A little bit of history, good coffee, and a telescope.

Earlier this week, I tagged along a friend's tour of the Rhode Island State Capitol in Providence. I have been in the building once before but didn't have any idea of how much art and history sit inside of its walls.  What a treat!

My friend, Freeman T. Freeman, is one of the tour guides at the State House and he provided an exceptional tour.  I only capture some of the fascinating facts he shared with me and if you are ever in PVD, be sure to check out the tour yourself.

Here are some of the things I learned:

• The Rhode Island State Capitol building has the fourth largest non-centrally supported dome structure in the world.  Can you name the first three?

• Rhode Island was the first state given permission by the King the absolute freedom of religion.
• Rhode Island was the last state to sign the US Constitution waiting for the Bill of Rights to be included.
• Rhode Island Governor Sprague abolished the death penalty in the state in response to a final straw of injustice: the hanging of an innocent man.  There was a claim of a crime and the authorities rounded up the three strangers who were in the vicinity.  One of them couldn't provide an alibi and was sentence to death by hanging.  Shortly after, the actual criminal confessed to the crime.

 

• Christiana Carteaux Bannister was an amazing woman.  Part African, part Narragansett Indian, she advocated for black soldiers to receive equal pay and she is one of the founders of the Providence Art Club.

• The portrait of George Washington in the Governor's Salon has been appraised at $10 million (*) and although his foot is positioned in an angle, no matter which side of the room you stand, the foot is point right at you.

Later that night, I checked out Robin Kall's series, The Cardigan Connection. It is a monthly reading series held at Askew that features    This month, Zach Powers (FIRST COSMIT VELOCITY), Daniela Petrova (HER DAUGHTER’S MOTHER), Kate McQuade (TELL ME WHO WE WERE), Barbara Bourland (FAKE LIKE ME) shared bits of their books with the crowd. Your first night attending is FREE. Sign up for her e-newsletter to stay in the know of upcoming events. She also has a podcast called Reading with Robin that features interviews with all kinds of authors.

And that was just Tuesday. On Wednesday, I finally visited the famed White Electric Coffee for a decaf cappuccino.  The shop is about six blocks from my house but I have never checked it out. Since I was on my way to a top secret training session (*), I found my Doris Day parking spot and popped in to pick up a cup of fancy joe.  By the way, the gal sitting under the big 'E' gave me permission you post that photo.

Today, as I was driving home, I spy with my little eye....an observatory!!!!  I have held a long time love of the celestial beauty above our little heads.  I quickly pulled over to go check it out/to see if Ladd Observatory was open to the public.  Alas, it is only on Tuesday nights (when weather permits) but Mike (the facilities guy) gave me a quick tour and I can't wait to go back to use that grand telescope to look at Saturn. He also shared that there is a nearby star gazing group called Skycrapers Inc. in North Scituate (***).  With a mission as a 'group of people who are interested in the wonders of the sky', I am sold.

Tomorrow, I am meeting a local lifestyle blogger with hopes to convince her to contribute to my Artclectic New England podcast. Speaking of podcasts, next month, I am a guest on the Grow Smart RI podcast to share my story about moving to Providence and my love of the arts. 

Dames Who Dine has offered lots of opportunities to check out all kinds of eateries around the area.  My pal, Rose, and I are doing the unthinkable on (according to Rhode Island legend): we are driving south for about 30 minutes to visit a restaurant in Bristol, RI.  Apparently, these Rhodies don't like to drive very far even though the state is so tiny.  Go figure.

I've got a couple of other great things coming up this weekend including a visitor from Oregon!

#IHeartExploring

(*) More on that later!

(**) Idea: sell that painting and pay for improvements in the school system.  Just a thought.

(***) Can you guess how that is pronounced?  Bet you can't.

Warren, RI + Bristol, RI

I went exploring again.  This time another visit to Colt State Park in Bristol, RI. It is often called the the 'gem' of the state's park system and it became clear as to why: expansive greenspace with a panorama view of Narragansett Bay. I accidentally stumbled upon in last month when Uncle Liam came east for a visit.  We were driving back from Newport, RI and decided to meander our way back to Providence. But more on the park later!

 

We also discovered Warren, RI that is a quaint town just north of Bristol and has one of the sweetest libraries I've been in. It is called the George Hail Free Library and it was established in 1888. Actually, it started in 1871 as an association but later this Romanesque Revival styled structure was built using a substantial donation by George's widow, Martha. At first glance, I thought it was church turned into a library but staff shared with me that it has always been a home for books. You can read about its history here.

Well, I was so smitten with both experiences, I decided to take another daytrip down to both locations.  I stopped in Warren to grab a coffee before driving down to the park last Sunday morning.  I had a grand plan: take walk around parts of the 400+ park and then sit my butt down in my chair by the bay, to read and even nap.

My walk started along the water's edge and then I came upon a rocky beach which reminded me so much of the Oregon Coast. I sat for a few quiet moments to smell the briny air and feel the cool breeze on my face.

 

I continued my stroll into the woods and towards a structure I caught a glance of the last time I was at the park.  As it turned out, it is the park office, believe it or not.  Originally, it was the barn for the former landowner's prized cows and horses.  The offices are in the former trophy room.  

I patiently waited for the older gentleman in the room to finish his very important report on the 'strange truck he saw driving in the area' and asked for a bit of history on the property and structure.  I was given a very informative handout but in summary, Samuel P. Colt built the farm.  He comes from the DeWolf family who developed the port of Bristol and were very powerful.  They also carried on the Slave Trade after it was outlawed by Rhode Island.  They pretty much owned the town and when things imploded in the 1840s, they also dragged the whole town into bankruptcy. 

Many years later Samuel restored the family's money and erased much of their bad reputation. He purchased several parcels of land that would eventually become Colt Farm and it was something to behold.  It had a main house, barns, a party casino, and stables. Statues of mythical Greek gods and goddesses could be found all over the grounds. 

And he loved his cows.  No expense was spared in the care of his beloved bovines: each cow had its own designated caretaker who would polish its horns and wash its tails, everyday. Cork and rubber covered the concrete floors where the cows stood.  It was spotless and heated in the winter season. 

There is a historic farm called Coggeshall that has been in operation since 1750 (!) that I plan to visit when I return to the area.

After my history chat, I walked back to the water and plopped myself down to read and take a nap.  As I did so, the park filled with hundreds of people hosting baby showers, barbecues, family reunions, and just hanging out by the bay for the day. It was an idyllic space and with that cool wind coming off the water, I was in heaven. So many different languages and I was also surrounded by laughter. I even sketched the scene before me of deep blue water, puffy white clouds, and a sprinkle of sailboats.  What a day!

 

Well, fast forward about a week's time and I was back in Warren with my friend, Ellen.  We headed down to check out some music but as it turned out, we messed up on the time but no worries, we came up with a tasty Plan B: Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront.  O.M.G. - was that lobstah roll, delish. If they aren't world famous, they should be. I can't wait to go back!

If you ever plan on visiting Rhode Island, be sure to check out Bristol and Warren. Oh, and you better call me so we can go get ourselves a lobstah roll, okay?

Books & Trees

A big shout out of thanks to Beatrice over at the Providence Public Library for coordinating a site visit for me to see the current renovation of the library. A little side note: the library system here is quite different from my experiences with the beloved Multnomah County Library that I spent years visiting.  Here, there is a blanket arrangement that you can borrow books from any of the public libraries in Rhode Island but they are all independent. My favorite locations are PPL in downtown Providence (the spot I toured) and the Knight Memorial Library, both of which are part of the Providence Community Library system. But back to PPL....the library is doing a major overhaul to the newer side of the facility and I got a peek at a portion of the work-in-progress yesterday.

 

I'm afraid I didn't take detailed notes of all the changes that will be made but by the sound of things, looks like I will be spending a lot of time there considering there will be a cafe on site (coffee in the morning and cocktails at night).  There is also a work-in-progress media studio which will eventually house some audio recording gear. Based on the description of all the public spaces, it is going to be stunning with state of the art gear and all kinds of natural lighting.  I can't wait!

Well, since I do have to wait until the spring of 2020 to enjoy the new space at PPL, I decided to scope out my first hike in Providence proper.  Someone told me about Neutaconkanut Park that is located in outer southwest part of the city.  I had a little trouble finding a trail head but I approached someone in on of the bordering neighborhoods and he gave me some guidance.  My visit was short and sweet due to several reasons but I do hope to return because it is rumored to offer one heck of a view of downtown.  

Thanks to Linder for serving as my huckleberry.  Hiking alone as a woman can be a bit sketchy.  Note to self for next time:  pick up some pepper spray and bug repellent. 

Happy Daytripping!

Daytripping - July 2019

About a week ago, my friend, Sarah and I headed to New Bedford, MA for a day trip.  I love that town.  Cobblestone streets, historic homes, the whaling museum, The Z - all good things. It also has a fantastic public library chock full of art!

The following night, Dames Who Dine PVD convened to enjoy a very tasty meal at Black Duck Tavern in East Providence - an excellent choice for a dinner. Delicious food, excellent service, and good prices. I am going back for the lobster roll and fries, baby.

On Friday of this week, I checked out a new documentary called Maiden at The Avon in Providence.  I highly recommend this film about an all-female crew who sailed in an around-the-world race.  One of the most inspirational films I have seen in some time.  If you are looking to pursue a dream, check out this film to help motivate you into your next steps.

On Saturday, I volunteered for Preserve Rhode Island for the annual Little Compton Antique and Car Show.  Our estimates name the number of attendees to about a thousand folks this year.  The event is an annual benefit for the organization and Little Compton Historical Society.  

It has been a really fun week of exploring.  It is certainly one way to learn about my new home state of Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. And, it isn't even Sunday yet.

Happy Daytripping!