8 Ways to Welcome Spring
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Could it be any more clear that today is the first day of spring? With balmy temperatures yesterday and even warmer ones coming on Thursday, there's no doubt that the fresh and growing season is upon is. So get out there and celebrate, starting today. Here are 8 inspirations.
Start your garden engines
Get started with the planting plans. Is there any better spot in Rhode Island to provision than Schartner Farms? From seeds to seedlings, you'll find everything you need at the beautiful, 150-acre farm that's more than a century old, to plan your new plantings. And don't forget that there are some delicious pies on hand, every day of the week. Schartner Farms, One Arnold Place, Exeter, 294-2044.
Go out for ice cream
Some hearty souls eat it all year 'round, but once spring is here, it's really time. Whether your favorite is Brickley's, Gray's or one of Rhode Island's many delicious scoop shops, enjoy a dip. Here are GoLocalProv's favorite spots.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTGo dancing
For the best spot to cut loose, get thee to Westerly to the Knickerbocker Cafe. This South County dancehall's roster just gets better and better. And check out Let's Dance! No-Cover Wednesdays for a mid-week way to holler up springtime. Knickerbocker Cafe, 35 Railroad Ave, Westerly, 596-4225.
Hit the islands
Enough with staring at it from afar. Boat out from Tiverton to Prudence Island for a tour of its one-room schoolhouse and other landmarks, plus check out the Bay's seal community en route. Next boat goes out from the Bristol Ferry dock, Bristol Ferry Rod, Tiverton, March 21. 9:45-4:30pm, Adults $20, children $10. Call 949-5454x3041 for more information/reservations.
Pretty up your toes
Now's the time for a pedicure to launch sandal season, and you can take advantage of upcoming Spa Week deals to get the very most for your money. Check out the Stillwater Spa at Newport's Hyatt Regency for a 50-minute Essential Pedicure with paraffin treatment for only $50. To book, go here. 1 Goat Island, Newport, 401-851-3225.
Roll out
If you're not a winter cyclist, now's the time to dust off the spokes and warm up on one of Rhode Island's newer bike paths, the Ten Mile River Greenway. It runs from Kimberly Ann Rock Athletic Fields in East Providence to Slater Memorial Park in Pawtucket. Okay, it's only 2.5 miles, but as it's one of the only paths not on an old rail line, it's twisty and turny and lots of fun. Great for kids. For more information and a link to a trail map, go here.
Get your tourist on
Before the real ones come, take one of the state's excellent walking tours. Top of the list: a walking tour of historic Woonsocket. Don't miss a glimpse of this city that thrived with factories and Canadian culture. You can download the brochure for the tour at the National Park Web site, here.
Eat dinner outdoors
For the best food with the coziest heaters, there is no better spot than waterfront at Bristol's DeWolf Tavern. If you hurry, you can cash in on Newport Restaurant Week specials from March 23-April 1... but any night is tremendous in the hands of chef Sai. And don't miss the Rum Raisin house cocktail, which is going to throw a little Caribbean into your spring. And a spring in your step. DeWolf Tavern Restaurant, 259 Thames Street, Bristol, 254-2005.
For more Spring inspirations, don't miss GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.
