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CONTRIBUTORS
THOM CAHIR
Thom Cahir is a veteran of the local media scene, bringing a wealth of experience from his time as a staffer at the P rovidence Journal . He now contributes his writing talents to several Rhode Island-based media organizations, including So Rhode Island . In this issue, Cahir writes an engaging piece about the rich past and bright future of Westerly’s 100-year-old theater (page 7).
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 and dear to his heart as a local 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.
ANDREA E. MCHUGH
Andrea McHugh is a Newport-based writer with nearly two decades of experience and an accomplished portfolio. This month, she writes about the highly anticipated book, Summer by the Sea , by local architect Thomas Kligerman (page 27). 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.
More Than Kitchens
Arnold Lumber is proud to announce the opening of our newest Arnold Kitchen + Design center located at 549 Metacom Ave. in Bristol, RI. This new state-of-the-art design center offers a full selection of products to take your new home or renovation ideas from vision to reality, along with the team and resources to guide you along the way.
Featuring:
• Contractor referrals
• On-site design consultants
• Interactive showroom displays
• Homeowner + Contractor support
• Comprehensive product selection guidance
Flooring
Doors Masonry
Backyard
Cabinets
THE SCOOP
Arts | Rhody Pets | Ocean State Media | Rhody Health | Premiere | Rhody Gem | Calendar
United We Stand
At
100 years old, Westerly’s theater has never looked or sounded better
By Thom Cahir
Photo by Ken Abrams
Acentury ago, on a bustling stretch of downtown Westerly, the United Theatre first flickered to life – its marquee glowing, its doors open to a community eager for connection, entertainment, and a shared experience. What began as a vaudeville house has, over time, become something more layered and meaningful: a place where history lingers, but the present feels vibrant and alive.
After closing in 1986, the theater lay dormant until it was acquired by the Westerly Land Trust, which led to years of fundraising, planning, and community outreach, culminating in a transformative restoration. Now a community arts hub, the revitalized complex opened to the public in July 2021, blending history and charm with contemporary functionality. Executive Director Carly Callahan explains how programming is the thread that connects generations, noting, “It’s really looking forward by celebrating that past.”
Singer-songwriter
Tyler-James Kelly plays The United
Today, stepping inside The United feels less like entering a traditional theater and more like walking into the cultural living room of Southern Rhode Island. The theater’s mission – to “unite the community through the arts” – extends far beyond presenting films, concerts, and other live shows. With a board that includes Michael McDonald, the former tour manager for the Dave Matthews Band, The United offers
a blend of lesser-known and well-established acts. In 2022, McDonald himself moderated a discussion and book signing for Dean Budnick and Peter Shapiro’s work, The Music Never Stops , which focuses on the music industry.
The theater also serves as an educational anchor, offering arts programs for pre-teens to octogenarians at any skill level in one of its three event spaces. The United Music School
provides music lessons, ensemble opportunities, and performance experiences for students of varied backgrounds, and part of that curriculum is the business of being a working musician. Other programs include film studies, visual arts, digital design, and podcasting. These offerings invite lifelong learning and creative exploration in a welcoming atmosphere, with many students qualifying for scholarships.
Photo by Ken Abrams
United Theatre Executive Director Carly Callahan
Communications Director Tim Cotter hits on the theme of regional unity by saying of the ensemble groups, “Many of the bands that have formed are made up of a kid from Westerly, one from Stonington, and another from Chariho who didn’t grow up together, but met here and have music in common.” Westerly native Walle Hutton, owner of Rhode Island Surf Co. in downtown, and frontman of the band Sea of Giants, is undoubtedly grateful for The United’s commitment as a venue that showcases local acts while encouraging future generations with its educational programs. After his band played
a gig there in mid-January, he said, “I’m humbled by how great the community is, and how it shows up for us. My neighbors, friends, and whole cohort are all passionate about what the United has done for the community as a whole.”
Some events themselves carry a distinctly local flavor. Take SoupyFest, a celebration of Westerly’s beloved tradition of making drycured soppressata in home kitchens, which sells out in seconds. It’s the kind of gathering that feels equal parts festival and family reunion. Or the screenings of Westerly’s Gold , a documentary about soupy, so moving it filled
the theater again and again, leaving audiences feeling both nostalgic and deeply connected. In just a few years since its reopening in 2021, The United has grown from a restored historic space into a thriving cultural hub, expanding its circle of supporters and deepening its roots in the region. And yet, it still feels intimate – a place where everyone has a stake, where every show, class, and conversation adds another thread to the fabric of the community. As summer approaches and the calendar fills with new programs, the marquee’s glow once again signals something familiar yet ever-evolving. Learn more at UnitedTheatre.org.
Community events like SoupyFest are held frequently at the theater
Photo courtesy of The United Theatre
Rhody Pets of the Month
By Karen Kalunian
Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home?
Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and across 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.
KAIA
BREED: Shepherd mix
AGE: 2 years
GENDER: Female
Kaia will fill your heart and home with lots of love and energy. She loves to be active and is very smart and agile. Kaia is currently in a foster home with another dog and is doing well, so if you have a friendly pup and are searching for another, she may be the one. Her best home would be an active adult-only home with a fenced-in backyard, where she can romp around and play. Kaia can’t wait to meet you and share her heart.
SAVE ONE SOUL jocelyn@sosarl.org
BUSTER
BREED: Domestic Shorthair
AGE: 3 Years
GENDER: Male
Buster had a very rough start in life, but he is learning that love feels good. He is out-of-this-world handsome. His coat is stunning, and his golden eyes sparkle with excitement. Buster needs a quiet home where he will be your one and only prince. He needs lots of love, time, patience, and a gentle human willing to let him blossom on his own. If you think you are the person for Buster, please contact Scruffy Paws today.
SCRUFFY PAWS
contact@scruffypawsanimalrescue.org
Kaia Buster
Photo (L) by Donna Normand, (center) by Scruffy Paws
BREED: Shepherd mix
AGE: 1 year
GENDER: Female
Yes, you heard that right… a dog named Kitty. This young and beautiful girl has so much to offer – she’s playful, smart, lovable, and charming! Kitty is an active pup who would love an equally active family. She is currently in a foster home with other dogs and children. At just a year old, she still has that puppy energy, but once playtime is over, she loves to snuggle. Miss Kitty, and her amazing ears, can’t wait to meet you.
GO FETCH RESCUE
info.gofetchrescue@gmail.com
Miss Kitty
MISS KITTY
After Pawtucket Shooting, Advocates Urge Awareness of Domestic Violence Warning Signs
Advocates say the Lynch Arena killings fit a troubling pattern as data show high rates of intimate partner violence statewide
In Partnership with Ocean State Media • OceanStateMedia.org • By Luis Hernandez
Though police continue to investigate the mass shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch arena in Pawtucket, they have said that the shooting appears to be just the most recent high-profile incident of domestic violence. The shooter killed ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and son Aidan. Police have yet to name a motive, but called the Feb. 16 shooting a “family dispute.”
“This was domestic violence,” Lucy Rios, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said in a statement after the shooting. “Domestic violence is not a private matter, and it is not a personal conflict that should be minimized. It is a serious crime that takes lives and leaves lasting trauma in its wake.”
According to the National Intimate Partner Violence Survey administered by the CDC, women in Rhode Island experience higher rates of intimate partner violence than women in any other New England state – 46.7 percent of women surveyed reported having experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
Kelly Henry, with the Providence-based domestic violence resource agency Sojourner House, said the Pawtucket shooting was hard to stomach. “It almost takes your breath away,” Henry told Ocean State Media’s Luis Hernandez. “I’ve done this work for about 30 years, and I’ve lost quite a few clients over those 30 years. And so whenever something horrible like this happens,
“This was domestic violence,” Lucy Rios, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said in a statement after the Pawtucket shooting
I always just have to take a pause and I kind of send energy to the family, to the community, to just the loss, and let myself grieve for a moment because it is hugely impactful.”
There have been 60 domestic violence homicides in Rhode Island since 2016, according to data provided by Sojourner House. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by 500 percent. Of the nine domestic violence homicides that occurred in Rhode Island since January 2025, eight involved firearms.
Henry said that when a client reaches out, Sojourner House workers conduct a risk assessment to determine the best ways to try to
Photo by Josh Wheeler, courtesy of Ocean State Media
Resources for help in Rhode Island
The number for Sojourner House’s 24/7 helpline is 401-765-3232. If calling is not a safe option for someone, they can also email info@sojournerri.org for support. For those who’d prefer to speak to an advocate in person, our Drop-In Center is located at 1570 Westminster Street in Providence. Confidential support is available across Rhode Island for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Services are free and available 24/7.
STATEWIDE AND LOCAL ADVOCACY AGENCIES:
• 24-hour confidential hotline: 1-800-494-8100
• Online chat and information: www.ricadv.org
• RICADV member agencies serve every city and town in Rhode Island:
• Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center (BVAC)
• Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center (EBCC)
• Women’s Resource Center (WRC)
• Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRCSC)
You are not alone. Support, safety planning, and advocacy services are available throughout Rhode Island. If you or someone you know needs help, confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day.
reduce the chances of violence. “For most of the clients that I’ve lost over the years, guns have been involved,” Henry said. “And so by using this kind of lethality assessment, we try to the best of our ability to determine how much at-risk they are, and then we try to safety plan with them or bring them into the shelter or get them resources like a no-contact order or a restraining order so that they can protect themselves and their family.”
This article was originally posted on January 28, 2026. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@OceanStateMedia.org.
17-18 & April 22-25, 2026, 7:30pm April 19 & April 26, 2026, 2pm
1175 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett
Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell’s
Directed by Rachel Walshe
More Than a Delivery Room: Comprehensive OB Care for a Healthy Start
By Sarah Toatley
W Rhody Health
hen many people think about obstetric (OB) care, they picture a delivery room. But a healthy birth story begins much earlier with consistent prenatal care and a coordinated, team-based approach that supports patients from preconception through postpartum recovery. “Pregnancy is not a single event, it’s a journey,” says Martha Moe, MD, Medical Director of the Center for Women’s Health at South County Health. “Our role is to ensure that patients feel informed, supported, and medically cared for every step of the way. That starts well before delivery day.”
Today, comprehensive OB care often includes collaboration not only among physicians, midwives, and nurses, but also with doulas –trained professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. This collaborative model centers the patient and strengthens continuity of care.
Building a Foundation for a Healthy Pregnancy
Comprehensive OB care often begins before a positive pregnancy test. Preconception visits allow providers to review medical history, manage chronic conditions, discuss medications, and address lifestyle factors that can impact pregnancy outcomes. “Optimizing health before pregnancy can significantly improve outcomes,” Dr. Moe explains. “We work with patients to address concerns early – whether that’s blood pressure, diabetes, nutrition, or simply answering questions about what to expect.” Early planning helps identify potential risks, create a proactive care plan, and give patients confidence as they move forward. During this stage, doulas can also play a valuable role,
helping families clarify birth preferences, navigate educational resources, and prepare emotionally and practically for the months ahead. Together, the care team ensures patients feel both clinically supported and personally empowered.
Monitoring Health, Easing Anxiety
Throughout pregnancy, routine prenatal visits are about far more than measurements and ultrasounds. They are opportunities to build trust, monitor development, and respond quickly if something changes.
“Our patients aren’t just charts or checklists,” says Dr. Moe. “Every pregnancy is unique. We take time to listen, to educate, and to make sure each woman feels confident and empowered.” From discussions about genetic screening to nutrition guidance and mental health support, comprehensive care addresses both physical and
emotional well-being. Should high-risk situations occur, essential elements include collaboration with specialists and clear communication among the entire care team.
Delivery Is a Milestone, Not the Finish Line
An important element of obstetric care is recognizing that it doesn’t end when the baby is born.
“The postpartum period is just as important as pregnancy,” Dr. Moe emphasizes. “We monitor recovery, screen for postpartum depression, support breastfeeding, and help women navigate the physical and emotional adjustments that follow birth.” During labor and delivery, doulas provide continuous bedside support, assist with positioning and comfort measures, and help partners stay engaged, working alongside the clinical team to support the patient’s goals. In the postpartum period, they may continue
In partnership with South County Health
offering guidance with newborn care, feeding, rest, and emotional adjustment, helping families feel steady during a transformative time. Scheduled follow-ups, coordinated communication, and access to supportive resources help new mothers feel supported – not isolated – during what can be a vulnerable season. This collaborative approach reinforces that medical care and emotional support are not separate services, but complementary parts of a healthy start.
For many patients, OB care is part of a broader, long-term relationship with their provider. Annual exams, preventive screenings, menopause management, and gynecologic care form a continuum designed to support lifelong wellness. “Our mission is to be a trusted partner in women’s health, not just during pregnancy, but throughout every phase of life,” says Dr. Moe. “When care is comprehensive, collaborative, and coordinated, it leads to healthier mothers, healthier babies, and stronger families.”
MEET THE TEAM
MARTHA MOE, MD
Medical Director, Center for Women’s Health, South County Health
New documentary is a labor of love for two local podcasters
By Jonah Major
In 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.”
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 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.”
Award-winning audio showrunner and podcaster creator Nichole Hill, talks with Ellen Horne of Radiolab
P hoto courtesy of Shaun Michael Colon
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
Photo courtesy of Shaun Michael Colon
This American Life podcaster
Ira Glass with filmmaker
Shaun Michael Colón
Fayerweather House
Gift shop and craft guild
What it is:
A non-profit dedicated to preserving and sharing the decorative arts. Fayerweather House offers free demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and craft events. Handmade goods crafted by members are also offered for sale.
Where to find it:
Heading west on Route 138 toward the University of Rhode Island, at the junction of Route 108, look for the pitched signpost in front of a white house.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Ever find yourself stopped at the light en route to URI and wonder what’s in that charming white house alongside the road? It’s Fayerweather House, a nonprofit craft guild and any visit is like stepping back in time – from the 18-inch floorboards and three-sided fireplace to perusing a wealth of hand-crafted, hand-knit, hand-hooked, and hand-turned items – made by the local artisans of the Fayerweather Craft Guild. Find cribbage boards, toys, pickles, jams and jellies, and so much more. Whether shopping for yourself or for a gift, knowing that the items for sale are unique and hand-made with care by local artists makes each purchase feel special. Reopened for season 61 on April 2; save the date for their Outdoor Craft Fair on April 25 from 10am-4pm (rain date April 26).
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!
P hoto courtesy of Fayerweather House
The Must List
For weekly Musts, subscribe to our newsletter at HeyRhody.com
April 15: Join Hey Rhody Media Co. at the Medici Lounge in Providence as we celebrate the Who to Watch honorees showcased in our January issue. The evening includes food, drinks, a live DJ, and more. Providence, HeyRhody.com
April 5: Celebrate 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 15 - 19: Filmmakers and artists of color have the opportunity to showcase their visions of creativity at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival , which takes place at venues in Kingston, Newport, and Providence. RIBFF.org
April 18: The Bemelmans Gallery Dinner with Hilary Pierce: The Intrepid Gourmet is an immersive dinner experience, celebrating the exuberant life and hearty appetite of Ludwig Bemelmans – the artist known for his beloved Madeline books. Westerly, OceanHouseRI.com
April 18-19: The Chorus of Westerly presents Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius with David Hill, conductor of London’s Bach Choir, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence on Saturday, and at Kent Hall in Westerly on Sunday. ChorusOfWesterly.org
April 24 - May 10: The Granite Theatre presents The Dining Room , A.R. Gurney’s acclaimed play that weaves witty and poignant stories exploring the hopes, struggles, and interactions of several generations of an American family. Westerly, GraniteTheatre.org
April 25: The fun returns to the state border when over 20,000 rubber ducks are released into the Pawcatuck River at Donahue Park, when the 26th Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race gets underway. Pawcatuck, PawcatuckRiverDuckRace.org
April 25: Meet baby lambs, watch local shearers, visit with artisans, hunt for treasure, enjoy local eats, and view the herd of heritage Red Devon cattle at Sheep Shearing Day , an annual event held at Watson Farm. Jamestown, My.HistoricNewEngland.org
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 26: Meet The Sopranos star and best-selling author Steve Schirripa for a reading, conversation, and signing of his latest children’s picture book, WillieBoy Eats the World , about a furry friend who encourages his owner to try exciting, new foods. Westerly, UnitedTheatre.org
Photo by Nick DelGiudice
Who to Watch Class of 2026
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
P hotos by Read McKendree, courtesy of The Monacelli Press
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.
MUSCOVY RIDGE, WATCH HILL
RIDGE, WATCH HILL
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.
P hotos by Read McKendree, courtesy of The Monacelli Press
THE GRAND SPACE GALLERY WALL IS A “CURATED CLUTTER OF DAILY LIFE.”
RISOM HOUSE, BLOCK ISLAND
CORK FLOORS AND A PALE INSTITUTIONAL GREEN REMIND KLIGERMAN OF KITCHENS FROM THE 1930S TO THE MID-CENTURY.
NUSHKA HOO, WEEKAPAUG
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
A DIAMOND-PATTERN CASEMENT WINDOW WELCOMES SEA BREEZES INSIDE WITH STYLE.
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.”
P hotos by Read McKendree, courtesy of The Monacelli Press
MAY 7-10, 2026
BALLET RI BLACK BOX THEATRE PROVIDENCE, RI
MAY 14-17, 2026
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND J STUDIO KINGSTON, RI
Scan for tickets or visit balletri.org
BALLET RI presents Sophie Treadwell’s searing 1928 play reborn as a striking new ballet.
YURY YANOWSKY AND RACHEL WALSHE’S
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
P hotos by Read McKendree, courtesy of The Monacelli Press
LIGHT POURS THROUGH THE GLASS BLOCK AND THE OVER-SCALED WINDOWS.
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.
Photos by Hana Fox, Foxling Photography, courtesy of Bloom and Dillier Interiors
Reupholstery brings new life to an heirloom wingback chair
“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.
Photos by Hana Fox, Foxling Photography, courtesy of Bloom and Dillier Interiors
A bench in the vesibule creates a welcoming entrance
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.
Photos by Hana Fox, Foxling Photography, courtesy of Bloom and Dillier Interiors
A dining room window seat ensures ample surface space
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.
Photos by Hana Fox, Foxling Photography, courtesy of Bloom and Dillier Interiors
Grasscloth wallpaper from Wayne Pate + Studio Four NYC reads as a neutral backdrop
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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.
Photo courtesy of Mimi Arnold
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
City & Estate Gardener
The Farmer’s Daughter
Photo (L) courtesy of City & Estate Gardener, (R) by Elyse Major
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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
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.
Photo
A winter “boat day” with American Mussel Harvesters
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 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.
Quagoggers at Narragansett Brewery during Quahog Week
Flexible consumption seasonal species chart
“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.
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
Quahogger Jim Boyd during a quahog transplant
Photo by Andy Moran Photography, courtesy of RI Seafood
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.
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.
Sampling quahogs at The Guild Warren
Photo by Andy Moran Photography, courtesy of RI Seafood
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.
Photos by Andy Moran Photography, courtesy of RI Seafood
Finder map of partners
Fresh lobster dinner from fisherman in Galilee
Quahog Week at Narragansett Brewery
FOOD & DRINK
In the Kitchen | Experience | Round Up | Recipe
Photo by Jenna Kaplan
Soupy Season
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.
The important step of tying off the casing using butcher’s twine
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.
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.
by
Lou Toscano casing the ground meat
Pressing the mixture into the stuffing machine
Photos
Jenna Kaplan
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.
NO SOUPY FOR YOU
Lucky ticket holders will get to attend SoupyFest III at The United Theatre on April 11. The nowannual celebration which sold out instantly, will feature tastings, live music, and a celebrity-judged contest hosted by Steve Schirripa ( The Sopranos ) to crown the region’s best family-made soupy. This is a general admission, standing festival with food stations, presentations, and a cash bar. For lead-up events and more, visit UnitedTheatre.org
by
Photo
Jenna Kaplan
A cool dry basement is the ideal spot for curing
Sliced and ready to enjoy
Now We’re Cooking
The perfect date night might just be learning to make a meal together
By Morgan Rizzo
Sometimes it feels like all there is to do during the bleak days of winter is go out for food and drinks. Although I’m always down to ditch cooking at home for a nice dinner out and craft cocktail with my significant other, I often find myself looking for a more interactive, hands-on date night. I found just that and more at Taste Buds Kitchen’s rustic Italian cooking class.
Walking into the kitchen felt like stepping on to the set of Food Network’s Chopped . Rows of glass jars filled with walnuts and sprinkles sat above canisters of sugar, flour, and other dry ingredients ready to be mixed and sifted. We found our seat at a station set with a burner and a tray of pre-measured ingredients. There, we met our new friends and cooking partners who were also ready for a fun date night.
Our instructor took her place at the front of the classroom behind the wooden-top tables, cracking jokes and reminding us there’s no saying “yes, chef” in her kitchen. She gave an overview of the night’s menu: fresh chicken parmesan, wild mushroom and truffle-oil risotto, and cannolis. A hearty, warm dinner for a cold winter night.
Preparing the ricotta filling for the cannoli was the first step, and I was ready to be covered in powdered sugar. After detailed instructions, it was time to get to work. The pressure was on as I operated the mixer, adding ricotta cheese, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and confectioner’s sugar until it whipped into a smooth, delicious batter. Next, a dash of orange zest. Everything smelled so good, we couldn’t help but sneak a taste. Once the filling was set aside to chill, it was time to move on to the chicken parmesan and risotto.
Ready for class
A successful plate of chicken parmesan
Photo by Morgan Rizzo
My boyfriend, our tablemates, and I took turns stirring broth into the risotto as it slowly thickened in the pan. Between turns of breading chicken, we snapped pictures and even took a group selfie to commemorate the night. Once our chicken topped with hand-grated parmesan cheese began to bubble, and the risotto reached the desired color, our instructor handed each table a stack of plates to enjoy our hard work.
The chicken was tender with a nice crunch, and the risotto – my personal favorite – was full of flavor from the combination of stock, spices,
and vegetables. Of course, we all saved room for dessert. Adding chocolate chips and sprinkles to the cannolis was the sweetest touch, though it was tempting to ditch the shell and eat the filling straight from the piping bag.
As my usual role in the kitchen is limited to dish duty, I was thrilled to learn new skills, like the secret to cutting an onion without bursting into tears is avoiding the root. Chef’s hats off to our teacher, who offered helpful pointers throughout the evening and made us feel completely at ease, as if we were cooking in our own kitchens. What
began as a somewhat intimidating experience, demonstrating my minimal cooking skills in a public setting, quickly transformed into one of the best date nights I’ve ever had – full of laughter, new lessons and friends, and, of course, delicious food. We left with full bellies and open minds, excited to try new culinary adventures. A second location opens soon in Providence.
Taste Buds Kitchen
5600 Post Road Suite 110, East Greenwich 885-0535; TasteBudsKitchen.com
Photo by Morgan Rizzo
A couple works on their cannoli technique
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
Photo (L) courtesy of Bom Cafe, (R) courtesy of DM Cafe
Patty J
Bom Cafe PVD
DM Cafe
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 fresh-baked 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
From Fresh homemade pasta to hand tossed new York pizza
Squid Game
Savory stuffing turns Rhody’s favorite app into a meal
By Jordyn Zacharias
Most any Rhode Islander worth their weight in sea salt knows that calamari is the official state appetizer. Chances are good you’ve enjoyed it served in the traditional style with a side of marinara sauce and sliced banana peppers at your favorite local eatery. This leveled-up version from the kitchens at Dave’s Fresh Marketplace can easily become an entree courtesy of a savory stuffing that’s not difficult to assemble.
Photo by Andy Moran, courtesy of RI Seafood
Rhode Island Calamari Ripieni
5 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes, Cook time: 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 10 prepared squid tubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1lb ground sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 cup Italian-style panko
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 roasted red pepper, rough chopped
• ½ tsp salt / ¼ tsp pepper
• Pinch crushed red pepper
TOMATO BASE:
• 1, 15oz can, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
TOP WITH: Italian-style panko and grated parmesan cheese
GARNISH: Fresh parsley
STEPS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl combine the diced tomatoes, white wine, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, garlic, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Transfer the cooked sausage into a food processor along with the panko, parmesan cheese, roasted red pepper, and spices. Pulse until combined.
5. Carefully stuff each squid with the stuffing mixture, leaving a small space at the top. Secure the ends with toothpicks.
6. Reheat the same skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed calamari in the skillet, searing each side for 1-2 minutes until they are lightly golden brown.
7. Pour the tomato sauce over the calamari. Sprinkle the tops of each calamari with grated parmesan cheese and panko. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the calamari is cooked through and tender.
8. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving, enjoy!
OCEAN FRONT DINING
COURTHOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Friday, April 3 | 7:30pm STORY SONGS OF THE ’70S VOL. 2 CROCE/LEONARD COHEN/ JOHN PRINE
Saturday, April 11 | 2:00pm SHOOTING STAR BAD COMPANY
Saturday, April 18 | 7:30pm CROSSFIRE HURRICANE ROLLING STONES
Saturday, April 25 | 7:30pm BEATLEMANIA AGAIN BEATLES
Saturday, May 2 | 730pm FAIR WARNING / LOVE BITES VAN HALEN / DEF LEPPARD
April 4 | 7:30pm TURN THE PAGE BOB SEGER
Saturday, April 11 | 7:30pm RUNNING ON JACKSON JACKSON BROWNE
Sunday, April 19 | 2:00pm DOO WOP REVUE CORVETTES
Sunday, April 26 | 1:00pm MESSAGES FROM SPIRIT ROLAND COMTOIS
Thursday, May 7 | 1pm RICH DIMARE & RON POSTER TRIO FRANK SINATRA
April 10 | 7:30pm AQUARIUS’ ’60S
Friday, April 17 | 7:00pm SPRING AGING AGING DISGRACEFULLY
Friday, April 24 | 7:30pm MACALAS EMERSON, LAKE AND PALMER
Friday, May 1 | 7:00pm DAN FONTAINE & MEMPHIS SUN MAFIA BAND ELVIS
Saturday, May 9 | 730pm HOUSES OF THE HOLY LED ZEPPELIN
SOUTH COUNTY SCENES SOUTH COUNTY
April showers bring May flowers in Exeter
ABOUT RHONDA
@classicallynewengland
A mom living life forever passionate about noticing all the little things, from the trees dancing in a breeze and sounds of birds singing in the rain to the beautiful colors of a summer sky. It’s these moments that bring her a sense of gratitude, peace, and joy.
The
BUILD
Acres
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• Lots ranging from 1.35 to 2.58 acres, offering
•
• Select homesites may allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for added versatility
Infrastructure
• Underground electric
• Utilities extended to each lot
• Approved four-bedroom septic systems design in place
