The beauty of a Rhode Islander summer is legend. There's a lot to take in, from the Cliff Walk to pristine beaches; stunning coastal vistas to scenic rivers; and old-time lighthouses. Go back in time at Newport mansions and historic farms. Step inside to explore museums. Watch fires glow along the river in Providence on summer nights. Take in all the sights, sounds and aromas.
But don't forget the food.
7 things you have to eat or drink in Rhode Island this summer and where to find them
If you want a taste of Rhode Island, here are seven things to eat or drink this summer and where to find them. They won't make your summer, but they will make it more delicious.
Our food editor, Gail Ciampa has recommendations on everything- From where to get the perfectly fried clam cake to the uniquely Rhode Island coffee cabinet. And that's only the start of the list!
Don't want to dine out? Try a fresh summer recipe with seasonal ingredients from a local farmers market
Farmers markets in Rhode Island draw a pretty loyal following, especially among shoppers looking for the freshest foods available.
"I try to come to this one every week," Xenia Murphy said recently as she picked up produce from Saunderstown's Lucky Foot Ranch at the farmers market in Goddard Memorial State Park. "I love the fact that everything is local and the fact that it's not wrapped in plastic."
Rhode Island shoppers seeking that fresh-from-the-farm difference rarely need to look far, with some 40 farmers markets operating at least through some point in August in the state's 39 cities and towns, with at least one market open somewhere in the state, regardless of what day of the week.
Here are farmers markets operating in 2024.
2024 farmers markets in RI:40 markets in the state's 39 cities and towns
Looking for something a bit bigger? Enjoy the tastes of RI and host a clambake this summer with this easy guide
A clambake is a symbol of New England, built on Native American cooking traditions and kept alive by the New Englanders who still host clambakes to this day.
T.R. McGrath, whose catering company McGrath Clambakes has prepared these feasts for weddings and other events for over 55 years, likened the practice to Polynesian cooking techniques such as the underground oven used to cook Kalua pork served at a traditional Hawaiian lūʻau or the traditional Māori use of a hāngī pit oven to cook for large, special occasions.
“In each case, they take the ingredients that are local and available to them to create this huge feast,” McGrath said. “Sort of the original farm-to-table, I guess you could say.”
Here's how to throw your own New England clambake, but a word of warning: Make sure you have a lot of hungry mouths to feed!
Frozen lemonade is a Rhode Island staple. Where do you get it, and how did it get here?
It's so hot, you think you're going to melt, or maybe you already melted.
But then you hear the jingle, you spot the stand, you see the green umbrella and Rhode Island's favorite tart treat is in sight: frozen lemonade.
Frozen lemonade is not the state drink, losing out to coffee milk in what was dubbed the Great State House Drink Battle of 1993, a fight that made its way to the front page of The Wall Street Journal, but in summer, it may as well be.
Frozen lemonade:A Rhode Island staple. Where do you get it, and how did it get here?
Planning a trip to the beach? Across RI, here's where to pick up a sandwich on the way
Packing a lunch for the beach? You know once you're on your blanket after a nice frolic in the water, you'll be hungry, won't you?
So plan ahead. If you aren't one for food prep, grab your cooler and pick up a sandwich, grinder or sub. It doesn't matter what you call it. Just pack it with some ice-cold drinks and be on your way. Don't forget the chips, pickles and maybe some grapes for dessert.
From the East Bay to Westerly, Rhode Island has no shortage of great delis, meat markets and bakeries where you'll find sandwiches made with great bread, meats, cheeses or veggies.
The only challenge one faces is which sandwich to choose for your beach day.
Planning a trip to the beach?Across RI, here's where to pick up a sandwich on the way
Where can you get a non-alcoholic beer served, and drink it over the water? These RI spots
“This is going to work,” I said to my friend and former colleague, Karen Ziner, sitting in my pickup cab in the midst of a Thunderstorm.
“This is going to work,” she reassuringly repeated.
When your editor orders you to get on that summer bar story – and offers the sweetener: “you can expense it” – well, seize the day.
In truth my editor faced no trouble signing off on the expense voucher because no alcohol would be consumed on this assignment. That was the ... twist. The plan: With the popularity of non-alcoholic beer growing, where in Rhode Island could someone go in summer and enjoy such a beverage while sitting literally over the water.
Not by the water’s edge; there are plenty of such places. We wanted to be over the water.
Dog days of summer? We've got the best dog-friendly bars in Rhode Island
Nothing says summer like a cold beer, the outdoors and a dog. Luckily, there are numerous spots in Rhode Island where you'll find that trifecta. Consider this your guide to dog-friendly bars, where you can unwind with your furry friend and soak up some rays.
This isn't a full guide to every dog-friendly watering hole, but a handful of solid spots where you can find a drink, good grub, and always, a good dog. A few are even approved by the reporter's beagle mix, Buddy.
Cool drinks, small bites and great views: 5 RI rooftop bars to visit this summer
In a state literally surrounded by ocean views, it’s a wonder why there is not a rooftop bar on every waterfront in Rhode Island.
That being said, there are great casual spots for those looking to enjoy a nice cocktail or beer and maybe a small bite while gazing over the sky and shorelines that make up this great state without having to reserve a table and purchase a plate.
Cool drinks, small bites, great views:5 RI rooftop bars to visit this summer
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