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FOOD & DRINK | SHOP | PLAY: THINGS TO DO | HEALTH & BEAUTY

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PLAY: THINGS TO DO

Things to see and do in the Ocean State.

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island FC

Hometown Team

Rhode Island FC

Fans scream, drums pound and fireworks burst overhead: just another Saturday night at Centreville Bank Stadium, where Rhode Island’s newest professional sports team reigns supreme. Rhode Island FC exploded onto the scene with a first-season conference trophy in 2024 and has kept the party
going in Pawtucket ever since. We might never get over the PawSox leaving, but thanks to the state’s new hometown soccer club, summer nights in Pawtucket are shining bright once again. Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket, rhodeislandfc.com

Sourdough Baking Class 

The Honey Shop

Missed the sourdough train during the pandemic? No worries — this beginner-friendly (and delicious) baking class will help you catch up. Instructor Kathy Lavallee walks you through each step in this hands-on lesson, from mixing and stretching to choosing toppings and bake times. Stick around for a sourdough pizza tasting featuring Lavallee’s homemade tomato sauce and adopt a sourdough starter to expand your hobby at home. 1300 Park Ave., Woonsocket, 766-1488, the-honey-shop-2.myshopify.com

Farm Shop

Phantom Farms

Generations of Rhode Islanders have made the trek to this apple orchard and gift shop for juicy cider, fresh-baked muffins and handcrafted local goods. Today, visitors can also grab coffee to enjoy with a sweet treat at the indoor seating area or while browsing the garden center for their next summer find. Fall may be apple season, but the cozy vibes here continue year-round. 2920 Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, 333-2240, phantomfarms.com

Sourdough Baking Class 

Ragged Island Music Festival

Sip and sway to the rhythm at this welcome addition to Aquidneck Island’s summer festival calendar. Reggae, rock and hip-hop top the diverse lineup of national and local artists, making for a two-day, good-vibes-only celebration. It all goes down on Ragged Island’s thirty-seven-acre farm property with onsite brewing and sweeping views of Narragansett Bay. 54 Bristol Ferry Rd., Portsmouth, raggedislandmusicfestival.com

Concerts and Cocktails  

Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge

Throughout the season — Thursday through Saturday — the coffee house and lounge comes alive with trivia nights, live music, late-night bites and specialty cocktails like the s’mores martini and refreshing peach Aperol spritz. Stick around to catch a glimpse of owners Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” and “Bachelor in Paradise” fame. 60 South County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 661-9787, audreysri.com

Production Studio

Door G  

Door G is where big ideas get the Hollywood treatment without ever leaving Rhode Island. Part creative studio, part tech playground, this East Providence production hub combines cinematic storytelling and cutting-edge virtual production with a state-of-the-art curved LED wall that can transform a single room into any world imaginable. The studio is also where behind-the-scenes confessionals were filmed for season one of  “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.” 20 Risho Ave., Suite G, East Providence, 530-8300, door-g.com

Sleepyheads Party.

Party Like a Kid

Ideas for celebrations and play dates.

What you need:A ready-made slumber party setup complete with dreamy accessories.

Who to call: Sleepyheads Party

Sleepyheads Party, 508-493-0329, sleepyheadsparty.com

What you need: An Instagrammable shimmer wall (and candy wall, because why not?!).

Who to call: Bash.

Bash., 184 County Rd., Barrington, 903-2274, bashbarrington.com

What you need: A make-your-own pizza party for a budding chef.

Who to call: Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen, 5600 Post Rd., East Greenwich, 885-0535, tastebudskitchen.com/east-greenwich

What you need: A cappuccino break while watching your kiddo have a blast.

Who to call: Little Lattes Play Cafe

Little Lattes Play Cafe, 57 Sandy Bottom Rd., Coventry, 578-1430, littlelattesplaycafe.com

Dive Bar

Captain Seaweed’s

This Providence staple is the kind of place that feels like a pirate ship, a neighborhood dive bar and a backyard party all rolled into one. The nautical-themed watering hole is packed with quirky maritime treasures, cheap drinks and one of the most legendary patios in the city. Whether you’re shooting pool, swapping stories under tiki torches or chatting with locals, Captain Seaweed’s proves that the best nights often happen in the most unexpected port. 162 Ives St., Providence, 421-0309, facebook.com/captainseaweeds  

Lavender Field

Lavender Waves Farm 

A farm that feels like someone took a postcard view from the French countryside and dropped it into South County. Wander through rolling waves of fragrant lavender, meet a menagerie of alpacas, llamas, peacocks and even camels, or simply soak in the peaceful, storybook scenery. Whether you’re snapping dreamy photos, enjoying a yoga session among the blooms or escaping for a cozy farm stay, Lavender Waves is the kind of place that makes you breathe deep and appreciate life’s sweeter moments. 3814 Commodore Perry Hwy., Wakefield, 203-4919, lavenderwavesfarm.com  

Hands-On Experiences

Gather  

The Gather family of businesses is all about bringing people together through creativity, community and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking with goats and connecting with nature at Gather Farm, shaping molten glass into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece at Gather Glass or savoring a locally inspired meal and great conversation at Gather Cafe, each destination offers its own unique way to slow down, connect and create meaningful memories. 521 Atwells Ave., Providence, gatherglass.com; 519 Atwells Ave., Providence, 400-0295, gathercafe.com; 380 Greenville Ave., Johnston, gatherfarm.com  

Culture Cube

Open

Artist and organizer Ben Sisto wasn’t content bemoaning the loss of Rhode Island’s third spaces — parks, coffee shops and the like where people can gather and socialize — so he set out to create his own. Nestled inside a building in Providence’s Valley neighborhood is Open, a 200-square-foot experimental space that’s hosted everything from exhibits with pounding bass notes that shook the room, a one-night review of works by RISD interior architecture students, and garments celebrated for their stains, discolorations and tears. 50 Sims Ave., Providence, openforever.org

Gouda Times

The People’s Cheese Club

When flyers depicting a hand-drawn mouse holding a wedge of Swiss started popping up around Providence late last year, locals were intrigued — so much so that dozens showed up to The People’s Cheese Club’s first meeting at Kimi’s. The RSVP list for the free monthly event now fills up within hours of it going live. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, expect to sample a surplus of cheeses (and bring your own contribution from a local shop). Providence, @thepeoplescheeseclub

The Quizard

McCaughey Standard Trivia

Legend has it that owner and proprietor Andrew McCaughey was born with a microphone in hand ready to quiz the delivery doctors. His naturally charismatic and witty nature is tailor-made for hosting trivia from general knowledge to obscure history facts and pop culture topics. Stop by venues like Narragansett Brewery, The Guild and more on designated weeknights to take home the top prize. mccaugheystandardtrivia.com

Courtesy of Westerly Museum of American Impressionism/Warren Jagger

First Impression

Westerly Museum of American Impressionism

Last october, the  Westerly Museum of American Impressionism opened its doors amid a raging nor’easter. But the storms didn’t drive away guests: More than 500 art lovers eager for seaside vistas and pastel-colored clouds visited during opening weekend. Spearheaded by local philanthropists Dr. Thomas P. and Cynthia Sculcio, the museum features big names like Childe Hassam and John Singer Sargent, but also highlights painters who lived and worked in artists’ colonies up and down the East Coast from 1880–1920. 79 Watch Hill Rd., Westerly, 773-9769, wmairi.org

Elvira Orozco, owns Now or Never, a hobby and craft space in Providence.

Analog Fun

Why should kids have all the fun? Stow your phones, learn a new skill and flex your creative muscles at these adult-focused studios.

Now or Never

The options are endless at Elvira Orozco’s hobby hub and social club in Providence’s Valley neighborhood: You can meet like-minded souls at a “Crafting Friendship” paint mixer, make your own candle, learn to write a song, upcycle a tank top and much, much more. There’s always something new on the crafty calendar. 301 Harris Ave., Providence, nonpvd.com

Guests at a collage workshop at Now or Never.

Orange Anchor Arts School

Learn drawing, painting, printmaking and collage techniques with owner/educator Heather Rigney at this bright, inclusive space in Pawtuxet Village. 2190 Broad St., Cranston, orangeanchorartschool.com

Hot Glue Heroes

Fans of all things retro and kitsch will feel right at home in this maximalist studio, where attendees craft vintage-inspired miniature sculptures and wreaths in Tiny Bits of Joy and Vintage Trash & Treasure workshops. 1019 Waterman Ave., East Providence, 603-923-8679, hotglueheroes.com

The Hope Collective

Stitch & B*tch, anyone? Adult craft classes in this historic event space are punctuated with a sense of whimsy and wit, with offerings like the “naughty” needlework sessions, art journaling classes, oil pastel plein air drawing, fairy parties and more. 48 Main St., Hope, 227-3566, the-hope-collective.com

Anyhow Studio

Wondering about the wide world of clay? Dive into a Clay Buffet class at Anyhow Studio, where you’ll try bite-size projects using coil, pinch and slab techniques, as well as get behind the wheel. 25 Acorn St., Providence, 424-5999, anyhowstudioprovidence.com

TuftxPVD

Make your own rug — solo, with a friend or partner, or with a group — in textile artist Sav Hazard-Chaney’s workshops inside her Hope Artiste studio. Grab a tufting machine and let your creative flag fly. 1005 Main St., Suite 8113, Pawtucket, tuftxpvd@gmail.com, tuftxpvd.com

The Craftery

Craft an autumn leaf with beautiful seed beads or make a joyful wreath out of woolen flowers at this space devoted to all things fiber and needlecraft in downtown Warren. 450 Main St., Unit A, Warren, 237-0125, thecraftery.studio

The Steel Yard

Play with fire and feel like a badass when you forge your own bottle opener or iron hooks at The Steel Yard. Or dabble in the industrial arts a bit more and take a spin on a pottery wheel, make a chainmail necklace or learn how to weld at a weekend workshop and watch your coolness quotient surge. 27 Sims Ave., Providence, 273-7101, thesteelyard.org

Marathon Panda Maurice Lowman prepares for a run on the East Bay Bike Path.

Social Standouts

Who we’re following on social media.

Chaos to Comeback

FOLLOWERS: 33.6K

This inspiring account documents one Cranston resident’s (and his doting family’s) remarkable recovery after a catastrophic stroke. Follow along to keep up with the highs (think: successful curse word enunciations and Dunkin’ order deliveries) and the not-so-highs (examples of how progress is not always linear), as well as enlightening deep dives into how the brain works. @chaostocomeback on TikTok and Instagram

Jacob Higgins

FOLLOWERS: 76.5K

Jacob Higgins had us at “Courtyard Marriott Pour.” If you like a little sass with your crispy sauvignon blanc, plus local food and drink reviews, unfiltered day-in-the-life commentary, humorous takes on local happenings, OOTDs, enthusiastic car sing-alongs and more, then this Providence-based TikToker deserves a place in your FYP. @thejacobhiggins on TikTok

Patty J

FOLLOWERS: 48.6K

Not even a hit-and-run could keep our Rhode Island bestie down. Despite having every reason to take a break while recovering from surgery, Patty J kept the content coming and the positivity flowing earlier this year, and her promised “comeback tour” has since delivered double-fold. Tune into her Instagram, podcast and blog to receive must-try menu item recs, new eatery reviews and local event itineraries. @pattyjdotcom on Instagram, pattyj.com

Marathon Panda Maurice

FOLLOWERS: 9.9K

Think completing the Boston Marathon is an impressive feat? Try running it in a suit and tie … five times. But what makes Maurice Lowman, aka Marathon Panda Maurice, even more admirable is his advocacy work. As he likes to say, he now “runs the streets that used to run me” and uses the attention to raise awareness and funds for addiction recovery and support organizations. @marathonpandamaurice on Instagram

David Lawlor

FOLLOWERS: 14.3K

We’re thankful to David Lawlor for giving us the chance to see the Ocean State from a whole new POV and fall in love with it all over again. The documentary filmmaker and local history enthusiast uses his socials to spotlight Rhode Island landscapes, structures, hidden gems and abandoned historical spaces. @filmmakerdave on Instagram

Pick(le) Me Up

Ocean State Pickleball Club

Pickleball has taken the country by storm and Narragansett was quick to pick up the racket. What once housed the Ocean Club Roller Rink on South Pier is now home to eight state-of-the-art pickleball courts, as well as changing and lounge areas, a pro shop and food and beverage options. 360 S. Pier Rd., Narragansett, 786-3329, oceanstatepickleball.com

Sonic and Sultry

Burlesque Karaoke PVD

Who can resist a line like “Be the Soundtrack to our Striptease?” Founded by Belle Gunz and Dahlia Struck, Burlesque Karaoke PVD puts a twist on the classic late-night outing by pairing a performer with a song choice — meaning while you belt it out, their belts will, well, come off. @burlesquekaraokepvd

Whimsical Scavenger Hunt

Rhode Island Troll Trail

Fee-fi-fo-fum. Rhode Island now has five gigantic residents we call chums. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo from recycled materials, each troll is tucked away in a scenic corner of the state. Link up with Erik Rock and Greta Granite in Charlestown, mosey on over to Hope Valley to see Young Boulder, then hang out with Iver Mudslider in North Kingstown before taking in the East Providence water views with Mrs. Skipper. southcountyri.com

Mahjong Gatherings

The Gilded Birds

This group of local women involves generations of mahjong lovers who learned the game from friends and family members and pass the tradition on to others. The “birds” inspire individuals and groups to master the tiles by hosting lessons and events, private parties and retreats to spread the love for a “bam” good time. thegildedbirds.com

The Huntress and Holder of Hands performs at Uptown Theater.

Live Show Revival

Uptown Theater

fans of the columbus theatre on Broadway were mourning its loss, until the historic theater came back from the brink. Now named the Uptown Theater, the space has been meticulously renovated with modern amenities (two sleek new bars) while preserving its historic charm (original balcony seats circa 1926). Finally, a dynamic lineup of concerts, comedy shows, films and speakers takes the stage to a standing ovation. 270 Broadway, Providence, 621-9660, uptownpvd.com

Photo courtesy of Providence Tartan Army.

Bearers of Fun

The Providence Tartan Army

They came, they drank, they left an indelible mark on our hearts. For a week in June, the Providence Tartan Army flooded our streets and social media feeds with boisterous celebration, filling the air with bagpipes and reminding us of all the reasons we love our small state. If the party wasn’t enough, the Scots also donated more than $15,000 to local charities to ensure their impact went far beyond the soccer pitch. The World Cup may be over, but the orange traffic cones will live on.

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INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOP | PLAY: THINGS TO DO | HEALTH & BEAUTY