All Summer

Mohegan Bluffs

Block Island

The Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island are amazing large clay cliffs about 150 feet high, located on the southern shore of the island. 

Making the trip to check them out is a must on GoLocal's summer "beach pail" list

According to island history, they got their name because the battle of the Niantic and the Mohegan took place there in the mid-16th century.

Learn More Here

All Summer

Newport Polo

Portsmouth

The Sport of Kings is back.

Portsmouth is again the site for the action of international and national polo competition. 

Perfect for couples and friends tailgating or a family visit, you can pay basic admission, or upgrade for an even grander experience. 

Learn More Here

All Summer

The Beach Cottages at the Castle Hill Inn

Newport

If you are feeling grand, take up residence in a Superior Beach Cottage at the Castle Hill Inn for upwards of $1,000 a night — with your own private beach -- a nice alternative to the European vacation you were hoping for in 2021.

Castle Hill could help reset your perspective and be the cure for the need to travel to Positano.

Learn More Here.

All Summer

Narragansett Brewery

Providence

The new brewery is opening in Providence right across from India Point Park.

It is launching with lobster celebrations and so much more.

With an outdoor patio, it is sure to be popular with beer-lovers.

Learn More Here.

June

Festival of Gardens

Providence

The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) is hosting a special Festival of Gardens taking place on June 12-13 presented in partnership with The Garden Conservancy.

Those attending will have exclusive access to a selection of private gardens at historic homes, a community garden that celebrates the city’s diversity, and a Colonial Revival garden stewarded by PPS. 

Located in four city neighborhoods from the East Side to Elmwood, the eight featured gardens will exhibit a variety of plantings and contemporary interpretations of historic garden design. Six of the featured properties are private residential gardens located at historic houses.

Learn More Here

Cost: $$

All Summer

Norman Bird Sanctuary Concerts

Middletown

New for the 2021 season, the Norman Bird Sanctuary and Common Fence Music will present the Summer Outdoor Concert Series.

These outdoor performances will feature a diverse array of nationally renowned musicians: Sean Rowe, Dom Flemons, Alisa Amador, The Oshima Brothers, and Roanoke.

Starting on June 18 and continuing through October 2, this series of concerts will be performed in one of Newport area’s most scenic outdoor spaces, the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

Tickets are available for purchase through the Norman Bird Sanctuary website. General Admission tickets are on sale for $35 per person.

Learn More Here

All Summer

RISD Art Museum

Providence

The RISD Museum will reopen to the general public on June 13, 2021, after having been closed since March 13, 2020.

Maybe save it for the rainy Sunday or the Friday night date.

The museum has announced exhibits running until the end of the year.

The museum will be open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm and Thursdays and Fridays from 12 pm to 7 pm through the summer. There will be free admission on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5 pm to 7 pm and all day on Sundays.

Learn More Here.

Cost: $/Sometimes Free

All Summer

Outdoor Yoga Series at Blithewold

Bristol

The outdoor yoga series is offered in conjunction with Bristol Yoga Studio.

Fridays, 9:30 – 10:45 AM
Mondays, 6:00 – 7:15 PM
May 7 – September 3

All students must preregister for classes at their website here -- no drop-ins. Space is limited to encourage distancing.

Guidelines for all outdoor yoga classes can be found online and will be continually adjusted to meet the requirements outlined by the state - you can view them HERE.

June

JUNETEENTH Festival

Providence

Recording artist Raiche will perform at the upcoming Juneteenth Festival 2021 in Providence.

Her upcoming performance is a reality thanks to Providence's Juan Wilson, Jr., who annually is one of the organizers of #YesPVD — the annual youth summit for students and young adults in their teens and early 20s.

This year’s 3rd JUNETEENTH Festival celebration will be on Saturday, June 19 from noon to 8 PM at the Roger Williams Park Temple of Music.

June

Floral Show at Rosecliff 

Newport 

On Friday, June 18, Saturday, June 19 & Sunday, June 20, you can see the reimagined presentation of The Newport Flower Show. 

A Ballroom Floral Fantasy will be an indoor, self-guided tour of floral design exhibits and garden vignettes on the first floor at Rosecliff.

The Salon and Ballroom of Rosecliff will be transformed into a magical experience to delight the senses with sights, scents and sounds. The Salon will feature the very popular Botanical Arts design classes, where talented designers will base their creations on expressions of a garden at nighttime.

The Ballroom will be a stunning garden oasis featuring floral designs interpreting classes with titles like Garden Nymph, Fireflies and Harvest Moon. For the first time, the Horticulture Division of cut flowers and creative garden containers will be brought indoors and arranged around the central garden in the Ballroom.

Finally, the Terrace will be transformed into a conservatory garden space and will feature al-fresco exhibition tables created by local event and floral designers.

Learn More Here.

All Summer

Ice Cream Machine

Cumberland

When in northern Rhode Island, do as the northern Rhode Islanders do and enjoy some great locally made ice cream. 

It is family owned and it has been a staple since 1977.​

Learn more here.

July

Bristol 4th of July

Bristol

The nation's oldest 4th of July Parade is back -- and will step off at 10:30 AM.

"The Annual Bristol 4th of July Celebration began in 1785 when Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and a Veteran of the Revolutionary War conducted the first Patriotic Exercises," according to the parade's history.

July

Providence Restaurant Weeks

Mark your calendars.

From July 11 to July 24, be prepared for the summer festival of great eating at all the best spots -- for cool prices.

This is an annual favorite, with fantastic deals at a collection of award-winning restaurants.

Learn More Here

July

The Wilbury Theatre's Fringe PVD

Providence

The 2021 Providence Fringe Festival is taking on a hybrid model this year, with performances happening online and outdoors  - with safety precautions in place, of course.

JULY 18 - 24, 2021

Learn More Here

Cost: $/Some Free

All Summer

Sipping Del's Lemonade on a Hot Day 

While you can probably find Del's Lemonade somewhere during any month of the year, drinking it in the winter is just not the same as when it is a hot day in the midst of summer. 

As summer approaches, be sure to locate your nearest Del's Lemonade stand. 

PHOTO: Krista Guenin/Flickr Commons

All Summer

Providence River Boat Company

Providence

Captain Tom McGinn has been navigating the waterways of Rhode Island since he was four years old; first learning the fundamentals of navigation and confidence at the helm from his beloved grandfather.

The tours are regularly scheduled in Providence.

Learn More HERE

All Summer

Sakonnet Vineyard

Little Compton

Welcome back to wine tasting. Rhode Island's largest and most award-winning vineyard is now open for tastings.

Tasting Room
Friday - Monday 12pm - 4pm
Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

Located in Little Compton -- a Rhode Island must.

Learn More Here

All Summer

Doughboy Sundae

Iggy's

The quintessential Rhode Island destination for doughboys, clam cakes, and chowder in Warwick recently added on a creamery, so if you've still got room after the delectable lunch, dinner, and OK, anytime fare, you're in for a treat.

The best of both worlds collided when Iggy's put forth its doughboy sundae. That's right, they improved upon perfection.  Why have ice cream, why have doughboys, when you can have both? 

In a state where ice cream options abound, think outside the cone next time you're looking for a dessert. Think Iggy's. 

Learn More Here.

July

Tennis Hall of Fame Open

Newport

The tournament is back on this year from July 11 to July 18.

Go for the early rounds if you want to avoid the crowds, but the best tennis -- and energy -- can be found in the later rounds. 

Learn More Here

Cost: $$

All Summer

Walk Along Cliff Walk

Newport

The Cliff Walk is "world famous as a public access walk that combines the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport's gilded age."

And, it is even better than that. 

It is arguably one of the most beautiful walkways in the world.

Pro-tip -- go early on weekdays. 

Cost: Free

All Summer

Top Lobster Roll 

Castle Hill Inn, Newport

Not much is better than a lobster roll with big hunks of fresh lobster meat.

While there are numerous places to partake in Rhode Island, few spots are more beautiful than sitting in an Adirondack chair on the lawn at Castle Hill in Newport. 

Things have been beautiful and romantic at the Inn since 1875. Mix the two together and you may reach summer nirvana. 

All Summer

Providence to Newport Ferry

It is coming back for the season, although starting a bit late.

It gets one to and fro and the ride is as much fun as what goes on at either location.

DETAILS TO COME

Cost: $

All Summer

Walk Along Blackstone Park

Providence

The waterfront park in Providence is a little bit journey through the woods and a little bit river walk.

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE

Cost: Zero

All Summer

Awful Awful

Newport Creamery

Feel free to have anything, but an Awful Awful and grilled hot dog make you real "Rhode Island." The clown sundae is a close second, but for that, you generally should be under 12. 

Newport Creamery originally opened in 1940 and locations have ebbed and flowed, but currently there are 12 locations -- ten in Rhode Island and two in Massachusetts. 

Test your Rhode Island knowledge and see if you can rattle them off!  Don't cheat, the list is here. 

All Summer

The Most Walkable Neighborhood 

Newport

In the rush to tour the mansions, amble along Cliff Walk, cruise Ocean Drive, or head for the bar scene on Thames Street, visitors to Newport bypass one of the colonial capital's most fascinating and enchanting neighborhoods, the Point.

A 30-block enclave on Newport's northwest side between the harbor and the railroad tracks, the Point is one of the city's oldest, if least known, areas. Except for a historic house museum and the brooding Gothic presence of St. John the Evangelist, the Point is completely residential.

Cost: Zero

All Summer

Shaidzon Beer Company

South Kingstown

The folks at the brewery have just about scheduled an event a day this summer at their beer garden.

The team knows how to run a great brewery and a fun atmosphere.

Learn More Here.

All Summer

Clam Cakes

George's of Galilee

Take in the beautiful views of the Block Island Sound enjoying the delicious clam cakes at George's of Galilee. 

George's of Galilee opened in 1948 and offers customers five different dining rooms, two floors and outdoor dining. Before you go, be sure to check the schedule for live entertainment that is taking place. 

All Summer

See a Movie at the Rustic Drive-In

North Smithfield

Look forward to calling up your friends, packing a picnic, and sitting in the comfort of your car as feature films are projected on giant outdoor screens.

The audio plays right through your radio, so be sure to turn the volume up high as you snack on your candy and popcorn. 

All Summer

Michael Van Leesten Bridge

Providence

One of Providence's most beautiful pieces of architecture -- it cost a lot, but it is simply beautiful and named in memory of one of the state's greatest citizens.

Read More Here

All Summer

Bike Here, There and Everywhere

There is a network of bike paths across Rhode Island that after decades of work and pressure placed on RIDOT, much of the routes are connected.

Visit over 60 miles.

Learn More Here.

Cost: Zero

All Summer

Stone House Inn

Little Compton

If you are going to staycation or visit Rhode Island, a must is The Stone House.

It is a seaside, historic inn located in the quaint, farming community of Little Compton sitting on 2.7 acres near the tip of Sakonnet Point. 

The original four-story building was constructed in 1854 as a private residence and was once home to David Sisson and his son, Henry Sisson, a civil war hero.

Learn More Here.

Cost: $$$

All Summer

Steel Yard 

Providence

The Steel Yard’s historic campus is a platform for professional artists, makers, and the community to practice and learn the industrial arts. Oh, and it is so much more.

With endless events, it may be like no other urban gathering space -- and worth a visit.

Learn More Here.

July

Newport Folk Festival 

Newport

There may be no more important folk festival in America.

It is where Dylan went electric, Pete Seeger reigned and so much more.

The three-day event returns on July 23-25 and 26-28. A slightly different format.

Learn More Here. 

All Summer

Eating a Clam Cake From Flo’s

Portsmouth, Middletown

Be excited about heading to Flo's and taking a bite of one of their famous clam cakes and you’ll understand why they’ve been around since 1936.

Dip it in a side of tartar sauce or enjoy it as is.

July

Antiques, Art & Exquisite Objects

Middletown

Each summer since 2007, the St. George’s School Ice Rink has been transformed into an upscale shopping venue during The Newport Show.

It’s a weekend event that has become a high point for the social season and a not-to-be-missed opportunity for fine art and fashion aficionados.

July 23-25, 2021

Learn More Here
 

July/August

Newport Jazz

Newport

A different kind of festival.

There will be three intimate days of amazing jazz performances and surprise collaborations at Fort Adams – July 30th to August 1st.

No concert at the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Learn More Here

All Summer

Matunuck Oyster Bar

South Kingstown

So here is how the story goes, "Perry Raso started digging littlenecks in Point Judith Pond when he was 12 years old. He grew up wild-harvesting shellfish, eel trapping, bull-raking clams and scuba diving for steamers."

Now, the restaurant -- and the oysters --  often get ranked as the very best in America. 

Learn More Here

Brothers Osborne: We're Not For Everyone Tour

East Providence

Get country.

On Sunday, August 1 at 6:30 PM the country duo play Bold Point Park in East Providence.

Learn More Here

Walking Along Roger Wheeler State Beach

Narragansett, RI

Look forward to taking a stroll all the way from chair six to chair one as the waves crash along the shore.

PVD Fest

Providence

Hold the date:

Events over the summer and September  25-26

Details to come.

Cost: Generally no charge

Pop-Up Art Markets at WaterFire Arts Center

Providence

Great collection of local artists, amazing location.  Great weekend fun.

Dates: Jun 12, Jun 26, Jul 17, Jul 31, Aug 21
Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Learn More HERE

Cost: Zero

All Summer

Lobster Paella

Los Andes in Providence

Quite possibly Rhode Island's most exciting restaurant, Los Andes is known for dozens of delicacies -- and lobster paella is that magical dish that combines a unique collection of Peruvian spices coupled with amazing fresh lobster.

There are few meals that melt in your mouth, everytime you taste it, but this dish is such.

We hate to highlight Los Andes because we want it to be our little secret, but the lines are often out the door almost every night. That might be the hint that the secret is out.

All Summer

Shopping in Newport

Whether on Bellevue Avenue or Thames Street there are a vast array of local and independent shops the exotic to art galleries or great and varied boutiques.

All Summer

Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel

Westerly

Most of the headlines for Watch Hill say go to the Ocean House.

This carousel never gets enough attention.

Watch Hill is an amazing blend of summer riches and locals. 

And, Taylor Swift has a home there.

Flying Horse Carousel PHOTO: |vv@ldzen| CC.2.0 

All Summer

Newport Art Museum

Oh, once in a while the Newport skies turn dark for a little much-needed rain, and on those afternoons a visit to the impressive Newport Art Museum can be the perfect activity.

Learn More Here.

All Summer

Visit the Mansions of Newport 

There are house tours but in Newport, they have mansion tours.

Lots of mansions.

The Newport Preservation Society manages the majority of them. 

Boy those one-percenters knew how to live.

Learn More Here

All Summer

Newport Gulls Baseball

Newport

Old-time baseball in one of the great historic community ballparks in America - Cardines Field -- is a seasonal Rhode Island must. 

Games are all summer. It is a great night out in Newport.

Learn More Here.

All Summer

Hope Street Farmers Market

Providence 

The farmers' market attracts thousands each weekend and is the place for local growers and artisans to offer their goods.

The perfect family event.

Learn More Here.

All Summer

Providence Flea

Providence

It is a traditional flea market.  It is a marketplace inspired by the insanely popular, fun and famous flea in Brooklyn, New York.

The vendors are carefully selected, small- and micro-businesses, and their wares are hand-picked, homemade, handcrafted, and small batch.   

Learn More Here.
 

All Summer

The Ocean House

Westerly

There is one hotel that seems to make every top ranking in the world -- The Ocean House.

It is a magnificent experience but not for the faint of heart. Bring the crypto or Blackcard to pay for the stay.

Learn More Here.