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- ☕️ Bristol's Coffee Secret Finally Unveiled?
☕️ Bristol's Coffee Secret Finally Unveiled?
ALSO: Icy Odyssey ❄️, Green Revival 🌱, Island Pour 🍇


Happy Wednesday, to 20,000+ Rhode Islanders!
That’s a big milestone and we couldn’t have done it without you, our fantastic readers. With your feedback and clicks, we’ve sculpted the Rhody Weekender into shared vision of community. We promise to continue making it better, with you, each and every issue!
Cooking up a community idea? Take the poll below on our lil’ community cook book idea.
New Feature! Newport Tides chart for weekends. Add just 10-15 minutes to any time for Point Judith. If you are north of Newport, just add a little more time—up to 45 minutes if you are in Providence—and time your low tide strolls just right. Now you know the tides for the weekend, at a glance!
Pumphouse in Wakefield needs your support to continue the music. Read on, below.
Got a link to share? Let me know here.
Just want to say hi? Do that here.
Now let’s jump into what’s in store for this weekend!
Highs & Lows

Should we keep the new tides feature?Leave us some feedback either way after voting. |
Outdoor & Nature

❄️ Kayak through icy chaos: Beneath the Polar Sun – Film Screening & Director Talk Back at United Theatre in Westerly. Award-winning documentary captures scientists battling brutal ice floes near the North Pole. Post-film chat with director Diana Kushner and expedition leader Stephen Smith about Arctic realities.
🥾 Hike RI’s hidden coast: Guided Hike at East Beach State Beach in Charlestown. Four-mile trek on wild, sandy shores. Ranger-led insights included—sand in shoes guaranteed.
🌱 Restore the green: Arcadia Spring Clean Up at Arcadia Management Area Midway Parking in Exeter, RI. Participate in rejuvenating the park's natural beauty. A great opportunity to connect with the community and environment!
🚴 Pedal, sip, repeat: Triberus Group Ride from Narragansett Brewery, Providence. All-level cycling meetup every Saturday at 10 AM. Finish with pints, snacks, and new cycling buddies. (Scroll to Saturday on the calendar)
🌳 Explore the park together: First Saturday Family Walks departing from Clark Dalrymple Boathouse at Roger Williams Park. Enjoy nature with family and friends on this guided walk. Open to all; bring your enthusiasm and love for the outdoors!
A Musical Non-Profit in Trouble?
Food & Drink

🕹️ Escape the Upside Down: Stranger Things Trivia Night at Providence Brewing. Seven rounds covering Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, and '80s nostalgia. Totally tubular knowledge required—waffles optional.
☕️ Brew better, drink smarter: Bristol: Water Chemistry Workshop at Borealis Coffee, Bristol, RI. Dive deep into water’s role in perfecting your coffee. Mad scientist mode encouraged—ticket includes a 12oz coffee bag.
🌿 Leaf your worries behind: New England Plant Expo at Sons of Liberty Spirits Co., Wakefield, RI. Explore exotic plants, botanically themed crafts, food trucks, and brews. Family and dog-friendly!
🍇 Uncork Island wines: Spring Wine Tasting Series: Canary Island Wines, Little Sister, Providence next weekend. Experience a curated selection of five wines from the Canary Islands. Enjoy chef-prepared Puerto Rican dishes shared among guests. Seating is limited to 17; book early!
🍻 Friday night food and funk: Teddi’s Food Truck and 'Take it to the Bridge’, at Ragged Island Brewing Company in Portsmouth. Food Truck from 4–8 PM and live music from 6:30–9 PM.
A Rhody Weekender Community Cookbook?

I would like to pull together something truly special for our Rhody Weekender community: a cookbook that’s more than just recipes.
Imagine a little memento, in the form of a cookbook, celebrating not only our favorite Rhode Island dishes—like Grandma’s special clam cakes or Aunt Judy’s “Rhode Island Red” clam chowder—but also the stories that go with them. Where they came from, how old they are, any crazy antics or anecdotal history, or whatever you can think of!
I can envision having a whole chapter just on authentic and modern clam chowder variations!
Food, stories, family, friends. That’s the vision for “The Rhody Weekender Community Cookbook”.
You in?
Would you be interested in contributing to or purchasing a Rhody Weekender Community Cookbook |
Entertainment

🎭 Sail into Shakespeare's storm: La Tempestad — The Tempest at Trinity Rep, Providence, RI. Experience a bilingual adaptation blending English and Spanish, with subtitles for both. Magic, betrayal, and love intertwine in this reimagined classic.
🥔 Poutine and fiddles: Salute to Spring ~ Bonjour Printemps Concert at Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, RI. Revel in Grosse Isle's Irish and Québécois musical journey. Enjoy poutine, pastries from Wright’s Dairy Farm, and more. All ages are welcome; doors open at 2 PM.
👠 There's no place like the theater: The Wizard of Oz at Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket. Relive the enchanting story with memorable characters and songs. A must-see production that brings the magic of Oz to life on stage.
🍷 Jazz and wine date night: Friday Music Series at PVD Wine Bar, Providence. This Friday, check out Trois Gras - a local Jazz Organ Trio. Enjoy global wines in sizes from a tasting pour to a bottle, alongside small plates and desserts made for pairing!
🍽️ Bring your best dish: Potluck Open Mic at Pump House Music Works, Wakefield. Join the community for a night of shared food and performances. All skill levels welcome; doors and sign-ups at 5:30 PM; $5 suggested donation.
Arts, Crafts & Culture

🌿 Scripting and Plants: Modern Calligraphy for Beginners at Jordan's Jungle in Pawtucket. Enjoy spring-inspired calligraphy lessons in an enchanting jungle setting. Materials provided—take home your beautiful creations!
🌸 Discover watercolor techniques: Loose Hydrangea Watercolor with Victoria Bishop at Wickford Art Association, North Kingstown. Discover the art of loose watercolor techniques focusing on hydrangea motifs and negative painting.
🍶 Craft your perfect pot: Pottery with a Purpose at Smug Brewing Company in Pawtucket. Hands-on pottery session, beginner-friendly vibes. Sculpt pinch pots into planters, vases, and candle holders—craft brews on tap to fuel creativity.
🕺 Celebrate creativity in bloom: OSTARA Fine Arts Ball at Newport Harbor Island Resort, Newport. Join us as we mark the arrival of spring with nature-themed installations and ambient lighting. Dress in fashion inspired by art and nature. The evening begins with exclusive access to ART NEWPORT's art showcase, followed by festivities in the ballroom.
🌸 Celebrate spring's arrival: Celebrate Spring at Spring Bull Gallery, Newport, RI. Juried exhibition featuring vibrant artworks capturing the essence of spring. Open daily, noon to 4 PM; closed Tuesdays.
Rhody Kiddies
🧶 Shear delight in crafting: Kids' Craft: Rustic Sheep Saturday at Cross' Mills Public Library, Charlestown. Assemble a cute sheep from yarn and wood. Suitable for all ages; registration is required via phone at 401.364.6211
🐰 Hop in for a photo op: Easter Bunny Photos & Open Play at Fawn & Cub Playspace, Cranston. For $25, you can have a 10-minute bunny session and open play. Reserve your spot early—book now, as these fill up fast!
🤿 Splash together: Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School, Warwick. Fridays, 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM. Relax in a shiver-free, 90-degree pool. Open to all; visit the website for more info.
🎈 Talk, play, connect: Speech and Language Playgroups with Little Bee the SLP at PlayTime, Smithfield. These Friday morning sessions help kids find their voice and form friendships through creative, guided play. Enrollment open—minimum of three children to start.
Rhody Moments
Check out this lil’ dude catching some rays, in broad daylight. I guess even coyotes need some sun, even if it’s…on a gravestone.
“Saw this in the wild”. I was wondering when these would become more common! I think we all take a little weird pride in the failure of the bridge. Is that fair to say? What is more Rhode Island than that in the last 20 years? (Maybe we should make our own version for this community?)
Lot’s of comments on this one! “What Rhode Island things would you put in a gift box for…” LOL Can you put hot food?
Zeppole Blind Taste Test - 2025 Results. I hope this doesn’t make anyone mad!!
Photo of the Week
That’s it for this issue of the Rhody Weekender. See you next week!