On April 10, Jon Stenning set out on what would become the most grueling, yet deeply rewarding, experience of his life — a solo, five-day, 512-mile cycling journey from North Scituate, Rhode Island to Washington, DC. While the main purpose of the ride was to raise funds for the Transgender Law Center and the National […]
There’s a quiet stretch of winter on Block Island where time slows to a gentle crawl — the kind of quiet where you can count the cars passing by in a single afternoon on one hand. It’s in this rare, windswept stillness that Milaina Bell, one of the island’s most committed restaurant professionals, finds balance, […]
Walk down the four steps to the dark door of The Jefferson Speakeasy on Kilvert Street in Warwick. No need to give a secret knock, or say “Louie sent me” like in the movies. Just walk in and step back to the Prohibition Era. Notorious mobster Al Capone won’t be seated at a table in […]
This column marks 20 years at the Motif for me so without further adieu, let’s get through as many things ‘till I hit my word limit and hit send. SUMMER JAMS: Throwing Muses — Moonlight Concessions (Fire Records) RI Music Hall of Fame inductees Throwing Muses are celebrating their 44th year with a new album, […]
Winter is finally gone, and summer is rearing its big and beautiful head. Now, we all know Motif is known for its listings, especially its Summer Guide listings (which, if you don’t know, encompass all three months of the season – see page 43). But we wanted to make it easy for our dutiful readers […]
“You can’t make a wrong turn” is why downtown Warren is so perfect for wandering on foot. Get off the bus in the middle of town. In every direction are narrow streets full of centuries of well-loved houses, gardens, indy shops, galleries, eateries, and a brewery. If a random walk does not bring you to […]
On social media I saw a guy on a mission to walk every street in Providence, so I invited Daniel Morris for a Motif interview along his next walk. We met up, and sure enough, he was already a 2F2B (my regular column, Two Feet, Two Bucks) fan. He showed me how he manages the […]
RI’s bike paths are one of the state’s best-kept secrets — especially if you’re the kind of cyclist who rides for the snacks. From converted rail trails to scenic coastal rides, the state quietly offers some of the most accessible and beautiful cycling routes in New England. The best part? These paths roll right past […]
Amidst the golden rays of forest light filtering through the leaves and ferns, where the Earth smells damp and sweet, a little boy giggles. Before you see him, you hear the excited patter of little boots – like the world’s tiniest stampede. The little boy – mom affectionately calls him Frog – is running and […]
Cindy Holt, an EAS certified Master Beekeeper, has always been a fan of insects. A large part of her childhood was spent checking flowers and under rocks, in hopes of finding a creature. She considered getting a degree in Entomology, but focused on raising a family. An advertisement for an annual class taught by the […]