Narragansett, Newport, Glendale? When you think of beaches, this village in Burrillville might not make your list or even be on your radar, but less than 40 minutes from the heart of Providence, Spring Lake Beach is a freshwater destination brimming with nostalgic charm, a boatload of activities, and all the trappings for making summertime memories.
Remember to pack your beach bag with coins because Spring Lake Beach has a penny arcade, which is reported to be among the oldest in America. Playing pinball in a damp bathing suit is an experience not to be missed. At the water’s edge there’s a slide for thrill-seeking tots and a dock that older kids and teens enjoy swimming to – and often celebrate reaching by standing proud on said swim dock prior to diving off. There are boat and kayak rentals, a beach store, playground, volleyball court, ice cream, and more. Learn more at Burrillville.org or call 401-568-9470.
If you live in parts of the Ocean State not bordered by coastline, a hot summer’s day can easily mean loading up the car and heading to your nearby lake or pond. Check these out now:
Briar Point Beach, Coventry
Bowdish Reservoir, Chepachet
Georgiaville Town Beach, Smithfield
Governor John Notte Memorial Park, North Providence
Lincoln Woods State Park
Ninigret Park, Charlestown
Peck Pond, Glocester
Wallum Lake, Burrillville
Watchaug Pond, Burlingame
DIY Adventure Ride: Discover Blackstone Valley by bike with the RI Northeast Mountain Biking Association, through woodsy trails off the beaten path and routes ranging from easy rides to challenging technical ones.
Cruise Into the News: Their first event in over a year, The News Cafe hosts a classic car show outdoors with live music on their brand-new patio, food and drink provided. Pawtucket
Heritage Ballet - An Evening of Dance: Check out this choreographed celebration of all things ballet held at the Stadium Theatre. Woonsocket
Disney Day: Pretend to be your favorite Disney character for this one-day workshop complete with meet-and-greets, mini classes, Mad Hatter tea party lunch, theater games, and themed dance party. Woonsocket
Music on the Farm: Don’t miss the awe-inspiring performance by Colombian opera singer David Rivera Bozon at Grace Note Farm Inn. Call 401-567-0354 or email virginiasindelar@gmail.com for reservations. Pascoag
The Magical World of Dance: Presented by Encore Academy, this Disney-themed performance is sure to please both kids and kids-at-heart. Woonsocket
Dragons & Wizards - A Summer Psychic Faire: Embrace your inner GoT or LotR obsession and come in full costume to LARP in this mystical outdoor market brimming with tarot readers, mediums, meditation gurus, merchants, and more. Johnston
Foisy & Vandal: Enjoy a low-key live show while sipping and savoring dinner at this tucked-away restaurant and bar. Cumberland
93rd Annual Ancients & Horribles Parade: A fireworks show kicks off a weekend-long celebration, followed by a road race and judged parade lampooning local and national politics on the Fourth of July. Glocester
Victorian Garden Party & Ice Cream Social: Enjoy an old-fashioned garden party that harkens back to the 19th century at Hearthside House Museum, plus frozen treats to help keep cool on a summer day. Lincoln
Doll Garden Party: Part of Hearthside House’s popular series, girls aged 5 to 12 can bring their favorite toy doll for a turn-of-the-century social on the lawn. Lincoln
Tapestry - The Carole King Songbook: This tribute to Carole King, previously cancelled by the pandemic, has been rescheduled for August 6. The tribute will recreate a vintage Carole King performance, with a ‘70s sound, starring Suzanne Davis. Woonsocket
CumberlandFest: This weekend-long event celebrates the town of Cumberland and also helps youth programs throughout the town. And, even more special, this will mark the festival’s 30th year. Cumberland
Starry, Starry Night: Avid astronomers and beginners alike are invited for an evening of stargazing at Chase Farm, which offers wide open spaces and clear views of the night sky. Lincoln
Blackstone Valley Heritage Golf Tournament: Support a cause while playing 18 holes to support the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s youth environmental education programs at Crystal Lake Golf Club. Burrillville
Piano Food Fest: While a date had not yet been set, it looks like this one-of-a-kind event will return as families compete with piano-shaped foods and recitals at Diamond Hill Park. Cumberland, FestivalNet.com
Blackstone Valley Bike Trail: This is a cyclist’s best kept secret, a scenic, 17-mile trail from Pawtucket to Woonsocket, paved and photo-ready, with forgotten canals and waterfalls along the way.
Drive-In Movies: At less than $30 a carload for a double feature, this authentic 1950s drive-in theater beckons you and your bunch to view movies from your vehicle. North Smithfield
Heritage Hikes: Recurring monthly on the first, join the North Smithfield Heritage Association for a woodland hike through Harkness Conservation Area with views of the Blackstone and Branch River Valleys and historic sites. North Smithfield
River Tours: Wondering what to do on a Sunday afternoon? Take a 50-minute boat tour while learning the history of Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley. Pawtucket
Arts in the Alley: Held on select Sundays throughout the summer, the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative and Lops Brewing hold afternoons with food, beer, music, and vendors. Woonsocket
Trivia at Adeline’s: Weekly at 7pm, patrons at this neighborhood speakeasy compete for a chance to win cool prizes courtesy of Team Trivia New England. Cumberland
Trivia at The Guild: Answer five rounds of bizarre questions for the chance to win a $50 gift card – all while enjoying a pint. Pawtucket
Farmers Markets: Find fresh fruit and veggies every week in Woonsocket and Central Falls; starts July 6. For locations, visit FarmFreshRI.org.
Food Truck Nights at Holy Trinity: On the last Wednesday of the month, enjoy food from a dozen mobile eateries, live music, and beer from Trinity Brewhouse. Woonsocket
Food Truck Concert Nights at Diamond Hill: Summer really is a food truck frenzy, and you’ll find your favorites parked in Cumberland alongside a lineup of live music.
Levitt Amp Woonsocket Music Series: Each Friday, catch regional and national acts from Sarah Borges to Terrance Simien at River Island Art Park. July 9-September 17. Woonsocket
Friday Karaoke at Chan’s: Each Friday through July 30, Chan’s partners with WRIK Entertainment to host karaoke night, made even more fun after sipping on a signature scorpion bowl. Woonsocket
Outdoor Classic Movie Nights: Kick back with a bucket of complimentary popcorn on the grounds of Hearthside House for their outdoor film series on June 19 and August 28 (stay tuned for more possible dates, too!). Lincoln
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