Hey Rhody April 2026

In a fast-moving market, the smartest buyers focus on what matters most. By preparing early and following a strategy, you can evaluate your options thoroughly and make the right decision when the time comes.

Follow these seven habits to guide you through the process so you can buy wisely, without regrets.

1.

Get pre-qualified with a local lender

2. Differentiate your needs and wants

3. Be persistent and open-minded

5. Keep your emotions in check

6. Visualize the potential of a property

Alicia Reynolds Sales Associate

Licensed in RI, MA, & CT

401.835.2605

areynolds@residentialproperties.com

7. Hire me as your buyer represenative

Want more details on effective real estate habits?

Follow @aliciareynoldsrealtor on Instagram!

Still Exploring Your Options?

Stratford Arms Riverside, Rhode Island

If you’re considering buying but prefer to keep things flexible for now, ‘Stratford Arms’ provides a well-appointed rental alternative. Enjoy modern conveniences, including garage parking and a pool, all set on a beautifully landscaped wooded lot on the Barrington–East Providence line. Reach out to Alicia Reynolds for up-to-date leasing information.

4.

Be available, flexible and willing to compromise

News & Culture

9 ARTS: Podcast documentary with local ties premieres

14 RHODY PETS: Three adoptable pets of the month

16 DESIGN: State artists bring immersive experience to this month’s home show

18 COMEDY: Jay Leno on comedy, cars, and New England life

20 RHODY GEM: Fresh-baked everything with coffee in Greenville

22 CALENDAR:

This month’s must-do’s

Home & Style

45 HOME: Color and pattern bring fresh energy to a Providence home

58 RHODY READS: A fresh crop of book releases from Watch Hill bestseller

60 SHOP: Rhody-made furnishings for the design-obsessed

Food & Drink

75 EXPERIENCE: Newport boutique hotel’s chef-driven Sunday brunch

80 IN THE KITCHEN: How the soupy gets made in Westerly 84 PROFILE: No rules pizza in Providence

86 ROUND-UP: Buzzworthy treats worth lining up for

Hey Rhody Photos

88 A colorful mosaic from our talented followers via Instagram

Get support today for things like depression, anxiety, ADHD and more.

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IASIMONE PLUMBING

REPAIRS

CONTRIBUTORS

JONAH MAJOR

A frequent arts contributor to the Hey Rhody blog, URI grad Jonah Major returns to print to report on a new documentary with local ties. This subject is near to his heart as a filmmaker who will happily drive an hour to see a movie in the VistaVision format, and has worked on shoots and crews of all sizes, including HBO’s The Gilded Age Check out “From Passion Project to Mainstream” on page 9.

ERIN MCGINN

Multifaceted photographer Erin McGinn focuses on storytelling for hospitality brands, makers, and couples. With an essence of sun-kissed Southern California and roots in Warwick, her lifelong love of travel inspires her experiential photos. In “Profound Pizza” (page 84) through words and images, she details a Providence chef’s mission, rooted in lessons from his grandmother.

ANDREA E. MCHUGH

Andrea E. McHugh is a Newport-based journalist with nearly two decades of experience and an accomplished portfolio. This month, she writes about Summer by the Sea , by local architect Thomas Kligerman (page 33). The article explores how childhood summers in Weekapaug inspired the book, which features 16 diverse Rhode Island coastal homes.

ANDREW MORAN

Andrew Moran is a digital media producer and photojournalist, whose diverse portfolio spans lifestyle, editorial, food, and product photography. In this month’s feature “Ocean State to Table,” his images help tell the story of the DEM’s efforts to promote the awareness and consumption of locally caught and landed seafood in Rhode Island.

Publishers

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

Editor in Chief

Elyse Major Elyse@HeyRhody.com

Editor Ann Martini

Martini@HeyRhody.com

Digital Media Specialist

Jenna Kaplan

Jenna@HeyRhody.com

Advertising

Design Director

Layheang Meas

Senior Designer

Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice Nick@HeyRhody.com

Managing Editor Ken Abrams Ken@HeyRhody.com

makers market wickenden street

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Burnham

Theresa Carrington Theresa@HeyRhody.com

Shelley Cavoli Shelley@HeyRhody.com

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Chris Revill Chris@HeyRhody.com

Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com

The Chocolate Peanut

Foxling Photography

Erin McGinn

Andrea E. McHugh

Contributing Writers

Thom Cahir

Patty Jeffrey

Karen Kalunian

Britt Machado

Jonah Major

Erin McGinn

Interested in writing?

organized by nava, campus fine wines, & the wickenden area merchants association follow @shop.wickenden on instagram for updates

Contributing Photographers Interns

Read McKendree Nick Mele

Andy Moran Donna Normand

Andrea E. McHugh

Molly Ogren-Moran

Deborah Goodrich Royce

Ruthie Wood

Jordyn Zacharias

Email Editorial@HeyRhody.com

Janibell Martinez Paige Martins

Looking for an internship?

Email Ken@HeyRhody.com

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PRINTED IN USA

Bridget has a deep-rooted passion for homes and the communities they shape. She is a proud Rhode Islander and deeply connected to the neighborhoods she serves.

Whether you're buying your first home, selling a cherished property, or investing in your future, Bridget will be by your side every step of the way—making the process seamless, informed, and with confidence. A trusted partner who is as invested in your journey as you are.

NEWS & CULTURE

From Passion Project to the Mainstream

New documentary is a labor of love for two local podcasters

By Jonah Major

n the past 15 years, podcasts have gone from an internet subculture to something your aunt might send you. Chronicling it all is Shaun Michael Colón, whose new documentary, Age of Audio , traces the medium’s history and details the present-day podcast environment. “It took seven years of love and grit to capture the pioneers of podcasting,” said Colón. “And we’re beyond proud to finally share it with the world.”

NEWS & CULTURE

The film will have its Rhode Island premiere on Thursday, April 23, at 7pm at the AS220 Black Box performance space in Providence, followed by a live panel discussion on independent podcasting with Audrey Mardavich, executive director of Radiotopia, a podcast network that is part of PRX Productions. “I am so excited to bring this film to Providence, with many people locally who helped work on the film being from the area,” said Colón. “AS220 has long supported independent creators and musicians, and it feels like the perfect fit for

this premiere in the Providence area.”

A pair of talented local podcasters from the Hey Rhody Media family also worked on the film: longtime contributor, Warren’s own Chuck Staton (known for Funbearable and Chuck and Brad Podcast ) and Chris Revill, our account manager for Providence (host of Let’s Chat! and Hey Rhody Podcast ). “I have been podcasting since 2013, and Rhode Island has one of the best podcast scenes in the country,” said Revill, “Working on a documentary with a friend I met through

the medium is truly a full-circle moment.”

Age of Audio functions as survey of modern podcasting, examining the boom in audio storytelling not seen since the days of radio, with interviews ranging from comedian Marc Maron, whose WTF with Marc Maron Podcast (recently ended after 1,686 episodes and paved the way for other comedians to start podcasting – a societal boon or ill depending on who you ask), to Ira Glass, whose radio show This American Life has found a new audience on podcast feeds.

“Meeting podcast heroes like Ira Glass was incredible,” said Colón, “But following independent creator Ronald Young Jr. was the heart of the film, showing what it truly means to be an independent artist.” Young Jr., an aspiring podcast superstar, serves as the documentary’s protagonist, and the audience surrogate for the world of podcast economics

that the film navigates. While podcasting seems bigger than ever, through the eyes of Young Jr., Colón takes audiences on a tour of the realities behind the medium, and what it takes to have your voice heard – literally.

“Sometimes it feels like I’ve shown up at the party a little bit more than fashionably late,” says Young Jr. in the trailer for the film. In

a media industry that appears booming from the outside, Colón’s film examines whether podcasting is still a viable career path for newcomers, or if, as Maron would say at the beginning of his podcast, they’ve locked the gates. Learn more at AS220’s website: AS220. org. Follow the film on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @aoamovie

TIFFANY

PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING

ARTS

Handmade fine jewelry featuring colorful gold, sparkling gemstones & fantastic pearls made on premises by Tiffany herself.

Crystal Bed Light Healing session available. 3851 Main Road • (401) 816 0878 @tiffanypeayjewelry • tiffanypeay.com

WKP BUILDERS

Award-winning custom builders known for distinctive craftsmanship and commitment to applied building science. Specializing in custom homes and renovations for a discerning clientele. 18 East Road • (401) 619 3909 wkpbuilders.com • @WKP_builders

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

CEDIAN PAINTING

New Waves Rolling In by Jennifer Jones Rashleigh at Cédian Painting: Studio-Gallery 3848 Main Road www.cedianpainting.com @cedianpainting

THE

CHEESE

WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET

Over 200 Cheeses Available, Sandwiches, Soups, House-Made Bread, Local Meats, Produce & Prepared Meals

Open 9-5 Tuesday - Sunday 3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069 @thecheesewheelri

FORZA CAVALLO BOUTIQUE

Forza Cavallo creations are unique, sophisticated pieces of art using the horse as both shape and symbol. Our products and mission embody the creative energy of our brand — apparel, accessories, and home goods! 3650 Main Road • @forzacavallori forzacavallo.com

WRIGLEY STUDIO & WEST WING GALLERY

Painting Studio of Brenda Wrigley Scott. Weekly painting groups, please inquire. West Wing Gallery: Rotating Shows 3852 Main Road - Garden Entrance (401) 339 9676 @tivertonfourcorners @wrigley_studio

Lou’s Décor with locations in Tiverton & Newport. Full interior design services available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 www.loulousdecor.com @loulousdecor

Rhody Pets of the Month

By Karen Kalunian

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.

If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

FIONA

BREED: Mixed

AGE: 9 months

GENDER : Female

If you’re looking for some puppy love, meet Fiona, a true beauty inside and out. From her rich chocolatebrown and white coat to her striking golden-green eyes, this girl is a real showstopper. Smart, playful, and full of personality, Fiona loves to have fun, enjoys the company of other pups, and quickly makes friends with just about everyone she meets. Sweet, affectionate, and charming, Fiona is hoping to find a loving home where she can truly be your princess.

RHODE ISLAND HOME RESCUE hillary@rhodehomerescue.org

HARRIET

BREED: Domestic Shorthair

AGE: 2 years

GENDER: Female

Harriet is a gorgeous, proud girl with warm green eyes that sparkle with hope. She is searching for a quiet, adults-only home where she can bask in the sun and relax peacefully all day long. Harriet may be shy at first and likes to take her time getting comfortable in new surroundings, but once she feels safe and loved, she blossoms into a gentle, affectionate, and loyal companion who will bring warmth to your home.

RHODE ISLAND FELINE RESCUE info@rifelinerescue.org

LESLIE

BREED: Mixed

AGE: 8 months

GENDER: Female Sunshine and nice weather mean it’s time to get a smiling pup. Leslie loves everyone –people, kids, and other friendly dogs. She’s got it all, good looks and a cheerful personality. Just under a year old, Leslie has a gorgeous coat of many colors and dark chocolate eyes that sparkle with excitement. Meet her as soon as you can; she will complete your family and bring you lots of

renee.cafa@gmail.com

Design Within Reach

Local artist-led activities and installations are sure to inspire at this year’s home show

By Elyse Major

As April arrives, we know the familiar signs of spring: the return of bright daffodils, a fickle forecast, and the annual Rhode Island Home Show (now in year 76). Held at the RI Convention Center April 10-12, it’s the largest home improvement and idea showcase in Southern New England, with hundreds of exhibitors and many unique components for attendees to explore, learn, and even sample.

One must-do is a visit to the Design Lab, a walk-through workshop of sorts assembled to demonstrate how color, materials, fabric, pattern, texture, and even scent converge to influence mood, memory, and meaning. The curated team includes Providence-based visual artist Jenny Brown, Dawn Oliveira of Bristol’s Oliveira Textiles, and carpenter and painter Dean Martineau from Johnston; with materials from

the Creative Reuse Center of Rhode Island in East Providence. “The Design Lab is all about art, texture, creativity, and community,” says Design Lab team lead Valerie Ottaviano. “Everything here is designed to spark conversation and celebrate design in all its forms.”

The weekend kicks off on Friday with collage-making with Jenny Brown, where the first 50 guests will participate in creating a small collage to take home and also receive a set of Brown’s still life collage stickers. On Saturday, the Please Touch Fiber Lab/Design Empowerment event with Oliveira highlights the beauty of sustainable design; the first 50 attendees will receive complimentary coasters crafted from her sustainable fabrics. There’s the Fabric Discovery Box, a tactile challenge that encourages exploration of fabrics through touch alone, and the weekend concludes on Sunday with Deconstructing Design, where participants discover how reclaimed items can be transformed into inspired designs; the first 50 attendees will receive a hand-printed grab bag of materials for crafting.

An ongoing highlight of the Design Lab is the oversized paintbrushes, beautiful constructs designed by Ottaviano and built in collaboration with Martineau and the Rhode Island Builders Association. “The paintbrushes celebrate the intersection of art, construction, flowers, and spring, transforming a familiar creative tool into a large-scale work of art,” says Ottaviano. “Built using handcrafted construction techniques and layered materials, the installation highlights the shared spirit of creativity between artists and builders.”

FLORAL SUPPORT

Participate in a collaborative still life installation at the Design Lab by adding a flower to a growing composition shaped like a giant vase to collectively welcome spring. Annual RI Home Show

April 10-12, 2026

RIBAHomeShow.com

The 2026 Providence Rhode Races will take place on Sunday, May 3rd, starting at 7:30am. The events start and finish at Bold Point Park. Roads are kept open throughout the day, but there may be some minimal delays

Bold Point Park will be closed May 2 and 3. East Providence, Providence, Pawtucket and Barrington Police will manage traffic impact and safety. Roads will be affected from 6am to 2pm. Please share the road, allow a few minutes of extra commute time, and cheer on the runners as they complete their athletic journeys We thank you for your patience and understanding.

From Hollywood to Ocean Drive

Comedian Jay Leno on the state of comedy and his time in Newport

By Ken Abrams

He’s hardly the first celebrity to call Rhode Island home, but he may be the most visible. Newport’s funniest part-time resident shows no signs of slowing down. More than a decade after stepping away from The Tonight Show , Jay Leno remains as busy as ever. The award-winning comedian still performs more than 100 live shows each year, hosts his popular YouTube series Jay Leno’s Garage , and devotes time to caring for his wife, Mavis.

When he’s not on the road, Leno enjoys life at Seafair, the oceanside estate he purchased in 2017, marking a return to his New England roots. Around Newport, he’s become a familiar face – performing at the Newport Playhouse, helping raise funds for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and regularly hosting the Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week. He’s even filmed segments of Jay Leno’s Garage around the city. Leno, who grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, still thrives on stage. His comedy style remains refreshingly old-school – broadly relatable, deliberately avoiding the political edge that often dominates modern stand-up. And he makes no apologies for it. “It’s stand-up comedy,” says Leno. “I’ve kind of taken politics out and just try to do comedy. You’re not going to change anybody’s opinion. Rodney Dangerfield and I were close friends for 40 years, and I have no idea if he was a Republican or a Democrat. When we got together, it was just funny – that’s what we did. We’d just throw jokes back and forth. When people come to a comedy

show, they want to get away from everything.”

This spring, Leno is hitting the road co-headlining a tour with fellow late-night legend Arsenio Hall, including a stop at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The pairing brings together two comics who were once framed as rivals during the 1990s. Leno chuckles at the memory. “Arsenio and I have been friends for a long time,” he says. “It was funny when they called it the ‘late-night wars.’ There really was no war.”

The two comedians now enjoy touring together, swapping stories and testing new material on the road. Hall is publishing a memoir, which Leno says includes plenty of shared history. “Arsenio’s got a really good book coming out about his life,” he says. “There are a lot of stories about the two of us in there. It’s fun being on the road together. We try stuff out on each other. The idea that comedians are battling each other isn’t really true. The only people who truly understand what you do is another comedian.”

Leno’s reputation as a regular guy is more evident offstage. Around Newport, he’s known for chatting with locals at events and car shows – often about engines rather than entertainment. “I play the exact same person on TV that I am in real

life, so it’s easy,” he says. “When people come up and say, ‘Hey Jay, can I ask you about my ’65 Mustang?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, sure,’ because that’s what I like to talk about. Even when I was doing The Tonight Show , I could observe show business without being immersed in it. I could be around all the craziness without paying any price for it.”

He also says he’s particularly fond of what he calls the “New England compliment.” “There’s nothing funnier to me,” Leno says with a grin. “I was in Rhode Island recently, and a guy comes up and says, ‘Jay, my friend met you in California. He said you’re not an a******.’ I said, ‘Oh, thanks.’ And he goes, ‘No, really, he said that.’” For Leno, that kind of blunt honesty is part of what makes returning to New England feel like home.

For Leno, the conversation always pivots back around to cars. “When you’re in California, you meet half a dozen guys who each have 100 cars,” he says. “In New England, you meet a guy who has one car, and he’s had it since high school, and he’s going to restore it when his kids go off of college.”

That difference, Leno says, captures something essential about the region. “It’s that kind of thing that’s hard to define, but it’s real.” Follow Jay Leno’s Garage on YouTube @jaylenosgarage.

A Fresh Approach to the Spring Market

Josephine’s Coffee Bar

What it is:

A coffee bar serving breakfast and lunch with an emphasis on fresh and local, open Tuesday-Saturday 7am2pm and Friday and Saturday night til 7pm for seasonal homemade desserts, cocktails, and espresso martinis.

Where it is:

Josephine’s Coffee Bar is located in Branch Plaza in the Greenville section of Smithfield, next to its sibling restaurant, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria Bistro. Josephine’s is easily accessible via US-6 and I-295 South, or by turning onto Smith Avenue from Route 44/Putnam Pike.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Scrumptious baked goods, great coffee – with free refills – and chill surf-rock tunes, make a cozy space into a community hub. The married team of Rachael and Joe Saltamachia opened Josephine’s Coffee Bar nearly three years ago. “We use all fresh ingredients in our food,” says Rachael, noting that there are no microwaves in either of their establishments. “We make our own muffins and scones daily, and my husband makes our bagels from scratch every week. He’s from New Jersey, so they are New York-style – hand rolled, boiled, and then baked,” says Rachael. Local ingredients and provisions include eggs from Stamp Farm, milk and cream from Wright’s Dairy Farm, produce from Belmont Market, bread from Buono’s Italian Bakery, and rolls and babka from Navad Bakers. “We are truly a ‘mom and pop’ business, and I really like that we are in a neighborhood, kind of off the beaten path,” says Rachael. “We’ve been blessed to have been able to turn 800-square-feet into not just a coffee shop, but a community of people that come together to enjoy each other along with fresh, quality food and beverages.

Josephine’s Coffee Bar

19 Smith Avenue, Greenville

401-500-2007 • JosephinesCoffeeBar.com

Instagram: @josephinescoffeebar

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool, unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours, and we just might feature it!

by

For weekly Musts, subscribe to our newsletter at HeyRhody.com

The Must List

10 essential events this month

April 4 : Celebrate the 5th anniversary of Narragansett’s India Point brewery while supporting the Providence Porchfest with a full day of live music from Kara McKee (1-3pm), Little Miss and the Boom (35pm), and Funkademic (6-9pm). Providence, NarragansettBeer.com

April 5: Mark the season at The Preserve Easter Egg Roll and Hunt , a family-friendly event that includes an appearance from the Easter Bunny, craft activities, and holiday treats. Advance registration recommended. Richmond, PreserveASpot.com

April 10-12: Get inspired by 200-plus exhibitors at the annual RI Home Show . Stop by the Design Lab, a multi-sensory experience curated by local artists that reveals how design truly works. Providence, RIBAHomeShow.com

April 15: Join Hey Rhody Media Co. at the Medici Lounge in Providence’s Jewelry District as we celebrate the Who to Watch honorees showcased in our January issue. The evening includes food, drinks, a live DJ, and more. Providence, Eventbrite.com

April 11-August 9: A Bug’s World is a new, immersive, hands-on exhibit that brings the busy world of backyard bugs to life, showing how these tiny creatures play a big role in our environment and how to help protect them. Providence, RWPZoo.org

April 16: Jefferson, The Declaration, and American Freedom , a talk with historian Fred Zilian, will examine the extraordinary mind and accomplished life of our third president, and the author of our country’s founding document. Newport, LindenPlace.org

April 18: Ballet RI’s annual gala, Ballet in Bloom , is an evening to support one of the state’s leading arts organizations with cocktails, dinner, a performance, and an auction at The Woodman Center at the Moses Brown School. Providence, BalletRI.org

April 25: The 2nd annual Paws and Listen concert features a dozen singer-songwriters, including Allison Rose, Frank Viele, Steve Allain, and Lainy Dionne, sharing stories of homeless animals searching for their forever homes. Pawtucket, TheGuildPawtucket.com

April 26: Join Hey Rhody ’s Ken Abrams as he hosts A Musical Tribute to Pete Seeger , with over a dozen local artists, including Lisa Couto, Dan Lilley, and Mark Cutler, in a benefit for the Rhode Island Folk Festival. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com

April 29: Miss those Winter Olympic moments? Stars on Ice has all your favorite skaters, including world champion and gold medalist Alysa Liu, “Quad God” Ilia Malinin, Chock and Bates, and other ice-skating stars. Providence, AmicaMutualPavilion.com

SPECIAL SECTION

Rhody Boating Guide

A hard launch of listings for sailors of all skill levels

By the Editors

Photo by Elyse Major

The Ocean State offers some of New England’s finest boating experiences. With scenic waterways and picturesque harbors, there’s something for every captain. To assist with navigation, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of Rhode Island businesses, resources, and services. In this annual section, you’ll find dealerships ready to help you discover the perfect vessel, providers for your boating needs, and cafes specializing in pre-packed boat meals – even one that delivers drinks and provisions right to your boat. There are fishing charters, rentals, and waterfront restaurants that provide slips or docks so boaters can go from boat to table. It’s never too late to decide if the sailor’s life is for you!

SPECIAL SECTION

Dealers

BAYVIEW MARINE , Warwick

BREWER YACHT SALES, Warwick and Wickford

CL MARINE, Warwick

CONANICUT MARINA, Jamestown

DUTCH HARBOR BOAT YARD, Jamestown

EAST PASSAGE BOATWRIGHTS, Bristol

FAIRWINDS MARINA, Warwick

INLAND MARINE, INC., Chepachet

MARINEMAX, Wakefield

MEGREW’S BOATS, INC., Charlestown

OCEAN HOUSE MARINA, Charlestown

PRESTIGE YACHT SALES, East Greenwich

SAFE HARBOR SILVER SPRING, Wakefield

SCOTT’S BOAT SERVICE, West Warwick

SHELTER COVER MARINA, Charlestown

STUR-DEE BOAT CO., Tiverton

TWIN CITY MARINE, INC., Central Falls

Dock and Dine

BELLE’S CAFE, Newport

BLU ON THE WATER, East Greenwich

BOAT HOUSE, Tiverton

BRIDGE LIQUORS, Newport

CHAMPLIN’S MARINA AND RESORT, Block Island

EVELYN’S DRIVE-IN, Tiverton

FINN’S HARBORSIDE, East Greenwich

FORTY 1º NORTH, Newport

THE LOBSTER POT, Bristol

THE MOORING, Newport

SCUTTLEBUTT SNACK BAR, Jamestown

Green Hill Pond, Charlestown

May 16-22, 2026: National Safe Boating Week

The annual #SafeBoating campaign, held leading into Memorial Day weekend, reminds folks to practice #safeboating year-round. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

Education

BLACK ROCK SAILING SCHOOL, Warwick

COMMUNITY BOATING CENTER, Providence

EDGEWOOD SAILING SCHOOL, Cranston

GREENWICH BAY SAILING ASSOCIATION, East Greenwich

HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM, Bristol

IN-COMMAND SEAMANSHIP TRAINING, Wickford

IYRS TRADE SCHOOL, Newport

NARRAGANSETT SAILING AND BOATING SCHOOL, Barrington

NEW ENGLAND SAILING CENTER, Jamestown

SAIL NEWPORT, Newport

SWAIN SAILING SCHOOL, Jamestown

URI SAILING CENTER, Wakefield

The National Safe Boating Council recommends wearing a life jacket at all times when the boat is underway

RI DEM offers monthly boater safety courses. Learn more at InCommandRI.com

Experiences

THE FRANCES FLEET, Narragansett

CAPTAIN SHERIFF’S FISHING CHARTERS, Narragansett

L’IL TOOT CHARTER, Narragansett

OCEAN ZEN SAILING, Westerly

MAKO II, Narragansett

SAIL TRIM AGAIN, Watch Hill

SCHOONER AURORA , Newport

SEA HAWK CHARTERS, Warwick

SEVEN B’S V, Narragansett

WICKFORD BOAT RENTALS, Wickford

Fishing

BREACHWAY BAIT & TACKLE, Charlestown

HOPE VALLEY BAIT & TACKLE, Richmond

LUCKY BAIT & TACKLE, Warren

PETE’S BAIT SHOP, Woonsocket

QUAKER LANE BAIT & TACKLE, North Kingstown

QUONNIE BAIT & TACKLE, Charlestown

TACKLE BOX, Warwick

Outfitters

AVIE’S SKI /SPORT, Westerly CENTRAL FALLS LANDING, Central Falls

INLAND MARINE, Chepachet

THE KAYAK CENTRE, North Kingstown

NARROW RIVER KAYAKS, Narragansett

NEW ENGLAND BOAT COMPANY, Oakland

QUEEN’S RIVER KAYAK COMPANY, South County

URE OUTFITTERS, Hope Valley

Dogtopia of Warwick

30 Je erson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02888 dogtopia.com/warwick | 401.903.4900

WATCH HILL OUTFITTERS, Westerly WEST MARINE, Warwick

Provisions

CAFE WATER STREET, Warren

DAISY DIG’INS, Barrington

EAST FERRY DELI, Jamestown

401 DELI, Exeter

GANSETT WRAPS:

Middletown, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Westerly, and Groton and Storrs, CT

SHAYNA’S PLACE, Wickford

SUNSET COVE, Portsmouth

SWEET BERRY FARM, Middletown

TEN SANDWICHES, Watch Hill

Style

COREY FARMS PAST AND PRESENTS, Portsmouth

CROSSWYNDS TRADERS, Narragansett

ECLECTIC ENERGY, South Kingstown

NAUTI GIRL BOAT DECOR AND MORE, Narragansett

SUNSTRUCK GIFT BOUTIQUE, Narragansett

ICED COFFEE Summer Celebration

LAST YEAR WE HAD 56 SO IT’LL PROBABLY BE CLOSER TO THAT! WE COMBINE THE COUPONS INTO WHAT WE CALL A PASSPORT! PASSPORTS ARE ONLY $40! THAT’S AT LEAST 40 BEST ICED COFFEES FOR ONLY $40! ALL JULY TO USE YOUR COUPONS!

South County

Rhode Island

This Spring in South County, RI...

Hike or bike miles of trails through lush forests and wildlife preserves and discover the Thomas Dambo trolls—two new additions in South County: Iver Mudslider in North Kingstown and Young Boulder in Arcadia, plus the originals Erik Rock and Greta Granit in Ninigret Park. Ninigret will also burst into color with beautiful daffodils—perfect for photos. After a day of exploring, unwind at one of our luxury spas or head to the dunes and enjoy any of our 20 public beaches. Learn more at SouthCountyRI.com.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

( a Rhode Island) HOME

New book is a love letter to the Ocean State’s unique coastal architecture

BY ANDREA E. MCHUGH

WINDOWS AND SCREEN DOORS IN THE SUNROOM PROVIDE THE BAREST OF SEPARATION FROM THE SURROUNDING WORLD OF GRASS, TREES, STONE WALL, AND BAY.

THE COTTAGE, SAUNDERSTOWN

CEILING FANS AND OPEN SPACE ABOVE THE BEDROOM PARTITIONS ALLOW FOR NIGHTTIME AIR MOVEMENT.

WAINWRIGHT COTTAGE, JAMESTOWN

A DINING SET OF SLATTED WOOD SIGNALS BATHING SUITS ARE WELCOME HERE.

MUSCOVY RIDGE, WATCH HILL

A MIRROR IS USED TO BRING LIGHT AND MOVEMENT TO THE SPACE.

MUSCOVY RIDGE, WATCH HILL

Despite growing up in more than half a dozen places from Connecticut and New Mexico to across the world, it’s Weekapaug’s crisp ocean air, golden-hour light, and summertime simplicity that left an indelible mark on Thomas Kligerman’s childhood, inspiring his fifth and highly anticipated book, Summer by the Sea Kligerman, a well-respected architect and founding partner of New York-based Kligerman Architecture and Design, intimately knows coastal design; his firm has led residential projects from Maine to Martha’s Vineyard, the Hamptons to Hawaii. But his experience designing homes in the most prestigious zip codes hasn’t dulled his appreciation for simplicity.

“When I was 10, my parents started renting a house in Weekapaug,” said Kligerman. Though the family moved to Albuquerque and eventually, other places far and wide, he stayed in touch with childhood friends in Weekapaug who, as adults, encouraged him to visit. “Then I started going again some 20-odd years later, and we started renting the same house my parents did when I was a kid,” he says. “Nothing had changed – the same pictures on the walls, the same furniture, the same rug – it was like a time warp.”

THE WASH OF WHITE AND APPLE GREEN OVER DARK BLUE BRINGS A DRIFTWOOD CHARACTER TO THE LIVING ROOM PANELING. BAYRIDGE, WATCH HILL

THE STAIRCASE DISAPPEARS BEHIND A WALL HUNG WITH HAND-PAINTED TÔLE TRAYS DEPICTING THE ORIGINAL OWNERS’ SAILBOATS. FRENCH DOORS CAN SEPARATE ONE SPACE FROM ANOTHER.

THE COTTAGE, SAUNDERSTOWN

After renting for 20 years, Kligerman bought nearby land and put his architectural skills to use. His Weekapaug home is a sanctuary for him and his wife, also an architect, and their three adult daughters when they visit. “My kids are third-generation Weekapaug, but my friends? Some of them have family who have been coming here since the Civil War. I’m a Johnny-come-lately,” Kligerman muses.

Inspired by his halcyon summers spent along the state’s southern coastline, combined with an appreciation for the distinctive shingle-style design of these Rhode Island “cottages” (which any Rhode Islander knows is a term that doesn’t necessarily denote diminutive), Summer by the Sea. Cottages from Watch Hill to Little Compton depicts 16 diverse homes; some that have stood the test of time, others that are newer but pay homage to the past.

Each chapter explores homes in a different town or village – Watch Hill, Weekapaug, Haversham, Block Island, Saunderstown, Jamestown, Middletown, Little Compton –with details that capture their essence. “The wood, the screened-in porch, windows open, the old cliche of the slap of the screen door,” these, he says, are the things that create that unmistakable Rhode Island summertime-by-the-sea alchemy. A FLOATING SHELF FILLS A WALL WITH PERSONAL HISTORIES.

Expect insights into each town’s unique landscape and historical notes like the origin stories of Native American names (like Quonochontaug), how Watch Hill became such a coveted summer colony, and more. “I talk about artists like Sydney Burleigh,” he begins, referencing the Little Compton-based painter who designed the Fleur-de-lys Studios in Providence. “I talk about lighthouses and shipwrecks. It’s a Rhode Island story, but its framework is houses and their interiors,” Kligerman explains. “You

can look at all of these houses and think, “I can imagine living there.”

The project was a natural fit for photographer Read McKendree, who works worldwide but serendipitously calls Westerly home. He had been living in New York for years, but the Connecticut native ultimately answered Rhode Island’s call. “That’s the Rhode Island curse, kind of; once you come here, you don’t actually want to be anywhere else,” he says.

GLASSES AND TEACUPS FOR EVERY OCCASION ARE STORED IN THIS CABINET, WHICH SEPARATES THE KITCHEN FROM THE DINING ROOM.

CLINGSTONE, JAMESTOWN

WALLPAPER BRINGS NOSTALGIC CHARM TO A BEDROOM, READY TO ACCOMMODATE A SUMMER OF MEMORY-MAKING

BAYRIDGE, WATCH HILL

When McKendree met up with Kligerman, the synergy was palpable. Both share an appreciation for the indefinable magnetism of coastal Rhode Island and the homes here that feel treasured. “This was a huge project,” he says. “But I have such an appreciation for these homes that, whether they’re new or old, people actually live in, make memories in, and there’s such a richness to that. Rhode Island especially still has these little pockets of architecture and old cottages and homes that people just love.”

A DIAMOND-PATTERN CASEMENT WINDOW WELCOMES SEA BREEZES INSIDE WITH STYLE.

BAYRIDGE, WATCH HILL

MAY 7-10, 2026

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WHAT’S IN A NAME

Unfamiliar with some Rhode Island locales? You’re not alone.

While the reference point of “where Almacs used to be” is fading from conversations, some place names and properties continue to puzzle even longtime residents. To address any confusion, we’ve assembled a guide – a “who’s who” or “where’s where” – to sort out some coastal locations from Clingstone to Haversham.

Many Rhode Island cities and towns encompass several villages, neighborhoods, and hamlets, some with names that may be unfamiliar even to folks nearby. Westerly, for one, is rich with history, architecture, and small designations. From the 1870s to the 1950s, the town was a major center for mining and stone-cutting – famous for its “Westerly granite” – pinkish, blue, and red stone varieties used in buildings along the eastern seaboard. Within town limits, there are myriad places like Avondale, once called Lotteryville, with its 50-acre preserve, and affluent areas like Watch Hill, home to the Ocean House and Taylor Swift; Weekapaug, featuring a historic inn overlooking Quonochontaug Pond, and Winnapaug, home to a Donald Ross-designed golf course. Other villages are Bradford, Dunn’s Corners, Haversham with its recently refreshed tavern, Potter Hill along the Pawcatuck River, Shelter Harbor, White Rock, and Misquamicut, well-known for its expansive state beach and lively summertime atmosphere.

Still in South County, but further north is Saunderstown, a small village and historic district spread across the four towns of Narragansett, South Kingstown, Exeter and North Kingstown. It has its own postal code, Casey Farm, a large family farm operated by Historic New England, and is known as the birthplace of Gilbert Stuart, who painted the portrait of George Washington that appears on the one-dollar bill. Nearby, discover villages like Kenyon, Usquepaug, and Carolina.

Meanwhile, on Conanicut Island is the town of Jamestown, just under a mile offshore from Fort Wetherill State Park is the distinctive shingle-style dwelling known as Clingstone. Nicknamed for being “a peach of a house,” the structure sits on a small rocky island in Narragansett Bay, part of an outcropping of small islands known as “the dumplings.” Built in 1905 to withstand hurricanes, the three-story, 23-room building is often called “the house on the rock.” In 1961, Boston architect Henry Wood purchased the neglected 10,000-square-foot property for $3,600 (the amount of back taxes owed); it was missing a roof, had smashed windows, and plenty of shingle damage. Wood gradually restored the home, which his family continues to use most summers. The 10-bedroom premises, which runs on wind power, offers stunning views of Fort Adams, the Pell Bridge, Hammersmith Farm, and the Rhode Island Sound. It was also the setting for a Mumford and Sons music video. Clingstone is noted to be available for rent at approximately $10,000 per week. –Elyse Major

THE DISTINCTIVE FOUR-STORY SILHOUETTE OF CLINGSTONE ATOP ITS JAGGED ISLAND. THE TWELVE-METER SLOOP GLEAM SAILS BY, KEEPING ITS DISTANCE FROM THE TRICKY WATERS THAT SURROUND THE HOUSE.

CLINGSTONE, JAMESTOWN

THE STUDIO, JAMESTOWN

Maximize space with furniture that can be easily moved to accommodate entertaining

HOME & STYLE

Home | Garden | Rhody Reads | Shop

The Bold and the Beautiful

Color and pattern bring fresh energy to a stately home

By Ann Martini

Ahouse that no longer feels like a home to the owners – what a more complex, yet potential-rich, dilemma for interior designers?

The interior of an otherwise gracious 1920 Center Hall Colonial on Providence’s East Side, dreary pandemic-era updates left rooms cloaked in cool blues and grays. “The owners told us it felt sterile,” says Rochelle Bloom, who along with partner Kacey Dillier, helms Providence-based Bloom and Dillier Interiors. The duo welcomed the challenge with open arms. “They were really longing for warmth, pattern, and fun,” Bloom recalls.

Fortunately, the home offered what Bloom describes as “beautiful bones” – from the vestibule windows and elegant staircase to the detailed trim framing the living room fireplace. Color became the unifying language of the redesign. “We always ask clients which colors they’re drawn to before we begin,” Bloom notes. Here, blues, greens, pinks, and purples flow throughout the house, creating cohesion while still allowing each room its own identity. The vestibule is punctuated with a joyful purple wallpaper by Alex Conroy, a textile designer also based in Providence. “You can’t help but smile when you walk in and see it,” Bloom says.

Existing bookshelves backed with wallpaper become a showcase. “Add books, art, and pieces that mean a lot to you,” advises Bloom.

“We believe small spaces are ideal areas to add color,” says Bloom, noting the jacaranda-shaded sisal wallpaper by Providence designer Alex Conroy Textiles

Their designer philosophy is unapologetically bold yet deeply personal. “We believe color brings fun and personality to a home,” she explains. That confidence is balanced with respect for history – most notably in the living room, where heirloom wingback chairs were reupholstered rather than replaced. “It’s about giving a nod to the generations while still moving forward,” Bloom says.

Function was equally important. The homeowners wanted a living room that finally worked for entertaining. Custom-built bookshelves installed before the designers came on board felt flat, but demolition wasn’t the answer. Instead, Bloom and Dillier refreshed them with new

hardware, rich blue paint, and ocean-inspired wallpaper lining the backs of the open shelves.

“They were high quality,” Bloom explains. “They just needed life breathed back into them.”

“The home is the backdrop of the family,” Bloom says. “It should be as dynamic as the people

who live there – ebbing and flowing through different stages of life.” In the reimagined version of this house, that philosophy comes through clearly: sophisticated but fun, rooted in history yet full of joy; a celebration of its architectural heritage and the lively spirit of the family who lives there.

Get Rhody Style

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

Local Inspo

“The Ocean State gives so much inspiration,” says Bloom, a native Rhode Islander. (Dillier has been here for a decade, an architecture graduate from Roger William University.) Living and working here shapes how Bloom and Dillier think about design. A mix of local makers, regional galleries, and time spent by the water informs their approach, grounding even the boldest choices in a strong sense of place. Learn more at BloomAndDillier.com.

Colorful Outlook

“We believe that color brings joy and personality to a home. We’re not afraid of bold choices, and we’re always on the hunt for fresh patterns, unexpected details, and a balance between sophistication and comfort,” says Bloom. The team frequents haunts across the state such as Providence Picture Frame and Dryden Gallery, North Providence; Homeport and Newport Lamp and Shade Company, Newport; Groundswell Garden and Home, Tiverton; The Farmer’s Daughter, South Kingstown; Jordan’s Jungle, Pawtucket; Mike’s Estate Services in West Warwick; and The Floral Reserve, Simple Pleasures, and Stock in Providence, for all the inspiration.

Art Colony

Providence is such a special city thriving with very talented creatives. We love connecting with local artisans at the RISD Craft events and Providence Porchfest; working with vendors like Ardente Supply and Edge & End Studios, Providence, and Hwang Bishop Designs and O&G Studio in Warren.

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Rooted in Success

Local pros share how to make your garden grow

By Elyse Major

Once nurseries begin displaying flats of colorful blooms, who among us can resist wanting to try our thumbs at gardening?

Achieving lasting success requires starting with a good foundation, according to Rhode Island experts Tom Bennett, owner and horticulturist at City and Estate Gardener, LLC, in Providence, Mimi Arnold, The Farmer Florist in Block Island, and John Francisco, owner of Hilltop Garden Center in Smithfield.

Follow the Sun

“The three factors that determine success in any planting – whether flowers, shrubs, or trees – are sun exposure, water availability, and choosing the right specimen for the right spot,” says Bennett. Before installing anything, observe how many hours of direct sunlight the area receives and, just as importantly, how it will be watered. “Consistent, reliable watering dramatically improves

plant performance. When water is predictable, plants establish more quickly and remain healthier throughout the season,” he says. Francisco agrees, “Selecting plants suited to your specific light conditions is vital for their growth and survival.” Light is a major factor in care, as plantings in full sun typically need more water because they dry out faster, while shade-loving varieties generally require less maintenance.

Build Healthy Soil

“Most local soils are workable but benefit from improvement,” advises Bennett. “Loosen the soil, remove weeds, and incorporate organic compost before planting. Strong roots are the foundation of strong performance.” Arnold agrees, noting that a key to healthy flowers is good, nourished soil to promote root growth and maintain a balance of water retention and absorption. This is done with added nutrients called amendments. “Amendments can get pricey, so use what’s available around you. I like to use what’s abundant to me on Block Island, like seaweed, fallen leaves, and horse manure,” says Arnold. Francisco cautions that your soil may require amending if it is heavy clay, sandy, rocky, or full of existing roots before you put anything in the ground. After planting, Bennett recommends applying one to two inches of mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and create a finished appearance. “Whether planting flowers or shrubs, soil preparation and mulch make the difference between short-term color and lasting vitality,” says Bennett.

Act Naturally

Arnold emphasizes the importance of avoiding chemicals in the garden. “Not only do you want to stay safe in the outdoor space, but think of those that also spend time among the flowers: children, dogs and cats, bees and butterflies.” To keep destructive insects and mildew away from her crops, Arnold leans towards natural solutions like diatomaceous earth (a rock powder), neem oil, and milky spore. If weeds are an issue along your patio or driveway, she suggests using high-grade vinegar combined with dish soap and water.

Revisit the Landscape

“Many residential landscapes were installed when the home was built. Twenty to 30 years later, those shrubbery/trees may have simply outgrown their original design,” says Bennett. As trees mature and light patterns shift, selective updates help restore balance and proportion. “A landscape should evolve. The goal is always the same – healthy specimens in the right place, scaled appropriately to the home.”

Plan for Color

To achieve immediate visual impact, Bennett suggests focusing on the front entrance. “Five to 10 square feet of well-designed seasonal color on each side of a walkway can transform a home’s feel.” This space can later host spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils for layered, yearround interest. He notes that “concentrated, intentional plantings create more impact than scattering flowers.” Before visiting a garden center, Francisco advises taking pictures and measurements of your space for accurate staff advice. He also recommends buying a “what grows in New England” book to learn hardiness zones and avoid wasting money on unsuitable plants. He also suggests an initial, pressure-free trip to just look at available plants. Arnold agrees, cautioning against overbuying, comparing it to a “kid in the candy store.” She advises against experimenting with difficult varieties, reminding people, “This is supposed to be fun!”

Rhody Resources

A sampling of places to shop small for goods and guidance around the state:

A Piece of Paradise, Exeter

Back Yard Creations, Foster

Blue Moon Farm Perennials, South Kingstown

Botanical Creations Nursery, West Kingston

Boulevard Nurseries, Middletown

Briden Nursery, Cranston

Butterfly Farm, Lincoln

Casey Farm, North Kingstown

City & Estate Gardener LLC, Providence

Clark Farms, Wakefield

DeCastro Farms, Portsmouth

Domina’s Agway, Portsmouth

The Farmer’s Daughter, Wakefield

Fern and Flora, East Greenwich

Festival Farm, Hope Valley

Grandin Farms, Wakefield

Hidden Gardens, Barrington

Highland Farm, Wakefield

Hilltop Garden Center, Smithfield

Lotus, North Kingstown

Manfredi Farms, Westerly

Mapleville Farm, Mapleville

Mello’s Farm and Flower Center, Portsmouth

Moore Blooms, Middletown

Northland Farm & Garden Center, Cumberland

Nuts and Bolts Nursery, Smithfield

Post Road Materials, North Kingstown

Redwood Nursery, Swansea

Rhode Island Nurseries, Middletown

Robin Hollow Farm, Saunderstown

Rose Shack, Saunderstown

Scituate Farm & Nursery, North Scituate

Wicked Roots Micro Farm, Charlestown

Wicked Tulips, North Kingstown

Wildwood Nursery and Garden Center, East Greenwich

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Five new books spring-forward with style and romance

By Deborah Goodrich Royce

Rhody Reads S

pring is finally here! After a long winter amidst much world drama, I launched Best Boy , my latest novel, and embarked on a book tour. Meeting readers on the road is always special, but coming home is equally wonderful. Now I have daffodils on the mind. Like Thumper in Bambi , I’m “twitterpated” about sunshine, flowers and, as always, a new crop of fantastic books. Pick up a good book and enjoy these slow days before summer whirls us up like the merrygo-round in Watch Hill.

On March 4, architect Thomas A. Kligerman released Summer by the Sea. Cottages from Watch Hill to Little Compton , which celebrates Rhode Island’s shingle style as the “architecture of the American summer.” The book showcases a variety of homes, from 19th-century masters like Calvert Vaux and Charles L. Bevins, to work by contemporary architects such as Jens Risom, Gil Schafer, and Peter Bohlin. Kligerman’s own house in Weekapaug is featured, which he describes as “an architectural madeleine.” Please join me in conversation with Kligerman at the Ocean House Author Series on November 21.

Emily Franklin’s Love and Other Monsters , releasing on April 7, is a guaranteed page-turner. The novel takes readers to the shores of Lake Geneva in the summer of 1816, where Romantic literary figures –Percy and Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and Mary’s younger sister, Claire Clairmont – gather for creative and perhaps darker pursuits. Central to the mystery is Claire: What was her role in the summer’s romantic entanglements? And who stole her journal, forever concealing the secrets of those fateful months?

Please consider shopping local when making book purchases

Ready for a new season of gardening in Rhode Island, the editors at Phaidon have compiled a gorgeous (and helpful) new book, The Coastal Garden , out on May 6. Coastlines can be rocky, sandy, or both, and they are always certain to be windy and salty. These elements pose special gardening challenges which are all beautifully addressed with fresh ideas and inspiring images in the book, sure to become your gardening go-to!

ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

Deborah Goodrich Royce is an accomplished author, former actress, and philanthropist. Her newest psychological thriller, Best Boy , was published on February 24, 2026. Her national bestseller, Reef Road , was a Kirkus Reviews best book of 2023 and an Indie Next pick. Ruby Falls won the Zibby Award for Best Plot Twist, and Finding Mrs. Ford was praised by Forbes , Book Riot, and Good Morning America . Royce cocreated the Deer Mountain Writers’ Retreat in the Catskills with Luanne Rice and Amy Scheibe. She hosts the Ocean House Author Series, partnering with Martin House Books and WCRI to bring authors like Emma Straub, Chris Bohjalian, and Katie Couric to Watch Hill. Royce began as an actress on All My Children and in films, then became a story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time . She holds a bachelor’s degree and two honorary doctorates from Lake Erie College and the University of Rhode Island. With her husband, Chuck, she restored the Avon Theatre, Ocean House Hotel, Deer Mountain Inn, The United Theatre, Martin House Books, and numerous revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on multiple governing and advisory boards, and contributes this column quarterly. Learn more at @deborahgoodrichroyce or @oceanhouseevents for the full season of authors.

May 5 delivers Liberty Island by USA Today bestseller Virginia Hume. A story of love, legacy, and belonging, this multi-generational tale of women defining freedom is set on a rugged island off the coast of Maine. Ricocheting between the story of Anna Bradley, a free-thinking writer at the turn of the last century, and her niece Julia Demarest, who, facing disillusionment with and estrangement from her wealthy family, returns to Haven Point 20 years later.

To wrap-up spring with a little summer-longing romcom, Katherine Center comes out with The Shippers on May 19. Set at a destination wedding on a cruise ship (what could go wrong?), the novel tracks the shipboard antics as JoJo Burton, sister of the bride, decides to pursue the man she thinks is her own Mr. Right, helped along by the man she knows is definitely her Mr. Wrong. Or is he? This charming story promises a delightful mix of romance, humor, and high-seas shenanigans. Please join me in conversation with Center at the Ocean House Author Series on May 27.

Furniture Flex

Rhody-made goods for the design obsessed

By Britt Machado

There’s nothing Rhode Islanders love more than a well-kept secret. Whether it’s a favorite beach spot or a little pasta joint, there’s an impulse to protect the thing you adore from being overrun. But when it comes to the outrageously good furniture and décor being made here at home, it’s time we shout it from the rooftops. Whether you’re Samuel Aguirre who is applying ancient Mexican paper mache techniques to furniture design, or Jazzmen Lee-Johnson reinterpreting antique French toile through contemporary American cultural moments, we’re making good and interesting things right here. What’s that saying? Flaunt it if you’ve got it.

Gaja Console

INDO-, Rumford INDO-Made.com

Barnacle Cluster Hanging Pendant

Hwang Bishop, Warren HwangBishop.com

Amate Chair

Samuel Aguirre, Providence SaminDaMan.com

Linden Table Lamp

Studio Dunn, Rumford StudioDunn.com

Balloon Mania Chair

Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, Providence JazzmenLeeJohnson.com

Baluster with Drunken Spirals

Studio FraJas, Cranston StudioFrajas.com

Atlantic Bedside Table

O&G Studio, Warren OandGStudio.com

Art “Untitled” by Jack Massey

Hera Gallery, Wakefield HeraGallery.org

FEATURE

Ocean State to Table

A branding campaign helps connect consumers with Rhode Island seafood

By Molly Moran-Ogren and Jordyn Zacharias

Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State for good reasons. With more than 400 miles of coastline in the smallest state, seafood is a big part of who we are and how we make a living. Still, for years, much of the seafood on our tables came from far away, while great local fish and shellfish were often ignored. That disconnect is exactly what RI Seafood, a government-led initiative of the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative (SMC), is working to change.

The SMC was established by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2011 with a clear objective: to support local fishermen and small businesses while increasing public awareness and consumption of locally fished species. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) leads the collaborative with support from a 19-member board

representing every part of the seafood industry, including state agencies, universities, economists, industry groups, markets, and restaurants, which ensures information that is grounded in science, economics, and the real experiences of those who catch and sell local seafood.

“The goal is to help more people know about, trust, and choose seafood caught in Rhode Island,”

says SMC Chair Molly Moran-Ogren. “This supports our fishing industry, small businesses, and working waterfront, while giving residents fresh, tasty options close to home.”

Rhode Island is fortunate to have a robust commercial fishery that supports shoreside businesses, processing facilities, and thousands of jobs. In 2024, the state’s fishery landed over

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61.1 million pounds of seafood, adding $72 million to the local economy. From longtime favorites like squid, sea scallops, lobsters, oysters, and quahogs to scup, fluke, monkfish, black sea bass, bigeye tuna, and Jonah crab, Rhode Island waters are abundant with high-quality seafood landed daily. Yet in the marketplace, local seafood often blends in with regional, national, and global products. Consumers browsing menus or seafood counters may not know whether what they’re buying was harvested locally or shipped from thousands of miles away. To address that challenge, the RI Seafood brand was developed to clearly identify seafood landed in the Ocean State.

DIG INTO QUAHOG WEEK: MAY 17-23

One of RI Seafoods flagship initiatives is Quahog Week, an annual celebration of Rhode Island’s most iconic shellfish. This year is the 10th Annual Shell-ebration which highlights wild-harvested clams, the people who dig them, and the restaurants and markets that serve them. With millions of quahogs harvested annually, the fishery supports hundreds of livelihoods and remains deeply rooted in Rhode Island culture. Restaurants and markets throughout Rhode Island will offer special quahog dishes that show off the clam’s sustainability and year-round availability. The weeklong celebration will also have two free public events where you can meet wild-harvest quahoggers, try freshly shucked clams, and enjoy dishes from local partners. Learn more at Seafood.RI.gov

“When you see the RI Seafood logo, you can be confident the seafood was landed in Rhode Island,” says Moran-Ogren. “We work diligently to educate consumers on where and how to buy local seafood.” Today, more than 160 venues across the state support Rhode Island’s fishing fleet by selling locally caught and landed seafood. “Every bit of this work strengthens our seafood economy. We’re inviting Rhode Islanders to join us by

choosing local and supporting our fishermen,” says Moran-Ogren. SMC Board Member Stu Meltzer agrees. Inside his business, Fearless Fish Market in Providence, you’ll find a cooler packed with dozens and dozens of fish, meticulously labeled by species, the name of the fisherman who caught it, the harvest date, and the size. “I want to help people to feel more confident buying, cooking, and trying new seafood,” he says.

For those eager to dig deeper, the DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife runs Come Clam with Me workshops each summer. These popular threehour, hands-on sessions introduce participants to our state’s quahog fishery, covering ecology, regulations, harvesting, shucking, and cooking. Look for 2026 season dates to be posted soon at DEM.RI.gov.

Rhode Island’s commercial fishing and seafood industry is diverse, dynamic, and steeped in tradition. It continues to thrive thanks to healthy fishery resources and the thousands of hardworking people who harvest, process, and sell seafood. RI Seafood encourages people to practice flexible consumption and eat what’s in season and plentiful. Farming and fishing depend on the weather, rules, and the time of year. Choosing local means you

get the freshest seafood and help support both sustainability and the local economy. Since 1987, Andrade’s Catch on Bristol’s Wood Street has practiced safe fishing methods and worked to educate the community about their beloved industry. Today, the founders’ son Davy Andrade is at the helm. “I was born into this business, and every day I get to see it through start to finish from the boat to the consumer,” he says.

Through its Local Seafood Finder, RI Seafood connects shoppers, home cooks, and diners with more than 160 partner restaurants, markets, and venues across the state that sell or serve local seafood. Those partners play a direct role in supporting the state’s fishing fleet, aquaculture farmers, processors, and wholesalers. “The best food is simple,

and it always tastes better when it’s made with local produce and seafood,” says Executive Chef Andrew Gould from the Celeste kitchen in Narragansett.

By looking for the RI Seafood logo and trying local species, you can help keep the state’s waterfront strong for generations to come. Says Moran-Ogren, “Try a local species

this week. This simple action supports our local fishers and adds something special to your meals. From dock to dinner, RI Seafood makes it easy to spot, choose, and enjoy what’s landed right here in Rhode Island.” To stay updated on what’s in season and where to find it, follow @RISeafood on Facebook and @RI.Seafood on Instagram.

FOOD & DRINK

Experience | In the Kitchen | Profile | Round Up

Sunday Best

Boutique hotel’s fine-dining brunch sparkles in tandem with the harbor views

By Andrea E. McHugh

Gardiner House in Newport is a study in what a successful phased roll-out looks like. The boutique hotel opened quietly in the fall of 2023, and a highly touted restaurant followed in June, 2024. Then, making good on its word, Flora made a splash nearly instantly under the direction of Spanish-born Executive Chef Miguel Somoza. Born and raised in Madrid, Somoza’s culinary career includes private chefing for British royals and media magnates. But in the past nearly two years, he’s settled seamlessly into the rhythm of Flora, finally introducing the restaurant’s much-needed Sunday brunch.

For someone regularly asked for brunch recommendations in Newport, Flora’s menu has been a welcome addition. Make no mistake –the island has a robust breakfast scene and copious coffee cafes… but Sunday brunch? Not as many choices. Here, as with many other destinations, Sunday “brunch” is much more a verb than a noun, and an elevated option designed for languishing is especially inviting. With its panoramic views of Newport Harbor and accordion windows that open flush against the walls to let in the salty breeze,

Flora makes it easy to unwind from the moment you step into the top-floor restaurant. Available on Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm, the brunch menu here complements the coastal Mediterranean fare of the dinner service. Our table starts with a mix of coffee and cocktails, but the menu offers more than a dozen specialty brunch cocktails, including a few Bloody Marys made with in-house bloody mix, and, in a nod to Somoza’s heritage, an Aigua de Valencia made with orange juice, Scarpetta Prosecco, Dry Curacao, and sugar.

Must-Try Items

HOUSE-MADE PASTRY AND BREAD BASKET ($18): Croissants, pain au chocolat, assorted breads, chocolate chip cookies

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST ($22): Fresh strawberries and blueberries, vanilla chantilly cream, maple syrup

CHICKEN PAILLARD ($30): Crispy green salad, lemon, parsley

Cuisine: Classic meets Coastal Mediterranean Atmosphere: Upscale waterfront

by

It’d be a mistake to skip the scratch-made pastry and bread basket, especially because Somoza is passionate about baking, evident in the mini croissants, pain au chocolat, petite selection of breads with butter and jam, and chocolate chip cookies. (If looking for just a light bite, Gardiner Provisions, the design-forward coffee shop and bakery just around the corner on Thames Street, opened this winter offering many of these treats.)

I order the chicken paillard, which comes with a crispy green salad, and my friend orders the brunch salad with Frisée and mixed greens topped with guanciale lardons and croutons, crowned with a poached egg. But our server makes a suggestion that frankly, is a game-changer. Having worked in restaurants from coast to coast, including years in San Francisco, he

declares Flora’s vanilla brioche French toast to be the best he’s ever had. We didn’t need much coaxing after that endorsement and ordered the dish “for the table.” It’s a big promise, but the golden, thick-cut, buttery brioche topped with plump blueberries and strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar (and served with vanilla Chantilly cream) overdelivers.

Other options include a steak burger, avocado toast, eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, smoked salmon, a pounded fish filet, linguine carbonara, and pan con tomate, a popular Catalan tomato bread. While there is barely room for another course, the dessert menu here is too difficult to resist, and we share Flora’s signature burned Basque cheesecake with blueberry compote. A crustless, creamy, and fluffier rendition of traditional cheesecake,

the recipe originates from Spain’s Basque Country and proves the perfect finisher to a memorable, visually stunning brunch.

One thing that’s definitely a must here? A reservation. The 21-guest room hotel is busy as-is, and though Flora accepts walk-ins, the restaurant already has loyalists and a buzzy reputation.

With crisp table linens, a thoughtfully composed menu, beautiful decor second only to the waterfront views, a server discreetly brushing away crumbs between courses, and an adjacent patio anxiously awaiting the warmer months, brunch at Flora presents a high-anticipated elevated experience.

Flora at Gardiner House 24 Lee’s Wharf, Newport FloraNewport.com

1189 Putnam Pike Chepachet, Rhode Island

Seasonal Hours Saturday 10-5pm Sunday 11-4pm

Our shelves feature artisan craftsmanship & a love for supporting local makers. HenHouseOnMain.com At Trish Hampton we hand-make every designer dog collar, harness, leash, bow tie, blossom & bandana in our design studio/boutique. Bring your dogs in to visit the cookie counter. Become a member of our Cookie Club!

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15 Money Hill Rd, Chepachet, RI. Friday - Saturday - Sunday 10-4pm. We are a husband-and-wife team creating handcrafted cutting boards, serving trays, home decor and unique gifts, designed to be both beautiful and functional. Each piece is thoughtfully made with quality materials, attention to details and a whole lot of heart.

Soupy’s On

From stove top to basement: the process of making Westerly’s signature salami

By Ruthie Wood

The making of soppressata – affectionately nicknamed “soupy” – is more than just a culinary process; it’s a family event and a vital community tradition. This act, often a “wordless dance” of sharp elbows, nods, and good-natured glares, is interwoven with stories, laughter, frustration, and memories, creating a rich camaraderie that is the true secret ingredient.

For many, making this salume is synonymous with Westerly itself, deeply connecting Italian-Americans to the Old World.

Westerly is known for its strong communal bond, particularly within the Italian-American population, where shared surnames and the mention of making “soupy” easily forge immediate connections. Lou Toscano, a local resident, defines soupy as “a cured pork sausage, like a spicier

version of pepperoni. “Originating in southern Italy, soppressata was traditionally prepared during the colder months. When Italian immigrants arrived in Westerly to work in nearby quarries, they brought this culinary legacy with them. The sausage requires about seven weeks to cure, and historically, families would enjoy their first cured sticks as part of their Easter celebration, often served with eggs and frittata.

by Jenna Kaplan

WHAT?! IS RI MULCH EXPRESS BLOWER SERVICES??

We’ve Been Blowing Rhode Island Away for 10+ Years! Thanks to our incredible team and loyal customers for making this journey possible Here’s to many more yea growing, working, and succeeding together! Cheers to continued

Toscano continues this legacy today, gathering his entire family – his wife and son, a nephew, and an uncle – for an all-morning affair of mixing meat, stuffing casings, and hanging the links to cure in his basement. The process begins with his favorite step: frying a small patty of the meat and eating it with “good Italian bread” to check the spice level, determining whether more paprika, black pepper, or other seasoning is needed.

Experienced chefs and Italians often develop a “feel” for spices, a sense Toscano’s grandmother and father possessed. He recalls a failed attempt in his first year of making soupy, where he tried

to rely on this innate sense, only to use far too much salt and ruin the entire batch. Since then, he faithfully follows his grandmother’s handwritten recipe card, and years of mastery have granted him the same coveted “feel.”

“This has been going on forever and ever here. I’ve never heard of any other place in New England that keeps up this tradition,” Toscano explains. While it was once “literally a strictly Italian tradition,” he notes that “as time goes on, a lot of people are making it themselves; it’s become a community tradition,” now extending beyond Italians to include all Westerlians and those from surrounding areas.

Profound Pizza

Every pie reflects a chef’s reverence for family, ingredients, and the pursuit of greatness

By Erin McGinn

Anthony Giordano’s ambition for pizza is global. He doesn’t limit his perspective to Providence, New England, the East Coast, or even the United States. Instead, he compares himself only to the world’s elite. Based on his rapid-fire statistics, most of these top-tier pizza makers are located in Naples, Italy, the birthplace of his grandmother, Anna.

Even without hearing the stories of Anna directly from Giordano, the prose on Anna’s Vesuviano website paints a vivid picture. Anna, who passed away before Giordano was born, is the subject of captivating family lore: she was an Ellis Island translator, had ties to a crime family, and was a heroine in her own right. This fascinating history drew in Giordano and made his grandmother a guiding force, his North Star. Her lessons were simple yet profound: work relentlessly, get an education, build connections, and shatter expectations. Her spirit is the foundation of his work and her portrait adorns the walls of the bright, understated pizzeria on Doyle Avenue, inviting customers to learn more about the woman who inspired it all.

“Anna’s is a complete revolt against the standardization and uniformity of pizza,” Giordano says. “My goal has always been to open people’s minds to what’s possible with pizza. A canvas with no boundaries that very few can truly make sense of.” His commitment is absolute, stating, “I’ll do anything required of me to be the best.”

After growing up in Brooklyn, eating New York’s legendary Una Pizza Napoletana, learning the industry under the wing of his multi-talented restaurateur brother Shawn, and working in Naples for two and a half years, Giordano isn’t just here to try and make a great pie in little Providence, though he is. “I wasn’t born

here. I’m a guest. So as a guest, I welcome all people to Anna’s,” says the intense-yet-playful entrepreneur. “The community has been nothing but amazing and supportive, something I never experienced growing up in New York.”

As we sit at mosaic-topped tables surrounded by familiar pops of red and green, Giordano is quick to educate me on some of the reasons why Neapolitan pizza remains the ultimate. And it has everything to do with locality: the fertile volcanic soil, the freshness, the community. So every chance he gets, he packs up his team and heads to the little neighborhoods and ancient streets of one of the oldest cities on a sensory tour through the list of the world’s best pizza. To help educate, inspire, and be immersed in what that truly means, because, as he says, “If you’re not making what you think is the best, then why are you doing it at all?”

One night each month, a reservation-only experience offers five or six different pizzas – mostly vegetarian – along with an appetizer, a dessert, and a continuous pour of “sexy Lambrusco.” Much like in Italy, this tasting menu is designed to take diners on an adventure of texture and ingredients. These components range from imported selections to regional specialties, such as Mozzarella

di Bufala from Newport’s Mozz, which Giordano considers on par with mozzarella made in Naples. Giordano’s responses to my seemingly ordinary inquiries about being a chef and living in Providence are existential. This might be a reflection of the Vesuvian heritage – same as Anna’s – that runs through his veins. Those with Vesuvian blood understand better than anyone that an eruption could take their lives at any moment, prompting a philosophy of fully appreciating every present moment. Anna’s: 114 Doyle Avenue, AnnasVesuviano.com

Savoring Rhody

Buzz-worthy cinnamon rolls, chicken sandwiches, and more top this month’s list

By Patty J

Let’s celebrate and do a happy dance because spring is here! And by celebrate, I mean treat ourselves to some stellar bites and sips around the state. Some of these are new and others you may already be familiar with. Whether you go the newbie or classic route, you’re in for something special with any of these house-made items.

Bom Cafe PVD

Rosie Santana’s sunny cafe on Washington Street has a “good vibes only” policy – as stated in pink neon along an Insta-ready wall with two plush pink air chairs – and we’re here for it. Come for the specialty coffee drinks with house-made syrups, stay for the breakfast and lunch fare, like the honey truffle grilled cheese. Everything is mouthwateringly good! Providence

Caf Bar

Married team Ally and Elias Boutros have opened a second Caf Bar location on the first level of the former Wilcox Tavern and it is utterly charming. With three fireplaces, comfy seating and a swell coffee menu, this rustic space is ideal for a mellow breakfast (their bagel and lox is a must try) or meeting a pal for lunch (yes they have sandwiches). Charlestown

Co-Dough

URI grad Courtney Brockwell is the founder of the buzziest bakery this side of the bridge. Find Co-Dough tucked away inside the Market on Broadway with the former Today Show staff assistant making a range of baked goods from sourdough. I’ve sampled the bread, cinnamon buns, and scones, and they’re all outstanding. Pro-tip: Arrive early because stuff sells out. Newport

DM Cafe

Dos Mundos, which translates to “two worlds,” was known for offering an inspired fusion of Cambodian and Guatemalan flavors. In late fall, the business was reintroduced as DM Cafe, and has been serving up donuts crafted in-house daily, straight from the oven, ever since. There are also delish coffee drinks like their cookie butter latte, and hearty sandwiches. Cranston

Greenwood Chicken

I only just found out about Greenwood Chicken, but it’s wildly popular with locals. Andrew Greenwood is at the helm of this year-round food truck on his Greenwood Pastures property. Open daily, find a menu of delish chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos, and do not sleep on their fries. Bonus points for having a self-serve shed for eggs, fresh and frozen chicken and stock, and occasional provisions. Little Compton

High Hope Tavern

One of the best Caesar salads I’ve ever eaten was at High Hope Tavern. Open since 2022, and owned by Jason Mendenhall of Endless Hospitality Group, this bar and restaurant is a real pearl in

the Downtown Westerly landscape along the Pawcatuck River. Chef Ned Denton proudly serves Rhode Island seafood, there’s a roster of house cocktails, and even a late night menu! Westerly

Rasa

Part of Chef Sanjiv Dhar’s group of restaurants, which includes Rasoi in Pawtucket and Chaska in Garden City, Rasa brings Indian cuisine to Main Street. I like to begin by sipping a tamarind margarita over tearing into onion and chili naan bread, before digging into an entree of coconut mushroom chicken curry. There’s even a kids menu with pizza made from freshbaked naan and cheese. East Greenwich

Vanda Cucina

Opened in 2018 by restaurateur Dino Passaretta, this enchanting Italian bistro on Centerville Road is a must revisit any season. First off, satisfy those carb cravings with any of their house-made pastas (cacio e pepe for me, please), but save room for dessert because their olive oil cake – served with lemon curd and vanilla gelato and topped with basil and a seasonal compote – is divine. Warwick

RHODY SNAPSHOTS