Fine Home & Outdoor Furnishings, Interiors, Antiques & Gifts 3847 Main Road • (401) 625-5814 • @sayleslivingstonhome sayleslivingstonhome.com
SAKONNET VINEYARD
Celebrating 50 years! Follow us for live music and events 162 West Main Rd, Little Compton RI • (401) 635-8486 @sakonnetwine • Sakonnetwine.com
THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET
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
Artist Dot Bergen: Reflections on Nature, Encaustic, Fiber & Sculpture. Opening Reception Oct. 4, 4-7 pm.
Artist talk October 17, 5pm • dotbergenart.com @dotbergen • (508) 878 5898
West Wing Gallery & Painting groups 3852 Main Road - Garden Entrance (401) 339 9676 • @wrigley_studio @tivertonfourcorners
TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS
Enjoy 15% off Tiffany’s current collection Oct 1-13, 2025 & never pay sales tax. Shop now for the holidays. Featuring Peter Dickison Fine Art & The Dapper Flapper Millinery. 3851 Main Road • (401)816-0878 @tiffanypeayjewerly • tiffanypeay.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 loulousdecor.com
CEDIAN PAINTING
FOUR CORNERS GALLERY
New Artists & New Art Works! Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry Hours: Tuesday-Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm Saturday 9:30am-5pm • 3848 Main Road @fourcornersgalleryri • fourcornersgalleryri.com
New stone coasters arrive in October at Cédian Painting: Studio-Gallery Pillows, tiles and paintings by Jennifer Jones Rashleigh 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting cedianpainting.com
BRISTOL
BRISTOL
The Buzz
7 BLOOM: An initiative to plant flowers in public spaces takes root
10 ARTS: Middletown surfer creates a tangible way to wave goodbye
14 VOICES OF THE BAY: Chronic pain leads to a Bristol woman sharing a learned technique
16 RHODY GEM:
Find a personal shopping experience in Portsmouth
20 CALENDAR:
This month’s must-do’s
Home & Style
A17 SPECIAL FALL INSPO:
Local DIY-er shares simple ways to transition decor to autumn
A26 MAKERS: Five botanicalinspired artists
A30 WORKSHOP: Experience scented candle-making at this hands-on workshop
Feature
53 AGING WISELY : Planning for the future in RI starts now
Food & Drink
61 IN THE KITCHEN: The brothers behind “Newport’s own Napa”
64 EXPERIENCE: An artisanal lunch at the state’s oldest vineyard in Little Compton
68 ROUND-UP: Eight seasonal bites back on menus
70 FOOD BITES: Morsels of what’s new in the local culinary scene
The Great Outdoors
A field guide to exploring the state’s natural treasures
72 PIC OF THE BAY
Photo courtesy of Tim Tait
Photo by Samantha Robshaw courtesy of One Last Wave Project
Photo by Allison Barrrett, courtesy of Halcyon
Photo by Jacob Schiffman, courtesy of Dune Brothers
ON THE COVER: “Mrs. Skipper” by Thomas Dambo in East Providence. Photo by Zach Pona.
Seven habits of highly effective home sellers:
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these proven strategies, you can maximize your home’s appeal and achieve the best possible outcome.
Let’s work together to make your real estate goals a reality!
1. Hire an agent who is a local expert
2. Always declutter before listing
3. Hire a professional cleaner + stager
4. Show the buyer you love your home
5. Leave the house for every showing
6. Review offers objectively
7. Contact me for a market analysis
OCTOBER AT
Find Unique Fall Decor, Tabletop, Woman & Baby Clothing from Europe and the US
HOLIDAY HOURS
Open Mon. - Saturday 10-5:30 Sunday 12-4
Shop on our new website www.coryfarmsri.com
3124 East Main Road Portsmouth • 401-683-3124
soup weather is here!
SOUP SALE! SATURDAY, 10/25
8AM - 12PM
100 Graham Road, Fall River, MA
Follow signs to the parking lot for the outdoor sale. gourmet soups @ discount prices
visit blountretail.com & follow us on facebook for more sale dates & times.
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THE BUZZ
Community | Arts | Voices of the Bay | Rhody Gem | Calendar
Public Gardens
Funding, connection, and bulbs are at the root of this not-for-profit dedicated to adding flowers to visible spaces
By Abbie Lahmers
L
ast year, volunteers planted dozens of vibrant zinnias at Good Neighbors Community Kitchen and Food Pantry in Riverside. The cut flowers were wrapped in thick paper and twine to create stunning bouquets that were gifted to food pantry customers. “It brought tears to everyone’s eyes,” says Kevin Essington, founder and program manager of Bloom Rhode Island. “It was this moment where you’re using flowers to interact with someone and tell them they have value in an active way.”
Photo by Abbie Lahmers
The seed money for this flower-powered interaction came from one of many Bloom Rhode Island grants distributed over the past two years. Along with cut flower gardens, grants for individuals and small groups have transformed the landscapes of East Providence, Providence, Pawtucket, and beyond with colorful flowers.
Getting plants in the ground is just the tip of the iceberg. Jeff Matteis, who runs Pearl Street Garden Collective in Providence with Cristiane Caro, says the Bloom grant “allows us to utilize the money for the caring of the plants. They’ve given us that flexibility to invest in the maintenance piece.” The friends steward a plot of land provided to them by Yarrow Thorne, who founded The Avenue Concept, the organization responsible for producing many of the murals gracing city buildings.
On a warm day at their South Providence garden, it’s obvious that the small footprint does not deter the creativity and industriousness Matteis and Caro pour into the space, but fuels it. Every square foot belongs to projects that carry intention, from the raised beds where Caro is growing flax and nettle – which she’ll use to teach workshops on harvesting and processing plants into fiber – to the pollinator meadow of native plants abutting the fence, where the duo collects seeds to give to visitors on Sunday gatherings that are jokingly dubbed “church.”
The meadow appears to outgrow its boundaries, with vegetation leaking into the “hell strip” between the sidewalk and the curb, but even this is deliberate, to allow pedestrians on the sidewalk to feel like they’re walking through the garden. “This is often a space where it’s not clear who’s supposed to take care of it,” says Essington. “It gets so hot, because of the asphalt and concrete all around it, and the soil is so compact, making it a really hard place to grow things.”
But during a Bloom Network call on the topic of these strips last year, the group decided “hope strip” was more fitting. Before the network was established, there may not have been these kinds of opportunities to discuss the minutiae of urban growing – all of its challenges and pitfalls, as well as successes.
When Essington connected with a local philanthropist who wanted to invest in livable urban neighborhoods by improving parks and gardens, he discovered that many planting groups were all volunteer-run, over-committed, and not connected to each other. “I interviewed about 40 groups
SHARE THE JOY
See a bloom, share a bloom – use #FlowerPeepingRI on Instagram with a photo of a stunning flower or garden in your neighborhood to help spread the joy!
across the state who were doing this kind of work to find out what the challenges were, and we concluded that they would definitely benefit from a network,” says Essington. “I also heard that people are busy, and that grant funding would be a big help in starting that network.”
Since launching the program in April 2024, Bloom Rhode Island has bolstered 106 groups at 117 sites by distributing over $335,000 in funds and hosting regular meetings to brainstorm solutions, exchange knowledge, “and sometimes vent!” shares Essington. “We encourage everyone who wants to connect with other planting groups to join us on regular calls and subscribe to our newsletter.”
The Pearl Street Garden is not only a fully functional plot with everything from wildflowers to vegetable plants and perennial fruit trees, but also serves as a model for regenerative land stewardship for groups and individuals with less experience. Matteis and Caro experimented with different amendments, like
HOPE SPRINGS
Last month, Bloom Rhode Island gave 200,000 bulbs to qualifying groups and organizations like gardening clubs with the ability and authorization to plant in spaces next to busy public walkways in dense, urban neighborhoods in East Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket. Learn more at BloomRhodeIsland.org.
preparing the meadow site with compost tea and inoculating it with fungus – which resulted in only needing to water it once last year. In a workshop they hosted, students felted wool to use in a patch of the garden to experiment with its effectiveness in preventing weeds (the material also breaks down to provide nitrogen as a natural fertilizer). Caro is also testing wool pellets in one of two Japanese indigo beds, with promising results.
Through these methods, planters can “design for abuse” since plots may not receive regular care. “Urban sites are especially difficult to plant in,” Essington notes. “Every site is different, so we always encourage groups to work with an experienced gardener to make a plan that includes soil amendments and watering plans. This is a growing need as temperatures increase, and long droughts impact plantings.”
A stand-out section of the Pearl Street Garden is the Miyawaki microforest. In May, over 100 people came together to plant over 250 trees and shrubs in the 1,000-square-foot area
Photo (L) courtesy of Children’s Friend
in this collaboration with Groundwork RI. Matteis suspects that in two years, it will be too dense to walk through, and in five to 10 years, a mature forest ecosystem will provide shade and habitat in the unlikely home of 219 Pearl Street.
“When people think about urban community gardens, they tend to be focused on growing as much food as possible, and we want to provide space for that, too, but also inspire people with other possibilities,” says Matteis.
A community has naturally formed around the garden, with neighbors planting kale and cucumber seeds in available beds and one family turning heaps of tomatoes and peppers into salsa. Its sheer visibility has led to traffic-calming results, as folks slow down to see what it’s all about. Says Caro, “I’ve met more people during my last year of working here than I have in the eight years I’ve lived in Rhode Island. It’s been an incredible space to connect with people who are interested and who are doing similar work.”
Waving Goodbye
An East Bay surfer creates a moving memorial to honor passed loved ones
By Emily Olson
It was 2020 and Dan Fischer was grieving the loss of both his beloved dog, and his father Karl – an adventurer who built a family culture around personal growth and exploration – in isolation. “I leaned into surfing because it made me feel connected to the earth and the ocean,” says Fischer. Although that activity made him feel less alone, he still hadn’t found a way to honor the bond he had with his dad. “I wanted to share surfing with him, so I decided to write his name on my board and take him out there. One early afternoon, I took the board to Second Beach, and when I was in the waves and saw his name illuminated by the sun, I found a moment of connection.”
That night, he posted about his experience in Middletown on social media, inviting others to share the names of loved ones they lost. He promised to take them out surfing via his board, too. The post went viral. “Suddenly, I had hundreds of people from around the world reaching out to me,” says Fischer. The One Last Wave Project was born.
It took just one week for Fischer to fill a surfboard with 1,501 handwritten names. A month later, a second held 1,800 more. “It’s an emotional experience to read people’s stories and connect with them,” he says. “Every single name is a life. Every name is an emotional experience
Photos courtesy of One Last Wave Project
The One Last Wave Project began when Dan Fischer was grieving the loss of his father and dog
for me.” So far, nearly 18,000 lives have been honored. And although the act is healing, it’s also heavy. “Sometimes I have to stare at a board for two or three days before I start writing the names on it because I know the emotional journey ahead,” he says. “I have to be in a good mental space before I start.”
Each surf board carries up to 2,000 individual stories of lives well lived, but each board is a story, too. Each represents loved ones from dozens of countries, and boards are shaped in locales across the globe. The one shaped in Santa Cruz was made from fallen local redwood trees. The one that will be launched in Norway was designed by South African longboard surfer Stevie Sawyer. Fischer describes them as active memorials.
The project also gives those left behind permission to start living again. “There is a woman in Boston whose father’s name is on our seventh board, the one we launched in Cornwall, England. She flew to Heathrow, drove six
Photos
(L & R) courtesy of One Last Wave Project
Over 18,000 individuals have been honored by the One Last Wave Project
The One Last Wave Project serves as part of the healing process for many who have suffered loss
hours to the beach, spent five minutes with the board, stood in the ocean for 10 minutes, then immediately drove back to Heathrow and flew back to Boston,” Fischer says. “For so many grieving families, especially those that lost children, life stopped. Joy has been stripped away. The board gives them hope, a reason to travel and reenter life.”
When Fischer lost his dad, he spent a year feeling alone in his grief. But in the ocean, he found a connection to something larger than himself. But the ocean doesn’t just connect humans to the planet. It connects borders across the globe. And the surfboards launched through the One Last Wave Project connect people through one of the most universal human experiences: grief.
“I’ve found that it’s a trifecta of things,” says
Fischer. “These surfboards are works of art, and we connect through art. We are connected by the ocean. And we are connected to everyone around the world through the experience of grief. I continue to hear from people that the more they talk about it and share their experience, the more they have hope that life continues. That’s what these boards do.”
Each board is funded, in part, by the previous one through donations and purchases at the One Last Wave Project shop. There is no fee to submit a name for a surfboard. Learn more at OneLastWaveProject.com
As the season changes, many people start rethinking where (and how) hey want to live.
If you’re considering a move, I’ll help you open the door to new possibilities with calm guidance and local expertise.
Let’s talk about the next step that feels right for you.
Voices of the Bay: Barbara Casey
Alleviating chronic pain leads to a Bristol woman helping others with alternative therapy techniques
By Nina Murphy
The Alexander Technique, a series of postural movements to help reduce and release tension in the body with a focus on the head, neck, and shoulders, is even more relevant in today’s world of hunched-over cell phone and computer users than when it was first created over 100 years ago by F. Matthias Alexander. For Bristol’s Barbara Casey, learning the method changed her life both physically and professionally. When she was a special educator in early childhood development, she was hampered by back pain from constantly bending over to interact with her three- and four-year-old students. It was at the suggestion of her chiropractor that Casey began to work with a certified instructor of the Alexander Technique. As a student of the practice for 10 years, she learned how to eliminate the pain. When she eventually retired, Casey was inspired to become a certified instructor of the technique. This included four years spent in London under the expertise of Walter and Dilys Carrington, who had been students of F. Matthias Alexander. Casey holds a BA and a Master’s in special education from Rhode Island College. This fall marks her twelfth year as a member of the faculty of the Brown University Trinity Rep MFA program in acting and directing, teaching the Alexander Technique. She also has a private practice.
CHRONIC PAIN: If you’re in discomfort, you are looking for somebody who’s going to alleviate it right away. I had very bad back pain, and my chiropractor was able to reduce the pain almost immediately, but I would be back in another three weeks with exactly the same thing. I didn’t understand what I was doing to cause the pain.
LOOKING BACKWARDS: There’s less manipulation with the Alexander Technique. It’s more of a thinking process to redirect your energy, a change in thinking about bringing and keeping yourself upward. Watch young people walking, and their postural issues are really severe. They’re carrying backpacks. They’re looking down at their phones. Also,
we are sitting for a great deal of time, in the car, in virtual classes. When we do move, we move forward. We’re very aware of the front of us, but not many people have any sensory idea of the backward or their back. People are not connected to their backs. I work on that with my students all the time. You want to know where it is so that you’re fully in your body, not just the front of you, but the whole of the body. Students could be very nicely moving when we’re working together, but I watch them when they go out, or pick up their phone or backpack, and they fall right back into their habits.
THE REWARD: There are certain principles of the technique that haven’t changed in 136 years; I’m always teaching those principles. One’s vocabulary as a teacher has to change, because this is a very different world from what Matthias Alexander experienced. Every student learns differently. I would say it’s a combination for myself as a teacher of hands-on placement, visuals, and speaking to them in a vocabulary they understand. It’s extraordinarily gratifying. That’s one of the pleasures of teaching and I feel it’s also very satisfying for them when they begin to feel less discomfort. Learn more at BarbaraFCasey@gmail.com
P hoto courtesy of Barbara Casey
Barbara Casey
Stalise
Women’s clothing store
What it is:
A sophisticated, woman-owned boutique that guides customers through a shopping experience tailored to their tastes.
Where to find it:
Behind Portsmouth Publick House, find a collection of stores and offices in Clock Tower Square. The well-dressed mannequins out-front confirm you found it.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Longtime friends Stacey Downing and Lisa Hurd started their businesses to connect inclusive luxury with versatile sophistication. Named for its owners, Stalise provides a shopping experience that is uniquely tailored to each customer. Depending on your personality and style choices, each curated ensemble is an investment in a classic wardrobe sure to elevate your closet and reflect your sense of individuality. From jeans and T-shirts to special occasion dresses, customers will find personalized attention and expert advice from two owners with 35 years of experience in outfitting women of all ages. Each in-store garment has been carefully selected to complement other items in the Stalise collection, offering customers endless possibilities for creating cohesive and stylish outfits. For any woman hoping to step up their wardrobe game and find a sense of personal style, Stalise is the perfect shopping destination!
Stalise
105 Clocktowner Square, Portsmouth Stalise.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! P
hoto courtesy of Stalise
HARVEST MARKET
providence picture frame ppf
est. 1879
Dryden gallery
CUSTOM FRAMING
From classic designs to bespoke metal and woodwork, PPF creates museum-quality framing solutions tailored to any project and budget.
OBJECT FRAMING & PRESENTATION
Custom mountings are crafted to showcase objects or sculpture within frames, vitrines, on plinths, or as stand-alone displays. each is designed to seamlessly complement the work.
ART INSTALLATION & ART HANDLING
Installing thousands of pieces each year in commercial and residential settings. high value, heavy, high up, framed works, sculpture, mirrors... we do it all.
photography & digital printing
PROFESSIONAL PHOTO PRINTING AND ART PHOTOGRAPHY With museum-grade printing, restorations, and high-resolution photography, PPF delivers custom digital solutions for a wide range of projects and interiors.
DRYDEN GALLERY
Greater Providence's premier exhibition space, Dryden Gallery showcases curated art and design for patrons, collectors and design professionals.
The Must List
essential events this month
For weekly Musts, subscribe to our newsletter at HeyRhody.com
October 4-5: Harvest Fair is an award-winning celebration that features regional craft and food vendors, hayrides, face painting, and a mud pile. There’s also live music all weekend, plus a home and garden competition. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org
October 3-4: With a diverse lineup of shorts including comedies, documentaries, and music videos, the Nine Central Film Festival brings local creators together to celebrate the art of filmmaking, featuring unique programs nightly. Newport, JanePickens.com
October 4: Join Save the Bay and the Barrington Land Conservation Trust for the International Coastal Cleanup at Barrington Town Beach, part of the world’s largest volunteer effort to clean up our oceans. Advance registration required. Barrington, BLCT.org
October 9-12: The annual Rogue Island Comedy Festival features local and national headliners, including Jason Cordova, Kyle Dunnigan, and Aiko Tanaka, appearing at various locations around Aquidneck Island. Newport and Portsmouth, RogueIslandComedyFest.com
October 12 & 19: Small business owners pull out all the stops for two Sundays at the annual Warren Walkabout . Wander the historic district for surprises and sales all over town, and don’t miss the Mudstone Ugly Sale in the courtyard at 30 Cutler Street. DiscoverWarren.com
October 18: A Spirited Evening at Fort Adams is a four-hour adventure through the dark corners of the historic fort led by a team of expert paranormal investigators. Note: Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces. Newport, FortAdams.org
October 18-19: The Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival returns with fresh, locally harvested seafood, including lobster rolls, stuffies, chowder, fried calamari, clams, and oysters, along with signature cocktails, craft beer, and live music. Newport, BowensWharf.com
October 19: The Citizens Pell Bridge Run is a four-mile road race and walk and the only day of the year when pedestrians are permitted to cross the famous bridge on foot! Starts in Jamestown and finishes in downtown Newport. Jamestown, PellBridgeRun.com
October 24: Linden Place hosts a Night at the Mansion Halloween Haunt , a spooky evening with award-winning mentalist George Saterial, as well as a live magic show, tarot card readings, delicious treats, and a cash bar. Bristol, Eventbrite.com
October 25: Enjoy an evening of Halloween merriment at the Newport Pride Velvet Ball at Ochre Court Mansion at Salve Regina University, a night to celebrate diversity and raise funds for the Newport Pride Center. Newport, NewportPrideRI.org
Photo courtesy of Norman Bird Sanctuary
Family fun at NBS Harvest Fair
Back2Back Boutique
Ballet RI
Blackstone Valley Glass Center
Casa Azul
Cold Brook Cafe
Presenting Hey Rhody Cafe
Distefano Brothers
Donna's Door Decor
Floral Designs by Donna
Grace's Stuffies
Nauti Girl Boutique
Sanctuary Herbs
Sherlock Farms
South County Tourism The
Outdoors The Great
A FIELD GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE STATE’S NATURAL TREASURES
By Bob Curley and Elyse Major
With temperatures dropping, even most indoor types are ready to leave their air-conditioned nests and get outside. While Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State, more than 50 percent is forested, making it ideal for spending time outdoors. Little Rhody boasts a network of management areas (actively managed for activities from hiking to horseback riding to hunting), parks, preserves, and wildlife refuges. There are also 60 miles of paved trails for biking and walking, hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all skill levels, numerous fishing spots, and boat launches and ramps. So grab your bug spray and boots, sunscreen and sneakers, it’s time for adventure!
FISHING
One of the richest fisheries on the East Coast, Narragansett Bay alone covers 150 square miles, and the state’s water area is nearly half that of its land mass. Saltwater fishing predominates – this is, after all, the Ocean State – but the state also has about 100 lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams that are designated freshwater fishing areas. Rhode Island Department of Environment Management (DEM) stocks brown, brook, rainbow, and golden rainbow trout in locations from Barrington to Burrillville each spring; catch a rare golden rainbow trout, take a photo, and receive a special pin from DEM. Native largemouth bass lurk in locations like Breakheart Pond in Exeter and Worden Pond in South Kingstown. You also may hook carp, perch, pickerel, pike, bullheads, and catfish.
Only handheld rod-and-reel fishing is permitted in the fresh waters of Rhode Island. Fly-fishing has become increasingly popular, says Kimberly Sullivan, DEM’s aquatic resource education coordinator and principal fisheries
Paddling at Frying Pan Pond, Arcadia Management Area
The thrill of catching a striped bass on a Maridee fishing charter out of Galilee
Photos courtesy of Abigail Brown
Not all trolls live
biologist. “We have a big community, and the Wood River is one of the best resources,” she says. “It used to be an elite sport, but now it’s more accessible, with cheaper gear.”
It’s currently tautog season in Rhode Island, with a daily limit of three fish per person. From October 15-December 31, the daily limit increases to five fish per person. Prime spots for shore fishing include Beavertail State Park and Fort Wetherill in Jamestown, and India Point Park in Providence. For boat fishing, Block Island Sound, Newport Harbor, and Narragansett Bay are best bets. Other fall fish are tuna, wahoo, marlin, among others. Look for sport fishing charters to experience the thrill of catching a saltwater fish.
under bridges: “Mrs. Skipper” peers at a fisherman at Kettle Point, near the East Bay Bike Path
by
A Trio of New Creatures Beckon Trolling the State
Renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo and his team of builders returned to the Ocean State in August and left behind three new trolls. Built from recycled materials – and one 28-foot rusted lifeboat sourced from Facebook Marketplace – the sculptures make their permanent homes in Arcadia State Park, East Providence, and North Kingstown. Dambo is the world’s leading recycle artist, with installations in more than 20 countries on five continents, and over 125 trolls scattered around the world, including sites in Maine and New Jersey.
Bringing Dambo and his creatures to Rhode Island is part of a long-term plan to create an attraction that places the mythical creatures at locations around the state, “to form a Rhode Island ‘troll trail’,” says South County Tourism president Louise Bishop.
Dambo is committed to repairing the environment and uses his talent to promote environmental awareness. He’s developed a narrative, telling the troll’s stories through poetry and fairy tales.
“My poems are an important part of my art. They set the scene and are the whole backbone of my installation,” he says. “I try to tell a story that has relevance in the area, under the umbrella of a larger story. My bigger story is that trolls are basically the animals and the plants – my trolls are nature, you could say. My stories are about the clash between humanity and nature. My trolls are the unspoken warriors of the plants and the animals that can’t speak. That’s the symbolism of my stories.”
Dambo works directly with local communities, assembling his sculptures with the help of volunteers of all ages.
“It’s a little bit of school and a lot of fun,” he says. “We learn how to build something big. It’s always nice to meet local people; they invite us for a barbecue or tell us the best places to go.”
“The purpose of my art is to show how we can be better humans,” says Dambo. “I think we should be less wasteful and more mindful of the resources we have. We should try and preserve those resources and not contaminate the natural environment. We are super wasteful in the way we use and discard things, so I try to educate through stories, sculpture, art talks, and my poems.” –Ken Abrams
Dr. LaPorte joined Atlantic Audiology in June and we’re excited for our patients to get the chance to work with her. Dr. LaPorte earned her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2023 and during her residency she was drawn to working in a private practice because of the level of focused and personalized care she can provide for her patients. Her audiologic passions include amplification, education, & cerumen management. Dr. LaPorte is working out of both the Cranston and the North Kingstown locations.
Photography
EXPLORE MORE
Paddles, walks, and more abound right here where we live. Find maps, outfitters, resources, and more at ExploreRI.org
CAMPING
Fun and affordable, choose from campsites tucked into the woods or just a stone’s throw from the shore.
• Burlingame State Campground*
• Charlestown Breachway State Campground
• East Beach State Campground
• Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
• George Washington State Campground*
*Cabins available and include two bunk beds with boards for the base Camping season ends during or at the end of October for most campgrounds; see availability and reserve online at RIParks.RI.gov
HIKING
The Ocean State is filled with beautiful places to hike, including these nature refuges maintained by the Audubon Society of RI. Find more at ASRI.org, and for an expansive list of statewide trails, visit ExploreRI.org.
• Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, Tiverton
• Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge, Rockville
• Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry
• Powder Mill Ledges, Smithfield
• Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Warren
• Waterman Pond Wildlife Refuge, Coventry
CYCLING
Rhode Island has more than 60 miles of paved trails for biking, and the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority offers Rack-N-Ride, meaning all RIPTA buses have bike racks that are free, making cycling the state a breeze.
• Blackstone River Bikeway
• East Bay Bike Path
• Fred Lippitt Woonasquatucket River Greenway
• Quonset Bike Path
• South County Bike Path
• Ten Mile River Greenway
• Warren Bike Path
• Washington Secondary Bike Path
Get details about paths, maps, and parking at DOT.RI.gov
Experience PVD from a new vantage point in a single or tandem kayak; through mid-October. Learn more at ProvidenceKayak.com
From India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol, travel 14.5 miles on the East Bay Bike Path
Photos
courtesy of Providence Warwick
CVB
HUNTING
Like almost everything in Rhode Island, the local hunting population is tiny. In 2023, the state sold about 8,000 hunting licenses, or 0.7 for every 100 people – the second-lowest rate in the US. Despite the disparity in participation, however, the state’s resources for hunting and fishing are vast – at least in proportion to Rhode Island’s small size. “The hunting community here is small,” says Maddie Proulx, outdoor education administrative assistant at the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). “Everyone knows everyone because it’s Rhode Island.” The number of people who fish in Rhode Island, by contrast, is huge, with more than 50,000 recreational fishing license holders. Between recreational and commercial fishing, the industry contributes an estimated $419 million to the state economy each year.
DEM manages over 60,000 acres of public land, most of which is available to hunters and trappers, and some private property owners also permit hunting on their land. Rhode Island allows hunting of a surprisingly diverse list of species, from the familiar (deer, turkey) to the unusual (pheasant, mourning doves) to the unexpected (coyotes, foxes, rabbits, squirrels). Most hunting in the state takes place from camouflaged blinds or tree stands, although pheasant hunters typically pursue the birds using hunting dogs that flush them from their hiding spots. State law sets limits on the number of animals that can be taken, although hunters are usually satisfied if they come home with even one kill. “Deer have gotten smarter over the years: they look up for people in the trees now,” says John Dexter, president of Narragansett Bow Hunters, an archery club based in Exeter. “It’s a real challenge.”
Fur trapping, practiced by Native American inhabitants of Rhode Island for thousands of years, continues into the 21st century, notably beaver trapping. “When I was a kid, we had no beavers,” says Jim Trappero, hunter safety education coordinator for DEM’s Fish and Wildlife division. “Now, they’re everywhere. They’re rodents, so they’re prolific.” In fact, beavers have become so common in Rhode Island that the trapping limit for residents was recently raised from 20 to 40 per season.
Hunters may use bows (long, re-curve, compound, and crossbows) to bag game, as well as shotguns and muzzle-loading rifles. A state license is required whether you hunt with a bow or a gun. “Archery is a lot cheaper than guns, but it’s a lot harder to kill an animal with a bow and arrow,” says Dexter.
Rhode Island Outdoors
Find fishing, hunting, and boating licenses and permits, plus maps and more, all in one place at this site run by DEM. RIO.RI.gov
“I take the life of an animal very seriously, and have profound respect for the creatures I hunt”
–Maddie Proulx
The 40-plus DEM-administered management areas are the state’s prime hunting areas, although hunting also is permitted at some state parks, Nature Conservancy properties, and National Wildlife Refuges. These range from well-known protected lands like Arcadia Management Area in Exeter and the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge in Charlestown to lesser-known spots like Prudence Island and Patience Island in Narragansett Bay. Rules vary from location to location regarding what can be hunted or caught, what weapons and traps can be used, and the time of year hunting can take place. For example, only coyote hunting is permitted on Patience Island, whereas bow hunters can go after deer and raccoons on Prudence Island.
Nicholas Farm Management Area in Coventry is particularly well known for hunting pheasant (DEM stocks birds here annually for hunting), while the South Shore Management Area in Charlestown has public pit blinds surrounding a goose landing field, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Not everyone who picks up a bow or a gun uses it to hunt: some Rhode Islanders limit their shooting to the range rather than aiming at live targets. Gun clubs across the state operate shooting ranges, and DEM has a public range in the Great Swamp Management Area that also includes a clay-shooting course. The Preserve in Richmond recently expanded their sporting clays course to 19. Each shooting station, including openair and covered positions, has six clay throwers that are strategically and regularly moved to ensure shooters a dynamic and challenging experience.
New signage makes understanding trails easier for visitors
Riding at the Equestrian Training Stables is among the many adventures that await at The Preserve Photo (top) courtesy of Tim Tait, (bottom) by Nicholas D. Brown, courtesy of The Preserve
Local Artist Brings Style to Preserve Signage
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has been conserving land in Rhode Island since the 1960s and locally, has 25 nature preserves that are open for people to enjoy time in nature. As part of their strategic plan, the organization is focused on making the places they protect more broadly welcoming to new hikers and folks that traditionally haven’t been invited to participate in outdoor recreation, or who may not feel safe in nature. “One way to do that is through signage and trail maps that are geared toward those first-time visitors, with bold colors, brief but clear trail descriptions, and graphics that mirror the diversity of the Rhode Island community. Spanish and Portuguese translations are available through a QR code,” says Tim Mooney, TNC director of marketing and communications.
To that end, Tim Tait, a graphic designer and artist who lives in North Scituate, designed the new look for the signs at Beaver River Preserve, Moshassuck River Preserve, Queens River Preserve, Goosewing Beach Preserve, and others. “The signs are designed to be welcoming and informative to a more diverse and wider audience, while strengthening The Nature Conservancy brand recognition,” says Tait.
Over the past year, TNC has installed new trailhead signs at four preserves: Moshassuck River in Lincoln, Queen’s River in Exeter, Beaver River in Richmond, and Goosewing Beach in Little Compton. Designs were recently finalized for new signs at the Canonchet Brook Preserve in Hopkinton to be installed this fall. “Over the next year, TNC will expand the project to three more preserves: Ell Pond in Hopkinton, Cuttyhunk Brook in Exeter, and Tillinghast Pond in West Greenwich, and possibly Block Island. “Big thanks to Eagle Scout Nate Bourgoin and the North Kingstown Boy Scouts for building the nice kiosks, and Tim Tait for bringing it to life!” –Elyse Major
FARM-TO-TABLE
For many Rhode Island anglers and hunters, however, enjoyment of the sport is not just for thrills, but to put food on the table. “It’s crucial to me that I utilize every part of the animal I harvest,” adds Proulx, who hunts deer and game birds like wild turkeys and Canadian geese. “I take the life of an animal very seriously, and have profound respect for the creatures I hunt. Even if I don’t bring something home, the experience of waking up with the birds and witnessing a beautiful sunrise makes those 3am alarm clock mornings worthwhile.”
Working the land at Shewatuck Farm
Photo courtesy of Shewatuck Farm
Field Trips: Just Batty on October 11
First formed by elementary art teacher Melissa Guillet as a gardening program for her students, 15 Minute Field Trips offers handson educational programs at the intersection of art, nature, advocacy, and community. Although they are based in Johnston and work primarily in the Providence area, fully mobile programming allows Guillet and her team to set up and host activities at camps, farms, parks, libraries, and schools across the state. Join them for Just Batty! to learn about Rhode Island fruit bats through games, trivia, and puppet-making, plus what you can do to help. Meets at Blackstone Field, Providence. Updates at 15MinuteFieldTrips.org –Ethan Major
Melissa Guillet digs into a 15 Minute Field Trip held
at Columbia Park
Photo courtesy of Melissa Guillet
Another way to participate in the food chain is to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed agritourism activities such as fruit picking and have thought about growing produce yourself. Among the benefits of food grown locally is that it minimizes the transportation – not only reducing pollution but also lowering consumer cost. Why have lettuce trucked from California when farms, including Gotham Greens in Providence, provide fresh, sustainable, and flavorful varieties minutes away? If you don’t have access to land, there may be a community garden near you – garden plots available to rent. There’s also the Fellows Program at Shewatuck Farm, a property in North Kingstown that provides a host of resources and services to help cultivate new farm and food ventures. If the idea of starting a farm appeals to you, the Rhode Island Farm Bureau Federation is a great place to begin. Check out their So You Want to Start a Farm sheet, available at RIFB.org
Shewatuck Farm is a 91 acre certified organic vegetable, flower and herb farm located in North Kingstown
Photos courtesy of Shewatuck Farm
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HOME & STYLE
Fall Home Inspo | Makers | Workshop
Fall Home & Garden
Inspiration and budget-friendly advice for transitioning your abode for autumn
By Carli Alves
Days are shorter, nights are cooler, and the autumn breeze is a welcome reprieve from some of those hot summer days. It’s no secret that the transition from summer to fall in New England is a magical time with lots to see and do – with the abundance of fall fests, pumpkin patches, apples ripe for the harvest, and vibrant foliage – so, why not bring a touch of that harvest-time goodness into your home to enjoy this season? Whether creating a warm welcome at the front door, incorporating cozy textures into your favorite gathering spot, or foraging to bring nature indoors, we’re sharing some tips to help get your home feeling festive.
Photos by Carli Alves
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Five steps to creating a welcoming entrance to enjoy all season long
The front door is the first thing guests see when they visit your home, so it’s important it gives a warm welcome. However, decorating your entrance seasonally can add up, so here are some tried-and-true tips to create an inviting spot on a shoestring.
LAYER
Layering doormats is a very trendy look that adds texture and interest to your front door. This works especially well when you choose a patterned low-pile rug (like a weather-resistant outdoor rug) underneath a more functional, but smaller coir doormat – those mats with brown fibers made from coconut husks. To create a look that fits the scale of your front door, the bottom doormat should measure slightly larger than the width of your door, while the top doormat should be about the size of your door.
FILL
As summer turns to fall, potted plants like ferns, coleus, and hydrangeas still have quite a bit of life left in them, so don’t throw them out! By utilizing these plants to transition your decor, you can save money and you won’t have to start from scratch. In general, having some good-sized planters to flank the door is a great start. Filling in gaps with one or two planters at staggering heights creates a balanced look for a centered doorway. If there’s only room for planters on one side of your door, one to three other planters in varying heights should do the job. Plants to consider incorporating into your pots: chrysanthemums, stonecrop, cone flowers, sweet potato vine, croton plants, ornamental cabbage/kale, and/or grasses that add texture and color.
WREATH ALTERNATIVES
There are so many ways to decorate a front door beyond a wreath. Consider a hanging basket filled with branches, dried hydrangeas, or fresh mums, replacing the water and foliage as needed. Try an autumn sign or flag, leafy swags, pine cones hanging from twine – the possibilities are endless.
ADD
When it comes to decorating with pumpkins outside, consider opting for real instead of faux, and support local farms while you’re at it. While faux pumpkins and florals are tempting, they can be difficult to store and often fade over time. If you’re looking to get the abundant look on your front steps, combining both orange pumpkins and one or two specialty heirloom pumpkins and gourds is a great way to get the look without breaking the bank. If you’re not a fan of orange, bust out the paint and get your creative juices flowing to customize pumpkins to your preferred palette. The addition of jack-o-lanterns will add some fun and a magical glow at night.
GLOW
Use lanterns, glass votives, or hurricanes in different sizes by your front door to add ambience. Battery-operated candles or twinkle lights with automatic timers are great for carefree convenience. Outdoor wall sconces can be updated with warm-toned, flickering, or vintage-styled bulbs to coincide with the season.
ADORN
Once that cool fall breeze hits the front door, who can resist pulling out the autumn wreaths? Wreaths are a great way to welcome guests to your home and add festive curb appeal. A classic grapevine wreath is a great option for fall; while striking left plain, it can also serve as an excellent base for adding DIY touches like sprigs, leaves, and pinecones. If doing it yourself is not your thing, there are many options available to add personality to your door.
by
Photos
Carli Alves
THE SEASON OF THE SWITCH
Transitioning to fall can be as simple as swapping textures, colors, and scents
Autumn inspiration can be found almost anywhere – even right inside your own home. It’s always a great idea to shop your house when looking to refresh for the season because you probably already have on hand a majority of what you need to create an awesome autumn vignette. Through cozy textures, warm colors, and spicy scents, you can decorate a home full of warmth and charm.
One of the easiest ways to add coziness when transitioning from summer to fall is to swap out your textiles. Set aside your linen, seersucker, and chambray, and bring out the throw pillows and blankets made from soft velvet, nubby boucle, warm flannels, or chunky wool. Incorporating these textures easily adds interest and warmth to the home, both physically and visually. Blankets can be stuffed into baskets, draped over the arms of chairs, layered over a ladder, or nestled in the
corner of a sofa or window seat, all resulting in an effortlessly comfortable and inviting look.
Create the ultimate autumn season by assembling vignettes with a variety of items. Surfaces like coffee tables, mantels, and shelves are perfect for stacks of faded antique books, rustic or hobnail glass vases stuffed with dried hydrangeas, and patinaed brass candlesticks. Fashion texture-rich displays by showcasing collections of baskets, wreaths, and wooden trays. Pot leafy plants in planters made of hammered copper or fluted iron urns to add in architectural elements that evoke the feel just outside the window.
When choosing autumnal hues to incorporate into your decor, what better place to draw inspiration from than the outdoors? In the fall, Mother Nature takes the opportunity to show off with her spectacle of colors, from muted earth tones – like burnt umber and
terracotta – to more vibrant colors like violet, yellow, and chartreuse. Autumn decor doesn’t need to be limited to just orange, red, and brown; instead, focus on the tints and tones from nature that speak most to you.
Can we even talk about fall without bringing up pumpkin spice? People either love it or hate it, but if it’s not your favorite scent, there are lots of others that can help imbue those fall feels. Candles, incense, and scent blends for diffusers with notes of vanilla, bergamot, ginger, and clove are all wonderful choices. Be on the lookout for candles with crackling wood wicks as they not only offer a cleaner burn, but also an experience reminiscent of sitting in front of a fire. Cinnamon-scented pinecones, potpourri, and simmering pots of water with ingredients like citrus peels, apple skins, whole cloves, and more fill spaces with the smells of the season.
by Carli Alves
Photos
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FORAGED DECOR
Get the natural living look by heading outside in search of decorative accents
Creating displays in your home using natural elements is a budget-friendly and easy way to decorate for the season: it’s as simple as taking a stroll in your yard! Think of it as a grown-up scavenger hunt. Branch clippings, pinecones, bittersweet vines, acorns, leaves, and even logs are perfect items to forage for fall decor, and the best part is you can let your creativity run wild.
Snip colorful foliage to create a sculptural statement centerpiece on a table. Bittersweet vines have a beautiful orange color, and look stunning in vases, wrapped around a wreath, or draped along a mantel. Place foraged (and debugged, see call-out) pinecones or fresh apples or pears in a bowl to create functional decor. Tuck acorns and pinecones here and there on shelves or display cases as a simple addition to your everyday decor. Press and frame leaves that have turned to create a unique and stunning gallery wall; the only limit is your imagination.
If you don’t want to venture into the wild, dried florals are a great option and have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. From pampas grass to baby’s breath, you can purchase beautiful dried items in a variety of textures and colors to fill vases and help you usher in the season. Clustering a mix of store-bought mini pumpkins and gourds is a great way to finish off the look.
PINE CONE PREP
To avoid living creatures and sticky situations in your displays, place freshly gathered pine cones on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven at 200 degrees for an hour, checking often, to rid them of critters and harden sticky sap.
by
Photos
Carli Alves
• Aardvark Antiques
• Arnold Lumbery
• Bannon Tile
• Bob Frances Interiors
• Brassworks Fine Home Details
• Budget Blinds
• City & Estate Gardner
• Custom Contracting
• Crestar Framing
• East Coast Designs
• Elite Restoration
• Fabric Gallery
• Factory Carpet Outlet
• The Farmer’s Daughter
• Gil’s Appliances
• Graham Gallery
• GrandScapes
• Hawkins Hardwood Flooring
• Heritage Kitchen
• Hilltop Garden Center
• Inspired Closets
• KG Kitchen
• Kitchen Guys
• KMR Home Designs
• McCormick Home Improvement
• Michelle Lee Design
• Parma Doors
• Picture This Picture Framing
• Providence Picture Frame & Dryden Gallery
• Rhode Island Kitchen & Bath
• Rhode Island Mulch Express Blower Services
• Riverhead Building Supply
• Roofmasters
• Salks Ace Hardware
• TF Morra Tree Care
• Wickford Kitchen and Bath
Natural Instincts
Meet five makers who find inspiration and supplies from their surroundings
By Emily Homonoff
Across Rhode Island, creativity is blooming in unexpected places, and makers are weaving nature directly into their craft. From meditations kits shaped with foliage to papers and prints built from sea plants, these artisans aren’t just creating beautiful objects; they’re telling stories of sustainability and connection. By working with the raw materials of the land and sea, they invite us to see the beauty of the Ocean State in a new light.
MAY BABCOCK: PAPER
For papermaker and eco-artist May Babcock, creativity begins with what nature provides. She forages “abundant plant and seaweed fibers” and transforms them into pulp, embedding pressed plants and sediment and creating richly textured works of art. “Material engagement is foundational to my practice,” Babcock says, a belief that flows through her work like the waterways she honors. Each piece not only showcases her innovative papermaking techniques but evokes “the plants, waterways, stories, and materials of place,” inviting viewers to connect with the natural world on a more intimate level. Pawtucket, MayBabcock.com
MARY CHATOWSKY: SEAWEED
Mary Chatowsky channels the ocean’s hidden life into her art. Chatowsky’s Seaweed and Tide Pool series captures “a moment in time when these species coexisted in between the tides,” giving form to the delicate balance between beauty and fragility in our changing world. She explains that the ocean “contains a wealth of environments, the known and unknown, with creatures, shapes and forms both strange and beautiful,” a vivid image that is brought to life in Chatowsky’s prints. Through her work at Saltwater Studio Newport Art and Design, Chatowsky freezes those tidal snapshots, offering us a gentle invitation to appreciate unseen stories beneath the surface. Newport, SaltWaterStudioNewport.com
May Babcock
Mary Chatowsky
Photo (top)
courtesy of May Babcock, (bottom) courtesy of Mary Chatowsky
MEET THE MAKERS
Vendor markets are filled with artists selling goods that make the most of natural resources. Here are some events happening this month. Find more at FarmFreshRI.org
SATURDAYS
• Aquidneck Growers Market, Newport
• Casey Farm Market, Saunderstown
• Hope Street Farmers Market, Providence
• Mount Hope Farmers Market, Bristol
• Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market, Cranston
• South Kingstown Farmers Market, Kingston
SUNDAYS
• Foster Farmers Market, Foster
• Tiverton Farmers Market, Tiverton
HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Scituate Art Festival: Artists and vendors take over the picturesque village green and beyond at this annual event, now in its 59th year. If you’ve never been, prepare to do some walking, as you may need to park up to a mile away from the action. There is a central food court run by town-based nonprofit groups serving up everything from apple dumplings to meatball sandwiches and soft drinks; many are cash-only, so plan accordingly. Pro-tip: Start your art-buying adventure with coffee and a muffin from Cold Brook Cafe. Rain or shine. Learn more at ScituateArtFestival.org
Play On! an adult-only, 21+ event held at PCM after hours. Join us for a night of laughter and unadulterated fun to leave the stresses of adulthood behind.
At GrandeDesigns, flowers aren’t just preserved, they’re transformed into heirlooms. Specializing in resin art, Rylee Grande captures blooms from life’s most meaningful occasions (weddings, births, memorials) and turns them into lasting works of art. “Each piece I create is a tribute to the fleeting beauty of nature,” Grande explains, “preserved in resin to be cherished for years to come.” Inspired daily by the natural world, her work honors memory as much as it celebrates form, showcasing “the elegance and emotion each flower holds.” The result is art that keeps nature’s beauty and life’s milestones alive long after the petals fade. Smithfield, GrandeDesigns.myshopify.com
SEMA GURERK: BOTANICALS
Jewelry artist Sema Gurerk draws inspiration from nature’s smallest details – a pinecone, a twig, a fleeting fragment of beauty. “Each piece of my jewelry begins with a quiet discovery in nature,” Gurerk says, describing how she transforms these unique finds using the ancient art of lost wax casting for her Botanica & Bazaar line. By preserving intricate textures in precious metal, Gurerk designs wearable sculptures that are as much story as adornment. “No two pieces are ever alike,” she notes, each necklace, ring, or earring becoming a reminder that “nature is the greatest artist, and I am simply its collaborator.” Under the brand name Floweredsky Designs, her work celebrates both traditional craft and the organic artistry of the natural world. Providence, Floweredsky.com. Find Gurek at Tiverton Farmers Market events
NICOLE MONTAGNO: EPHEMERA
For sustainable floral designer and artist Nicole Montagno, nature serves as both inspiration and medium. In her event florals, Montagno relies on native, seasonal blooms and “earth-friendly, non-toxic, and low-waste practices.” In her work, she assembles elements including an original watercolor painting, genuine healing crystals, a tealight intention candle, a selenite wand, and more into meditation kits that “celebrate ephemera and the beauty of nature in all of its phases.” She also paints animals and landscapes with small-batch watercolors made from plants and minerals. “I am forever a deep admirer of the Earth and all of her beings,” she says, and her work is a testament to that reverence. Available at Jordan’s Jungle, Pawtucket. HalcyonHeroine.com
Rylee Grande
Sema Gurerk
Photo (top) courtesy of Rylee Grande, (bottom) courtesy of Sema Gurerk
Nicole Montagno
Photo courtesy of Nicole Montagno
Waxing Poetic
From mixing fragrance oils to designing a label, this workshop is lit
By Caitlyn Bailey
Whether I’m writing for this magazine, nestled up with a good book, or cleaning my house, the odds are good that a lit candle is flickering somewhere in the vicinity. The smell of fresh lemon as I vacuum my living room? Yes, please . A local lavender farm’s soy candle burning while I make dinner? Sounds like the perfect evening. With so many different options that pair with the changing seasons, it can be difficult to find that ideal scent. Luckily, Aster Hand Poured Soy Candles new candlemaking workshops are the chance to create your perfect home accent. From pouring the wax to decorating your own label, you’ll have full creative control over the scent of your dreams. The company was envisioned by Catherine Arruda, an accountant by day, in 2016. After leading workshops around the state at shops like NAVA in Providence and Nico Scout in South Kingstown, she moved into a studio space this year at Lorraine Mills in Pawtucket, where she holds monthly workshops. Her environmentally friendly candles are made with 100-percent domestic soy wax to keep them renewable, vegan, and clean-burning. With every candle poured, labeled, and packaged by hand, each product is made with great care and love. Now, she’s giving customers a way to put their own energy into a candle the same way she does. I recently attended an Aster workshop, excited to make a candle of my own. Arruda’s studio is filled with shelves of her handiwork and outfitted with two large wooden workbenches. Assorted cheeses and snacks were provided for all nine of us hopeful candlemakers. Between the whisks, thermometers, and measuring cups, everyone seemed eager to put them all to good use. The most interesting tool was the fragrance wheel, which resembles a color wheel, but instead categorizes groups of scents
Photos by Victoria Costello, courtesy of Aster Candle
to show compatibility. Thinking about combining magnolia, peony, and cucumber? Refer to the scent wheel to see if it’s a stroke of genius or an unsavory combination.
When candlemaking time rolled around, we donned our aprons while Arruda gave us a warm welcome. She explained each tool and let us know that we would be cutting our own wicks, pouring our own wax, and measuring our own scents. She was clear that she was there to guide us through the process but we had full creative freedom. Thus, our two-hour
UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 4: Candle Making Workshop Pumpkin Vessel
OCTOBER 10: Candle & Cocktail Making Workshop
OCTOBER 26: Candle Making Workshop with Autumn Flower Bar
OCTOBER 26: Candle Making Workshop with Autumn Flower Bar
NOVEMBER 2: Candle Making Workshop
NOVEMBER 22: Candle Making Workshop
process began with blending fragrance oils. I chose to combine sea salt and rose for a floral, beachy scent. Next, it was time to get a tinful of soy wax and continue to check the temperature until it cooled to a solid 185-degrees to combine it with the oil mixture. After whisking for two minutes, my scented concoction was poured into a recyclable glass container.
While the candle solidified, it was time to get creative, making a label. A crafter’s wonderland, there are labels and gel pens, rubber stamps with designs ranging from greenery to
shining suns, and ink pads to customize our finished product. Not trusting my own handwriting, “Salted Rose” was born out of a neatly stamped print.
My favorite part of the workshop was taking a moment to listen to everyone celebrate each other’s creations. Whether it was cinnamon and rose, or smoked oud and grapefruit mangosteen, each combination was a fragrance worth smelling. Whether you’re seeking a fun crafternoon or a little gift-making, Aster is worth melting for.
Digital detox in action
Finished product
“It’s never too late,”
FEATURE
Aging Wisely
Planning for the future in the Ocean State starts now
By Ann Martini
“
You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old,” the comedian George Burns once said. If you know who Burns is, you might be heading toward what was once called “your golden years.” At a time when youth tend to dominate cultural conversations and “old-timers” like Burns aren’t familiar to younger audiences, Rhode Island is challenging the narrative about those golden years. A full quarter of Rhode Island’s population is over 60, and 18 percent are over 65, according to Age-Friendly Rhode Island, an initiative at Rhode Island College. Across the state, aging isn’t about retreat. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and redefining what those years can look like.
– Anthony Lemonde, Senior’s Choice RI
Making Plans
Narragansett’s Laurie O’Rourke and her late husband, Michael, began planning for retirement in their 20s. “One of the smartest decisions my husband and I made was investing in property,” she says. “Our approach was always to buy the worst house in the best location.” In time, those investments allowed Michael to pursue his dream of owning an Irish pub, and in 2006, O’Rourke’s Bar and Grill opened in the Pawtuxet Village section of Warwick. But in 2012, Michael, in his 40s, passed away from lymphoma. Laurie, an RN at Kent County Hospital, had a decision to make about the pub. “I chose to leave nursing,” she explains. “I had no prior experience as a bartender or waitress, but I worked tirelessly,” she
says. “I was incredibly proud of my husband’s accomplishments, and I wanted to honor his legacy. I was 50 years old when I embraced this new chapter.”
And now, after 14 years of running the pub, O’Rourke is newly retired. “I began seriously planning for retirement about two years ago, when I was 62 years old,” she says. “My decision was influenced by my age, the desire to spend more time with my grandchildren (she has three so far), and financial readiness.” O’Rourke says she realized it was time to step back and enjoy the life she had worked so hard to build.
“That’s when I knew it was the right time to retire. I feel wonderful and very proud of myself. I’m also deeply proud of my children, who supported me unconditionally. I often find myself reflecting and thinking, “How on earth did I do this?”
CONTINUING & ADULT EDUCATION
A comprehensive list, including locations, descriptions of their offerings, and websites for more information.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND (CCRI)
Offers GED prep, English Language Studies, workforce training, and degree or certificate programs. Evening, weekend, and online options available. Multiple campuses (Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, Newport, Westerly), CCRI.edu
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE (OLLI) AT URI
Membership-based program for adults aged 50+, offering courses, special interest groups, and travel programs. Kingston, Web.URI.edu/OLLI
PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Adult enrichment provides free programs, including workshops, technology training, and workforce development opportunities. Providence, ProvLib.org
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (RIDE)
RIDE funds 19 adult education providers offering classes in basic literacy, GED prep, ESOL, job skills training, and citizenship prep. In-person, online, and hybrid options available. Various locations, EnrollRI.org/AdultEd
RHODE ISLAND OFFICE OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICES
Adult education partnerships offer literacy, ESOL, and citizenship classes through RIFLI, plus online learning tools. Providence Place Library and statewide libraries, OLIS.RI.gov
RHODE ISLAND REGIONAL ADULT LEARNING (RIRAL)
Nonprofit learning center offering GED, ABE, ESOL, college prep, career counseling, and industry certification testing. Woonsocket, RIRAL.org
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (RISD) CONTINUING EDUCATION
Art and design courses for adults, including certificate programs and enrichment classes, in-person and online. Providence; Tillinghast Place in Barrington; Westerly Education Center, CE.RISD.edu
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND CONTINUING EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Offers professional certificates, online courses, and graduate programs. Includes OLLI for adults 50+. Kingston, URI.edu/ academics/continuing-education
Laurie O’Rourke with her grandchildren
Photo courtesy of Laurie O’Rourke
Open Enrollment is planned for between November 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026
Catching Up
What do you do, though, if you didn’t start early and plan well, like the O’Rourke’s did? “It’s never too late,” says Anthony Lemonde, owner of Senior’s Choice Rhode Island, who advises on issues such as planning well when it comes to insurance and Medicare. “We empower people with knowledge so they can make decisions that are cost-effective and responsible,” he says.
For a time, Providence resident Eleanor Clift was afraid it was indeed too late. Clift was a state employee when in 2011, then-Governor Gina Raimondo overhauled the underfunded pension system. Though Raimondo’s efforts were largely lauded, it left Clift, then 53, and many state employees in a panic. “I thought I knew down to the dime what I’d make when I retired, and that changed,” Clift says. She met with a certified financial planner, who looked carefully at her budget, advising maximizing catch-up 401(k) and IRA contributions, building an emergency fund, eliminating debt, and focusing on retirement over other expenses. “I was able not only to catch up, but because of those efforts, I had managed to put away an extra $100,000,” she says. “It felt good.”
If you’ve hit your 50s and suddenly realized your retirement savings are barely getting started, or worse, still nonexistent, you’re not alone. But Rhode Island offers practical resources and financial strategies to help you catch up smartly and with dignity. For example, the recently launched Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program is a portable, Roth IRA-based plan allowing private-sector workers without retirement options to save through payroll deductions. As General Treasurer James Diossa puts it, this initiative “will transform retirement in our state and help the 40 percent of Rhode Island private sector employees with little or no retirement savings prepare for a comfortable, dignified life after work.” Consider, too, the Rhode Island Aging and Disability Resource Center, which can connect you to home-based and financial support services, while senior centers and public libraries like Cranston’s offer free workshops, tax prep, and community connection.
Staying Active
Unfortunately, even the best planning and advice won’t enhance your life if you’re housebound. One of the easiest things you can do to ensure happier
later years is to move your body. Let’s not even use the often-intimidating label “exercising.” “The ability to increase circulation in legs and arms with a recumbent bike, treadmills, swimming, pool classes, vibration plates, and stretching is an overall health benefit,” says Dr. Sherry Morrissette, a chiropractic neurologist at the Chiropractic Neurology Center of West Greenwich. But it doesn’t even have to be that involved. “Suggestions for the over-60 population to maintain mobility as they age would be to walk briskly each day and drink plenty of water while decreasing caffeine consumption,” Morrissette says.
As we age, the inevitability of declining health becomes real, and issues with eyesight, hearing,
Oakley Home Access offers free home safey assessments
and balance might be the early birds to the party. Places that are most familiar to you in your home could become gauntlets. According to David Austin, president of Lift and Care Systems in Lakeville, Massachusetts, “The most dangerous and difficult areas for people as we age in place are bathrooms and staircases. Having appropriately placed hand railings, grab bars, and stairlifts will greatly assist with staying healthy and mobile,” he says.
Justin Oakley, co-owner of Oakley Home Services, agrees. “Learning about these options gives individuals over 60 a nice blueprint of what they can do to their home to help maximize their mobility,” he says. “It can help them safely and comfortably age in place in the home they know and love.”
Asking Questions
Should you find yourself in the doctor’s office, though, experts agree the best approach to advocating for yourself is twofold. “Make a list of all your health questions and write down the answers,” says Morrissette. “Also, bring someone to your appointment who can help you understand and support you through your health journey.”
And when you’re asking questions, remember, says Oakley, that doctors aren’t just diagnosticians. Ideally, they serve as resources to the larger healthcare community. “In our industry, it is all about resources. We encourage individuals to ask their physicians about resources that are available in the community, including access to specific equipment, services, or funding,” he explains. When it comes to resources for health
The Rhode Island Department of Health offers resources to help you and your loved ones identify assisted living facilities. Health.RI.gov/Find/AssistedLiving
If you’ve experienced frustration with the traditional model of doctor visits, you might want to know about concierge care . It’s a new model that gives you, for a surprisingly affordable monthly fee, direct access to a doctor or nurse practitioner, minus the long wait times and insurance hassles. Witnessing patient frustration in healthcare first-hand, Sarah McGinley, an advanced practice registered nurse, decided to open Weatherly Direct Primary Care in Wakefield. “After 12 years in healthcare, I saw the flaws in the current insurance-based practice model and wanted to be a part of something that offers better access and care for my patients without all the middlemen,” McGinley says. It might just be the cure we all need.
insurance, check out organizations such as AARP or HealthSource Rhode Island. “Having spent my career in healthcare and witnessing my husband’s lymphoma diagnosis at just 42, one lesson became undeniably clear: your health is everything,” says O’Rourke. “Because of that experience, having a strong health plan was always one of my top priorities – you don’t realize how essential it is until you truly need it.”
Lifelong Learning
If you’re intent on maximizing your health and wellness, continuing to learn new skills as you age will make an enormous difference, according to AARP. Learning reignites the brain – 55 percent of Americans aged 45-plus are actively learning for personal growth, and motivations include cognitive sharpness and self-improvement. By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, according to the organization, creating accessible opportunities for continuous and later-learning can help extend workforce participation, boost economic mobility, and extend social engagement. Locally, both the University of Rhode Island and Brown offer “lifelong learning” programs. At URI, for example, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) established in 2009, boasts 1,500 members aged 50 and up. OLLI offers 250+ non-credit courses taught by professors or experts, ranging from history to expressive arts. As Executive Director Beth Leconte says, the institute fosters “opportunities to continue learning, satisfy their curiosities, make new acquaintances and express their creativity in a true community setting.”
Making Decisions
As John Lennon once said, “life is what happens while you’re making other plans.” So, as well prepared for retirement as you may feel, illness or other circumstances might derail your, or your parents’, plans for sailing into the sunset. When Erin Kaufman of Warwick and her siblings had to face their parents’ simultaneous dementia diagnoses, it was an all-hands-on-deck situation. Homes had to be cleaned out and sold, powers of attorney signed, finances wrangled, and assisted living and nursing homes assessed. “It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do,” says Kaufman.
Stefany Reed is a certified dementia practitioner at Briarcliffe Manor Skilled Nursing and
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Rehabilitation in Johnston. “None of us, or very few of us, ever come to terms with the fact that we won’t be exactly as we are now. And then we have a health scare or a fall, which necessitates care. And that includes our aging parents,” she says.
For Kaufman’s parents, the decline initially happened gradually, but escalated quickly. “The tell-tale signs are many small things that alone don’t cause concern, but can add up,” says Reed, “confusion, financial mismanagement, falls, hygiene issues, spoiled food, not eating right, depression, and anxiety, to name a few.”
Finding the best place for parents who can no longer thrive on their own requires an often-lengthy research process. “Sometimes we don’t have the time for much research or preparation because something happens suddenly and we find ourselves in crisis mode,” Reed says. Her advice? “Avoid online search companies,” she says. “They turn your information over to people who pay them for referrals and you will be inundated by sales calls. If you must use a placement agency, look for a local individual like a geriatric care manager or care concierge,” she suggests. Or, she says, go to medicare.gov to find highly-rated skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in your area. “Then, take time
to visit, schedule an in-person tour, and get to know the people who will assist you when the time comes to make a move.
By all means, Reed says, put aside feelings of guilt. “Elderly people need socialization. People say they do not want to be a burden to their families. You may be saying to yourself now, ‘my mom would never be a burden but in her mind, you not living your best life to care for her becomes a heavy emotional burden she will carry. Home is not always the best place – whether it’s their home or yours.
Looking Forward
With a little planning and some good luck, today’s aging population can look forward to many more years of health, wealth, and happiness. Staying active and continuing to strengthen social bonds will pay off in the long run. “At O’Rourke’s, our sign reads ‘ It’s a Wonderful Life! ’ — my husband’s favorite movie,” O’Rourke says. “But more importantly, it’s how we truly lived our lives. For us, it has always been about health, family, and friends,” she says. “It’s because of that love and support that I was able to accomplish everything I did. Sláinte !”
MIDDLETOWN,
FOOD & DRINK
In the Kitchen | Experience | Round Up | Food Bites
Vineyard Haven
Aquidneck Island’s version of Napa celebrates its milestone with a harvest festival
By Andrea E. McHugh
You don’t need to tell brothers John and Paul Nunes that 30 years go by in the blink of an eye. This month, they’ll be raising a glass to the hard work it’s taken to transform a modest vineyard into a thriving enterprise over that time. A beloved attraction, community cornerstone, culinary and craft beer compound, and model of thoughtful land preservation, Newport Vineyards will be toasting the season at the annual Harvest Fair on October 19.
“We’re celebrating the harvest. We do it every year,” says John. “We have a lot of folks that come in, and my team puts all kinds of activities together, with grape stomping and pie eating and old school kind of fun things, as well as lots of wine to taste.”
Lots of wine is an understatement. The Middletown vineyard’s portfolio spans from crisp whites, including chardonnay, pinot grigio, vidal blanc, sauvignon blanc and riesling, to bold reds, such as merlot, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, port and more, plus there are rosés and interesting blends (like a popular white blend called In the Buff, merging unoaked chardonnay with a hint of gewürztraminer and riesling). But to commemorate this year’s landmark, Newport Vineyards’ longtime winemaker, George Chelf, crafted two 30th anniversary edition wines: Milestone Red and Milestone Blanc. Each is presented in a sleek, dark glass bottle, elegantly adorned with the anniversary emblem.
The Milestone Blanc, an unoaked white, is made from select estate Dijon clone Chardonnay grapes, which are idyllic for Aquidneck Island’s cooler climate and offer bright citrus and stone fruit flavors with balanced acidity.
“It’s all chardonnay, and it’s from a particular one of the first clones that we planted,” John explains. “Usually that section of the vineyard would get blended away into our regular chardonnay, so we separated it out, because I always liked it so much, and we did a really nice wine with it.”
The Milestone Red is a bold, expressive, oakaged red crafted exclusively from estate-grown Blaufränkisch grapes, offering a bright acidity and smooth finish. “Blaufränkisch, which we planted in 1998, is mostly found in Germany and Austria,” says John. “It’s just always a nice, fruit-forward red and still easy drinking.” Nunes notes its cherry and raspberry notes, adding that the wine spent about eight months aging in French oak, giving it subtle hints of violet, tobacco, and warm spice.
It doesn’t matter if you’re Team Red or Team White at the Harvest Festival; the event welcomes all palates, wine novices and aficionados alike, plus craft brew fans (Newport Vineyards is also home to Taproot Brewing Company, which produces hop-forward, small batch beer) and non-drinkers who can experience mocktail and non-alcoholic drinks too. Setting the soundtrack for good vibes will be Pete LaGrange and The Ghost Riders, and you can test your aim at axe-throwing, giving it your all in the Stein Hoisting competition, or channeling your best Lucy and Ethel by rolling up
your cuffs and getting dirty in the grape stomping competition. Between the music and the face-offs, enjoy artisanal treats from the charcuterie cart and savory bites from the live-fire food station, all overseen by Newport Vineyards’ James Beard Award Best New England Chef semifinalist, Andy Teixeira. (And the pastry crew has dessert covered with an on-brand wine cupcake.)
“Our Harvest Festival is a fun celebration of fall and the wine harvest season – our favorite time of the year here!” says Kendra Carlisle, who’s been at the vineyard for eight years. “Those ages 21-plus receive tasting tickets to walk around to our various wine, cider, and beer stations and choose their own tastings. We make over 30 wines and ciders to choose from, plus a dozen beers. And Chef Andy will be cooking turkey legs, steak sandwiches, and have a brisket chili bar from the open fire set up by the vines.” There’s also a full brunch menu offered with an Instagrammable chicken and waffles dish or the donut trio (cider donut, pumpkin cheesecake filled brioche, and a cranberry glazed crumb brioche).
“We see a mix of families and groups of friends, and love welcoming everyone. The event is perfect for groups celebrating an occasion, too. We see many festival regulars year after year, plus many first-timers,” adds Carlisle. The Newport Vineyards Harvest Fair takes place October 19th from 12pm-5pm. For information and tickets, visit NewportVineyards.com
Deep Roots
For the Nunes brothers, the anniversary is just one mile marker along a multi-generational legacy. Their great-grandfather Francisco Nunes acquired historic Bailey Farm on Wyatt Road. Fast-forward nearly 70 years later, retired Navy Captain Alexander planted the first vines and in 1995, John and Paul took over from the captain, creating Newport Vineyards and acquiring more land over time. Today, Newport Vineyards is New England’s largest grape grower. They rely on sustainable farming practices to produce nearly 30,000 cases annually, but it’s not all about production and profit. The Nunes story is also one of preservation, and a commitment to maintaining the pastoral character of Aquidneck Island. By 2002, 100 acres were placed in perpetual preservation through a partnership with the Aquidneck Land Trust and the State of Rhode Island, with 55 acres planted in vineyards today — a vineyard with more milestones to come.
Photos courtesy of Newport Vineyards
Flights and charcuterie ensure barrels of fun
Golden Hour
The state’s oldest vineyard sparkles at 50 with inspired bites at their tasting room
By Elyse Major
Thanks to my editorial role here at the magazine, I’ve become somewhat of a walking, talking Rhode Island travel guide/encyclopedia. So when planning an itinerary for my sister’s recent visit from New Jersey, I set the bar high, aiming to introduce her to parts of the Ocean State she may not have yet experienced. I decided we would kick-off our tour de force with lunch at Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton, knowing full well that my sister doesn’t drink much. But the breathtaking location paired with modifications implemented by married winemakers James Davids and Marissa Stashenko – who took over management duties last year – have resulted in the state’s oldest vineyard revitalized with new offerings, varietals, and events, as it approaches its golden anniversary this month.
Must-Try Items
FARMHOUSE CLAM CHOWDER
($10): This chunky farm-coast twist on the traditional soup is sure to please traditionalists.
WHITE MACADAMIA NUT
COOKIE ($4): A chewy-sweet ending to any bite.
SAUVIGNON BLANC ($11
GLASS/$30 BOTTLE): Grapefruit and fresh herbs inform this refreshing wine.
Cuisine: Artisanal farm-to-table
Atmosphere: Casual contemporary taproom in a pastoral setting
Cheers to 50 years
Photos by Elyse Major
Savory options from the “plates” section of the menu
FOOD & DRINK
What’s new at Sakonnet Vineyard is actually what’s old, at the property which spans 169 acres. Still owned by jewelry designer and entrepreneur Carolyn Rafaelian, the name has returned simply to Sakonnet Vineyard, and Davids has reintroduced time-honored farming practices over technology – both storied and sustainable – aimed at making wines without additives, with flavors that connect to the land, or terroir, and give each pour a distinctive sense of place. During a vineyard tour with Davids, Stashenko, and my sister, this is explained, which I liken to tasting honey and being able to detect whether it’s collected from clover or wildflowers, or even digging further, its location.
Our reservation is for noon and I pad our drive with extra time to enjoy the pastoral beauty of Route 77, heading south. We pass Tiverton Four Corners and multiple farm stands, and my sister always marvels at the stone walls. Before long, a cornflower-blue sign and American flag signal our turn on Sakonnet Vineyards Road, and we slowly motor along the curved trail, spotting one of Rafaelian’s collected animal statues, before parking. The natural beauty all around is wonderfully distracting as we walk to the main building – the cloudy pale sky serving as a foil to the verdant grass and clusters of bright wildflowers.
Once inside the cavernous main area where wine and merchandise are for sale, I spy a pile of flopsy golden cookies slumped beneath the glass of a dessert stand and make a mental note. Our server leads us to a table in the tasting room beneath posters of the vineyard, past the central bar helmed by the mustachioed Matt Gant. The kitchen is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to “about” 7pm, and for a Thursday lunch, it’s not empty. Looking over the menu of boards, bites, salads, sweets, and plates, my eyes land on the farmhouse clam chowder. Aromatic, creamy, and chunky, I declare on the spot that it’s a new favorite. It arrived with slices of crusty bread, perfect for sopping up every last drop. My “plate” is the lobster salad roll, a seasonal offering so plentiful with lightly dressed meat over buttery lettuce, I decided to fork it, digging into it like a lazyman’s lobster. My sister opts for the San Marzano flatbread – a beautiful oblong canvas of red sauce and mozzarella, topped with whipped ricotta and drizzled with green basil oil – which she enjoys. Knowing this article would appear in October, Chef John Crosby sends some menu mainstays our way. We share the grilled chicken sandwich – six ounces of breast meat marinated
Two-Day Harvest Festival to Celebrate Golden Anniversary
OCTOBER 11 & 12: A weekend of fun is planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sakonnet Vineyard. Saturday’s agenda includes live music, a walking tour of the vineyard and scavenger hunt, old-fashioned outdoor field day fun, a pumpkin patch, wine tastings, and food vendors. Sunday features a Harvest Market in collaboration with Tiverton Farmers Market with 60–70 local vendors, makers, and growers. Educational sessions and demos led by regional experts in regenerative farming, beekeeping, and winemaking. Learn more at SakonnetWine.com/events
in white wine, with confit garlic aioli adding a flavorful twist, plus lettuce, tomato, and red onion, on a baguette. We also nibble on pulled pork tacos; unbeknownst to me, these are my sister’s favorite, and she is impressed. Pickled red onions and wide cilantro leaves lend bright zest. And yes, we each enjoyed a scrumptious white macadamia nut cookie for dessert (something I would’ve skipped had there been oatmeal raisin, but am glad how the cookie crumbled).
And of course, we drink wine. I had to order a glass of Eye of the Storm rosé; it was what we served at my wedding after tasting it on a visit to the vineyard with my then-fiance many moons ago. I’m always drawn to floral aromatics, especially when cherry and rhubarb are in the mix. My favorite sip of the day is the sauvignon blanc, refreshing and tasty with subtle flavors of grapefruit and lemongrass followed by a “salty minerality,” served in a commemorative anniversary
Photo (L) courtesy of Regan Communications
Dine outdoors or in
glass. Flights of three and five wines are available, along with soft drinks like Del’s Lemonade, Yacht Club Soda, and Granny Squibb Iced Tea for teetotalers. A beautiful way to spend an afternoon replete with coastal breezes and uniquely Ocean State flavors.
Sakonnet Vineyard
162 West Main Road, Little Compton SakonnetWine.com
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Farmhouse clam chowder
San Marzano flatbread
Savoring Rhody
Eight places to relish the fleeting flavors of fall
By Patty J
Folks are reaching for long sleeves and are in search of foliage and pumpkin spice. Yes, comfort food season is upon us. Cue the Gilmore Girls incidental music, and then check out these eight phenomenal cafes and restaurants to frequent this month for autumnal eats.
Apothica Cafe
This cozy fixture on Dexter Street is the vision of owners Eddy Sandoval and Christian Torres. Their apothecary-inspired vegan coffeehouse is a sensational stop for fall sips and snacks. You won’t want to miss this season’s salted caramel pumpkin spice latte, which is served hot or cold. Get yours with an apple cider doughnut, made fresh in-house, and you’ll be golden. Cumberland
Gregg’s
Thanksgiving comes early this year with the sandwich of the same name from this classic Rhode Island restaurant, whose first location opened in Warwick back in 1972. Served on multi-grain bread with slaw and fries, their version is made with layers of warm roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. Yes, it is as tasty as it sounds! East Providence, North Kingstown, Providence, Warwick
The Hard-Pressed Cider Company
Open Labor Day through November 23 at Windmist Farm (then popping up at The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown November 28-December 23), this couple-owned biz sources all their apples from nearby farms. Menu options at the trailer include hot mulled cider, a cider slushie, and cake-style cider donuts. Grab your order and go, or stick around and enjoy the views of the Newport Pell Bridge. Jamestown
Photo (top left) courtesy of Patty J, (top right) by Elyse Major, (middle) courtesy of Apothica, (bottom) courtesy of Hard-Pressed Cider Company
The Hard-Pressed Cider Company
Apothica Cafe
Matunuck Oyster Bar
Matunuck Oyster Bar
After a devastating fire destroyed this much-revered restaurant founded by Perry Raso back in 2009, a temporary tent eatery has been set-up and is bustling while they work on rebuilding. So no need to worry about missing out on their fall menu, including their celebrated butternut lobster bisque. People wait all year for this five star, creamy soup with bits of squash and pieces of lobster. Matunuck
PVD Pies
Founded by Gina Rose Herlihy back in 2020, follow your nose to this adorable shop tucked into one of the buildings at Hope Artiste Village. Herlihy bakes mini, fullsize, and hand pies from scratch and in small batches. This time of year especially you’ll want to scoop up one of the luscious apple confections while they last. Their handheld turnovers are also scrumptious. Pawtucket
Scratch Kitchen & Catering
This cafe and catering company from the sister-and-brother team of Stef and Kyle Bennett on Broadway, is open six days a week for casual breakfast and lunch fare. If you live for an exceptional grilled cheese, you’ll want to motor on over for both classic and gourmet versions. The Thanksgiving sammie, with melted triple crème brie, is sure to leave you happy and full. Newport
Twin Oaks
Known for reasonable prices and generous portions of classic American and Italian dishes, this third- and fourth-generation family-run, legendary restaurant in Cranston also happens to have some of the yummiest mashed potatoes in the state… buttery smooth and decadent! Whether you enjoy them along with their chicken parm, baked stuffed shrimp, or grilled salmon, is up to you. Cranston
Venda Ravioli
Launched in 1972 by Alan Constantino and now run by the family, this Italian market and café on Atwells Avenue has 150 varieties of fresh and frozen pasta. Once the leaves start to change, however, I am all about their delectable pumpkin ravioli. Grab a few boxes to cook up at home, along with a loaf of their fresh Italian bread and some cookies imported from Italy. Providence
Food Bites
Morsels of what’s tasty in the local culinary scene
“Tamp is the motion of pressing the espresso grinds into the portafilter before brewing,” explains Sean Reilly, the Coast Guard veteran turned luxury bonbon maker and espresso entrepreneur. “Too much pressure and you’re left with a heavy, bitter shot; too little pressure and you don’t properly extract the coffee oils. You
can have the best beans, the best water, but it all comes down to the perfect tamp.” Reilly hopes that by naming his Bristol cafe after this key step in brewing, customers will recognize the attention to detail in the craft of pulling the perfect espresso shot. At press time, the opening date is TBA, but patrons of the new spot can surely look
forward to the same scrumptious offerings Reilly offers from his black cargo trailer, Mason & Twine: specialty drinks like Reilly’s Latte (think Irish coffee-meets-cinnamon bun), a daily variety of baked goods, espresso drinks, and oh, those chocolate truffles. 359 Wood Street, Bristol, find updates on Instagram @masontwine –Elyse Major
Photo courtesy of Mason & Twine
Popular chocolate truffle-and-espresso truck to open Bristol cafe
Look for Mason & Twine treats coming soon to Tamp in Bristol
Unexpected seafood shack treat is a NYC hot dog
The team at Dune Brothers created a menu that’s rich with seafood sourced directly from local fisherman, but a few years ago, owners Nick and Monica Gillespie decided to add something special for the landlubbers. Enter the Dune Dog, a creation that’s anything but ordinary. It starts with a snappy beef-and-pork hot dog from New York City’s Snap-O-Razzo, seared on the flattop for that perfect “glitzy” bite. Then comes the real magic: a tangy Southern-style chow chow relish packed with cabbage, mustard, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, green tomato, and vinegar. Add a pillowy toasted brioche bun, housemade garlic aioli, curry ketchup, crispy shallots, and surprise – the Dune Dog is born. Available only at the Riverside and Providence locations, it brings an unexpected bite of the Big Apple to a red tray near you. Pro-tip: don’t skip the Dune Brothers’ fries (cooked in beef fat and seasoned with Old Bay). 684 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside; 239 Dyer Street, Providence. DuneBrothers.com –Jacob Schiffman
All in the family in Jamestown
East Bay residents Vince and Janet Smith and their sons, Hunter, Zachary, and Jake Guerin, have opened Standards restaurant at the site of the former Chopmist Charlie’s. “Standards” is a double entendre – the menu features “standard” classics such as grilled pizza, wings, handhelds, as well as meat, veggie, and seafood mains. But it’s also a reference to the family’s effort to boost the quality of the dining experience. Jake, a Johnson & Wales culinary grad with stints at Newport’s Midtown Oyster Bar, at NYC’s iconic Scarpetta, and on luxury yachts, has crafted a menu free from seed oils, additives, and synthetic ingredients. There are vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options, and they minimize the use of plastic throughout. “It was always my hope to make more accessible to diners all I’d learned about quality cuisine from all over the world,” Jake says. “The community has been super supportive about it!” 40 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown. StandardsJamestown.com –Ann Martini
Supporting Families. Funding Research
Providing financial assistance to the parents of children battling brain cancer
Honoring the children who suffer from cancer and fight everyday. Our hopes are to make a day in the life of a family suffering from cancer a little bit
For more information or to donate, please visit our website
PIC OF THE BAY
ABOUT KAYLA
@k___elizabeth
Awkward millennial sarcastically MacGyvering my way through marriage, motherhood & life with my camera in hand.
