Spring is here, and while some of us will take advantage of the nicer weather by sitting outside in the sun or cruising around with our windows down, there are some brave souls out there who take a slightly more exciting route: riding motorcycles. Nothing can beat driving down the road with the sun on your back and the wind in your face, but if you road-warriors out there want to take a load off while also meeting some fellow bikers, stop by Smart Moto in Seekonk for their Bikes and Coffee event, held every Saturday from 9-11am.
Bikes and Coffee is a social meeting for all types of motorcycle riders. You can park your bike in the Smart Moto lot and then step inside for delicious coffee and doughnuts. The real fun, however, is out in the parking lot, where riders can check out each other’s bikes trade stories. Hey, maybe you’ll make some new riding buddies. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, just bought your first bike, or simply have a love for all things motorcycle, this is definitely the place to be. More
Being a mom to three small human beings, along with working from home, leaves me about 2 1/2 minutes to myself each week--which I spend doing what any other mom in this same situation would do: WATCHING HOUSEWIVES.
So, when I have the chance to break away for something geared towards the better of my health and well-being and not towards the better of my distorted perception of what my cleavage should really look like in a 42 million-dollar gown that I'm supposed to wear to a friend's tea party, I jump. Which is exactly what I did when Spa Week contacted me to preview one of their $50 Marine Massage treatments at The Spa at Newport Marriott.
Spa week is a national event happening April 16th-22nd, where spas across the nation offer a variety of $50 treatments!
If you hardly ever have any alone-time, you'll understand that my blissful journey began with the 35-minute solo car ride to Newport. No loud singing. No one asking if we're there yet. No offensive repeat of the Strawberry Shortcake movie theme song. Nope...none of that. Just me, an Avicii playlist and the open road. In my minivan. (Let's keep things in perspective here.)
Every time I cross that bridge into Newport, I wonder why I don't visit more often. It truly is a gem in our state. From the shops to the spas to the oceanfront dining, Newport is a breath of fresh air (literally) from the day-to-day chaos.
(View from outside of The Spa)
I arrived at Newport Marriott and headed directly to The Spa. I was practically running and I'm pretty sure I was drooling. The notion that I would soon be relaxed on a table in a dimly-lit room, scented with pleasantly calming aromas while the tensions within my body were being kneaded away was as exciting as the time I found out our van's DVD player came with headphones.
Practically running directly through the glass doors of The Spa, the very lovely staff immediately greeted me and told me that I was in for a treat because David would be working with … More
Imagine our surprise when these sweet cupcakes arrived at our office this morning. Clearly, someone at the newly renamed Big Blue Bug Solutions, formerly New England Pest Control, knows that the best way to get our attention is with food. It seems like the name change was inevitable, given the fact that their mascot, the famed "big blue bug" Nibbles Woodaway, is one of the best-known and most iconic corporate symbols in New England. We wish them luck with the name change, and thanks for the sweet treat (from the also iconic Wrights Dairy Farm, no less). More
Bristol House of Pizza will be celebrating 35 years of serving the community on Monday, April 30. To thank their customers for their continued support and patronage, they will be selling pizzas at half price and giving away prizes all day. In addition, with every purchase made in the restaurant on the 30th, you can enter into a raffle to win Red Sox tickets. The drawing will be held at 6pm (presence not necessary to win). It's a good excuse to check our their newly expanded restaurant space and enjoy some of the food that's kept them in business for decades. More
This week, Roger Williams Park Zoo debuted a new program: animal feedings. Small groups can actually go inside the giraffe paddock to get up close and personal with the Zoo’s three giraffes: Sukari, Amber and Jaffa Prince. Our executive editor, Julie Tremaine, was the first non-employee to try out the program (and to get drooled on by a giraffe). More
This Saturday, April 7, legendary chef, cookbook author, TV personality and all-around quintessentail French dude Jacques Pépin comes to Barrington Books to sign copies of his latest, Essential Pépin. The book collects more than 700 of his favorite dishes and recipes from the six decades of his career. Pépin is one of the grand, old wisemen of the culinary world, a contemporary of Julia Child, with whom he co-hosted a PBS show, and one of the most decorated chefs in the world. He currently hosts a public television series also called Essential Pépin. This is a rare chance to meet and greet one of the towering figures of French cookery. In the meantime, let the man himself show you how to prepare an omelette (trust us, you're not doing it as well as he can): More
Who: Bianca Jones-Pearson
What: Artist, designer and creator of Trashy Bow Couture
When: 5:30pm, Sunday March 25
Where: Weirdgirl Creations, Barrington
Why: The girl can work wonders with “trash”
Her motto is “Your Trash: Reworked, Reused, Restyled, Recycled.” Her email signature reads: “$tay Tra$hy.” Bianca Jones-Pearson, however, is anything but trashy. In fact, she is adorable, stylish, creative and hard-working. She’s also incredibly adept at transforming everyday refuse into remarkable (and often prodigious) hair bows and accessories. It’s pure fantasy. Sign me up.
I met with the young designer at Weirdgirl Creations, the pottery studio that her mother has owned for over 30 years. When Bianca’s not working with customers, she’s toiling away in the back room. “I’ve been drawing and sculpting since I was a kid,” she says. “I guess the art gene runs in the family.” One look at her, and I instantly felt as if I’d fallen into Alice’s looking glass.
Bianca has been making bows for two years now. In her early compositions, the materials (such as newspaper, plastics and cans) were easily identifiable. Believing that “there’s always room for improvement,” she began constructing them to appear less crafty and more high-end. A skilled ceramics artist, it seems natural that the bows would evolve to sculptural works.
Her sustainable designs have graced several catwalks thus far, and she’s only just begun. In preparation for the annual Catwalk to Campground fundraiser fashion show, the earth-friendly fashionista is currently constructing a newspaper couture piece that’s more boa than bow. Bianca, who attends art school in Providence, is also now working with plant materials.
There are a few designs that she keeps in regular production. Among them are “I Heart the Paper Boy” (newspaper), “Big … More
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon where the chill of winter was finally starting to wear off. I had cabin fever, and the only prescription was sunshine and a walk in the woods. I chose Fort Barton.
This is why you must go to Fort Barton. It is has fabulous views of Narragansett Bay including the Sakonnet River — which isn't actually a river but a tidal strait — and Mount Hope Bay. You can also see the Mount Hope Bridge in the background.
A few logistical things first: Parking is on the street across the Town Hall and is free. The location is a bit confusing so aim for the Town Hall. The hardest part of the trail is the steep incline going from the street to the trails.
After the initial steep incline from the street, the hiker will face a series of up and down inclines with steps as you make your way to the trails. I find the ups and downs interesting and a good workout. The novice will find it a safe challenge. Once you reach the trailhead, you have a few options of where you would like to hike. (For trail map click here.) With my brother and sister-in-law in tow, we decided to hike the entirety of the Red Trail. Fort Barton has a total 3 miles of trails; I think that the Red Trail takes up about 2.5 miles of that.
We start by walking over a few wooden bridges with streams gently flowing underneath. Hiking in the woods is my zen moment. Its also the perfect time of year to appreciate the little buds starting to form on the trees and shrubs. Everything is about to wake up and you are there just as it's about to happen.
Beautiful rock formations, moss, and blue sky.
Lovely stream flowing near the Red Trail
Throughout the hike we see a few families — obviously this is a kid friendly place — a few dogs and a few solo hikers. Personally I have hiked this place many times and have always felt safe. My only warning is about the easternmost end of the Red Trail, where the signs get a bit confusing to the point where we went off … More
What do a non-profit organization for children, a radio station and a furniture store all have in common? They are all teaming up to bring the third annual Touch-A-Truck to the area on Sunday, April 15 from 11am-2pm. Project Undercover, Cat Country 98.1 and Cardi’s Furniture Superstore will be in the front parking lot of Cardi’s in Swansea to show off some sweet rides. The parking lot will be full of emergency and military vehicles, fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks, moving trucks and more. Usually these vehicles are whizzing by, but for one day only you and you can get up close and personal with them. Last year, the event had over 500 attendees who enjoyed food, games, music and the warm fuzzies of charity. This event is open to the public and the cost of admission is an unopened package of socks, underwear or diapers. The donations will be sent by Project Undercover to children in need due to poverty or emergency situations. In the case of inclement weather, the event will take place inside Cardi’s spacious warehouse. More
One of the area’s most beloved schools, Our Lady of Fatima in Warren, is unfortunately facing a plan for closing in June upon the end of this academic year due to financial problems and low enrollment. The private, Catholic, co-educational high school, directed by the Sisters of St. Dorothy, has been in operation for 47 years. Families of students who attend Fatima received letters in February telling them of the impending closing. Parents, students and alumni immediately responded with a fight protesting the awful news and are still currently trying to do everything they can to save the school. Many of the 50 students enrolled this year travel from around the state and think of Fatima as not just a place to learn, but a place to be surrounded by family as well. As the school and community continue to work to reverse this decision, we hope that all the members of the Our Lady of Fatima family receive the miracle that they all are hoping for. More
Those who want to learn a thing or two about hip-hop dance would do well to go to the source: New York City. However, this Sunday only, a bit of NYC will come to do. Just Dance! studio in Warren will host a two-hour workshop from 11:30am-1pm on April 1 with professional hip-hop choreographer Dister Rondon, who has worked with singer Fantasia and choreographed ads for Apple, Verizon and the Gap. It's a rare opportunity to learn a unique dance form from a working professional in a fun, low-pressure environment; dancers of any skill level are welcome, and no one is expected to be able to master the moves in one day. Rondon only asks that students "show respect for the culture and be willing to participate when and if they feel comfortable." Students will also be learning for a good cause: of the $45 sign-up fee, $10 goes to support the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Space is limited, so call 401-486-4478 or email swinn11@cox.net to sign up today.
See footage of Rondon at work here:
Beauty Bar at New Leaf Hair Studio recently launched FACE time, which is a private makeup sesh with up to four friends and makeup artist Danielle Crugnale. I was invited to show up with some friends for the ultimate girls afternoon. During the beautification process Danielle taught us some awesome tips about figuring out the right shade for your skin, how to take a daytime look to nighttime, and the secret to that flawless airbrushed look. It’s the perfect treat for you and your besties before a night out, special event, or even just because. FACE time can also be booked for networking events. As if an afternoon of pampering isn’t enough, the host walks away with a SWAG bag full of amazing products – so hurry up and book FACE time for the ladies… before one of them beats you to it! More
Last Thursday night was the kick off party for Art Night at The Brass in Cutler Mills. 195 Franklin provided the food, Sakonnet Vineyards provided wine and Top Drawer Art @ The Brass provided the funky, eclectic art and atmosphere. Stephen Brigidi, Bristol, thanked individual artists, shop and restaurant owners, media, RWU, and members of the community for their participation, saying, “When you get the right people working on things, you can accomplish anything.” There are currently 137 artists in the collective Art Night database; and plans to make this an annual event are in the works. Warren’s town planner Caroline Wells spoke about the importance of what Art Night creates: “The arts contribute to the economic vitality and livability of the town.” Roger Williams University President Dr. Farish and his wife Maia were in attendance for the event. Thursday March 29th marks the first official Art Night, with installments from Janice Lee Kelly and Debbie Gonville Miller being featured. More
Spring is just about upon us, and you're probably already peering down at your waistline with the warm weather in mind. Fitness Together in Barrington will help you get a head start by dropping two waist sizes in eight weeks. Their Great Jeans Challenge, which begins March 20, offers eight weeks of small group personal training, including three sessions per week, plus nutritional coaching. The best part is that when you achieve your goal, you'll earn $100 gift card to replace those old jeans that are now two sizes too big. Learn more by visiting their website or calling 401-289-2330. More
You've spent your entire zoo-visiting life being told not to feed the animals, but finally your days has come. Beginning April 1, Roger Williams Park Zoo will host group feeding sessions, in which visitors will have the chance for an up-close encounter will giraffes, penguins and seals. There will only be a handful (cue rim shot) of spots available for these feedings, and tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The first giraffe feeding is at 2pm on April 1, with penguin and seal feedings to begin later in the spring at 11am. They will take place daily until Labor Day, and on weekends in October. We know some of you out there are probably really excited about this, but please don't shove any little kids to the ground in your scramble to get one of those tickets. More
Horse owners and enthusiasts should check out the Bristol County Horsemen’s Association Equipment & Tack Sale, to take place on March 18 from 9am-2pm at the Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton. Not only will there be great items for sale – everything from horse bridles and saddles to stirrups and riding clothes – but also exciting hourly raffles. Snacks and refreshments will be available to buy. Reserve a table and you’ll be able to sell your own unused horse items (and other household items, for that matter) for cash. The price to reserve is $20 per table for individuals and organizations; BCHA members can reserve for $10 a table. Admission to the sale itself is free and open to all.
The Bristol County Horsemen’s Association is as committed to its goals as it was when it first began 25 years ago: to support equine-related activities, safe riding practices, and responsible horse ownership in the Bristol community and beyond. More
One thing all children enjoy (besides asking, “Are we there yet?”) is playing with bubbles. Surprisingly, some of them come from our own backyard. Seekonk toy company Little Kids is celebrating its 20 years of No-Spill Bubble Fun with the launch of their “Only the Fun Comes Out” campaign, which includes the addition of three new No-Spill Bubble Fun toys. The No-Spill Bubble Machine, shaped like an egg, can blow bubbles continuously and won’t cause a wet mess if tipped upside down. The additional new toys are the No-Spill Squeeze ‘n Blow Pop-Up Bubbles (a traditional twist top bubble container with a no-spill lid) and the No-Spill Bubble Whistle. Put your mops in the closet and let your little ones play worry-free. More
The semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards (sort of like the Oscars of the food world) have been announced and two Bristol restaurants are in the running. Chef Sai Viswanath of DeWolf Tavern and Chef Champe Speidel of Persimmon are both nominated in the Best Chef: Northeast category. Finalists will be announced on March 19, and the awards ceremony takes place on May 7. Best of luck to our two hometown culinary celebrities. More
We're proud to sponsor the Friends of Bristol Animal Shelter's 5th annual Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, February 11 at 6:30pm. The beautiful Linden Place ballroom will be transformed into a carnival-style style party, complete with masqueraders, revelry, music and food. The Rockin' Soul Horns will provided the soundtrack and Blackstone Caterers will serve the food. There will be a cash bar, and live and silent auctions, including great prize packages like "Death By Chocolate," a weekend getaway to Martha's Vineyard, a week in Orlando, and a "Theater Lover's" package. Tickets are $75 and the money benefits our furry friends at the animal shelter. For more information call 401-457-8581 More
The British Are Coming
A new restaurant is open on State Street in Bristol. The British Beer Company, a local chain with a dozen or so locations throughout Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts, is set to open in the old location of The Anchor (29 State Street). BBC serves good quality pub food with some authentically English flair. When they open sometime in February or March, make sure to try the Guinness Stout Onion Soup, Bangers and Mash or their Pasty Pies.
That's Cheesy
The owners of Tortilla Flats in Providence have taken over The Cheese Plate (54 State Street, Warren). Stay tuned for more developments.
Get In the Spirit
The Newport Restaurant Group has two unmissable special dinners coming up this month. On February 9, 22 Bowen’s Wharf is hosting a Pacific Northwest Wine Dinner. The four-course dinner will be paired with wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Erath, Col Solare, Northstar and Snoqualmie wineries, and a winemaker from Chateau Ste. Michelle will be there to discuss the pairings. Then, on February 21 and 22, The Mooring will be hosing a Samuel Adams Beer Dinner, when a brewmaster from Sam Adams will pair their beers with a four-course meal. More