Photo by Diogo Fagundes on Unsplash
Remember the show Wild On! on the E! Channel? The frothy travel show followed a glamorous host as they experienced the food, culture, and nightlife of a far-flung region. New England may not scream “exotic,” but if you’ll let RPL play glamorous host for a moment, we’ve put together a selection of fairly wild and unusual things to try in the area as we head into … well, not bikini season, but vest-wearing season and all its sleeveless abandon. Take a look!
Animal Attraction:
Goat hikes and pet cuddling
Photo: simmonsfarmri.com/events
Wild animals – the best place to start. Simmons Farm in Middletown offers a one-stop shop for engaging with impish and lovable goats. In addition to goat yoga, you can go on an adventurous goat hike. Two and four-legged creatures alike thrill at this scenic ramble across the countryside.
For out-of-the-ordinary yet adorable action, take part in the farm’s Pet and Cuddle events, where you’ll get up close for some human-goat bonding. So many goat-related activities in one spot – it’s like a Club “Maaah” vacation!
Fear Factor:
An early Halloween and ... the dreaded ... public speaking!
Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash
Tingle the spine in springtime at the Monstah Xpo in Fairhaven, MA on April 30 and May 1. Billed as “Halfway to Halloween,” the event is a horror-themed extravaganza at the Seaport Inn and Marina with dozens of artists, creators, and movie makers to scare you straight on the latest in prop making, cosplay, puppetry, art, comics, and memorabilia. Boo! That was to get your attention because tickets may not last.
But then we all know where real terror lives – public speaking. Why not tackle this common fear in an uncommon way at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence on April 27 at their Pecha Kucha night. Pecha Kucha is a storytelling format where a presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds of commentary each. Whether you perform or just watch, it’s a fun way to learn and laugh with other people in your community. This month’s theme is “Shower Thoughts.” (The movie “Psycho” comes to mind.)
Body Heat:
“Grey’s Anatomy” Trivia Night and adult skating
Photo: eventbrite.com/e/greys-anatomy-trivia-dinner-tickets-308842455097?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
I need 20 CC’s of cocktail sauce, stat! The Wharf Tavern in Warren will be hosting a “Grey’s Anatomy Trivia Themed Dinner” on April 26 (does it get more wildly specific?). Must See TV meets seafood, as you show your expertise not so much on the body but on your recent binge of seasons 1-11 of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Prizes will be presented to first and second-place winners and themed food and drink will stitch it all together. It’s docs on the docks.
To exercise the body rather than the mind, take off to United Skates of America in East Providence for Adult Skate Night - 70's, 80's, & 90's Music. These monthly events let you reconnect to your youth while boogieing down to throwback hits played by a request-taking DJ. The event is 21+ with a $20 admission that gets you free roller skates.
He ‘Chutes He Scores
Newport skydiving and New England Revolution soccer
Photo: skydivenewport.com
If trivia and roller-skating don’t quite give you a rush – stop by Skydive Newport for a tandem jump over beautiful Aquidneck Island. With a roughly five-minute training session, you and a USPA-certified instructor will take to the skies and jump together – it’s the therapeutic way to dive out of an airplane. For Instagram-focused daredevils, you can pay extra to have it videoed or photographed. With a parachute specifically built for two, you will fall for 40 seconds at around 120 mph before helping to deploy your parachute at 5,000 feet, then you and your instructor will make awkward chitchat as you gently float to the ground for between five and 10 minutes.
Baseball may be America’s pastime, but soccer commands most of the world’s attention. Luckily, we have the New England Revolution soccer team in convenient Foxboro, MA for another exciting season. Whether you are in it for the thrill and action of Major League Soccer or are just looking to enjoy the impressive spectacle of Gillette Stadium, visiting them would be a worthy gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaallllllllllllll!!!
Get Lit:
Annual Lantern Spectacular and WaterFire
Photo: waterfire.org
Unlike the failure of the infamous Fyre Festival – WaterFire has been running strong for almost 30 years. Though not especially novel to native Rhode Islanders, many will still enjoy this beloved tradition with its dazzle and lively crowds. April 27 will be the season kick-off lighting at WaterPlace Park.
From now through July 4, you can also enjoy Roger Williams Park Zoo’s annual Asian Lantern Spectacular, offering breathtaking visual flair in a family-friendly atmosphere. An array of 50 glowing lanterns plus savory Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks make it a full sensory experience. It’s rain or shine, so maybe this town is big enough for two water-fires after all!
Livin’ La Vida Luna:
Bathing and biking in the moonlight
Photo by Levi Guzman on Unsplash
It’s not literal bathing, but when it comes to sound baths, nothing says Get It On like banging a gong. A full moon sound bath will take place for each monthly full moon at MoonStone Art Studio in Warwick. Treat yourself to a beautiful and relaxing sound journey for transcendent calm and serenity. Dress comfortably and be sure to bring water, a pillow, a yoga mat, and a blanket. A bath towel couldn’t hurt either.
You’ve heard of barking at the moon, but how about biking? Again on the full moon of each month, Bike Newport puts on its Full Moon Rides letting you trek through 15 miles on Newport’s dramatic roads and coastline in the moonglow. Their route takes you from downtown Newport to Fort Adams, around the beautiful Ocean Loop, and along the mansions of Bellevue Avenue. A little crazy fun is good, but biking and nighttime safety are a must! Required gear includes a helmet, a front headlight, and a rear, red-blinking light to participate. There will also be a reading from the "Twelve Moons" poems by Mary Oliver, as a tribute to the ephemeral and ineffable qualities of nature.
If you’re looking to spice up life, take advantage of the diverse happenings going on this spring. Bring a toothbrush – and remember, what happens in ‘Gannsett stays in ‘Gannsett.
