years since O’Brien opened Lil’ Rhody Pickleball in a shopping center in North Kingstown, and he’s plinked and dinked his way to success in what’s been called the country’s fastest growing sport. “It got started as an easier alternative to tennis and sort of a senior citizen game, but now it’s filtering down to everybody; even younger kids are getting involved,” he says.
Lil’ Rhody has five indoor pickleball courts (each named for a different town in Rhode Island) and two outdoor courts. Other options include Centerline Pickleball in Warwick, Newport Pickleball, and of course outdoor public courts — mostly relined tennis courts, but also some permanent, pickleball-only ones in places like Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland and Wilson Park in North Kingstown
AUGUST 22
THE HALL OF FAME CELEBRITY PRO CLASSIC
The event makes its debut on the famed grass courts. Highlights include mic’d up doubles matches with teams of celebrity guests, Emmy Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba, and Angela Kinsey, playing alongside Hall of Famers including Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Tracy Austin, Jim Courier, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, and Gigi Fernandez.
Top Golf
Ocean State Pickleball
P hoto (top) courtesy of Abigail Brown, (bottom) courtesy of Ocean State Pickleball
PADDLE UP
Water sports are among the most common resort activities, and it's no surprise that Rhode Island has plenty to offer — this is the Ocean State, after all.
Kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available from Narrow River Kayaks in Narragansett, where you can ride the tides up and down the Pettaquamscutt (Narrow) River all summer long. Providence Kayak Company offers urban explorations in the heart of the capital city as well as paddles in Lincoln Woods State Park, and Blackstone River Expeditions leads guided, 90-minute tours of the river that gave birth to the American Industrial Revolution from their base at Central Falls Landing.
Sunset and moonlight paddles are the most popular tours run by the The Kayak Centre in Wickford. Held when the moon is full, the moonlight paddles are actually a buy-one-get-one, since the tours are
timed to catch both the sunset over the West Bay and moonrise over Jamestown. Other options include a Taco Tuesday outing with Hobie Eclipse pedalboards followed by fish tacos at Wickford on the Water restaurant. Some guided tours venture into Narragansett Bay, but most tours and renters stay within the confines of Wickford Harbor.
“If you were to paddle the coastline of the entire harbor it’s about nine miles,” says Kayak Centre store manager Matt Bosgraaf. “You start in the village but then get more into the nature side of things in the Mill Creek area. There’s an osprey nest on Rabbit Island, and people often stop at the beach on Cornelius Island for lunch.”
Rather sail than paddle? Sail Newport will rent you a Rhodes 19 or J/22 sailboat so you can explore Newport Harbor and work on your boating skills.
The Kayak Centre
HORSES, OF COURSES
Two of Rhode Island’s best state parks can be experienced on horseback. Sunset Stables’ one-hour trail rides through Lincoln Woods State Park saddle up every day of the week from 9am to 5pm. The hardwood forests in the park are full of deer, so Bambi sightings are common. Newport Equestrian also offers a two-hour tour along two beaches and a wildlife preservation with views of Saint George’s Castle.
BESPOKED TOURS
Rare is the bicyclist who loves hills, but an e-bike (a bike with a motor to help you pedal) can help with the ups and downs of a Block Island by Bike tour. Owner Zena Clark leads on- and off-road tours of this “Last Great Place” by e-bike and mountain bike, mixing history and nature talk with the passing scenery.
Dan Murphy was working in healthcare when he realized his true passion was biking, so he quit his job to launch Little Compton Adventures, an e-bike tour company that offers guided rides along the lightly traveled roads of the quietest stretch of the Rhode Island shoreline. “I sometimes have to pinch myself, because it’s a beautiful place to live and I get to take people for bike tours,” he says.
Tours take between two and two and a half hours, cover 15-18 miles, and set off on most mornings and evenings. Groups pedal to the historic Commons, the Little Compton town landing with its views of Sakonnet Lighthouse, and through peaceful Wilbour Woods. “They call this the farm coast with all of the stone walls and the ocean,” Murphy says. “Most people haven’t been here, but they want to ride somewhere near the water and it’s nice and quiet over here compared to Newport.”
Newport Equestrian
Blackstone Valley Explorer Tours
Little Compton Adventures
P hoto courtesy of Little Compton Adventures
P hoto by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport
YACHTS OF FUN
Soak up some summer vibes on a cruise of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay with Newport Classic Cruises, which will get you onto a sloop (Eleanor), schooner (Madeline and Adirondack IV), or a Prohibition-era yacht (Rum Runner II). The red sails of the Aurora are an unmissable sight in the waters off Newport, and this twin-masted schooner’s scheduled sailings include a midweek lobster lunch; pair it with your favorite bottle of wine or bubbly on this BYOB cruise.
Providence’s rich maritime and architectural heritage is featured on Providence River Boat Company narrated tours; other options include cruises with wine and oysters, twilight cruises, and special sails on Waterfire nights. Blackstone Valley Explorer tours combine natural beauty with Industrial Revolution history in the form of old mills and canals.
P hoto courtesy Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
COOL POOL
You don’t need a room key to enjoy poolside cocktails and summer swims at the Last Resort in Smithfield. This restaurant, which also presents a regular lineup of live entertainment, has a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool and six poolside cabanas, an outdoor tiki bar, and volleyball court. The pool is open daily to the public for a fee. Heading to Block Island? Champlin’s Marina & Resort offers day-passes to its family-friendly (“Marco!” “Polo!”) heated waterfront pool with dining options.
COASTAL POSES
Say “namaste” to the divine light of a Rhode Island summer with morning yoga on some of the state’s best beaches. Natural Fitness Yoga offers 8am sun salutations on Narragansett Town Beach; all ages and ability levels are welcome. Both morning and full moon yoga classes are led by the yogis of South County Community Yoga on Charlestown Town Beach.
South Kingstown Town Beach is the sacred strand chosen by All That Matters for their daily morning yoga sessions and monthly full moon yoga. The popular classes usually attract around 25 people on weekdays and up to 100 on weekends. Sessions are held right on the beach, with a covered pavilion for those who prefer to be out of the sun.
“We keep it very natural: it’s all the ambient sounds of summer, with waves crashing and seagulls crying,” says All That Matters director and yogi Michele Maker. “Some teachers opt to do the ending shavasana right in the water.”
All That Matters
Stina Leigh
P hoto (top) courtesy of The Last Resort, (L) courtesy of Stina Leigh, (R) courtesy of All That Matters
FISH TALES
Want to reel in some game fish or catch sight of whales? The Frances Fleet in Galilee has half-day, full-day, and night fishing trips that go for fluke and black sea bass, as well as deep-sea tuna fishing trips. Afternoon whale and dolphin watching tours set sail from late June to early September.
One of the Ocean State’s hidden treasures is the quality of its river fishing, says New England Fly Fishing School’s Ed Lombardo. “Rhode Island has some of the finest tidal rivers in all of New England,” he says. Lombardo leads wade-fishing outings for striped bass and hickory shad in the Narrow River and other locations; the Wood River and its tributaries are rich with trout. Newcomers have the option of starting with a fly-casting lesson at Addieville East Farm in Burrillville.
“It’s a lot more than just fishing,” says Lombardo. “I show guests the aquatic insects that are here and why we tie the flies the way we do. If they are neophytes, I’ll give them lessons and show them what to look for when you’re actually fishing. Reading the water is very important, because 20 percent of the water holds 90 percent of the fish.”
BEACH EATS
Rhode Island has many places where you can end an active day with dinner and drinks with a water view, but relatively few where you can actually dine on the beach. The Windjammer and the Ocean Mist in Matunuck come close with outdoor patios and decks overlooking the waves. The iconic Ocean House in Watch Hill offers beach-adjacent tapas at Dalia (pro-tip: bring cash for valet parking).
For true toes-in-the-sand dining, point your sandals toward Paddy’s Beach Club in Misquamicut, which serves a fast-casual menu of beach favorites, and the beach tiki bar at George’s of Galilee, where the tropical drinks can be paired with to-go meals from the restaurant or nearby food trucks.
BEACH PARTY
There’s visiting Block Island and then there’s Ballard’s Beach Resort – which has its own vibe. Close to the ferry, this place has everything for an endless summer in one day (or a stay). The food and drinks are delish (Daiquiri Bar!), they have a quarter-mile-long private beach with cabana rentals, fire pits at night, and a schedule of live music. Too much sun? There’s an indoor oceanfront restaurant, too.
Dalia at Ocean House
New England Fly Fishing School
P hoto (L) courtesy of Ed Lombardo, (R) courtesy of Ocean House
RHODY RESOURCES
A DIRECTORY OF “AMENITIES” FOR BUILDING YOUR OWN RESORT-WORTHY ITINERARY:
ADVENTURELAND FAMILY FUN PARK, Narragansett | AdventurelandRI.com
ALL THAT MATTERS YOGA AND WELLNESS, Wakefield | AllThatMattersWellness.org
BALLARD’S BEACH RESORT, Block Island | BallardsBI.com
BLACKSTONE RIVER EXPEDITIONS , Central Falls | RiverTourBlackstone.com
BLACKSTONE VALLEY EXPLORER, Central Falls | RiverTourBlackstone.com
BLOCK ISLAND BY BIKE, Block Island | BlockIslandBikeTour.com
BLOCK ISLAND PARASAIL, Block Island | BIParasail.com
PROVIDENCE RIVER BOAT COMPANY, Providence | ProvidenceRiverBoat.com
PROVIDENCE TENNIS ACADEMY, Roger Williams Park | ProvidenceTennis.com
RI CRUISIN’ COCKTAILS | RICruisinCocktails.com
ROSE HILL GOLF CLUB, Kingston | TheRoseHillGolfClub.com
SAIL NEWPORT, Fort Adams State Park, Newport | SailNewport.org
SEDIMENT BACKYARD LOBSTER BAKES, Block Island | SedimentBlockIsland.com
SOARING EAGLE ZIP RIDE, Providence | RWPZoo.org
SOUTH COUNTY COMMUNITY YOGA, Charlestown Facebook/So County Community Yoga
SUNSET STABLES, Lincoln | SunsetStablesRI.com
TOPGOLF, Cranston | TopGolf.com
TRIGGS MEMORIAL GOLF COURSE, Providence | Triggs.US
WANNAMOISETT COUNTRY CLUB, Rumford | Wannamoisett.com
WILSON PARK PUBLIC PICKLEBALL COURTS, North Kingstown | NorthKingstownRI.gov
THE WINDJAMMER SURF BAR, Misquamicut | TheWindjammerSurfBarRI.com
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HOME & STYLE
Home | Shop | Influencer | Wellness
Window panels installed just-below the ceiling add visual height to the living room
Relaxed Luxury
A centuries-old Newport home honors the past but basks in contemporary livability
By Andrea E. McHugh
hen a Boston-transplant couple who had spent a few years living on the opposite side of the City by the Sea saw a Bridge Street colonial in the Point neighborhood hit the market, they jumped at the chance to make it their own. Inside, they pay homage to its enviable lineage, with a framed reprint of the original map of Newport commissioned by King George III and published on September 1, 1777.
“This is an historic house that is on the National Register of Historic Places. A plaque on the house notes that it dates from the mid-1700s, but the previous owner reported that the original part of the house dates from the 1600s,” say the homeowners. In their 60s with six adult children and several grandchildren, they were looking for a place that could accommodate the comings and goings of a large family, a comfortable space to gather, and a roomy office for the work-from-home husband. While they treasure its lineage, one element that particularly appealed to the couple was that the
home had been fully renovated by the previous owner and was move-in ready. “We have done renovations before, and to be able to just move in was wonderful,” says the wife, a retired teacher.
Still, the couple wanted to make it their own, and they didn’t need to go far: just around the corner is Maloney Interiors on Thames Street. Ally Maloney Winzer, founder and principal, was tasked with integrating the couples’ personal style, which they describe as “traditional with a twist of fun,” into a centuries-old home.
“The homeowners wanted to refresh their home furnishings,” says Maloney Winzer. “We used some of
Sailing posters and lobster-themed plates inspired the dining room palette
their favorite colors as well as their existing art collection as inspiration for our design.” Maloney Winzer focused on redesigning the living room, home office, and dining room. Weaving in new color schemes, patterns, textures, and furniture styles, the designer introduced a colorful, classic, elevated design with a personality all its own.
The cornerstone of the living room is a custom-designed sofa and armchairs. “It’s always exciting to design a truly custom piece of furniture because it genuinely brings our clients joy
A History of Hope
2026 marks a monumental milestone for our nation and for Rhode Island’s unique contributions to 250 years of revolution, independence, and hope.
Celebrate our revolutionary state in all the places where history happened and all the places where Rhode Island’s story continues to unfold.
Visit RhodeIsland250.org to discover year-round events hosted by communities across the state, and create memories that commemorate our past while inspiring our future.
RhodeIsland250
RhodeIsland250
knowing they have a one-of-a-kind piece,” says Maloney Winzer. The design priority in the office was to brighten and uplift the space. Maloney Winzer took inspiration from the colors of a painting in the room. A colorful Loom & Co. rug helps balance the dark floor, and interesting fabric patterns were selected for accent pillows, a desk chair, and window treatments. Giving the home a sense of place, much of the artwork references Newport institutions including a framed original poster of the 1980 America’s Cup, a framed copy of the 1963 Newport Folk Festival program, and a large photo of a polo pony. Adds Maloney Winzer, “The home is now vibrant and cheerful, a perfect reflection of the homeowners’ personalities.”
Photography by Cate Brown, courtesy of Maloney Interiors
In the office / sitting room, the area rug and textiles were all designed to coordinate with the client’s artwork and desk lamps
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Sense of Place
Maloney Winzer took her design cues from playful accents throughout the home. In the dining room, the couple’s vintage collection of lobster dinnerware and sailing posters served as the inspiration for the color palette. Custom Roman shades in blue-and-white striped fabric offer a subtle nod to the nautical, fitting for a home in the sailing capital of the world. “Coastal design doesn’t have to be preppy, blue and white, or like anything you’ve ever seen before,” says Maloney Winzer. Learn more about her services and style at MaloneyInteriors.com.
Strong Foundation
The home beautifully illustrates how old and new can be seamlessly blended. Family treasures, collected antiques, and original features, including exposed original joists, an 18th-century fireplace for cooking (now converted to gas) and a non-functioning beehive oven, are elegantly juxtaposed by contemporary art.
Aw-Shucks
The couple enjoy neighborhood favorites like Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design and Young Designs Floral Studio, a charming flower shop filled with gift items, home décor, and whimsical finds. They cite visiting Rose Island and Newport mansions as musts, and enjoy shopping at Aquidneck Island specialty food shops like Bottega Bocconi, Anthony’s Seafood, and Aquidneck Meat Market to support local business owners. “We have a growing collection of oyster paraphernalia to accommodate our growing love of local seafood and my husband’s selftaught shucking skills.”
Sailorcore Style
By Elyse Major
If the Ocean State had a signature pattern, it just might be stripes. The classic pattern – no matter the colorway – is shore to deliver fresh maritime style. The nautical version was first used by the French navy as an easy-to-spot uniform, and we’ve been overboard for the jaunty look ever since. We’ve scoured the state for apparel and accessories for the whole family so that all-ages can earn fashion stripes this summer.
Meet Vanessa Lillie
By Hugh Minor
The Bone Thief is your second novel featuring Syd Walker, a Cherokee archaeologist based in Rhode Island. What’s your connection with this character?
Syd has the same last name of a family member who walked the Trail of Tears [forced relocation of Indigenous peoples in the Southeast US during the 1830s]. A lot of her work is around fighting the erasure of Indigenous peoples. So it’s great to have a way to share the Cherokee language, to share some of the history. Even the Walker Family Cemetery featured in the book is a real cemetery, part of my family history.
What led to this novel being so rich with local history?
As a writer, I’m really interested in the way history echoes. Being Cherokee from Oklahoma is very different from being Narragansett from Rhode Island. I put Syd, who is similar to me, a white-presenting Cherokee, in this world of Rhode Island, where I’m thinking about modern colonialism and what the history of a place means to us all.
What terrifying adventure is Syd Walker facing this time?
In the second book, we dig into the Great Swamp Massacre. I created a fictional, wealthy kids’ camp where some remains tied to the Massacre are found. Again, we’ll deal with a missing girl and how that ties into our history. I bring in the Smoke Shop Raid from our more recent past (July 14, 2003 in Charlestown) and how that impacted the Narragansett tribe and still resonates today.
You’re very involved in the local literary community, participating in reading events and panels at bookstores and libraries. What do you love about these experiences?
It’s really fun to connect with other writers. It can be a pretty lonely profession. I love hanging out and meeting people from this community. There are pockets of really enthusiastic readers who support authors or support bookstores. They’ve built a community around their local authors. You see familiar faces at all of these events.
What are some of your go-tos on writing breaks?
Hope Street businesses! I love to shop at Kreatelier, J Marcel, Studio Hop, pH Factor, and Frog & Toad. Cafe Zoey for coffee, outside lunch at Wara Wara, and ice cream after at Like No Udder!
Rejuvenation-cation
From hair baths to hydration, there’s a summer re-set for you
By Emily Homonoff
True self-care takes many forms –and the goal is to do something that gives a feeling of rejuvenation. It could be reading a book, moving your body, making something with your hands, or treating yourself to a treatment. Here are five Rhode Island-based businesses that are broadening the notion of what wellness means.
REIKI FOR FIDO AND YOU
HYDRATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Offering wellness services was a necessity for Kate-Lyn Birchell, MSN, FNP-BC, owner of Salt
At Energetic Healing + Wellness in Pawtucket, owner Court Sousa is leading the charge in redefining wellness by serving both people and their pets. “Everything I offer is grounded in compassion, presence, and intuitive care,” she says. “As a holistic practitioner, I honor each person and animal as a whole being — body, mind, and spirit.” This is present in Sousa’s compassionate pet reiki service, inspired by their beloved dog Yuengling. These therapeutic sessions are geared toward animals with “a new family dynamic, those moving through health issues, or facing behavioral changes, bringing an increased level of wellness and happiness to any household.” Pawtucket, Energetic-Healing-Wellness.Webador.com
H20 MedSpa & Hydration in Westerly, whose background is in emergency medicine. “Working in these settings you see the first-hand consequences of not taking care of your body and how this leads to poor health emotionally, mentally, and physically.” When developing the IV hydration services, where nutrients and fluids bypass the digestive tract and go directly into the blood stream, Birchell felt that “Life is short and we all want to be able to live our lives to the fullest.” She adds, “We love that we can offer services tailored to individuals and their goals.” It’s also worth noting that all staff members are medical professionals who follow professional guidelines. Westerly, SaltH2OMedSpa.com
Saltitude Himalayan Salt Cafe
Photo (L) courtesy of Saltitude Himalayan Salt Cafe
Energetic Healing + Wellness
WASH THE WORLD AWAY
Operating out of Island Beauty in Middletown, stylist Kindra Scheer’s Saltwater Head Spa is inspiring salon-goers to take a little more time for themselves. “Wellness is the time that one takes to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. It’s important to stop and do something for yourself, she says.” The experience that Scheer has created is unique for every guest. “Some guests book appointments to help combat concerns like dry scalp, oily scalp, or dandruff, and others come to the spa purely for relaxation.” Services include hair bath shampoo head massages. Even better, Scheer only utilizes low-toxicity products and can add on additional services such as blowouts and mini facials. Middletown, IslandBeautySalonAndSpaRI.com
GET HOLD AND COLD
Cold plunging is practiced by a variety of cultures around the world and is even linked to ancient civilizations. Today, co-owners of The Plunge Experience, Dr. Dan Forlasto DPT and Jonathan Freeman PTA, CPT, bring this revered tradition to Cranston. To this duo, wellness is described as knowing that you have the mental and physical capabilities to perform everyday tasks along with those recreational activities that bring you joy while maintaining healthy relationships with the world around you. The experience that Forlasto and Freeman have created combines cold plunging in water set to approximately 50 degrees, with sauna time, and comes with a healthy dose of encouragement. Cranston, ThePlungeExperience.com
FIND SOLITUDE IN A CAVE
Lincoln-based Saltitude Himalayan Salt Cave is owned and operated by mother-daughter team PJ Johnson and Casey McGuire, who have made wellness their life’s work. “As a family rooted in meditation, we were excited to bring like-minded guests together for meditation and relaxation through a unique healing environment,” says McGuire. For both, “Wellness means having a safe place to just be,” which is exactly what they’ve created. Saltitude is a human-made Himalayan salt cave designed for extra relaxation, and in addition to their signature salt sessions, Johnson and McGuire also offer yoga, breathwork, and other classes in their cave. “At Saltitude, we strive to create an experience that separates the mind, body and spirit from the daily clutter of a chaotic world.” Lincoln, Saltitude.net
Salt H2O MedSpa & Hydration
Saltwater Studio and Head Spa at Island Beauty
The Plunge Experience
FEATURE
See You in September
Strategies for easing back into the school routine
By Jenna Kaplan
As summer winds down, the rhythm of the school year begins to hum in the background. For families, this season is less about endings and more about transition – shifting from unstructured days to the familiar cadence of backpacks, routines, and fresh notebooks. And while the first day of school may be circled on the calendar, real preparation begins well before the bell rings.
Whether you’re sending off a wide-eyed kindergartener or nudging a senior toward their final homeroom, a smooth transition starts with thoughtful habits at home. From reestablishing routines to nurturing emotional readiness, these practical tips can help set the tone for a confident, successful start.
2025/2026 School Calendar
From the first day to the last and every holiday and break in between, find it all at the Rhode Island Department of Education website at RIDE.RI.gov
The Back to School
and supplies to families in
Learn more and how you can help at BTSRI.org
1. Rebuild the Routine
One of the most effective ways to ease back into school life is to re-establish routines before the first day. Summer’s flexible schedules often stretch bedtimes and blur mealtimes, but experts agree: structure gives kids a sense of security and confidence. Start by adjusting sleep and wake times about two weeks before school begins. Gradually shift bedtimes and alarms by 15-minute intervals until they align with school-day demands. A solid sleep pattern can improve focus, mood, and memory, key components for a successful start. Extend structure to morning and evening rituals. Practice getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and packing backpacks. These “dry runs” help build time awareness and can even become fun with timers or playlists. A few full run-throughs the week before school, including alarms and getting out the door, help reduce morning meltdowns and boost confidence. Keep things relaxed. The goal is comfort, not perfection.
2. Get Familiar with the Space
First-day nerves often stem from the unknown, which is why familiarity is a powerful tool. Attend school orientations or open houses, if available. Walk through hallways, peek into classrooms, and point out key locations like the cafeteria, nurse’s office, and bathrooms. Even brief visits help kids form a mental map and ease anxiety. If no formal visit is offered, check the school’s website for photos or a virtual tour. Talk through what the day might look like, from drop-off routines to lunch breaks, and reinforce who they can turn to for help.
3. Open Up Conversations
Big transitions bring big emotions. In the weeks leading up to school, create space for low-pressure conversations. Ask what your child is excited or nervous about, and reassure them that their feelings are valid. “You don’t need all the answers,” says Ann Gallagher, a speech-language pathologist in the Woonsocket Education Department. “Just being available to listen and observe can make a big difference.” For younger children, role-play common scenarios like asking for help or greeting a new friend. Older kids might benefit from journaling or creating simple goals for the school year. These conversations strengthen the parent-child connection and promote emotional readiness.
Back-to-school prep isn’t just about supply runs. It’s also about helping kids manage daily tasks with confidence. Age-appropriate chores, such as feeding the dog or setting the table, foster time management and a sense of responsibility that carries over to the classroom. Let your child help pack their lunch, choose their outfit, or prepare their school bag. It might take longer, and you may need to negotiate whether pajama pants count as real clothes, but the process builds self-reliance. Encourage younger children to practice tying their shoes, zipping coats, and opening snack containers. These small skills reduce stress during the school day. Older children benefit from a dedicated homework space stocked with essentials and maybe a fun personal touch, like a favorite photo or novelty pencil holder.
5. Let Shopping Boost Confidence
Choosing your own school supplies can be a surprisingly powerful experience. For many kids, back-to-school shopping isn’t just about ticking items off a list; it’s a chance to feel capable, independent, and ready for what’s ahead. Whether it’s a glittery water bottle, a new backpack, or the perfect highlighter set, letting your child take
Skip the slip-ons: shoe-tying helps build fine motor skills
the lead on small decisions can help them feel more prepared and excited for the year ahead. A first-day outfit, no matter how simple, can also work wonders. It’s not about brands. It’s about helping your child feel like they’re stepping into something new with style and self-assurance.
6. Focus on Healthy Habits
The foundation for a smooth school day begins at home, especially with sleep, nutrition, and screen-time habits. Breakfast doesn’t need to be fancy. A banana, toast with peanut butter, or a smoothie can provide lasting energy. Children who eat breakfast are more likely to stay focused and avoid mid-morning fatigue. Ease back into screen-time limits gradually. Try capping device use at around two hours a day. Turning off screens an hour before bed can help reset sleep patterns. Consider swapping screens for calming nighttime rituals like reading or prepping lunch together. Hydration is often overlooked, so a reusable water bottle that follows your child from the classroom to after-school activities supports both focus and well-being. A consistent bedtime routine with simple cues, such as bath time or quiet reading, can make mornings less chaotic and more intentional.
Seniors ‘26
If you have a high school senior considering higher education, it’s never too early to start planning. The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) is a nonprofit quasistate organization that provides affordable education loans, free college admissions, and financial aid support through the College Planning Center. Online tools include family income, college, and budget calculators, and scheduling an in-office appointment can be a big help for parents and guardians who are learning how to navigate the process. Learn more at RISLA.com
RHODY RESOURCES
Local businesses are here to help:
CLOTHING, SHOES & ACCESSORIES
• Bellevue Kids, Newport
• Feminine Fancies, Barrington
• Lorelei’s for Little Ones, Newport
• Luca Boutique, Warren
• Savon Shoes, Warren & North Providence
• Teddy Bearskins, East Greenwich, Wickford & North Kingstown
• The Matchbox, Providence
• Wildflower Kids, Westerly SUPPLIES
• Craftland, Providence
• Frog and Toad, Providence
• Rhody Craft, Providence
LEARNING & SKILLS
• Cadence Academy Preschool, Smithfield
• Dr. Day Care: Central Falls, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Pawtucket, Providence, North Providence, Smithfield
• The Etiquette Factory, North Kingstown
• Levy Educational Advocacy, Cranston
• The South County Montessori School, North Kingstown
HANDS-ON FUN
• Biomes Marine Biology Center, North Kingstown
• Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol
• Create Color Art, Narragansett
• Homeschool Adventures at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Providence
• RI Parent Information Network (RIPIN): RIPIN.org
courtesy
Photo
of Adobe Stock
Continued from previous page...
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
• All Saints STEAM Academy, Middletown
• Alliance Française of Providence
• Barrington Christian Academy, Barrington
• Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick
• Bishop McVinney School, Providence
• Blessed Sacrament School, Providence
• Community Preparatory School, Providence
• Croft School, Providence
• French-American School of RI, Providence
• Fr. John V. Doyle School, Coventry
• Gordon School, East Providence
• La Salle Academy, Providence
• Lincoln School, Providence
• Moses Brown School, Providence
• Mount Saint Charles Academy, Woonsocket
• Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth
• The Prout School, South Kingstown
• Providence Country Day School, East Providence
• Rocky Hill Country Day School, East Greenwich
• St. Andrew’s School, Barrington
• St. George’s School, Middletown
• St. Mary Academy – Bay View, Riverside
• St. Patrick Academy, Providence
• St. Philomena School of the Sacred Heart, Portsmouth
• School One Special Programs, Providence
• Wheeler School, Providence
• The Wolf School, Rumford
MONTESSORI SCHOOLS
• Montessori Centre of Barrington
• Montessori Children’s House, Providence
• Montessori Community School of Rhode Island (MCS RI), Providence
• Montessori of Greenwich Bay, East Greenwich
• Ocean State Montessori School, East Providence
• Orchid Montessori School, West Warwick
• Quest Montessori School, Narragansett
• Sea Rose Montessori Co - op, Portsmouth
• South County Montessori School, North Kingstown
Make time at home to practice skills like holding pencils and crayons, and using scissors
Why Speech and Language Screenings Matter
Health and academic readiness go hand in hand, and that includes communication. “For younger children, early speech and language milestones are typically checked at pediatric visits,” explains Gallagher. “Following directions, understanding early concepts, and expressing oneself clearly all lay the groundwork for literacy and social skills.” She notes that hearing screenings are also part of routine back-to-school checkups. However, some concerns don’t surface until a child starts kindergarten. “Teachers often notice when a student struggles with articulation or understanding classroom routines,” she says. “At that point, a speech and language screening may be requested.” Gallagher encourages parents to observe speech and language development as early as possible, but not to panic if their child seems behind their peers. “There’s a wide spectrum of what’s considered normal,” she says. “If you’re unsure, start with your pediatrician or a licensed speech-language pathologist.” Unaddressed communication
challenges can lead to school-related anxiety. Children who aren’t understood, or who notice they speak differently, may withdraw, act out, or avoid participating in class.
“To reduce that anxiety, early identification and school-home collaboration is key,” Gallagher emphasizes. “If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), make sure it’s updated and in place at the start of the year.” She also underscores the importance of keeping communication open between home and school. “Parents who reach out and ask for strategies to use at home are incredibly helpful,” she says. “Speech therapy doesn’t happen in a bubble. Carryover at home strengthens progress made at school.”
Whether your child is heading to preschool or preparing for graduation, thoughtful routines, health check-ins, and open communication can make a lasting difference. “Every child has a unique set of strengths,” says Gallagher. “With the right support and preparation, they’re set up to thrive.”
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Music Music
FOOD & DRINK
New Dining | Round Up | Recipe | Food Bites
A Portal to Paris
On an unassuming Bristol side street lies a sumptuous French brasserie
By Andrea E. McHugh
f good things come to those who wait, then The Franklin just arrived with a bottle of champagne and a story to tell. The highly anticipated French-inspired Bristol restaurant is the realized vision of owner David Fierabend, the bold thinker and creative force behind Groundswell Design Group. The Philadelphia and Detroit-based lifestyle brand’s Rhode Island presence has, to date, been manifested at a trio of successful businesses at Tiverton Four Corners: encompassing an elevated bakery cafe, home and garden shop, and kitchenware emporium stocked with cookware and cookbooks.
Photo by Shannon Hammond, courtesy of Groundswell Guild
FOOD & DRINK
So while the culinary space is a familiar one to Fierabend, a full-service dinner restaurant wasn’t originally part of his Ocean State master plan. When a former catering kitchen and cafe on a quiet street in Bristol hit the market in 2022, he thought it would serve as an ideal commercial kitchen for the growing needs at Groundswell Cafe + Bakery – and it did for nearly two years – but he soon realized the unmet demand for a new dining concept in the East Bay.
Design concepts are Fierabend’s specialty. From a small chain of mid-century modern vegan restaurants along the East Coast to a contemporary mid-rise community in the heart of Silicon Valley, Groundswell is a sought-after firm known for bringing imagined visions to life. (The firm recently designed restaurants for well-known chef Amanda Freitag, who appears regularly as a judge on the Food Network’s Chopped , and well known restaurateur Stephen Starr).
But The Franklin is personal. Taking its cue from one of Fierabend’s favorite cities in the world, Paris, The Franklin is a Francophile’s fever dream; a bistro and patisserie with layered textures, elegantly melting tapers, ornate wall coverings, a gallery wall, lush banquettes, and elegant cocktail bar.
“We’re calling them ‘sisters,’ the cafe and The Franklin. Groundswell is the sister by day, and then you have the sultry sister at night,” describes Fierabend. The designer said he set out to create an environment where guests would walk through the door and feel completely transported. Having the time to curate the aesthetic, he adds, meant everything is exactly as it should be. “When we opened, I felt like literally everything was in place where I wanted it, because we had a chance to look at it with a critical eye for such a nice time period,” he says.
But its most French influence manifests on the menu, crafted under culinary director Nina Muther. Some highlights include oeufs mayonnaise – classic deviled eggs finished with caviar and delicate chervil; fried mushroom croquettes, and of course, a luscious French onion soup. A roasted beet salad offers creamy labneh, crisp frisée, Marcona almonds, and bright citrus; while the tuna niçoise, the beloved French staple, brings together quail egg, haricot verts, olive tapenade, cherry tomatoes, fingerling potatoes, lemon vinaigrette, and chive oil.
Main plates include iconic French ratatouille, mussels marinières, duck confit, and loup de mer – Mediterranean sea bass with romanesco and a citrus-infused vin blanc sauce. Conversely, there’s a dramatic interpretation of the quintessentially American patty melt – a six-ounce Wagyu burger layered with gruyère, cheddar, caramelized onions, tomato, and remoulade, served on house-made caraway rye bun. A word of warning: don’t eat so much you forget to leave room for a chocolate pot de crème finale!
Enjoy white and red wines available by the glass or bottle
Photo by Shannon Hammond, courtesy of Groundswell Guild
Fittingly, a French 75 tops the cocktail list, but fans of the French martini and a French Connection will equally be pleased. Apéritifs include an Elderflower Spritz (made with St. Germain, bien sûr ) while the wine list, though global, favors French varietals.
For a small-ish dining room – just over 40 seats – there are diverse seating options, from the communal table at the center of the room and the comfy banquette lining an entire wall to the intimate table for two overseeing it all. But for those who love to dine at a bar, this one is particularly hard to resist.
While no detail has been overlooked at The Franklin, right down to the Nancy Meyers-esque row of hanging aprons that leads to the kitchen, the restaurant stops
Photo by Shannon Hammond, courtesy of Groundswell Guild
short of any pretention. Much of the art and some eclectic decor are flea market finds. And if you ever think The Franklin takes itself too seriously, just look at the vodka-swilling monkeys festooned on the wallpaper in the power rooms.
The Franklin has some exciting happenings in the works, including introducing a chef’s table in the kitchen, where diners can get an exclusive look of the culinary team in action from the best seat in the house, and an inspired brunch on Sundays. Monday night dinners with specially crafted menus are also in the future. And if what The Franklin is delivering to date is any indication, the future looks très magnifique . 195 Franklin Street, Bristol, GroundswellGuild.com
Mismatched serveware lends brocante charm
Savoring Rhody
Lobster ice cream, fancy hot dogs, and French flavors top August’s list
By Patty J
As a Rhode Island content creator, everywhere I go, people ask me for food and restaurant recommendations –whether on the street, by email, or DM. This month, my usual round-up features eight personal picks where you and yours must go from Ashaway to Newport and points in between!
Artisan Bites Cafe
This family owned business started with custom charcuterie boards and a dream, and recently branched out, opening a darling cafe on Park Avenue. Go for their huge coffee drink menu, stay for the cute interior, mouth-watering breakfast pastries, and lunch options like grilled cheese and salads. Cranston
Audette
Formerly Bouchard Inn, this new French restaurant from the team at Thames Street Kitchen and Mission Burger is getting rave reviews for classic dishes like poulet au pot, beef tartare, and onion soup, an elevated wine and cocktail list, cozy ambiance, and exceptional service. They even have caviar service. Newport
Debbie’s
This unassuming hot dog joint on Washington Street is courtesy of chef Ed Davis (formerly Birch and Oberlin). While mostly to-go with a few tables, this eatery named for Davis’ mom is supposed to be nofrills, but offerings like the V is for vichyssoise dog or asparagus salad might suggest otherwise. Providence
The Franklin Let’s raise a French 75 to this Parisian-inspired brasserie and cocktail bar from David Fierabend and his Groundswell Design Group – the visionaries behind all things Groundswell at Tiverton Four Corners. Open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner – by reservation only – everything is scratch-made and scrumptious, and the atmosphere is c’est magnifique ! Bristol
Photo (L) by Stacey Doyle, (L and R) courtesy of Patty J
Patty J on the summer beat
Sipping at Artisan Bites
Dash away to Ashaway for Revive Coffee Co.
fred.
In Providence’s West End, discover creative cocktails, delish mocktails, unique wines, and delectable small plates – where Broadway Bistro used to be – from the same owners (also of The Slow Rhode). We loved the focaccia, glazed carrots, and cod fritters. Save room for handmade baked goods from Okai Sweets. Providence
Little Clam at Wayfinder Hotel
This new seafood restaurant from food scene luminaries Jake Rojas and Antonio Wormley (a JWU grad), is all about ingredients sourced from nearby fishermen and farmers. The coastal New England menu includes an oyster po’ boy as well as a raw bar with jumbo shrimp cocktail and little necks. Their LC cheeseburger is also quite yummy. Newport
Revive Coffee Co.
Our favorite vintage VW bus-turned-coffee stop has new owners! Now helmed by a wife and husband who are also area teachers, Revive is buzzing again. You’ll find great coffee drinks (lattes are always a good idea), an expanded snack and baked goods selection, and friendly vibes. Ashaway
Seaside Scoops
We all scream for ice cream, but have you ever tried lobster ice cream? The first time I stumbled on it was at this family-owned shop in downtown Newport at the Brick Market a few weeks ago. It’s a brown-butter base with chunks of fresh lobster from none other than Newport Lobster Shack. Newport
Digging in at Seaside Scoops
Grilled Summer Swordfish
Sun-dried tomato butter complements this deceptively simple dish
By Maggie Mulvena Pearson
When it comes to grilling, not all fish can handle the heat. Some are too delicate for the grill, but not swordfish. Standing out with its firm and lean flesh, mild flavor, and dense steak- like texture, swordfish provides the perfect foundation for bold flavors. This vibrant and herbaceous sun- dried tomato compound butter was made for grilled swordfish. Due to the richness of the butter, I find that the swordfish pairs exceptionally well with simple grilled asparagus, or a refreshing side salad.
FIND RI SEAFOOD
Swordfish season generally runs from June through October. To find the freshest catch while supporting local fishermen, click over to Seafood.RI.gov for maps and lists of retailers, wholesalers, and restaurants.
• 4 center- cut swordfish steaks, about 6 ounces each, 1 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon avocado or sunflower oil, or any neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1. To make the butter: Add all the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until fully combined.
2. Scoop the butter onto a piece of parchment paper, forming a line about four-inches long, then wrap and roll into a log shape, twisting the ends to close.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before slicing. The butter will last for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.
4. To prepare the fish: Dry the swordfish steaks well with paper towels. Place the swordfish steaks on a plate, brush both sides with the oil, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Allow the grill to preheat on mediumhigh for about 10 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate.
6. Place the swordfish steaks on the grill, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the fish releases easily from the grill. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 130˚F for medium, 135˚F for medium-well, or 140˚F for well done.
7. Transfer the swordfish to a plate and place one ½-inch-thick slice of the sun- dried tomato butter on each piece. Serve once the butter is slightly melted over the fish.
NOTE: Ahi tuna, salmon, or mahi-mahi can be substituted for the swordfish steaks in this recipe, as these fish hold up well to the grill.
Photos courtesy of W.W. Norton & Company
Chef Maggie Mulvena Pearson
Photos by Kristin Teig
Excerpted from The Feast & Fettle Cookbook: Unlock the Secret to Better Home Cooking (c) 2024 by Maggie Mulvena Pearson, by permission of Countryman Press. Photography by Charity Burggraaf. All rights reserved.
Food Bites
Morsels of what’s happening in the local cuisine scene
By Elyse Major
The newly restored Carriage House at The Elms is the latest dining experience for visitors and members at the Newport Mansions. On the grounds overlooking the historic Elms gardens, enjoy a snack or a selection from the seasonal à la carte menu of New England classics and farmto-table dishes, along with beer, wine, and soft
beverages. Order at the counter or enjoy full table service with food presented by Stoneacre Hospitality. Menu highlights include starters like Kaluga caviar dip served with crème fraîche and potato chips, New England clam chowder, a market greens salad, chicken salad sandwich on a croissant, and shrimp scampi. End your meal
on a sweet note with a scoop of ice cream or sorbet, or something decadent from the bakery list like a brown butter chocolate chip cookie or cinnamon swirl coffee cake. Open daily through September 30, 11am-5pm; last admission is at 4pm so plan accordingly. 367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, NewportMansions.org
Photo courtesy of Newport Mansions
Carriage House at The Elms presented by Stoneacre Hospitality
Giusto recently added snack-sized desserts to the lounge menu, each alongside a beverage pairing. The idea came from their pastry chef Sarah LaRose, who approached bar manager Nate Hayden with the concept. “I have always dreamt of a bar-and-dessert collaboration and felt Giusto was the perfect place to launch it. Nate did a perfect job finding playful, mindful, and unexpected pairings to go with each plate. Instead of wine pairings, we have a blueberry ale going with whoopie pies, amaro shakeratos with tiramisu cream puffs, and a sweet wine going with a savory noted ice cream sandwich,” LaRose says of the menu, which plays off of nostalgic moments while leaning into the eatery’s Italian roots. “This menu launch is probably the one I have had the most anticipation for and getting to see the public enjoying,” she says. “It has reaffirmed exactly why I got into this industry in the first place.” 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, GiustoNewport.com
Handcrafted Jewelry by Emily Hirsch & Artisan Gallery
26 Franklin Street, Newport 401-619-5639 • EmilyHirsch@hotmail.com facebook.com/athaliaofnewport
After nearly a decade of selling their fresh meats and prepared foods at the Tiverton Farmers Market, Joel and Ester Bishop of Gnarly Vines Farm opened a store in mid-June. With a tag line of “come hungry, leave inspired,” find Eat Gnarly Market next door to Helger’s Ice Cream along Main Road. Available on DoorDash, but don’t miss the chance to visit in person, where you can enjoy the sights and smells of prepared grab-and-go meals like garlic fried chicken (fried in beef tallow), chili made with grass-fed beef, and vegetarian mac and cheese, many gluten-free. Check out desserts like passion fruit mousse and vanilla layer cake. There’s a full-service deli, and onsite restaurant serving up “what’s growing and grazing” on the farm (kitchen open for hot food Thursday through Sunday from 4pm-8:30pm). Shoppers can also find native plants, gifts, and small batch cachaça from Ester’s native Brazil. 2490 Main Road, Tiverton, EatGnarly.com
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Lounge over inspired dessert and beverage pairings in Newport
“Real food, fast” at Tiverton farm store and restaurant
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