Quotable RI News Story
Thanks, Jo for linking to this exclusive news story about an unknown scary creature. Oh, Rhode Island – “I grabbed her by the ass”!
Laughs »Mother Mother Ocean
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Places to Visit »Block Island
Off the Coast of Rhode Island
Block Island is not the easiest place to get to (it requires a ferry ride and a reserved spot for your car about a year in advance) but once you’ve arrived the long journey is forgotten and only peaceful, lazy, summery thoughts fill your head.
Most of our days were spent with the family at our rental house (PS, do NOT rent from Phillips Realty lest you want a bunch of bogus charges) where we bbq-d, fed the local ducks, and Van, showing his true city kid ways, found himself weary of this thing you call “grass” and a lover of trees.
Otherwise we could be found dining on seafood (see my wrap up here) and at “Baby Beach” a beautiful stretch of sand you’ll find underneath the Stephen King-esque abandoned Surf Hotel.
It’s the beach closest to town on that side and is perfect for babies and children (hence the name) because the water is calm, the waves gentle.
We loved spending afternoons here, Van especially, who was kicking and giggling in the ocean so much he had to take a beach nap with his pops.
See more: Places to Visit Beaches Rhode Island
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Posted on July 19, 2011
Restaurants »Block Island Round-Up
On Block Island, it’s all about seafood and I am going to steer you away from the mediocre to the great.
Starting with Ballard’s, which is often party central, I’m talking dudes with tramp stamps (a phenomenon we speculated and joked about all trip), and views of all sorts of revelers on Ballard’s Beach. You might think the place was a mere tourist trap, and even if it is, it’s got the crab legs to make your summer blissful. Great oysters, chow-dah, mussels, and steamers too. And of course, once can’t pass up their Del’s plus vodka.
Another Old Harbor favorite is Finn’s, which also boasts great steamers and fried whole belly clams with a great outdoor deck. We also got huge shrimp for their market for barbecuing.
We started our trip with a dinner of great fried clam strips and weird but good doughboys from Rebecca’s. Heard their lobster rolls aren’t so hot, but just hop across the street to the Del’s spot for a pretty good one.
Best meal, though, next to those succulent crab legs, goes to Three Sisters, a tiny outpost of sandwiches during the day, and an amazing fish cook out menu at night. We had blackened bluefish, grilled zucchini, awesome clams, and incredible slightly teriyaki tuna steaks which made me obsessed with making tuna this summer.
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Posted on July 15, 2011
Desserts »Payne’s Donuts and Aldo’s Bakery
on Block Island
Our recent visit to Block Island was a blast (more info coming soon). I expected a great time with the family, the ocean, and seafood but was surprised to come home raving about donuts and pies.
Aldo’s Bakery supplies the pies – we had an excellent blueberry one with a buttery crust that was heaven a la mode with their homemade ice cream.
The true gem though, are the fresh “killer” donuts from Payne’s in the New Harbor. Now, I have had many a great donut in my time, but these warm, sugar dusted treats rank among the top five at least.
I had three(!) in one sitting, truly living it up when on vacation.
These are so addictive that they could make anyone fat within a few months, so it’s a mixed blessing that they aren’t available closer to home.
See more: Desserts Baked Goods Donuts Pies Rhode Island
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Posted on July 13, 2011
Web Sites »J Cosmas Vintage Photography
41 Roslyn Avenue, Providence, RI
I stumbled across J.Cosmas Vintage Photography quite by accident but was immediately drawn into the arresting images.
Surely I am not the only one among us that can’t resist the eyes of the past and if you too are a fan of vintage portraits, this is an incredible collection.
Priced reasonably, these would make a great gift for the lover of antiquities in your life.
The website is well organized, with large, clear scans, and informative and enthusiastic descriptions. Clearly, they have a passion for their trade (and the passionate are the most fun to buy things from).
Plus, they’re based in one of my favorite American cities, Providence.
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Posted on June 2, 2011
Desserts »Duck and Bunny: A Snuggery
312 Wickenden St, Providence RI
If you find yourself as I was, craving a cupcake in the middle of the day in Providence, there’s no need to worry. Not only will you find a cupcake at the adorable Duck and Bunny, but you’ll find a great buttermilk honey cupcake with Lavender Icing. Nutella sandwiched between two peanut butter cookies was Jim’s preferred indulgence and the modern wonderland in black and white decorated spot also boasted some pretty good coffee and a relaxing back garden.
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Posted on August 8, 2010
Spend a Couple Hours »Seafood Fest
Charlestown, RI
Fried dough, Olde Timey photos, and bajas? Must be a festival!! Fortunately for us, this one also featured a bevy of Rhode Island seafood, hence the name the Seafood Festival. Located in Charlestown at the Ninigret Park, this modest fest was pleasant and we ate well. At Chowder Kitchen we tried the stuffed Quahogs, at Salty Dags we opted for the Fisherman’s Lobster Roll (warm with butter and the best bite of the bunch), at D&L Lobster Express we got the cold lobster roll (with a touch of mayo and celery) from a cranky lady and washed it all down with the state’s greatest contribution to summer drinking, Del’s frozen lemonade.
We totally got one of the olde timey portraits too.
Click here for the rest of Seafood Fest
See more: Spend a Couple Hours Festivals/Conventions Rhode Island Seafood
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Posted on August 8, 2010
Places to Visit »Block Island Lighthouses
Block Island is flanked by two lovely lighthouses, one to the North and another to the South. The Northern Lighthouse is in Sandy Point and accessible by road, but is a far way to walk from the main port (cars and bikes are easily available to rent).
There is a museum, which was not opened when we went, but the main building is not open to the public, You can get pretty close though along a beautiful New England stretch of beach. Once summer is in full swing, a hot dog stand is parked in the lot.
The Lighthouse to the South is much more dramatic, set above the stunning Mohegan Bluffs. Several points along the cliffs offer amazing photo opportunities of the red brick structure. The building itself is being restored but the grounds and a museum are open for exploring.
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Posted on August 31, 2009
Desserts »Scialo Brothers Bakery
While my friend's attempt to keep her beau's birthday cake celebration a surprise was foiled – the cake itself -?was a rousing success. From Scialo Brothers in Providence, an Italian bakery that has sat on Atwell's Ave since 1916 (!), the cake was huge, chocolaty, and rich.
There is an online shop where you can get cakes, cookies and biscotti delivered, but you'd be missing out on the beautiful fine looking counter girls we were told about that work there.
Here's what my friend had to say:
“They make cakes, pies, bread, and all sorts of Italian cookies and pastries. I particularly like their soft dinner rolls, pignoli cookies, and apricot & almond paste tart. I also LOVE that the place is mostly staffed by young, girl-next-door types who are very cute.”
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Posted on August 3, 2009
Places to Visit »Manisses Animal Farm
There are lots of things you might expect to see while strolling around Block Island: weather beaten wooden beach houses, fields of grass, even an Indian burial ground seems somewhat appropriate?but I truly thought that the three and a half hour walk I'd just taken was making me see things when I caught a glimpse of a huge camel nestled in-between vacation homes.
The Manisses Hotel, one of the best elegant dining options on the island, is also home to an impressive wild animal farm. While some might consider it family only fun for the kids, I spent a long time watching the emus, camel, zorse, geese and goslings, ducks, lemurs, donkeys, llamas, lambs (one provided lots of entertainment when a tree branch stuck to his butt made him freak out), and my most favorite and fascinating, a giant, majestic yak.
The site will make you wonder who was behind it and why, but no worries, there's a plaque to explain:
“As a hobby, I have assembled an unusual collection of animals from many parts of the world. You will notice most of the animals live in complete harmony with each other (this is true). The farm also provides education and enjoyment to all visitors?Justin Abrams”