2024 Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Picks

INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | GO PLAY | WELLNESS | READERS’ POLL

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GO PLAY

 Fun things to see and do in the Ocean State.

Historic Inn

Chart House Inn

The seven elegant rooms inside this boutique guest house pay homage to some of Rhode Island’s most fearless females: women like Princess Red Wing, a Narragansett and Wampanoag who helped found the Tomaquag Museum, and Ida Lewis, the famed Newport lighthouse keeper who rescued countless sailors from the sea in the nineteenth century. The folks behind Newport’s Stoneacre Garden and Stoneacre Brasserie own the inn, so you know the breakfast offerings, like homemade buttermilk biscuits, a bolo breakfast sandwich and warm quiche, are top-notch. 16 Clarke St., Newport, 846-5676, charthouseinn.com   

Adult Night Out

Bonsai Bar

Grab a pint and a plant at these bonsai-building pop-ups. The brainchild of TreeEO (ha!) Tim Arsenault of Scituate, these beginner workshops teach you how to plant, shape and care for bonsai trees, all while sitting back with a pint or porter at local breweries and distilleries like Smug Brewing, Rhode Island Spirits, Long Live Beerworks, the Industrious Spirit Company, LineSider Brewing and more. bonsaibar.com

Tourism Attraction

South County Trolls

Ninigret Park is the newest locale for Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls, which he crafts from repurposed wood, straw, rocks and other items. Greta Granite and Erik Rock greet visitors from their new home, which will eventually be part of a “Troll Trail,” organized by tourism folks and stretching throughout the state. Local volunteers helped Dambo craft the trolls in April. Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln., Charlestown, 364-1222

Tour Time

Explore Providence’s (under)belly, and the joys of the RISDIC scandal, mob bosses and the Buddy era, with Providence Tour Company’s Crime and Cuisine tour. The tour winds through Federal Hill with several historical — and delicious — stops along the way. You’ll leave with a belly full of Italian delicacies and perhaps a desire to pull all your money out of your savings account and store it under your mattress instead. (We kid, we kid!) In the mood for an artful stroll? Download the Avenue Concept’s new app to take a self-guided tour of close to sixty colorful murals and sculptures installed throughout the Providence area and beyond. Feel free to take a nighttime walk; many of the artworks are illuminated once the sun goes down. Providence Tour Company, 405-6608, pvdtourco.com; the Avenue Concept, 490-0929, theavenueconcept.org 

High-Tech Fun

The Bubbler VR

Raise a dirty soda (more on that later) to the virtual reality wonderland that is the Bubbler VR, a new spot that introduces all ages to the world of modern gaming. Inside you’ll find virtual reality stations, a streaming room and gaming PCs, along with
a mix of programming like open mic nights and gaming clubs. Wash down all those pixels with the Bubbler’s handcrafted slushies, revivers and dirty sodas, a mix of your choice of soda, flavorings and cream, all served in sealed-to-order cans. 568 Charles St., Providence, 372-7248, thebubblervr.com

Comeback Kid

Wayfinder Newport

They’re back, baby! (Said in our best George Costanza voice.) After a devastating fire in May 2022 forced it to shut its doors, the playful Wayfinder Newport reopened last September after months of behind-the-scenes renovations. So come on down: The drinks are flowing, the outdoor pool is open, and the summer vibes are immaculate. 151 Admiral Kalbfus Rd., Newport, 849-9880, wayfindernewport.com

Eclectic Hangout

Myrtle

It’s a bar, it’s a live music venue, it’s a vintage store. Welcome to Myrtle, which, as you can guess, is a little bit of everything, in the best possible way. Stop in any night from Tuesday through Sunday, and you’re sure to find a live band playing, a deejay spinning soul tunes or local drag queen Claire Annette hosting the Strange Bird open stage variety show. All for free. Like that sweet vintage dress in the back? Great, because it’s for sale, along with most everything else on display in this eclectic, funky space. 134 Waterman Ave., East Providence, givemyrtle.com

Latino Repertory Theater

Teatro ECAS

New England’s only Latino repertory theater produces classical and contemporary plays in Spanish with English subtitles, and has been doing so, superbly, since first forming in 1997. The theater moved into its new Valley Street digs in Providence last year after a $1.2 million renovation, and offers residencies in Providence schools, summer camps and accelerated conservatory programs for local youth. 679 Valley St., Providence, 421-3227, teatroecas.org

Kids Art Activity

Island Art Spot

Keeping little hands and minds creatively entertained is a parent’s perpetual challenge. Lucky for us, Island Art Spot offers a place for kids to get messy and have fun in pursuit of learning. With its art explorers programs and paint parties for toddlers, as well as weekly crafternoons with mixed media for four-to seven-year-olds, plus summer camps, after-school classes and private parties, this gem of a destination encourages and supports kids’ artistic expression. 575 E. Main Rd., Middletown, 595-5322, islandartspot.com

Art Gallery and Performance Space

Inspiria

Art, music and performance now have a creative space to go off. Olneyville’s Inspiria — described as a “spooky Barbie dream haus” — features a combination of indie or hardcore shows followed by burlesque and drag performances, offbeat live music acts and an art gallery all in one. Browse the paintings and sculptures, grab a mocktail or cocktail next door at Justine’s, and just wander around and enjoy the eye candy. 12 Library Ct., Providence, instagram.com/inspiriapvd

Elevated Arts Space

CUSP Gallery & Lifestyle

In less than a year, photographer and Newport newcomer Curtis Speer has invigorated the City by the Sea’s art scene. Wedged stoically at the triangular promontory between Broadway and Spring streets, Speer’s CUSP Gallery & Lifestyle has beautified the block both inside and out. Founder of the Newport Artists Collective, which supports galleries and independent artists in the area, Speer curates popular weekly gatherings at the Brenton Hotel that bring people from the community together to support and celebrate local talent. 35 Broadway, Newport, cuspgallery.com

Art Spots

Rhode Island has always been a hot spot of creativity, luckily for us. One of the state’s — and the country’s — first women-run galleries, Hera Gallery, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year with special exhibits, artist talks and an anniversary march around Wakefield. For more than a year, British painter Annie Wildey and photographer Michael Fanelli have hosted contemporary artists in AIR Studio Gallery, adding a wonderfully creative space to Westerly’s art community. And the state’s newest creative space might just be the most unorthodox: Artist Scott Lerner has set aside the first floor of his Providence apartment (he lives on the second floor) to showcase a variety of local artists — yes, even in the kitchen. Known as the
East Manning Projects, the noncommercial space gives Lerner the freedom to show whatever he wants. Case in point: “Best in Show,” which ran in June, featured a variety of pet-related works in different fun and funky mediums. Hera Gallery, 10 High St., Wakefield, 789-1488, heragallery.org; AIR Studio Gallery, 19B Railroad Ave., Westerly, 646-325-7530, airstudiogallery.net; East Manning Projects, 44 East Manning St., Providence, instagram.com/eastmanningprojects 

Storytelling Event

Stranger Stories

What happens when a first-person confessional meets a live mic? You get Stranger Stories, the bimonthly storytelling event at the always welcoming Askew, where the narratives are all true and you never know what might come out of a reader’s mouth. While the themes vary, the stories all follow the same basic script: 900 to 1,400 words with a clear beginning and end curated by organizers ahead of the event. Recent themes include topics like “Surprise!” and “Family Feud.” Got a story to share? Submit it online, and you might find yourself onstage at the next event. strangerstoriespvd.com

Family Fun 

The Kayak Centre

Tour historic Wickford Village from the water with the help of Rhode Island’s only full-service paddlesport shop. At the Kayak Centre, visitors can rent kayak and paddleboard equipment to explore Wickford’s intricate waterfront, take a class on the basics of water sports or choose a guided water tour for an embellished experience. Once you master your paddling skills, purchase your own equipment at the storefront. 70 Brown St., North Kingstown, 295-4400, kayakcentre.com

Interactive Entertainment

Level99

Dodge swinging axes, show off your monkey bar skills and try to keep up in a life-sized game of Pong — all before grabbing a fresh pint or creative cocktail at the onsite bar and restaurant. Level99 is like a giant obstacle course for adults, with more than fifty physical and mental challenges that’ll keep you on your toes and thinking sharp. Need a break from “the floor is lava”? Favorites like Detroit-style pizza and beers from Night Shift Brewing will get you refreshed and ready for the next big test. Providence Place, Providence, 680-9499, level99.com

Social Standouts

Nothing quite beats the thrill of when the algorithm hits you with a popular post featuring a familiar face or scene. Here are some of the accounts we’ve enjoyed scrolling through lately and know you will, too. 

Ian Brownhill 

@ian.brownhill on Instagram and TikTok

Killah accent? Check. Dunkin’ addiction? Check. Unfettered exasperation ovah New England weathah? Check. Ian Brownhill has made a name for himself online by introducing Little Rhody’s (and its residents’) strengths, flaws and quirks to the rest of the world. We’d be hard pressed to find a Rhode Islander who could give his sketch-heavy videos a try without cracking a smile. 

Jariah Gray / Two Hungry Bitches 

@twohungrybitchesri on Instagram and TikTok

Jariah Gray actually runs this show solo and has a sweet and kind soul. But she does serve up “a bad bitch’s guide to good eats in the Northeast” to nearly 50,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram on a regular basis. Add her to your feed to get local restaurant vibe checks, rainy day ramen recs and girls’ night hot pot roundups.  

Danny Feliz / The Dancing Security Guard 

@tropicana_danny_ on Instagram and TikTok

Former Providence Place security guard Danny Feliz first catapulted into notoriety when a TikTok of him de-escalating a tense situation with a dance-off went viral in 2023. Since then, he has assumed the persona of the Dancing Security Guard and moved and grooved his way — often with the Creative Capital as a backdrop — into the hearts of nearly 400,000 fans.

The Nitro Bar

@thenitrobar_ on Instagram, @thenitrobar on TikTok

Many local small businesses have stepped up their social media games over the last couple of years, but we have to give it up for the Nitro Bar. The Providence- and Newport-based coffee company has a knack for creating witty man-on-the-street style interviews and enticing viewers with their trendy concoctions (yes, the viral Earth Day matcha lived up to the hype).  

Lego Adventures PVD 

@lego.adventures_pvd on Instagram

Who doesn’t love a bit of whimsy? Dreamt up by Providence resident Steven Tirrell, this fun and creative profile follows the adventures of Bruno and his fellow Lego friends as they traverse the tiny (or not-so-tiny, for them) state of Rhode Island. 

Brewery Buzz

It’s been a busy year in the craft beverage industry in Rhode Island. While we said goodbye to a few old favorites, newcomers in every corner of the state have kept us ready for the weekend. In Cumberland, the new Phantom Farms Brewing (phantomfarmsbrewing.com) on the banks of the Blackstone River offers a stunning taproom featuring locally sourced ingredients that give new meaning to the words “farm fresh.” In East Providence, Crook Point Brewing Company (crookpointbrewing.com) arrived just in time to help us all hold onto our sanity as we weather the bridge crisis and has become the East Bay’s new don’t-have-to-leave-town spot. (Seriously — can the DOT buy us all a pint?) And in South Kingstown, Tower Hill Brewing Co. (towerhillbrewing.com) reminds visitors you don’t need to head north of the tower to find good beer, so you might as well keep that beach day going a little longer. For those who prefer their beer without the buzz, Rhode Island welcomed its first-ever nonalcoholic brewery in Beaglepuss Brewing (beaglepuss.com), crafting hop-forward NA beers and ciders based at its Olneyville headquarters. And in Pawtucket, the city continues its beer and spirits renaissance with the arrival of Working Man Distillers (workingmandistillers.com), whose vintage-inspired tasting room might just be the coolest place you’ve ever had an old fashioned. For longtime favs with a new look, Origin Beer Project (originbeerproject.com) opened its first standalone brewery in Providence’s West End and has been offering its signature low-ABV beers (plus new creations) in the floral-inspired space. And after a multimillion-dollar renovation, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. (newportcraft.com) unveiled its new second-floor taproom and event venue with unbeatable views of the Pell Bridge. Special shoutout to Queers & Beers of Rhode Island (instagram.com/queersandbeersofri) for ensuring that everyone feels welcome in the craft beer scene and reminding us that beer bro culture doesn’t have to reign supreme. 

Restaurant or Bar Bathroom

Deadbeats

Stepping into the Deadbeats bathroom is like being trapped in a 1990s Lisa Frank-style Trapper Keeper. The theme is candy-colored cheetah print with bubblegum pink accents, and just wait until the blacklight illuminates the whole water closet in a world of neon. The second bathroom is painted with a video-game-slash-dungeon-themed mural complete with a vicious octopus, scorpions, spiders and skulls, all brought to life by painter Dangerdan. Did you fall in? We sure did. 289 Knight St., Providence, instagram.com/deadbeats_pvd

New Music Venue

The Blue Room

Musician Jen Minuto brought a much-needed boost to Pawtuxet Village’s nightlife in 2023 when she opened the Blue Room. Though the lineup spans a wide range of genres — with folk acts taking the stage beside comedy and open mic nights — at its heart, it’s a jazz and blues venue where patrons flock to see Rhode Island favorites like Big Lux and Kim Trusty. The cocktail menu is solid and snacks are available to order, but don’t come expecting a culinary show: This is a musician’s venue where the focus is on the stage, exactly where it should be. 2197 Broad St., Cranston, 203-5306, theblueroom.com

Local Museum

Cape Verdean Museum

This nineteen-year-old museum recording the history of New England’s Cape Verdean community got a significant upgrade in 2022 when it opened its doors to a new location on Prospect Street in Pawtucket. The fresh exhibit spaces trace the island nation’s history from the days of whaling voyages and the slave trade to the present-day community concentrated in Fox Point, among other neighborhoods. The museum frequently hosts book signings and cultural events on Sunday afternoons, and an online exhibit gives a glimpse into Cape Verdean music. This small-but-dedicated museum has earned its place among the local institutions preserving Rhode Island history. 617 Prospect St., Pawtucket, 228-7292, capeverdeanmuseum.org

New Family Attraction

Save the Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium

Newport’s newest year-round attraction offers an up-close look at Narragansett Bay without ever leaving the shore. Save the Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium, which opened in March, allows budding scientists of all ages to interact with the state’s native marine wildlife, including starfish, horseshoe crabs and dogfish sharks. As part of the organization’s mission, visitors learn how to protect the local ecosystem, and most of the animals are returned back to the ocean after a temporary stay. Can you say feel-good fun? 23 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, 324-6020, savebay.org/aquarium

Festival Fun

Sure, Newport might be home to the original folk festival, but that doesn’t mean the rest of Rhode Island can’t have a good time.

Indie Music Event: Bristol PorchFest

Now in its sixth year, Bristol PorchFest showcases everything great about small towns. Whether it’s the local talent, the historic homes or the neighbors perusing picturesque High Street, this East Bay festival has it all. facebook.com/BristolPorchFest

Family-Friendly Festival: Warren Folks Festival

With two stages, an artisan fair, a kids’ tent and even a Recycle-A-Bike station, Warren Folks Fest is our pick for best family festival. Where else can you sign your kid up for art workshops while also rocking out to Julie Rhodes?  thecollaborative02885.org/warren-folks-fest

Neighborhood Bash: Providence Porchfest

If you think Bristol was great, wait until you see the Providence rendition. A relative newcomer to the porchfest circuit, PVD’s homegrown effort rounded up more than eighty artists for the 2024 show. Stick around a few years and this might just be the next big thing. providenceporchfest.com  

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INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | GO PLAY | WELLNESS | READERS’ POLL

 

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