Your Summer Itinerary

If You Are: Sick... Sick of Work, That Is

Posted

11am
When you call in sick, your boss thinks you’re lying. In fact, you probably are. We don’t blame you – what with just 94 days of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ve gotta enjoy that sun while the gettin’s good. Have a late breakfast far outside the city at The Sunnyside. Enjoy waterfront dining at this upscale breakfast, lunch and brunch spot. Make sure to have a Bloody Mary with those eggs; it’s the right thing to do. Or, start the party early at Effin’s Last Resort, where the food is good and the motto is "Work hard, play hard" – sort of ironic, in your case at least. This resort-style playground for adults features live music, an Olympic-sized pool, beach volleyball and a full-service tiki bar.

1pm
Explore the Blackstone River aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer, a 40-passenger riverboat that will whisk you away for a 45-minute narrated tour. Sit in the far back of the boat and wear your Scuba Steve-inspired diving goggles just in case.

Head to historic Wickford Village (pictured below) for a stress-free day of shopping, walking through the charming tree-lined streets or sitting on the dock and watching the boats go by. Grab an ice cream at the Inside Scoop and take it to go.

2:30pm
Of course, you have to hit up the beach. For those of you who like to “hang ten,” head to Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach. This strip of sand offers lively surf, volleyball and a fun, lively crowd.

Insider Tip: You have to try the snack bar’s famous lobster roll. Bring cash.

Narragansett Town Beach is the perfect place to hide out for the day. Let’s face it, you can’t get caught playing hooky and get fired... you’ve got a drinking habit to support. For another out of the way option, head to Misquamicut Beach’s Andrea Hotel. With oceanfront tables and daytime deck parties between the hours of 1-5pm, you can booze it up between dips in the ocean.

4pm
Once you’ve had your fill of the surf, grab a bite at Crazy Burger. This funky burger joint offers creative concoctions to please the carnivore and herbivore alike. You can sit out back in the cozy garden area, beside a hanging plant that looks like something out of Little Shop of Horrors.

Insider Tip: It’s a BYOB establishment so be sure to plan ahead.

On Aquidneck Island, the place to be and be seen is Johnny’s Atlantic Beach Club, aka “The A.B.C,” which is right on the beach. Here you can eat, drink and dance in your bathing suit, while listening to music and ogling the high-end sports cars parked in the lot.

5:30pm
It’s late in the afternoon, but the sun is still blazing. Try a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure through the Dive Shop. Just minutes from the most popular dive sites in the state, this shop offers both beginner and advanced instructional classes.

If keeping your head above water is more your speed, rent a kayak at Narrow River Kayak. Everyone and everything seems to move in slow motion here – even the water. This is not at all a rigorous jaunt; in fact, the water is so shallow at some points, you can beach your kayak for a quick sunbathing session and then carry on your way.

Insider Tip: There are lots of birds, wildlife and interesting dilapidated buildings here. Bring a waterproof camera.

7pm
Treat yourself to a sunset cocktail atop the roof of the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel (pictured above). It’s part luxury hotel, part restored historic mansion. On Wednesdays in the summer they offer Roof Deck Movies – watch the sunset, then catch a flick while enjoying truffled popcorn and champagne.

For a more casual experience, check out the deck at George’s of Galilee. Grab a beer and some clamcakes, then take a barefoot stroll on the sand as the sun sets around you. This day should leave you refreshed... and as ready to take on your co-workers as you’ll ever be.

summer, providence, beach, newport, wickford, narragansett, crazy burger, kayak

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here



X