Motif

Category: Things to do in Providence

  • Order Up!: Save the Date for Motif’s 2023 Bartender Ball

    Order Up!: Save the Date for Motif’s 2023 Bartender Ball

    Motif’s RI Bartender Ball is a chance to celebrate the incredible people who keep our glasses full from behind the bar. There is an awards ceremony with categories ranging from Favorite Cocktail Bartender, Bartender as Therapist, Local Icon, to Best Multitasker and Sassiest Bartender. 

    In between the awards there are live bartending competitions put on in partnership with companies such as Guinness, Smoke Lab Vodka, and more. Best Guinness pour, Best Gin Fizz, and Fastest Wine Pour are among the live competitions in the past, and the ridiculous but still competitive energy is crazy to behold (see a sampler in last year’s video at youtube.com/watch?v=rEWxlL2OFG4). 

    Live performances by local musicians and other performative artists act as a garnish to the proceedings – last year featured arealists from Arielle Arts, and Rhode Island favorites like the Providence Drum Troupe, Big Nazo and Amy the Mime. Food by R1 Indoor Karting’s in-house restaurant, Burrito Bowl, is on offer and the drinks are flowing, with different sponsors giving out samples of their product. 

    The people who make sure we always have a good time deserve to have one too, so we’re excited to invite all – especially those in the industry – to the second annual Ball, Monday, July 10 at R1 Indoor Karting!

    In the meantime, by popular demand for more competitive mixology, Motif has launched a monthly series of Bartender Challenges. Every month we’ll be at a new location with a new challenge for 10 local bartenders. The first one is happening May 30 at Dusk in Providence, where last year’s overall winner, Danielle Tellier and Smoke Lab representatives will judge contestants on invented cocktails using aniseed vodka as a central ingredient. And for round two, happening June 19 at R1 Indoor Karting in Lincoln, the theme will match their dart field: dystopian drinks. Celebrate mixology by joining in, or just sampling – each event will have some audience judging as well!

  • Get Out Of The House!: Field trip ideas for summer vacation

    Get Out Of The House!: Field trip ideas for summer vacation

    Summer is an exciting time for kids. They get an entire ten weeks of little to no educational responsibilities. While exhilarating for children, it can be taxing for parents trying to plan meaningful activities. Here are some ideas to keep children active while also creating lifelong memories.

    Audubon Society protects almost 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat and teaches conservation in ways that should let Rhode Islanders enjoy this land for years to come. They offer public workshops, walks and activities for all. While their headquarters are located in Smithfield and their Nature Center and Aquarium located in Bristol, their website offers trails throughout the state. The Nature Center and Aquarium is situated on 28 acres and features a natural history museum that offers interactive exhibits that explore the wildlife found in RI.
    Audubon Society is located at 1401 Hope St in Bristol. Call 401-949-5454 for more information.
    asri.org/learn/naturecenteraquarium.html 

    Blackstone Valley Explorer features unique experiences and multiple options to explore Blackstone Valley’s history and beauty. They offer 50-minute Explorer Nature & Heritage Tours (Sundays only), Evening River Cruises (Saturdays only), and 1.5- or 3-hour kayak rentals (open most days during the summer). The tours have educated guides, hands-on biofacts, remote-controlled mini-subs, and activity sheets to keep children engaged.  

    Blackstone Valley Explorer is located at 15 Madeira Ave in Central Falls. Call 401-724-2200 for more information.
    rivertourblackstone.com/site/

    Pinball is a game that should never grow stale or boring. Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration introduces kids to the wonderfully fun and frustrating game of pinball, giving parents the chance to relive part of their youth. Their mission is to “foster a love and appreciation for history, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) through interactive pinball exhibits. They currently have over 60 pinball machines and 30 arcade games, along with other surprises.
    Located at 881 Main St in Pawtucket. Call 401-743-8067 for more information.
    electromagneticpinballmuseum.com 

    Frances Fleet Whale Watch will take a bit of planning and some luck from both Mother Nature and Poseidon to have a nice day and see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Leaving out of the Port of Galilee in Narragansett, the Frances Fleet is a 4.5-hour trip with a high probability of seeing Finback whales, as they travel to the warm waters where they feed. There is also a chance of seeing other whales, giant ocean sunfish, sharks, Portuguese men o’ war, loggerhead turtles, and dolphins.
    Located at 33 State St in Narragansett. Call 401-783-4988 for more information.
    francesfleet.com/whale-watching/

    The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center should be put high on the list due to the importance of the subject. They teach people, especially children, about the Holocaust and the impact that it had (has) on the world. While they do a lot of outreach programs to about 10,000 people a year, they also have a brick-and-mortar space, the Education Center, which includes a library, and a sculpture and memorial garden. The library features several hundred titles, audio and visual material, and poster sets. Their hope is that the memorial garden and sculpture give people a chance to process the information they learn about in the library. Tours are available by appointment.
    Located at 401 Elmgrove Ave in Providence. Call 401-453-7860
    bornsteinholocaustcenter.org

    Legion Bowl and Billiards has been giving the day a third ball with duckpin bowling since 1977. The shorter, thinner, and lighter pins make getting a strike difficult and a perfect game thus far impossible, but it’s a lot of fun to try. Plenty of lanes are available and they offer Rock and Bowl Friday and Saturday nights. With duckpin bowling, billiards, an arcade, and an available menu (and often live music) at the attached Pub on Park, Legion hits all the buttons for a quality field trip.
    Located at 655 Park Ave in Cranston. Call 401-781-8888 for more information.
    pubonparkri.com/legion-bowl 

    Downtown Providence has some great spots. It is relatively small and easy to spend a day just walking around viewing the art, culture, and architecture. It’s worth a Google search to personalize local spots downtown worth checking out, but I suggest a picnic at Roger Williams Memorial Park. There is plenty of grass in the four-acre park and a short brick path that offers panels full of information about the life and influence of Roger Williams. One side has the modern downtown while the other has a more historical view of North Main St.
    Located at 282 North Main St in Providence. Call 401-521-7266 x207 for more information.
    nps.gov/rowi/index.htm 

    Sweet Berry Farm is an easy place to spend a day at. The summer picking schedule is pretty full, with at least two fruits to choose from. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and blackberries are all ripe for the picking during the summer months. They also feature a farm market, café, and ice cream to suit all hunger and snacking needs.
    Located at 915 Mitchell’s Lane in Middletown. Call 401-847-3912 for more information.
    https://www.sweetberryfarmri.com/ 

    Opened in 1958, the Tomaquag Museum aims to educate the public about Indigenous history. Open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays (other days except Sunday available by appointment), the museum offers drop-ins, private, and a variety of group tours. They aim to teach and promote culture and understanding in a way that broadens perspectives. They feature thousands of cultural objects and hundreds of thousands of archival materials. While they aim to educate about all Indigenous peoples of RI, they highlight the Narragansett tribe.

    Located at 390A Summit Rd in Exeter. Call 401-491-9063 for more information.
    https://www.tomaquagmuseum.org 

    Opening July 1, Yawgoo Valley features RI’s only water park. There are two waterslides that empty into a three-foot splash pool, a full-range swimming pool and a small splash pool for younger children. The strength of the water park is the beauty surrounding it. Trees are everywhere, bringing you the comforting feel of nature instead of banal concrete everywhere.
    Located at 160 Yawgoo Valley Rd in Exeter. Call 401-294-3802 for more information.
    https://yawgoo.com/waterpark/

  • Falling for PVD Fest

    Falling for PVD Fest

    You may have noticed something major missing from our coverage of festivals and fairs over the summer. This issue is full of info, but no mention of PVDFest. What happened?

    No, rumors of its cancellation are not true. The eponymous festival, one of the biggest outdoor events of the year in the city (perhaps second only to PRIDE in outdoor attendance) is not going away, it’s just moving to September. Sept 8 – 10, a rejiggered PVDFest will take place. This gives it space so it doesn’t compete with PRIDE and Juneteenth celebrations, and makes it easier for the city’s hoards (and we mean that in a good way) of collegians to attend. The reimagined fest will center on the area around the new pedestrian bridge and the adjoining park spaces. 

    “For PVDFest’s ninth year we are planning an exciting celebration of our local artists and artisans that drive our Creative Capital. This year, Providence’s signature arts festival will take place on the Providence waterfront in District Park,” said Director of Art, Culture, and Tourism Joe Wilson Jr. “We are thrilled to announce that this year we are partnering with WaterFire to create an experience you will not want to miss, culminating in an exciting live performance on the waterfront Saturday night. This innovative twist on the festival we all love exemplifies Providence’s commitment to integrate arts and culture into community life and establish the city as a global destination for the arts.”

    PVDFest is also a long-standing collaboration with arts-forward non-profit FirstWorks, which primarily arranges the visiting performers and spectacles. “FirstWorks looks forward to partnering once again with the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism to create indelible memories through the artistry of PVDFest,” said FirstWorks Executive Director Kathleen Pletcher. “Festival-goers this year can expect astonishment as we activate the stages of Providence’s waterfront with world-class artists and awe-inspiring spectacles. PVDFest is a cultural touchpoint that brings [together] people from all over the world.”

  • Food Trucks of Summer: A RI institution

    Food Trucks of Summer: A RI institution

    Warming weather means the RI food truck season swings into high gear. Major events drawing dozens of trucks have already started their schedules.

    Both PVD Food Truck Events (PVD FTE) and Ocean State Food Truck Festivals (OSTF) host weekly events every Friday (and a smorgasbord of other events). PVD can be found at the Carousel Village at Roger Williams Park in Providence and OSTF is onsite at Mulligan’s Island in Cranston.

    “We’re off and running,” said Eric Weiner, founder of PVD FTE, now in their ninth season at Carousel Village. “A lot of people’s favorite trucks are still on the road and there are a bunch of new trucks participating… We’re there every single Friday and the formula is always the same: We have a rotation of 16 to 20 different trucks with live music. We have a selection of over 25 different musicians that play our events throughout the season, and locally made beer and wine.” Friday night visitors to the Carousel Village may also experience all the park has to offer: carousel and train rides, the playground, and the expansive grassy, shady area to sit together and lounge with friends, new and old.

    Joe Boisvert, who started OSFT in 2011, said the pandemic had massive but unexpected effects on the industry. “The pandemic definitely gave us a boost, especially when it came to the “Take It Outside” initiative. When things started opening back up, everybody wanted to be outside.” Boisvert created the Facebook group, “Meet Our 401 Food Trucks,” which allows anyone to connect with local food truck operators directly to hire them for private events or parties. Boisvert also owns the exclusively take-away Axelrod’s Fry Shack in Warwick and said, “If you would ask me in February of 2019, ‘What was the biggest setback at that restaurant?’ it would be that it didn’t have seating. But if you asked me two years later ‘What’s the biggest plus that business had?’ It’s that it didn’t have seating.”

    Both Weiner and Boisvert are witnessing new expansions of product lines. “Every year there’s just more and more trucks,” said Boisvert. “Last year, I think we had one boba tea truck. Just this year, I’ve been contacted by, I think, four boba tea trucks. It’s like, wow, man, everybody’s coming out of the woodwork.”

    “Boba is hot,” agreed Weiner. “Also seems that ice cream is hot. There’s a number of dessert trucks trending at the moment. People are bringing some new dessert trucks on the scene, and new boba trucks. There are trucks that are still trying to figure out what the market can bear in terms of gluten-free and vegan… Trucks are trying to become more aware and more able to accommodate dietary needs, which is also exciting.”

    Boisvert said that TikTok is influencing new options in food trucks. “I don’t know what they call them, they almost look like cotton candy stuffed animals, and they make sculptures out of cotton candy. What’s really important if you’re interested in starting your own food truck is that you have a niche, you have to be something that everybody else isn’t.”

    “A lot of the trucks are doing good [business]. I mean, it’s a hustle. I think the longer you’ve been in business doing this, the easier it is for you to figure it out. But there also are some people who come out of the gate and just pick it right up.” Boisvert said those interested in operating a food truck have to love to do it; they have to love the hustle. “My favorite part of my day is when I’m cooking on my truck and slammed and I have 20 tickets up, and I have a 60-foot line. If you’re not gonna like that, you’re never gonna like it. You have to enjoy doing what you do. I mean, if you’re in it for any other reason, if you think you’re gonna run a food truck like a vending machine and it’s gonna be fun and successful, it’s really not. It’s a hustle.”

    Weiner said his favorite part of the food truck business is that moment of reflection. “At any of our events, at any of our locations, at some point, I’m able to sit down and sit back for just a few minutes and take a break and look out. We work really hard to build an environment where everybody is comfortable, and where everybody fits in, and where everybody can get along. In a time and place where so much of our society is fractured, we have a very simple formula of food and music and community. If you come out to any of our events, you see people from all kinds of backgrounds with all kinds of sexual orientations, with all kinds of economic backgrounds, and they are all finding a place where they can come and just be together and not even think about it and just feel good about the evening. That’s something we’d like to see more of in general everywhere. I feel like we’ve created that and we’re really proud of it. That’s what I probably enjoyed the most.”

    Along with their weekly Friday presence at the Carousel Village, PVD FTE runs an event every Thursday now through Labor Day, in rotating locations throughout MA and RI including: Fall River, Richmond, Warwick, Cumberland, South Kingstown, Attleboro, Burrillville, Charlestown, East Providence, Johnston, Lincoln, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Woonsocket, and Worcester. PVD FTE will also be at the municipal fireworks for Providence and Pawtucket, the annual RI Philharmonic Pops concert in Roger Williams Park, and at PVDFest. For more information on where to find PVD Food Truck Events visit foodtrucksin.com/pvd-food-truck-events. 

    In addition to their weekly food truck Friday at Mulligan’s Island, OSFT runs several monthly events: Saturday afternoons at Rocky Point in Warwick and Tuesday evenings at Deerfield Park in Smithfield. New this year is a monthly Wednesday evening event at Notte Park in North Providence. Plus, they’ll have food trucks at the municipal Independence Day fireworks celebration on July 1 in Smithfield and on July 3 in North Providence. For more information on where to find Ocean State Food Truck Festivals visit fb.com/OSFoodTruckFestivals. 

  • Beaches & Bike Paths Map: Summer 2023

    Beaches & Bike Paths Map: Summer 2023

    Beaches

    1. Atlantic Beach, 55 Purgatory Rd, Middletown. Restroom, no pets.
    2. Atlantic Beach Park, 321 Atlantic Ave, Westerly. Family beach, amusements, kiddy rides, snack bars, antique 1915 carousel, batting cages, bumper boats, go-carts, mini golf, game room, waterslides, gift shop, beachware and an ocean-view cocktail lounge.
    3. Barrington Town Beach, 87 Bay Rd, Barrington. A bit on the rocky side, this stretch is not usually crowded and definitely favors locals over tourists. Great for inspecting tidal pools. No amenities.
    4. Blue Shutters Town Beach, 469 East Beach Rd, Charlestown. Concession stand, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, beach-accessible wheelchairs and discount admission for senior citizens.
    5. Bristol Town Beach, 50 Asylum Rd, Bristol. Playground, pavilion, volleyball, picnic areas, sporting fields, skate park, inline hockey, tennis, 6-mile fitness trail and a basketball court.
    6. Captain Roger Wheeler State Beach, 100 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett. Popular for young children, protected by breakwater. No pets.
    7. Charleston Beach (Coast Guard Rd,) Champlin Rd, New Shoreham. (Block Island). Popular among fishermen, especially the jetty along the north end. For everyone else, it makes for a nice challenging walk.
    8. Charlestown Breachway, State Beach Rd, Charlestown. Restroom without showers, boat ramp and a parking area for trailers. Lifeguard generally on duty.
    9. Charlestown Town Beach, 557 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown. Newish bathrooms. No smoking.
    10. Conimicut Point Beach, Point Ave Warwick. Saltwater beach, walking path and playground.
    11. East Beach, East Beach Rd, Charlestown. Three miles of saltwater beach, mostly undeveloped. Open from sunrise to sunset. Handicap sand chairs available. No pets.
    12. East Matunuck State Beach, 50 Succotash Rd, South Kingstown. Over 100 acres of beach, 25 picnic tables. No pets.
    13. Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport. Cliff Walk adjacent, skate park, carousel and Save the Bay’s Exploration Center. Playground, pavilion, snack bar, restrooms, showers and free use of sand wheelchairs. No pets.
    14. Fort Wetherill State Park Beach, 3 Fort Wetherill Rd, Jamestown. Not far from quaint eateries and Fort Adams. Not much sand, but it gets deep fast, making it a favorite, if murky, spot to learn or practice scuba.
    15. Fred Benson Town Beach, 7 Corn Neck Rd, New Shoreham. Lifeguards 10am to 5pm.
    16. Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Rd, Warwick. Saltwater beach and bathhouse, hundreds of picnic tables, almost a dozen game fields and a performing arts center.
    17. Grinnell’s Beach, Main Rd, Tiverton. Small family-oriented beach on the Sakonnet River. Lifeguards 9am – 4pm when available.
    18. Island Park Beach, Park Ave, Portsmouth. Free admission, zero facilities.
    19. Mackerel Cove Beach Beavertail Rd, Jamestown. Public bathing beach with lifeguards.
    20. Misquamicut State Beach, 257 Atlantic Ave, Westerly. Half a mile of clean, clear water beaches and a low surf zone. Plenty of parking, a pavilion, shady structures, coin-operated showers, changing rooms, restrooms, concessions and first aid.
    21. Narragansett Town Beach, Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett. Half a mile of public beach, two pavilions, lifeguards, concession stand, restrooms, first aid and handicap accessibility.
    22. Newport Cliff Walk, 117 Memorial Blvd (and other points of entry), Newport. Not exactly a beach, this is still a great seaside experience.
    23. North Kingstown Town Beach, Beach St, North Kingstown. Narrow, gravel, shaded lawn beach with a retaining wall and picnic tables behind it. No animals allowed.
    24. Oakland Beach, Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick. Bay inlet beach, saltwater with local restaurants and boat landing.
    25. Salty Brine Beach, 254 Great Island Rd, Narragansett. No undertow, gradual drop at the shoreline and concessions. Good for kids and near a fishing port.
    26. Sandy Point Beach, 2200 East Main Rd, Portsmouth. Restrooms, no lifeguards.
    27. Scarborough Beach, 870 Ocean Rd, Narragansett. Stone pavilion, and 60 acres of the finest sand in RI. Lifeguards, restrooms, showers and concessions.
    28. Second Beach, 474 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown. Immediate access to saltwater beach. Toilets and hot showers, no pets allowed.
    29. South Kingstown Town Beach, Matunuck Beach Rd, South Kingstown. Boardwalk, playground, volleyball court and picnic area.
    30. South Shore Beach, 125 South Shore Rd, Little Compton. Port-a-jons available, no running water. No campfires allowed. Limited to 125 cars, first 100 cars open to non-residents and residents. No lifeguards on duty.
    31. Tiverton Town Beach, Fogland Rd, Tiverton. Swimming, picnic facilities, fishing and playground. Restrooms, showers and changing rooms.
    32. Union Street Beach, Union St, Bristol. Swimming, picnic tables and benches.
    33. Warren Town Beach, Water St, Warren. Park open to the public with a fee, parking is free for Warren residents. Lifeguards on duty.
    34. Ocean Beach, 98 Neptune Ave, New London. Half a mile of boardwalk, Olympic-sized swimming pool, locker area.
    35. Horseneck Beach, 5 John Reed Rd, Westport. 600 Acres of barrier beach and salt marsh. Two miles of breezy beach, great for windsurfing.

    bike paths

    1. South County Bike Path: 8 miles; Kingston Station to Peace Dale.
    2. East Bay Bike Path: 15 miles; East PVD, Barrington, Warren Bristol.
    3. Washington Secondary Bike Path: 10 miles; Cranston, Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry.
    4. The Quonset Bike Path: 2.5 miles; North Kingstown.
    5. Woonasquatucket River Greenway Bike Path: 3 miles; downtown PVD to Johnston.
    6. Ten Mile River Greenway: 2.5 miles; East PVD to Pawtucket.
    7. Blackstone River Greenway: 11.5 miles; Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket.

    bike repair stops

    1. Riverside Park, Woony River Greenway, off Aleppo St, PVD.
    2. Burnside Park, off of Washington St, PVD.
    3. Roger Williams Park, Dairymaple Boathouse, off of Cladrash’s Ave. PVD.
    4. Brown University, Brown University Bookstore, Olive St, PVD.

    water trails

    1. Blackstone River: Starting from River Island Park in Woonsocket and ending at Manville Dam in Cumberland. 4.5 miles one way, 1 to 2 hours to complete.
    2. Lower Pawtuxet River: Starts at Pontiac Canoe Launch Warwick, ends at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston. 6.5 miles, 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.
    3. Olney Pond: Boat Launch in Lincoln Woods. Paddle around the pond. Approximately 2 hours to tour.
    4. Point Judith Pond: Start/End at Marina Park, 134 Salt Pond Rd, South Kingstown. Paddle along the shore of the pond, cruise by Jonathan’s Island and turn around. 5.5 miles for the loop, 2 hours to kayak through it.
    5. Ten Mile River: Start at Freedom Green in East Providence, stop at the rocky falls of Hunt’s Mills, and circle back to Freedom Green. 3-mile loop, approximately 2 hours to complete.
    6. Upper Pettaquamscutt River: Start/End at Gilbert Stuart Birthplace Museum. Paddle down to Bridgetown Bridge and back. 4.5 miles round trip, 2 hours to complete.
    7. Woonasquatucket River in Providence: Starts at South Water Street landing, to Eagle Square and back. 4 miles roundtrip, 1 to 2 hours to complete.
  • More Summer 2023 RI Festivals

    More Summer 2023 RI Festivals

    As much as we’d love to, we can’t write about everything happening in RI this summer. There’s soooooo much. Here are some of the fests that are amazing and worth considering, along with the dates and locations. Some may be covered in future issues, so keep an eye out for Motif as the summer unfolds.

    Grace Note Farm’s Summer Music Festival
    Grace Note Farm, Pascoag
    Jun 3–11
    gracenotefarmmusicfestival.com


    Cool Summer Nights Concerts
    PPAC
    220 Weybosset St, PVD
    Various dates throughout the summer starting Jun 9
    ppacri.org/events-tickets/cool-summer-nights-concerts


    Tomaquag Museum’s Annual Strawberry Thanksgiving
    University of Rhode Island
    Upper College Rd, Kingstown
    Jun 10, noon–4pm
    tomaquagmuseum.org/events


    Providence Porch Fest
    East Side of PVD
    Jun 10, noon–6pm
    pvdporchfest.com


    Day of Portugal
    Providence
    Jun 10–11
    ridayofportugal.org/events


    Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival
    Diamond Hill Park
    Rte. 114, Cumberland
    Jun 17, 11am–7pm
    riverfolk.org/brtssf


    Newport Flower Show
    Marble House
    596 Bellevue Ave, Newport
    Jun 23–25, 9am–3pm
    newportmansions.org/events/the-newport-flower-show


    RI Caribbean American Heritage Festival
    WaterFire Arts Center
    475 Valley St, Providence
    Jun 24, 11am–6pm
    caribbeanamericanheritagefest.com/providence


    Culture Fest 2023
    Southside Cultural Center
    393 Broad St, Providence
    Jun 30–Jul 2
    culturefestri.com


    Newport Classical Music Festival
    Various dates and locations throughout the summer starting Jul 4
    newportclassical.org/music-festival


    Craft Brew Races
    Fort Adams St. Park, Newport
    Jul 22
    craftbrewraces.com/newport


    Kingston Chamber Music Festival
    Kingston
    Various dates throughout the summer starting Jul 26
    kingstonchambermusic.org/festival-concerts


    Blessing of the Fleet Celebration
    Memorial Square, Narragansett
    Jul 27–29
    narragansettlionsclub.org/annual-events/blessing-of-the-fleet-celebration


    Puerto Rican Bayfest
    India Point Park
    225 India St, Providence
    Jul 30, noon


    Newport Jazz Festival
    Fort Adams St. Park, Newport
    Aug 4–6
    newportjazz.org


    Charlestown Seafood Festival
    Ninigret Park, Charlestown 
    Aug 4–6
    charlestownseafoodfestival.com


    RI International Film Festival
    State-wide
    Aug 7–13


    Greek Fest in Pawtucket
    Greek Orthodox Church
    97 Walcott St, Pawtucket
    August 2023
    assumptionri.org/festival


    Rhythm and Roots
    Ninigret Park, Charlestown
    Sep 1–3
    rhythmandroots.com

    See more fests of summer here.

  • 2023 Rhode Island Summer Fests

    2023 Rhode Island Summer Fests

    Dusk Summerfest

    Fourth of July and Dusk go hand and hand. The newly rebranded Dusk Summerfest hits PVD on Saturday, July 1 with 14 bands playing both inside and outside stages. 

    “Since we helped adopt Liberty Fest after the original location was nixed by the city, we kept an already popular niche event and expanded it to include a larger variety of bands, food and beverage options, and [made it] a more family-friendly event,” says venue manager Danielle Tellier of Summerfest’s growth.

    The $10 show is all-ages and 21+ to drink. The line-up is booked and will be announced soon. Follow dusk_providence on IG for more info.

    – Bobby Forand


    Your Summer Guide to Classical Music 2023

    Summer in New England offers many opportunities to see classical music – in recital halls, churches, and open outdoor spaces. For classical music lovers, there are some great events to look forward to over the next few months. Here’s what’s coming up for the summer of 2023: 

    The 2023 Music On The Hill festival presents seven concerts of chamber music between May 29 and June 10 at various locations throughout the state, mostly Cranston and East Greenwich. For more information: musiconthehillri.org

    The Chorus of Westerly presents its free summer pops concert on Saturday, June 24 in Wilcox Park at 8pm. This family-friendly concert is always a good time. For more information: chorusofwesterly.org

    The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its summer pops concerts at Narragansett Town Beach on July 14. Subsequent performances take place on August 2 at Roger Williams Park in Providence, and September 9 in Slater Park in Pawtucket. For more information visit riphilharmonic.org 

    The Newport Music Festival presents multiple concerts of chamber music July 4 – 23. The wide variety in programming promises to keep any music fan coming back for more, not to mention the unique setting of chamber music in and around Newport’s historic mansions. For more information visit newportclassical.org

    The Kingston Chamber Music Festival, in partnership with the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, presents a series of seven concerts July 26 through Aug 6 at the University of Rhode Island. For more information visit kingstonchambermusic.org

    Further north, the Monadnock Music Festival generally runs mid-June through mid-August and offers unique chamber music performances by some of the area’s finest musicians. For anyone vacationing in New Hampshire, this festival is a wonderful addition to your itinerary. For more information visit monadnockmusic.org

    To the east, the Cape Symphony presents “Star Wars: A New Hope” in concert on July 29 & 30 in Hyannis, MA. For more information visit: capesymphony.org

    To the south, The Talcott Mountain Music Festival featuring the Hartford Symphony Orchestra performs outdoor weekend concerts June 30 – Aug 8. For more information: hartfordsymphony.org

    For die-hard classical music fans, Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA remains the epicenter of classical music in New England over the summer months. The season features regular concerts by the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops orchestras, the Festival of Contemporary Music, as well as various pop and jazz artists. For more information, see the schedule at bso.org

    – Motif Staff


    St. Mary’s Fest

    Every July, where Phenix Ave meets Park Ave, Cranston lights up for St. Mary’s Feast. Put on by the St. Mary’s Feast Society, this multi-day, all-ages, family-friendly event takes place July 18 – 23 and offers festival goers a plethora of activities. There are games, rides, music, beverages, and even a footrace (taking place the Sunday before!), all of which ensure this feast has a little bit of something for everyone. For longtime Cranston residents, the carnival atmosphere brings about a sense of nostalgia from attending the feast as a kid. It’s been going on for over 100 years (118, if you’re into counting), so all ages can cherish memories of feasts past. 

    The festival concludes with a fireworks finale on Sunday night to cap off an entertaining weekend.

    St. Mary’s Feast is from July 18 – 23. Main entrance is 15 Phenix Ave in Cranston, but street parking is available. Call 401-944-0004 for more information.

    – Bobby Forand


    WaterFire

    A staple of RI summers, WaterFire presents a series of lightings in downtown PVD along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers. The lightings stretch from April 1 all the way to November 4, so there is always a time to see them. Each lighting is sponsored by a different local organization, such as the RI Department of Education, the Providence Tourism Council, PVDFest, and FirstWorks. The sponsorships of each lighting add to the charm of WaterFire: Not only are the lightings a great way to bring people together, they’re also great events to support and uplift the local community. 

    WaterFire also has a capacious art gallery on Valley St, in PVD, and they always have rotating gallery exhibitions alongside long-running exhibitions and displays. From June 1 to July 9, WaterFire Arts Center holds the exhibition If These Walls Could Talk, a group exhibition by six different local artists from WaterFire’s Accelerate Artist Cohort. The exhibition is storytelling-based and “invites viewers to embark on a journey through the artist’s imagination” by exploring “the power of visual narratives.” From July 13 to August 20, the Arts Center will present concurrent exhibitions created by two local curators: one is titled Poesis: Street Culture & The Art of the City, and the other Remedy. 

    For more information on their events and lightings, check out waterfire.org.

    – Maddie Jarvis


    Newport Folk Fest

    One of RI’s most eagerly anticipated events each summer is Newport Folk Fest, an eclectic mix of indie and folk bands from the past, present, and future. Folk Fest takes place every year at Fort Adams, a historic military fort that was deeded to RI in 1965, but had served its militaristic purpose since 1857. The location offers a unique experience – not only are you experiencing the festival’s greatness on one of RI’s most historic sites, you can experience it by land and by sea. If you were lucky enough to grab tickets before they all sold out, you can traverse the grounds and explore all that Folk Fest has to offer. Or, if you’re lucky enough to know someone in the area with a boat, you and your friends can experience the event (sans-tickets!) from the beauty of RI’s open ocean and bay. 

    This year features a selection of artists: Lana del Rey, Orville Peck, Caamp, Maggie Rogers, Noah Kahan, John Oates, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and more. As it goes every year, tickets for Folk Fest sold out within a couple days of this year’s launch, well before line-ups were announced. However, there are waitlists you can join for tickets. You have the option of joining the waitlist for single-day passes, two-day passes, or full weekend passes. More often than not, people do get contacted for waitlist tickets, so it never hurts to try! 

    For more information on updated set lists and times, head over to newportfolk.org/info.

    – Maddie Jarvis


    Narragansett Art Festival

    During the weekend of June 24 and 25, the Wakefield Rotary Club celebrates their 40th annual Narragansett Art Festival. Located at Veterans’ Park in Narragansett, the event has two locations: the traditional area by the Towers, and on the Gazebo Field. The event will host over 30 different artists from all over Rhode Island and from all mediums. Pieces on display will include oils and acrylics, watercolors and pastels, drawings and graphics, photography, sculpture, decorative pieces, jewelry and other 3-dimensional media. 

    The festival requires all artwork be original work, which creates a unique experience for festival goers. There will also be multiple food vendors and bathroom amenities onsite, so attendees can spend the day getting lost in artwork. As a lovely place to stroll and explore, it’s the perfect place to bring a date while simultaneously supporting the local art community. Gates are open from 9am to 6pm and parking is available on side streets. Plus, walking around the event is entirely free. For more information, check out the website wakefieldrotary.org/sitepage/narragansett-art-festival or their Facebook page: Narragansett Art Festival.

    – Trevor May


    Trinity Church Strawberry Festival

    On Saturday, June 17, Trinity Church in Newport hosts their annual Strawberry Festival. The festival celebrates all things strawberry, with food and local artisans and crafters displaying their wares on the lawn of Trinity Church on Queen Anne Square. There will be live music provided by singer-songwriters from the RI-based music community Rising. Confirmed artists include Daniel James Durand, Dave Riccitelli, Papa Angelo & Mark Markrush, Ed Dean, Ronnee Stolzberg, Joy Williams, Brian St. Laurent, Brian Ellsworth, and the up and coming band The Village. The other festival highlight is the homemade strawberry shortcake, which is made with freshly picked sweet strawberries and mounds of real whipped cream… simply “Heavenly!” (we wonder if they’ve shared recipes with Wickford, below) The church will also provide tours of their historic building, which both George Washington and Queen Elizabeth have visited. The event starts at 11am, rain or shine, and ends at 5pm. Admission is free.

    – Trevor May


    Wickford Art Festival

    During the weekend of July 8 and 9, the Wickford Art Association celebrates the 60th annual Wickford Art Festival. Located at Wilson Park in North Kingstown, the event hosts over 200 local artists displaying their crafts. The festival showcases fine art in a variety of media including: ceramics, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, furniture, fine jewelry, drawing, etching, glass, mixed media, painting (watercolors, oil, gouache, acrylic), photography, printmaking, pyrography, and sculptures. 

    Wilson Park is just a ¼ mile walk from Historic Wickford and is set on Narragansett Bay. In addition to many other food from a variety of vendors, strawberry shortcakes will be sold on the lawn of First Baptist Church on Main Street. The Wickford Art Association information booth can provide you with a festival map, the ability to purchase one-of-a-kind festival apparel, and a chance to enter to win a piece of art while supporting the scholarship raffle. 

    Gates are open from 10am – 5pm and parking is available at Wilson Park and at Wickford Middle School. A complimentary shuttle will run from Wickford Middle School to Wilson Park. Parking is also available at the town’s public lots and permitted street parking on West Main Street, Main Street, and Brown Street. Admission and parking are both free.

    – Trevor May


    Looff Arts Festival

    On Saturday, August 12, the East Providence Arts Council hosts their annual East Providence Arts Festival, known as The Looff at Crescent Park in Riverside. A “loof” is defined by the council as “a whirlwind of art, music and life.” The event lives up to that definition from noon – 6pm and features fine art pieces made by local artists. Last year, the event hosted over 100 vendors and event organizers hope this year’s will be even larger. In addition to fine art paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, textiles, art tiles, authors, dancers, drummers, glassware, and leatherwork that will be on display, The Looff also includes live entertainment featuring Superchief Trio, Down City, Hit Rewind, and the international performance/giant puppet character group Big Nazo. If that isn’t enough to get you to come, how about food trucks and a mermaid? Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit eastprovidenceartsri.org or their Facebook page.

    – Trevor May


    Black Ships Festival

    The Japan-America Society of Rhode Island (JASRI) celebrates the 40th year of the Black Ships Festival in Bristol and Newport (and, starting this year, Central Falls), August 11-13. The name of the festival refers to the term given by the Japanese to steamboat ships that poured out black smoke when former Newport native Commodore Perry arrived in Japan in 1853, an arrival which established trade and the exchange of cultures between both countries. The festival’s goal is to introduce Japanese culture to those who visit. 

    Opening ceremonies begin on August 11 at 10am in Rockwell Park in Bristol and include a free Taiko drum concert at 6:30pm. On August 12, Independence Park in Bristol will be transformed into a Japanese-American culture center. Various arts and crafts will be on display, including origami, calligraphy, Tanabata Wishes on bamboo, and henna tattoos. 

    The Society is making sure the event is geared towards kids to ensure a fun, family-friendly time. Kids are invited to play traditional festival games, learn origami, and even to participate in a costume/cosplay contest. Plus, there will be a place for everyone to try on traditional kimonos. Shiatsu massage is available at the festival. “As a career-long teaching artist, this festival creates so many amazing opportunities to really bring these art forms to new audiences,” says the Festival’s new co-director of events and community outreach, Everett Hoag.

    Lastly, many different demonstrations and performances are planned throughout the festival such as Taiko drumming, traditional sword performances, Shorin-Ryu (exercise and self-defense drills that use techniques and farming tools converted to weapons by the Okinawan people), Karate, Dragon boats in Central Falls, and a Shinobue (flute) and drum performance. On August 13, a memorial ceremony will be held at the Island Cemetery in Newport. With 4,500 people in attendance throughout the festival last year, festival organizers expect this year to be even larger.

    – Trevor May


    RI Folk Fest 

    Rose Larisa Park in East Providence will be full of lush instruments, beautiful voices, and a true sense of community at the eighth annual Rhode Island Folk Festival on August 27. The free event is family- and dog-friendly and consists of three stages of music, a kid’s area (kids are invited  to touch and play various instruments) and a songwriting workshop with Mark Cutler, along with food trucks, vendors, and a beer garden.

    Founder John Fuzek and a dedicated team of volunteers (most are well-known in the local music scene) have worked diligently to make RI Folk a destination festival that features known headliners playing alongside local talent. Genres include folk, Irish, African, jazz, western, and much more. Fuzek and festival organizers divide the work of booking the stages with Fuzek focusing on booking the main stage and Beth Barron running the emerging artists stage, which includes a curated open mic featuring a range of performers of all ages playing 15-minute sets). Allysen and Ava Callery run the Songbird Stage, while Lisa Couto and Erik Peterson host the Bandshell Stage, which is designed for more ensemble performances. 

    Rhode Island Folk Festival takes place August 27 at Rose Larisa Park in East Providence from 12 – 6. The event is free, though donations are welcome. Go to rhodeislandfolkfestival.com for more info.

    – Bobby Forand


    Warren Folks Fest

    The Warren art scene will be on full display on August 19 at the Warren Folks Fest. The Warren scene has been emerging for years as the town has grown to become a hub for artists and musicians. This day-long fest is the annual fundraiser for Warren’s community arts organization, The Collaborative, and is the perfect opportunity for the community to throw a party that showcases the scope of artist endeavors in Warren.

    “The idea for Folks Fest started out as a small party for a couple of friends,” says founder and Collaborative executive director Uriah Donnelly. “The first year, which we called the “2nd Annual” (clever?!), blew us away with the turnout and support for The Collaborative. Since then, the festival has grown each year to truly become a must-attend summer event in RI. We try to add to the festival each year in different ways so there are always a few surprises for folks who turn out to support us. It is, after all, a fundraiser for The Collaborative.”

    The Warren Folks Fest features music (bands to be announced soon), over 30 retail vendors and 10 food vendors, and a free arts and crafts table for kids. Plus, Narragansett Beer will donate 100% of its beer sales to the fundraiser. The Folks Fest is free, but it is also a fundraiser, so donations are accepted.

    Warren Folks Fest takes place August 19 from 1 – 7 pm. Located at 30 Cutler St. Street parking is limited but available.

    – Bobby Forand


    Scurvy Dog Parking Lot Mega Show

    The Scurvy Dog Parking Lot Mega Show enters its eighth season of eclectic line-ups that run the gauntlet of genres with a punk-rock attitude. All shows are free and family-friendly, making it the first underground show experience for a lot of super young folks who come with their families. The events are also dog-friendly, which brings a special canine charisma to the scene. Scurvy Dog owners James and Jennifer Wolloff’s beloved punk rock dog Rocket will make an appearance sporting his fancy dog headphones.

    The first show of the season (and 28th total) kicks off on June 3. A highlight is David Tessier and the All-Star Stars reprising their performance of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. Other show dates are July 8, August 6, September 3, and October 8. James Wolloff (who will be filling in on acoustic guitar with DTASS) said other bands playing this season include Round Eye from Shanghai (playing their farewell tour due to the difficulty of living in China post COVID), Thee Itchies (only show of the year), M.O.T.O., The Slashers (NYC), OC Rippers (New Jersey), Chew (Atlanta) and reunions of Die Theory and iDestroyer. Ziggy Gnardust, THERE and Vicious Ritual will all be making their Scurvy debuts. Wolloff notes there are too many great bands to list them all,  but they will all be announced soon. 

    Scurvy Dog Parking Lot Mega Shows take place at The Scurvy Dog, 1718 Westminster St in PVD. All shows are free, family- and dog-friendly and start at 2pm. Call 401-270-7980 or follow their Facebook page for more information.

    – Bobby Forand

    See more fests of summer here.

  • “The Nutcracker” at Festival Ballet: Sophomore Success

    “The Nutcracker” at Festival Ballet: Sophomore Success

    Festival Ballet Nutcracker

    Festival Ballet’s newest version of “The Nutcracker” premiered to much fanfare last year after a long tradition of annual performances when the creative team of  Director Kathleen Breen Combes and Artistic Curator Yury Yanowsky reimagined the classic production and launched a new tradition. This year the company is sticking with that new production and continuing to delight their audiences.

    The December 16th production reviewed featured Kobe Atwood Courtney returning as the prince. Their athletic prowess makes the battle scenes dramatic and exciting; their acting abilities make the pantomime replay of the scene in the Land of Fairies funny and cute. Festival can’t resist showcasing their talented prince and Courtney joins in with the Trepak Russian dance in act two, allowing viewers to see even more of their dancing and leaping ability.

    Festival deploys its children’s cast to great effect. The little ones enchant the viewer as snowflakes with their lighted embers and as the smallest party guests mimicking their tween cousins and friends in the party scenes. The reindeer moved with studied precision as they pulled guests on their sleigh. The young Polichinelles spring forth from the ample capacity of Mother Ginger and frolic on the stage with acrobatics. Young dancers attending the performances will be captivated to see their peers able to keep up with the professional cast.

    Tara McCally (L) and Audrey Lukacz. (Photo: Alan Hubbard.)

    The Land of Sweets presents dances inspired by world cultures and captivates the audience with displays of ability,  Heather Nicoles and Azmat Asangul were particularly charismatic with their Arabian-inspired “Coffee” dance. Kirsten Evans as the Sugar Plum Fairy was paired with Lusi Ocaranza as her Cavalier and each of them drew spontaneous applause from the audience for their impressive work.

    Festival knows that this is a complete theatrical experience and they do not spare the smallest of details. The snowscape sets in the fairy land makes the audience want to zip up their coats. The ballroom would not look amiss in one of Queen Victoria’s palaces. The dancers never forget they are actors as well, and even the small parts take care to develop their characters. The enigmatic Drosslmeyer is a typical rogue as he flirts with the maid. The party guests each hand over their cloaks to the staff with personality, some contemptuously, some excitedly, and some politely. Herr Sillberhaus and his wife convey all the elegance and manners of “Downton Abbey” without saying a word. The party dances have so much going on it’s impossible to take it all in, meaning families coming year after year will still find something new to see. 

    Anna Lisa Wilkins (center) with FBP Company. (Photo: Alan Hubbard.)

    Last year, Festival premiered their new production and this year they proved it will have staying power.  This is a stunning show that dance fans and holiday fans alike will want to see again and again.

    “The Nutcracker” was written for the Russian stage over 100 years ago and languished after poor reviews to its Russian premiere. In 1954 George Balanchine of the New York City Ballet produced a new version of this old ballet and an overnight success was born. The plot is taken from a German story and centers on a girl named Clara who attends her family’s Christmas party where she plays with her friends, fights with her brother, and is gifted a toy nutcracker by her mysterious but loving godfather, Herr Drosslmeyer. After the party, young Clara sneaks down to the ballroom to see her gift again and is suddenly shrunken down to the size of her toy. Soon she and the nutcracker doll become embroiled in a battle between the Nutcracker and an army of rats. When the Nutcracker is facing defeat, Clara intervenes in the battle and turns the tide. After the rodents are vanquished the Nutcracker turns into a handsome prince and whisks Clara off to a fairy land where they are greeted as heroes. In the second act, Clara and her prince (formerly known as Nutcracker) are given a display of dances from the residents of the Land of Sweets. In the end, Godfather Drosslemeyer returns his charges to their home and Clara is left to wonder if it was all a dream or not.

  • Lending Library of Things: PVD Things opens in Olneyville

    Lending Library of Things: PVD Things opens in Olneyville

    PVD Things exterior at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    Dillon Fagan of PVD Things at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)

    PVD Things held its grand opening on Sun, Oct 23, at its new space at 12 Library Ct in Olneyville. The multi-room facility was open for tours, and free hot dogs (with vegetarian options) were being served from a grill.

    “We are a non-profit co-operative tool-lending library, and what that means is we’re a non-profit that is democratically governed by the people who use it. We rent out useful things just like a library would with books, but now we’re lending out drills, ladders, or basically anything under the sun,” said Dillon Fagan, one of the organizers. The typical loan period is seven days, renewable for an additional seven days, he said.

    There is a growing national movement in many cities to spin up such “libraries of things” and, although there is no umbrella organization or consortium, there are on-line forums for sharing ideas, problems, and solutions, Fagan said. Devon Curtin, who was grilling the hot dogs, said he had previously been part of a similar group in Baltimore before moving to PVD.

    Devon Curtin of PVD Things at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)

    “You can go on our website [pvdthings.coop], you just purchase a member share, and it sends you through some forms that you have to fill out for liability and whatnot. And then once you’ve done that, you’re a member,” Fagan said. “We ask that you join as a member, that’s a one-time fee of $20. That is refundable, so if you do not want to be a member anymore, you get that $20 back. However, every year, we’re going to be asking you to pay dues to help cover the operating costs, and that’s on a sliding scale so it’s just $1 per $1,000 of annual income per year.” The annual dues assessment is on the honor system, Fagan said. “We don’t look into it, just trust that you’re being honest.” Sponsorships are available for those in need but unable to pay.

    The web site lists inventory, Fagan said, and there is a companion mobile app that queries inventory information, all written in-house.

    The organization was incorporated in March 2021, Fagan said, but the process of formation began about a year earlier and there are now approximately 100 members. The physical facility in Olneyville has been occupied for only a couple of months. “That was the most difficult part and we knew that going into it, going through those forums online. Everyone said the same thing: It’s difficult to secure space, especially how the rent situation is.” That the building has a very prominent painted banner reading “Library Ct” was, he said, “just a pure coincidence. Very fitting for us.”

    PVD Things board games at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things outdoor gear at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things lawn equipment at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things interior at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things interior at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things reference books at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things automotive and cleaning equipment at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things hand tools at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)
    PVD Things power tools at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)

    At some point the organization hopes to provide instruction in use of tools rather than merely lending the tools themselves. “We don’t have anything set up yet, but we are planning on having skill-sharing workshops that volunteers will be running, and I have heard from some people who have come in that they’re willing to help out with some different types of workshops,” Fagan said. “I’ll probably do a programming workshop because I’m a software engineer. So that’s my skill set.”

    PVD Things 3D printer at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)

    Although the bulk of lendable things is concentrated on traditional hand and power tools, from drills to automotive gear to lawn mowers, as well as construction implements such as ladders, the range encompasses everything from guitars and board games to a small 3D printer. Consumables, he said, are the responsibility of the borrower, whether nails and screws for hammers and drills or thermoplastic for the 3D printer.

    Cooking utensils are in demand, Fagan said, because people need such simple things as muffin tins for special occasions but may use them only a few times a year. He said he has an interest in paella pans and paella burners because he loves Spanish food but would not need them often. Cooking might be a topic for skill-sharing workshops, he said.

    There is a small selection of “how-to” books, but “we don’t plan on being like a library with tons of books. If we are going to have some books, it’s just going to be pretty specific to DIY projects and stuff like that,” Fagan said.

    Some kinds of items cannot be part of the inventory for insurance reasons, Fagan said, and kayaks and bicycles, for example, must be re-donated elsewhere. Weirdly, another item prohibited for insurance reasons are bouncy houses.

    PVD Things interior at grand opening, Oct 23, 2022. (Photo: Michael Bilow)

    The Olneyville facility has regular hours every Wednesday, 6 – 8pm, but “as more volunteers come on, we’ll have the capacity to be open more days of the week and more hours,” Fagan said.

    “We have put out a survey to see what people would want. I think it would be nice if we have some kind of regular cadence of asking our members, ‘Hey, what are we lacking?’” Fagan said. “Part of the name is ‘things.’ I guess the idea really is whatever the membership wants, that is what PVD Things will have.”

    PVD Things “Library of Things” membership co-operative, 12 Library Ct, PVD. Web: pvdthings.coop Facebook: facebook.com/pvdthings

  • Beyond the Beach: Ocean State parks for outdoor summer fun, sans sand

    Beyond the Beach: Ocean State parks for outdoor summer fun, sans sand

    This may surprise you, but some Rhode Islanders do not like the beach. They pay a high price for parking, fight over a spot and navigate through an overcrowded beach hoping to find a place. When they leave, sand has infiltrated their clothes in places they didn’t know were even possible. To cap off the experience, they may be left with a nasty sunburn as a souvenir.

    There are some that prefer the stillness and serenity of going for a walk in the woods, or just enjoy other summer activities outside of the beach. There are numerous parks and places within the state that are not as known as our beaches. There are many places waiting for you to explore, to take on their challenges or to just kick back and bask in the beauty of nature.

    A favorite place of famed writer HP Lovecraft, Lincoln Woods State Park offers many different opportunities to explore. Located in Lincoln, the park offers over six hundred acres of nature trails, bike and equestrian paths, places to picnic and a freshwater lake to either swim or fish in. Due to giant glacial boulders and stony areas within the park, the place is also perfect for rock climbing / bouldering.

    For someone who wants to be near the sea but not near the sand, Beavertail State Park is located on the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown. Overlooking the Narragansett Bay, the park provides walking paths, areas to rock climb, fishing, tide pools and numerous picnic areas. The views there are stunning, including the iconic Beavertail Lighthouse. If you are lucky, the lighthouse’s museum, Fort Burnside (a WWII costal fort) and an aquarium are open to the public. Park naturalists on site can provide walking and exploration tours. Due to a staff shortage for the museums and personnel, call (401) 423-3270 in advance to check their availability prior to your visit.

    In Bristol, Colt State Park is also situated on Narragansett Bay. The 464 acres provide huge lawns for games, ten playing fields for various sports and bike and footpaths right along the coastline. The paved path along the shoreline also provides benches to sit back and take in the picturesque views. The park is filled with picnic tables, adequate shade and space which make it a perfect place for family gatherings. Reconstructed in 2014 for better accessibility, the park’s fishing pier is perfect for shoreline fishing. The park also includes an open-air chapel for couples who are interested in tying the knot at such a scenic location. 

    Boasting 14,000 acres of mostly wooded area, Arcadia Management Area is RI’s largest recreational area and is located in Richmond, Exeter, Hopkinton and West Greenwich. If you are into hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking, this place has it all and more. There are miles of gravel roads that provide trails through pristine woodland. Frosty Hollow Pond and Wood River provide scenic places to fish and are stocked with trout annually. Canoeists and kayakers can enjoy rowing down Wood River, with streams for novices or experienced explorers. If you are an equestrian, bring your horse trailer to the Reynold’s Horseman Area.

    While a three-mile trek isn’t for everyone, those who complete the endeavor in Arcadia are rewarded with the view of Stepstone Falls, the nicest waterfalls that RI parks have to offer. A beautiful trail following the Wood River leads to a set of waterfalls over a hundred feet wide. You would be hard-pressed to find a more serene place than this wooded vista.

    There are many untapped gems in RI for you to explore. The parks mentioned in this article are only a sampling. No matter what you are interested in, you may find a new favorite place practically in your backyard. If you would like more information on RI parks, visit riparks.com, onlyinyourstate.com/states/rhode-island/ or visitri.com/state/state-and-local-parks/