Finneran: August's Soft Summer Nights
Tom Finneran, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™
Finneran: August's Soft Summer Nights
Other indicators of the passing season? How about those warm waters? June and July do the hard work for those August swimmers who love their water as warm as a bath. Those J and J vacation months amp up the water temps for pools, ponds, and lakes. Even the ocean takes notice, making Outer Cape beaches beautifully swimmable for hours at a time. As the wise woman says—“this too shall pass”. Enjoy it while you can.
Farm stand bounty beckons us to drive straight past the supermarket and to pull over to the side of the road at those little huts which look so utterly forlorn and abandoned in the snows of winter. Lunches of tomato sandwiches and dinners of corn on the cob are the stuff of heaven and those little huts are doing quite a business moving such sweet stuff from local fields to family tables. Corn and tomatoes, tomatoes and corn---these must be mainstays on Heaven’s menu.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAugust cannot pass without a trip to the ice cream stand. Actually, many trips to the ice cream stand! And August has no monopoly on those trips. My wife and I have made more than a dozen practice runs during June and July! Chocolate chip and maple walnut are our standard choices but we can be persuaded to consider peach, coffee, and almost anything with caramel. Always get the extra-large double or triple scoop---you can easily do a few extra sit-ups in the morning………
Next week—specifically the night of August 12th—get out the bug spray and pray for a cloudless sky at night. The Perseid meteor shower returns that night, rewarding sky-watchers with hundreds of fireballs and “shooting stars”, from about 10:00 PM until the wee hours of the morning. This year I’ll try it with the older grandkids although the odds are that they’ll all fall asleep on the beach, leaving Papa the joyful task of carrying them back to the car on his bad knees and strong shoulders.
August memories include concerts of course. Local bands on small town greens or big name bands at Fenway Park or Foxboro, the Pavilion or the DCU give plenty of choices. From rock to country, from gospel to show music, the range reflects America’s breadth. Savor it.
How about summer theater? There’s no shortage of choice here either. Serious drama abounds throughout the Northeast and the talent never fails to amaze me. At summer’s end I always kick myself that I didn’t get out to see more of these productions.
This August in particular will sidestep the usual summer slump and avoidance of politics. Next year’s Presidential election looms large and the press is enjoying the fact that the normal boring dog days of summer have been displaced by some spicy political theater. Hillary has some issues to handle and Bernie Sanders is drawing big crowds. Will Joe Biden enter the fray? Where’s Martin O’Malley now that Hillary is sliding? Will Jim Webb, a sensible experienced guy, spark an intramural war between the sensible center and the left wing now running the party?
And how about the growing crowd on the Republican side of the stage? I disagree with a lot of local opinion about that field—I think it’s a pretty talented group and anyone of several of them can emerge from the pack as a serious and capable foe to the Democratic nominee. Watch Walker, Rubio, Kasich, and Bush. Plus Cruz and Trump will certainly spice things up. Carson and Fiorina add lots of interest based on their non-political backgrounds and success. Rand Paul is a bit of a wildcard based upon the American people’s growing suspicion of a bullying national government run amok. He could catch fire as well. Back to Bush for a moment---his problem is twofold: the nation’s general resistance to “royal families” and the public’s assessment of his brother’s White House years. Can he (and Hillary) overcome the “yesterday” vibe of their campaigns? Stay tuned………..
All in all, August should be fun. Enjoy!
25 Things You Have to Do in RI Before the End of Summer
25.
Rent a Paddle Board From Paddle Surf RI
Westerly
Whether you’re looking for a new way to explore the water or an intense workout, paddle boarding won’t disappoint.
As you stand fully up, you’ll enjoy everything from the fish below to the sun setting on the horizon.
24.
Take a Harbor Tour of Newport
Newport
Odds are you’ve been down to historic Newport before, but you never learned about the seaside city through a guided harbor tour.
Fort Adams, century old churches, and lighthouses highlight the tour, with much more also in store.
23.
See a Play at Theatre By The Sea
Wakefield
Broadway classics, Disney musicals, and more come to life on the stage of this seaside theatre.
Whether you’re sitting right next to the orchestra or up in the balcony, you’ll leave humming the tunes of your favorite ensembles.
Image courtesy of: Flickr/llahbocaj
22.
Visit Rocky Point State Park
Warwick
Rocky Point Amusement Park may be gone, but the recently opened state park allows visitors to enjoy the land where so many memories were once made.
21.
Bike on the East Bay Bike Path
Barrington
Travel down this 14.5 mile long path that stretches from India Point Park in Providence down to Independence Park in Bristol.
The path connects many towns and provides waterside views nearly the entire way.
20.
Visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary
Middletown
Bring your binoculars and hike through the sanctuary’s trails to watch birds soar through the air.
Get your listening ears ready, too, as birds’ songs echo from one end of the sanctuary to the other.
19.
Explore the Cliff Walk
Newport
As you walk this 3.5 mile course, take a glance towards land to witness the regal nature of Newport’s many mansions.
A short while later look out towards the sea, all while the salty ocean breeze crashes in with the waves.
18.
Sightsee from Beavertail State Park
Jamestown
Either from your car or on any of the walking trails, watch the seaside grasses blow in the wind and whitecaps crash onto the rocks.
You can even check out the lighthouse and accompanying museum as boats cruise along the horizon.
17.
Pick Berries at Sweet Berry Farm
Middletown
Grab a basket and fill it to the brim with seasonal fruit.
Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and blackberries will all be available at different points during the remainder of summer.
16.
Stay Overnight at Rose Island Lighthouse
Newport
Skip the hotel room and spend the night in Rose Island Lighthouse, much like a light keeper would.
Located right by Newport’s Pell Bridge, you’ll be able to watch storms roll in and boats zip by.
15.
Eat Sunday Brunch at Ocean House
Westerly
Order from the “make your own” Bloody Mary bar, chose from the raw bar, or have a staff member make you a personalized crepe.
The food will delight, but not nearly as much as the breathtaking views out onto the lawn and water.
14.
Eat a Saugy at a Barbecue
Rather than grilling up a traditional hot dog, cook a saugy over your charcoal grill.
They’re packed with flavor and may not even require ketchup, mustard, or relish on top.
13.
Take the Ferry to Block Island
Block Island
Hop aboard the Block Island Ferry for a quick ride out to this island destination.
As you pull into Old Harbor you’ll be greeted by the beach and shops, looking to extend your stay.
12.
Fly a Kite at Brenton Point
Newport
Look out onto the water as the wind takes your kite for twists and turns through the sky.
When you’re done flying your kite, pull out a picnic while the ocean breeze rolls onto the shore.
11.
Buy Fresh Seafood From Champlin’s Seafood in Galilee
Narragansett
Whether you’re in the mood for a lobster dinner or clam chowder, Champlin’s has seafood that will make your meal fresh as can be.
A fleet of boats deliver daily everything from scallops to cod.
10.
See a Movie at the Rustic Drive-In
North Smithfield
Call up your friends, pack a picnic, and sit in your car as feature films are projected along giant outdoor screens.
The audio plays right through your radio, so be sure to turn the volume up high as you snack on your candy and popcorn.
9.
Catch a Newport Gulls Game
Newport
Whether you’re a Newport resident or just visiting, make sure you stop by Cardines Field to watch the Gulls swing for the fences.
If you’re lucky maybe you’ll even snag a foul ball.
Image courtesy of: Flickr/NewportGullsRI
8.
Eat a Clam Cake From Flo’s
Portsmouth, Middletown
Take one bite of a Flo’s clam cake and you’ll understand why they’ve been around since 1936.
Dip it in a side of tartar sauce or enjoy as is.
7.
Listen to Music on Federal Hill
Providence
Enjoy a plate of pasta and glass of wine in DePasquale Plaza as live music plays every night from Monday to Sunday.
The combination of delectable food and soothing tunes create an ambiance you won’t want to leave.
Image courtesy of: Richard Benjamin
6.
Dine at Rooftop at the Providence G
Providence
Have a drink at the bar, enjoy food from the raw bar, or lounge on any of the couches as you take in awe-inspiring views.
This spot is the only rooftop restaurant and bar in Providence, and it’s worth stopping by for the sight lines alone.
5.
Kayak on Narrow River
Narragansett
Grab some friends and paddle towards Narragansett Bay or upriver.
You’ll stumble upon wildlife and scenic views regardless of which direction you go.
4.
Have Ice Cream From Brickley’s
Narragansett, Wakefield
Watch as they make a waffle cone right in front of you and add sprinkles to your favorite homemade flavor.
With your frozen treat in hand, sit outside at a picnic table and savor every moment.
3.
Drink a Del’s
Stop at the sign of the lemon and quench your thirst on a hot day with this Rhode Island staple.
The lemon flavor is always a safe bet, but give the watermelon or blueberry flavors a try if you’re feeling adventurous.
2.
Drive in a Convertible Along Ocean Drive
Newport
Put the top down, get your best pair of shades on, and rock your favorite tune as you cruise along the coast.
With breathtaking homes and oceanside views throughout, you’ll wish that this drive never ends.
1.
Walk Along Narragansett Beach
Narragansett
Stroll all the way from chair six to chair one as the waves crash along the shore.
Keep an eye out for sea glass as Narrow River or The Towers come into view.
