As the leaves begin to turn and the chilly October winds swirl along our East Side streets, the timing is ideal for the return of the East Side Ghost Tours, those masters of the macabre, who regale visitors with stories about the strange happenings that once took place in Providence. These guided walking tours begin at 60 Congdon Street, near Prospect Terrace, nightly throughout the month at 7pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 on the day of. Contact Providence Ghost Tours to make a reservation or to learn more about the program. Thanks to some of our politicians, Providence can be a scary place anytime. But come October... well, the ghost tours will explain that it could be worse.
September is National Pancake Month. What better excuse to have sweets for breakfast than sinking your teeth into good old-fashioned flap-jacks? With limitless ways to dress them up, we took advantage of our early morning hours to try some of the most unique, right-off-the-grid-dle pancakes located in South County.
When tasting these surprisingly not-too-sweet pancakes from T's Restaurant, an apple streusel comes to mind. With the variety of fix-ins, including walnuts, caramel, cinnamon apple and streusel toppings, those who prefer to go without syrup will be satisfied with a dollop of whipped cream. 500 Post Road, East Greenwich. 398-7877.
-----
These sourdough beauties from Slice of Heaven are for the blueberry lovers. With just the right balance of fluffy and chewy textures, you are left feeling full, but not too full to skip lunch. And we must not forget the fresh, juicy blueberries found generously throughout the cake. 32 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown. 423-9866.
-----
One way to sum up our experience with these Phil's Main Street Grille's chocolate chip and banana pancakes is to imagine Mom’s banana bread. These spongey cakes have the perfect amount of fresh bananas and chocolate, giving your tastebuds a delicious morning wake-up call. 323 Main Street, Wakefield. 783-4073.
-----
Like an Almond Joy this cake from The Olde Lighthouse Diner has taken the classic candy bar to the next level. We enjoyed the subtle flavors of the famous combination: coconut, chocolate and almonds. Add a dollop of maple syrup to these massive flat-cakes to start your day off right. 120 Knowlesway, Narragansett. 284-3883.
The Victoria Alviti Music Foundation is on a mission to keep music alive in schools across the nation. Sharon Alviti started the Rhode Island-based nonprofit in memory of her daughter Victoria. Victoria had a passion for music, which she shared as a professional DJ, booking performances around the world. At 22, Victoria was involved in a tragic car accident in Malibu. Before she passed she shared with her mother her dream to start an oranization that kept music in schools.
Today, her mother and their foundation are doing just that. The foundation offers a 12-week program to participating schools. All students receive a recorder, a lesson book and basic music literacy instruction. Additionally, participating music teachers receive professional development. The students spend those 12 weeks learning music provided specifically for them by Carnegie Hall. All of their hard work culminates in a grand concert in which students get to play side by side with the Rhode Island Philharmonic.
In its short existence, the foundation has had great success with the program, reaching 7,000 students last year and 10,000 this year. Sharon hopes to reach 14,000 next year and the sky’s the limit from there. It cost about $18 per student for the program. The foundation relies heavily on local donations and fundraising events to cover these costs.
Want to help the cause? Attend their 3rd Annual Jazz on the Green fundraiser at Alpine Country Club on September 22. The event includes a Tuscan buffet, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Guests will also enjoy live performances by Mike Renzi and friends. September 22 at 3:30pm. Alpine Country Club, 251 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston. $40. For more information email the organization. More
Good reads aren’t always published by the best-known companies; local RISD alumnus, writer and painter Richard Parker offers a self-published book that will astonish any true fashionista. In The Improbable Return of Coco Chanel, As Witnessed by her Assistant Richard Parker, Parker reveals his life as an assistant to Coco Chanel - yes, the Coco Chanel - during her comeback in the 50s. At the age of 71, Chanel was encouraged to create a showroom in Manhattan inspired by her Paris apartment for her new line of perfumes. With much controversy between her American brand’s chairman and the exhibit designer, progression slowed down and Parker had no other option but to take most of the project into his own hands. What seemed to be an overwhelming task turned into a deep understanding and true empathy of the fashion icon, who had been labeled by some as a prostitute and a partner of the Nazis. In reality, what he found was a hard-working, caring and independent woman who had made a name for herself. In his book, readers will get a first-hand glimpse of the real Coco Chanel and clarification of the rumors that changed how many viewed her during her lifetime. With Richard’s hands-on experiences and thorough research, readers are in for a fascinating ride. To grab a copy of Richard Parker’s work, download it digitally or purchase a hard copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or at any independent bookstore. More
Somewhere along the road of human development, between the invention of technological entertainment and today, books have earned the disheartening status of “obsolete.” In 2004, the National Endowment for the Arts released a study that shows that not only is the amount of recreational reading among Americans - in every age group - declining, but it’s declining at a faster pace than ever before. The first question that comes to mind here is “why?” Why do so many of us choose to watch a television show or movie rather than read a book? I can’t remember ever walking out of a movie theater without overhearing someone say “The book was so much better,” or “They left out the best parts,” and it’s no secret that Julia Child’s Mastering The Art of French Cooking can never be replaced by an episode of 30 Minute Meals, so why? The second question that comes to mind, of course, is “how can it be fixed?” Shortly after conducting this study, the National Endowment for the Arts started working on a program called The Big Read. The Big Read is meant to revitalize the act of reading in the American home by making it a social event.
The Big Read will support non-profit organizations in hosting events that encourage reading. One of the 77 selected organizations is the Tomaquag Museum. Now through June 2014, the Tomaquag Museum will be hosting events centered around the book Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich, a widely acclaimed Native American author. Some of the events will include book discussions, readings, artistic response programs and cultural arts performances. Whether you think you like reading or not, The Big Read is a great excuse to pick up a book and remember what it is like to get lost in a good story. The Big Read’s kick off event will be held September 19 at 6:30pm at the URI Multicultural Center, Room 101. 74 Lower College Road, Kingston.
Quonset Air Museum is one of the richest historical sites in Rhode Island. Located in the heart of Quonset Point, the site where US naval history began, the Quonset Air Museum’s mission is to preserve and educate the public on Rhode Island’s aviation history. it even houses a whopping 28 vin- tage aircrafts in its exhibition. With its wide variety of relics - from famous crafts to vintage parts - the museum gives those who visit not only a valuable, hands-on education of the past, but a genuine feel of being brought back in time.
in the late 1800s, Quonset Point served as the Rhode Island Militia’s State Camp Ground, followed by the Rhode Island National Guard. Then in 1938, a Naval Board headed by Rear Admiral Hepburn studied the need for and location of more East Coast bases. Quonset Point was chosen and what was once 996 acres is now 1,748 acres.
Naval Air Station Quonset Point served in World War ii - warding off U-boats - and in the Cold War. “[Quonset Point] had squadrons that used to search for Russian submarines,” says Executive Director David Payne, describing the anti-submarine work that took place. and before Quonset Point shut down in 1973, it served as a home base for the Navy’s Antarctic Support Squadron, VX/VXe-6, who spent much time in antarctica getting involved in operation deep freeze, a US mission that aimed to advance the scientific findings and knowledge of Antarctica.
During Quonset Point’s activity in the 1940s, a paint shop for the base opened to touch up the aircrafts, not knowing that in 1992 that same building would be giving birth to one of Rhode Island’s most educative museums. With the goal in mind to preserve aircraft, including the well-known a-4 Skyhawk, former governor bruce sundlun helped in the production of the epic museum, which is available today for events of all kinds. Visitors can enjoy the sights of the aircraft and read history plaques that offer rich education on the life of each craft. What … More
My favorite spot for bakery pizza strips, Palmieri’s Bakery and Caffe, is opening a location at 247 Main Street in East Greenwich. In mid-September, you won’t have to drive to Providence’s Federal Hill to get your biscotti, pizza strips, cupcakes and more. The bakery has been oprn since 1898 and they are on their way to southern Rhode Island. More
At Warwick’s Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant, Sunday nights are now a lot tastier. From 4-9pm, the restaurant is hosting a Prime Rib Dinner for $24.95 per person. The dinner includes a 16oz. portion of prime rib and jus, whipped potatoes and creamed spinach. You can add three baked stuffed shrimp to make it surf & turf for $36.95.
On Monday night, they feature “Everyone’s Italian” with a three-course Italian Feast for only $24.95. Start your meal with a caprese salad (perfect for this time of year), followed by the restaurant’s homemade lasagna and complete your evening with a piece of tiramisu. More
The Newport Mansions will once again provide a spectacular backdrop for the annual Newport Wine & Food Festival held from September 20-22. The weekend features a wide array of events including a Collectible Wine Dinner, Brunch with Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, Grand Tastings on both Saturday and Sunday, the Newport After Dark After-Party at Forty 1° North, a variety of seminars from Wine 101 for the wine novice, and Wine Collectibles for the serious wine aficionado. Two southern Rhode Island restaurants will be participating in this year’s Grand Tastings: Jamestown Fish and The Ocean House.
For the second year in a row, Michael Greenlee is the beverage director for the festival. A local North Kingstown boy, Greenlee has worked as a wine buyer for Le Cirque, the Waldorf Astoria and the Four Seasons. He now owns a company, Amedeo, which “helps wineries better navigate distribution and helps them sell wine directly to the consumer.” Greenlee is excited about this year’s festival and says there’s “something for everyone who’s interested in wine and food.” The wineries represented at this year’s festival are coming from all over the word, and he says “many of them are small producers that are hard to come by.” He’s passionate about getting people to try new wines, adding new varietals, producers or new locations to their “mental Rolodex of wines.”
With approximately 3,500 people attending last year’s festival, you may want to purchase your tickets ahead of time at their website. See you there! More
Imagine this: you live in South County, it's summer and it's your day off. It doesn't get much better than that, folks. But you wake up on your free day, beach bags packed and bikini ready, only to find yourself in a torrential downpour. You breifly curse Mother Nature before heading back inside for a day of Law & Order marathons and mindless snacking.
Well, we are putting a stop to this type of behavior right now. South County is jam packed with awesome places to go and activites to do during these cloudy days; you would be crazy not to take advantage of them. Here are some of our go-to activities that will get you out of the house and change the way you think about rainy days.
Head to the nearest cinema and catch the new romcom everyone's talking about. Seriously, is there anything beter than going to the movies in your comfiest sweats on a cold rainy day? I think not.
Head to a museum. There are so many that you're sure to find one that appeals to your interest. Airplanes? Check. Marine Biology? Check. History? Art? Check, check. The list goes one.
(Newport Ar Museum, Smith's Castle, Gilber Stuart Museum, Fayerweather House, Biomes Marine Biology Center, Quonest Air Museum, Varnum Armory & Varnum House Museum, South County Museum)
Go stargazing. Venture to Charlestown and visit the Frosty Drew Observatory. Their Sky Theater has the clearest views in town.
Go to the beach. Dress the whole family in ponchos and watch the surfers. Even better, join the surfers. As long as it's not storming, a little more water is not going to hurt you. You will find plenty of people in the ocean on rainy days surfing, kayaking, boogie boarding, you name it. The waves are usualy great and the rain makes it extra fun.The best part? A guarenteed parking spot.
At least 21, no kids to watch and have a DD? Check out a new restaurant with an extensive beer or wine list. Lot's of them offer deals during weekday … More
After attending school and living in Providence for the past three years, I had the opportunity to go on an Experience Rhode Island tour of our beautiful capital city. My very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide Jon Stricklin explained to me that he sometimes prefers giving tours to locals rather then visitors, since so many Rhode Islanders don’t realize how much history our state has to offer. Here’s my photographic account of my experience along the tour:
Our tour departed from Visitor’s Information center at the RI Convention Center located downtown. Jon began our tour with some interesting facts about the size of our state. Obviously, I knew Rhode Island was the smallest state in the country, but I didn’t know that King Ranch located in south Texas is about 1,800 square miles larger than our beloved Ocean State and Rhode Island is only about half the size of Delaware.
The tour continued on to Farm Hill or, to us 21st century folk, Federal Hill and proceeded through downtown.
We drove past the steps of City Hall where a pre-presidential John F. Kennedy once stood and gave a speech to the people of Providence – hence Kennedy Plaza.
We went down Westminster Street past Johnson and Wales University and found ourselves in India Point Park, once a crucial spot for maritime trade.
Our tour continued to Wayland Square, where we had the chance to stop at one of the most popular new cafes in Providence, Teas and Javas. I recommend the mixed berry gelato – delicious!
After our break we continued to Blackstone Boulevard and learned about the five Brown Brothers – who surprisingly didn’t start Brown University. Originally located in Warren, and called the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Brown University moved to its current spot on College Hill in 1770 and was renamed in 1804 after Nicholas Brown, one … More
Attention all breastfeeding moms: prepare to get milked. This upcoming weekend, August 3, you and your baby can participate in The Big Latch On, a breastfeeding event presented by NuRoo where all attendees will participate in a harmonized breastfeeding. BLO is a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, a globally-recognized week that aims to both educate women on the benefits of breastfeeding and gain support of the natural way to feed. The BLO will take place at multiple locations throughout the world, but will be held locally at the Bellani Maternity in Warwick. Rhody Mamas, a company focused on promos and great deals, will be supporting the event, offering a bunch of fun activities to celebrate your mom status. So make sure to stick around: you and your bundles of joy can attend educative guest speaking, refresh with some milk and cookies and go home with some great prizes. Try to show up a half-hour early so you don’t miss the community breastfeed! More
Ah, Rhode Island: Over the past decade, our tiny, exclusive sanctuary of a state has developed a serious problem with "self-esteem," as the Rhode Island Foundation describes it, and they are dedicated to fixing that with Rhode Island: It's All In Our Backyard, a campaign showcasing and supporting the bounty which can be found right here in our… well, you get the point. Okay, we have unemployment – a lot of unemployment – but what poses a bigger problem to the morale of Rhode Island is that even through all of the economic growth, new start-ups and growing small businesses, there are still people – quite a few people – who manage to completely look past our triumphs and focus only on our hardships. To those people, I urge you to take a stroll through Providence’s art district or East Side, or Newport's Thames Street or Bellevue Avenue, taking in the idiosyncrasies of our one-of-a-kind restaurants, boutiques, wine shops, farms, cafes, bars, colleges, serene landscapes and antique architecture. Even the most pessimistic minds wouldn't deny that we are host to a vibrant community, spanning vast cultural gaps and showcasing some of the most innovative, artistic, ambitious minds in the country. This campaign will be advertising throughout the state as a way to re-connect our citizens with the local businesses and resources. The Rhode Island Foundation has partnered with Rhode Island based businesses, including farms, manufacturers, universities and more to help spread the word. The message that this campaign is trying to spread is that everything that we need really is right here in our backyard. More
Gain a deeper appreciation of local art and help children in need this August 10 at the Art Auction Fundraiser held at the Charlestown Gallery. With all proceeds benefitting Flying Kites, a nonprofit organization started in Newport which provides orphans with a familial atmosphere and rich education in Kenya, you will be able to enjoy some music and engage in fun activities like art raffles, auctions and door prizes, all while enjoying the inspiring ambience of the newly-moved art gallery. Refreshments will be served and admission is free, but donations upon entrance will be greatly appreciated and help change lives. Flying Kites kindly asks for your consideration of sponsoring a child despite your attendance. 5:30-8pm. 5000 South County Trail, Charlestown. More
This year’s Rhode Island Comic Con features throwback reunions that will have the fan boy/girl in you giddy with excitement. Relive the 1960s caped crusader and crew escapades from the original Batman TV series as the Not-So-Dark Knight himself, Adam West, his trusty sidekick Robin (the once boyish Burt Ward), and the femme fetal powers of Yvonne Craig (Batgirl) and Julie Newmar (Catwoman) reunite for panel discussions and meet and greets. However, if you’re a '90s child like myself, you’ll be clicking your heals with nostalgic glee as actors from the beloved series of Power Rangers TV shows reunite for fans. Appearances include Jason Frank (Red, Green and White Ranger), Walter Jones (Black Ranger), David Yost (Blue Ranger), Catherine Sutherland (Pink Ranger), Robert Axelrod(Lord Zedd), Barbara Goodson (Mandilok), Kerrigan Mahan (Magna Defender), Paul Schier (“Bulk”) and Jason Narvy (“Skull”).
This year’s surprise guest is movie legend Danny Glover, star of such recent blockbusters as 2012 and classics like the Lethal Weapon series. And of course, fans can be sure to enjoy all ranges of fantasy and comic favorites, too. November 2-3; Saturday 10-7pm; Sunday 10-5pm. $15 kids day ticket, or $20 for weekend. $25 adult day ticket, $35 weekend. For tickets and information visit their website. More
1. The island’s first inhabitants called it Manisses, which means “Island of the Little God.”
2. Sixteen families first settled the island in 1661; their descendants live here still.
3. A passenger ship called The Palatine once caught fire off the island’s coast, killing
all aboard; some say the ghostly ship can still be seen burning on quiet nights.
4. In the winter, fewer than 1,000 people call the island home; the island’s tiny K-12
public school educates about 115 students.
5. The island has had a strong conservation movement since the 1970s, and now,
more than 43% is set aside as public open space. The island’s goal is to get to 50 percent.
6. Tradition has it that the island has 365 ponds, one for each day of the year – although modern geographers say it’s more like 300.
7. Once a premier Victorian vacation destination that drew families complete with steamer trunks and full-skirted “bathing costumes,” the island is full of the ghosts of grand hotels that burned down. One such is the Ocean View, just above the town’s post office, where the US Congress once held a summer session.
8. More than 2,000 pleasure boats crowd the Great Salt Pond on an average during July Fourth weekend.
9. The statue of Rebecca at the Well was erected by the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement, but a close look at the modern day statue (a faithful replica of the original) and her grapes and amphora hint that the late-1800s statue supply company may have mixed up the biblical figure with a more wine-friendly Greek goddess, Hebe.
10. Recently retired island nurse Mary Donnelly helped the sick and injured for 50 years and established a local charity, the Mary D Fund, which has been featured on every major news outlet. (Google it.) August’s annual Mary D Ball is the social event of the season. More
Check out the first two-thirds of the three-day 16th Annual Rhythm & Roots Festival on Labor Day Weekend at Ninigret Park. Luckily for you, the festival brings to Rhode Island some of the youngest and most promising talents in Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music. Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole, the host band, stands out amongst this group of emerging artists. Cedric Watson himself is a four-time Grammy nominated artist who combines sounds from diverse cultures to create a unique sound. Celebrate some incredible music and enjoy dance workshops, shopping, food and family activities! Aug. 30-Sept. 1. $40 Friday, $60 Saturday. 4890A Old Post Road (Route 1A), Charlestown. 888-855-6940. More
Hear some glitzy show tunes and then take a glamorous post-concert stroll on the beach this month with Broadway at The Towers Act V: Phoebe Madden and Friends. For the fifth consecutive summer, Phoebe Madden will bring the best show tunes to The Towers! Ritchee Price, a world-renowned trumpeter who has performed at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and The White House, will be accompanying Madden. Also, be sure to keep an eye (and ear) out for George Moshell, Philip Martorella and a number of Madden’s voice students. Don’t miss your chance to get an authentic taste of Broadway, here in Rhode Island, at the Towers. August 13. $20. 8pm. 35 Ocean Road, Narragansett. 782-2597. More
Recently, the owners of Luxe Fitness opened an Orange Leaf franchise in Westerly located at 116 Granite Street. With new stores opening every week, Orange Leaf is a quickly expanding brand. The self-service frozen yogurt craze has swept the nation and is now popping up all over Rhode Island. The new store in Westerly is currently the largest Orange Leaf franchise in the nation. Choose your yogurt flavor, sprinkle on your favorite toppings and pay by the ounce. A frozen dessert made for you, by you, is a great way to celebrate the end of summer. More
Walrus and Carpenter Oysters Farm, located in beautiful Ninigret Pond in Charlestown, is hosting a unique series of dinners this summer. “We’re not just bringing the farm to the table, we’re bringing the tables to the water,” says owner and farmer, Jules Opton-Himmel. Adventurous diners start with a boat tour of the oyster farm and then wade into the water to experience a floating raw bar, complete with oysters from the farm as well as drinks. Next, diners take a relaxing stroll down East Beach, and the evening is completed with dinner prepared by a visiting chef who has designed a special family-style menu just for the occasion. August 11 features Chef Derek Wagner of Providence’s Nick’s on Broadway, and August 14 features Chef Jeanie Roland of Westerly’s Ella’s Fine Food & Drink. Tickets can be purchased online. Jules warns “an oyster farm can be rough around the edges,” so bring your water shoes, wading boots, a beach towel and sense of adventure. More