Photo by Mercedes Mehling on Unsplash
What a summer it was! And fortunately we didn’t let a moment go to waste. Weren’t the Olympic Games really something this year? Seriously though, we thought the only way to make this the best summer ever would be to work back-to-front, making sure we squeeze every drop of enjoyment out of a well-deserved season of R&R.
Let’s look back month by month at the wonderful things we “did” (will do) in summer 2021!
SEPTEMBER
Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
September 22: Take A Hike, Summer
This is it, end of the road. Summer is hitting the dusty trail and so should you. With all the fabulous activity of the last few months, it’s time for some soul-searching, and where better than...
The hiking trails of Northern Rhode Island
Those subtle, cool breezes definitely smack of autumn, so take advantage of the perfect climate with some vigorous walks as the sun sets on summer.
Our favorites include:
The Cumberland Monastery ‒ Nicely marked trails, peaceful surroundings, unique history
Snake Den State Park ‒ Wide paths, particularly nice in autumn
Lincoln Woods ‒ Bike trails, dog-friendly spaces, even fishing
September 15: Summer Unplugged
Sometimes indulgence means just being able to take a breather. Many people have discovered the mental health benefits of limiting internet and social media usage, but we’re suggesting a full weekend of...
A digital detox
Consider a regroup to jump-start healthy functioning. Sound easy? Can you spend two days away from your phone, TV, gaming, and computer?
Whether you plan it along with a hotel stay or just staying home, keep these tips in mind:
- Find some actual, physical books to read.
- Remember to be courteous and let family, friends, and important work contacts know your plans so they won't disrupt you and can locate you in an emergency.
- Embrace activity involving breathing, whether it’s exercise, yoga, or meditation, to reconnect with your natural rhythm.
- Make sure to have a good-old-fashioned composition notebook and pen to do some journaling of the experience.
September 2: Festive Food
Variety is the spice of summer. This is the last day to catch the locally owned food trucks, live music, beer, and wine at...
South Kingstown Food Truck Night
You should have been doing this all summer! After all, it started in May (first Thursday of each month). Free to attend, Food Truck Night features fabulous food, drink, and atmosphere at 1425 Kingstown Road.
AUGUST
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August 30: Memories in a Minute
“August, die she must,” as Art Garfunkel once sang. You start seeing the dreaded back to school commercials, the King Richard’s Faire billboard on the highway ‒ it all means summer is fading fast, so start making those memories more permanent with...
Printed photos from CVS
Be nostalgic and relive the retro thrill of picking up an envelope of physical photos by using CVS’s Minute Photo service. Gone are the days of waiting for days for your prints. Order in seconds and pick up your photos in as little as 30 minutes at any CVS.
August 6-8: Local Color
Whether you want to investigate the human condition or just like pretty colors, a well-rounded summer wouldn’t be complete without…
The 13th Annual Art Drive
Taking place throughout lovely Westport and Dartmouth, MA, it’s a perfect occasion to support local artists and food vendors, as well as to learn while having a good time.
August 2: City and Stream
Can you believe it’s halfway over?! Where has the time gone? Life is but a dream I guess, so why not go merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily down the Providence River via...
A Providence kayak tour
Your journey, courtesy of the Providence Kayak Company, includes the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk, and Waterplace Park. It’s appropriate for all experience levels and conveniently located at the Providence Marina.
August 1: Waves, Rays, and Serenades
Capture all kinds of summer moods with the uplifting and spiritually satisfying sounds of jazz. Rhode Island has for decades been home to one of the world’s most renowned festivals. Enjoy your sambas, bossa novas, and jams at...
The final day of the Newport Jazz Festival
Fort Adams again hosts this internationally-acclaimed event, as masters of the art of musical improv take the stage for seaside grooves. Those lucky enough to know someone with a boat can catch the show from the coastal waters off the fort, but to get the full benefit, you’ll want to snag tickets here.
The pandemic will make things slightly different this year, including capacity restrictions, but the show will indeed go on with three intimate days of performances and collaborations from July 30 to August 1.
JULY
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
July 25: Tidy Tides
Environmental conservation keeps our state beautiful, and one great way to protect our cherished resources is...
A beach clean-up
Official opportunities may be more limited this year, but whether it’s with Save the Bay or on your own, this is a great way to interact and enjoy time outside at our beautiful beaches.
July 18: Marooned in Mass
If anything inspires you to keep area waters clean and beautiful, this spot in Westport should do it. Why not take a lazy summer Sunday to seclude yourself on....
Westport’s Gooseberry Island
Panoramic views along Buzzards Bay make Gooseberry Island perfect for the Instagram-conscious summer reveler. History, rare species, and gorgeous walking trails make it ready for whatever level of activity you desire. No need for a ferry, as the short Thomas E. Pettey Memorial Causeway gets you there in the comfort of your car.
July 15: Critter Crawl
How many times have you been to the zoo and all of the interesting animals were sleeping? How many times has a walk through a maze of cages made you thirsty? Catch all the animals in their off-hours while enjoying a cool summer beverage at...
Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Sip and Stroll Adult Evening
“I am not an animal,” said the Elephant Man, and if you’re not a child either, this event is for you. More “cub” crawl than pub crawl, you’ll enjoy live musical entertainment by the Farm Dog Band. You can buy food, beer, wine, and specialty Zoo-themed cocktails at bars throughout the zoo. Guests must be 21 or older and will be required to show ID for alcoholic drink purchases.
July 2: Mouth of July
Your dance card should be full this month, the height of summer. You won’t miss any invites if people know that you have a way with summer fare. So brush up on your culinary skills by...
Mastering two tasty summer dishes
Whether it’s a drink like Strawberry Rosé Slushies
a delicious and fresh salad such as Broccolini, Feta, and Avocado Salad
or a super side dish along the lines of Easy Buttermilk Cornbread,
you’ll be an in-demand July guest with a few firecracker recipes up your sleeve.
JUNE
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
June 30: Brew on a Bridge
Looking for a new way to enjoy beer in PVD? Why not sip alfresco at...
The Guild PVD Beer Garden
Just off the new pedestrian bridge in PVD’s Innovation District Park along Dyer Street, the Guild Brewing Co. invites you to stop by their 20 long-style tables and 20 high-tops along the Providence River to enjoy their foamy offerings. They also offer a few varieties of hard seltzer and at least one food truck for a salty contrast.
June 30: Pop Pop Biz Biz
Looking for something new, creative, and shoppable? We think you’ll be impressed by the indoor retail space and weekly outdoor marketplace at...
Bloom Collective pop-up market
Discover a fabulous showcase for local creativity. The Bloom Collective was launched at the end of 2020 and will be hosting a six-month pop-up event with local food and drink too. You’ll find them at 1455 Westminster Street in Providence.
June 29: Yacht to the Future
Newport is at once a reminder of the past with its colonial history and also a window into today’s world of summer fun and charm. From the crashing waves of scenic Cliff Walk, to the amazing shoreline houses of Ocean Avenue, Newport is so much summer-y watery-ness appealingly put together. Satisfy your seaside urges with...
A full day in Newport
What could be more civilized than a day sail on the Schooner Madeleine and afterwards an iced latte on Bannister’s Wharf at The Coffee Grinder? This year there are new ways to enjoy the picturesque surroundings with picnicking at the Newport mansions. Savor a sandwich and a sarsaparilla on the grounds of The Breakers and The Elms. If this should put you in the mood for a lovely home, then stop by RPL’s recently opened Newport office at 418 Spring Street too!
More good news! It’s not too late to make this all happen (cue the dreamy harp music). Stick to this guide and you’ll be telling your grandkids about the roaring summer of ‘21.
