Category Archives: Rhode Island

August 25, 2023

2023 Newport Kite Festival (Brenton Point State Park, Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: July, 8, 2023 (usually held the second Saturday in July)

Location: Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI (1 hour south of Providence, RI or 1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: There is abundant free parking

Dog Friendly: Yes

Universally Accessible: Yes

Summary: People from all over New England and farther came to Brenton Point to fly or view the many kites at the Newport Kite Festival.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Oh it’s just the 2023 Newport kite festival!

Kites of all shapes, colors and meaning could be seen flying through the air at Brenton Point.

Because of its location along the coast, Brenton Point offers scenic views and the perfect conditions for flying kites.

Each year since 2006, kite fliers and fans of kites have come to Brenton Point to fly and view dozens of kites at the most southern tip of Newport, Rhode Island. But, the history of the event goes back even longer.

From 1982 until 2005, the “High Flyers Flight Co” led by Sue Moskowitz and Steve Santos, coordinated a kite flying get together. But, for unknown reasons, the event stopped in 2006. But, that did not stop kite flyers from congregating and flying their kites. For the next 2 years the kite flying events took place off and on. Then, in 2009, Kitt Kites took over the event and it has flourished since.

Now, you can see kites from all over the country and the world for that matter.

One of the other great things about this event was that people of all ages and backgrounds could participate and enjoy the kites.

There weren’t just kites at the kites festival, though. A dj, event announcer and special events.

These kids were participating in a race in which they had to pull a kite.

And, yes, even dogs like kites! Since the Newport Kite Festival is dog friendly. Buck, an 11 week old Blue Heel terrier, decided to stop by!

13 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Brenton Point, kites, New England, Newport, Newport Kite Festival, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island

August 22, 2023

Umbrella Sky Newport (Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 8, 2023

Location: Brick Market Place, 221 Goddard Row, Newport, RI (about 30 minutes southwest of Providence, RI or 1.5 hours from Boston, MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots in the area. I parked at the lot Brickmarket parking lot at 222 Goddard Row.

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Umbrella Sky Newport

Summary: Over 500 colorful umbrellas can be found floating in the air in Newport, RI! The art display will be up until Oct. 5.

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. Those fuchsia, blue, yellow, green, and orange umbrellas are indeed “floating” in the sky of Newport, Rhode Island. At least they are in the Brickmarket area of Newport.

This art display and similar art displays have been installed in places like Miami, Florida, New York City and even the Middle East! But, this is the first time this particular art display has appeared in New England.

The upside to this art display by Artscape is you can view it regardless of the weather since the canopy of umbrellas are sure to keep you dry. Additionally, there are events such as karaoke, local musical events and a kid’s bash that are planned to take place during the Saturdays and Sundays while the umbrellas are still there.

The umbrellas are most vibrant when the sun is out . The sun rays hitting the umbrellas really do make the colors pop. When I originally arrived at the umbrella display, it was overcast. So, I drove around Rhode Island and photographed some other things and came back a few hours later. The sun was out and there was a noticeable difference when I returned for the second round of photos.

The first photo was taken during my first visit.

This photo was taken during my second visit.

One of the great things for me was being able to take photos from so many different angles. In fact, I took some of them lying on the ground!

Don’t wait too long to see these umbrellas! They will only be there until Oct. 5.

Below is a video that shows what it’s like to walk through this art display!

10 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in New England, Newport, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, umbrella

July 30, 2023

Green Animals Topiary Garden 2023 (Portsmouth, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 24, 2023

Location: 380 Corys Ln, POrtsmouth, RI (30 mins south of Providence, RI and 1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, children under 6 get in free (you can also purchase combo tickets for tours of the mansions in Newport, RI, on their website). Customers are encouraged to purchase tickets for timed entry on their website. (special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, details are on their website)

Parking: There are about 50 free parking spots located across from the topiary (see below for additional info about parking)

All visitor parking for Green Animals is in the St. Philomena School parking lot. The only entrance to Green Animals is from the St. Philomena parking lot from June 17 – August 27. There will be no access to enter the property from the Green Animals parking lot.

Universally Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Summary: Dozens of carefully clipped green sculpted shapes are scattered around the 7 acre topiary. There is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney made out of Lego Bricks. Audio self guided tours are also available.

The numerous parks, sanctuaries and zoos in Rhode Island aren’t the only places in the Ocean State to see animals.

While they may not be as cuddly or cute, the animals at the Rhode Island Green Animals Topiary are just as impressive. The well kept topiary includes a variety of animals such as an elephant, giraffe and a human being.

But, there are so many more animals in this well kept exhibit.

But not all of the greenery is sculpted into animals. They were also trimmed into an airplane, heart and arch.

The 7 acre topiary also has pretty flowers and beautiful views.

As if this wasn’t fun enough, there is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney. The Sean Kenney Nature Connects is a special exhibit of several art sculptures entirely made of Lego Bricks.

Each exhibit has a sign with information about each animal. The sculptures are listed below. Due to the dimensions and textures of the Lego bricks, the images look better in their full image size. You may want to look at the in full size or zoom in to see them better.

Peacock

Bird Bath (yes those pesky critters use even fake bird baths!)

Buck

Fawn and Doe

Hummingbird

Butterfly

Ant Hill. This cute display has holes for people to stick their heads into while they pose for photos.

Turtle

Rose

Dragonfly

Spider (I’m still having nightmares about this one!)

Wheelbarrow and gardener

Bumble Bee

Remember, these are made entirely out of Lego bricks! I had to keep reminding myself of this as I photographed each one. Also, if you do get lost or can’t keep track of where the Lego brick sculptures are there signs to help point you in the correct directions!

While the topiary is scheduled to remain open until October 1, the Nature Connects exhibit will only be at the topiary through September 10. Just make sure to not step on any of the Legos when you visit!

11 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, topiary

November 16, 2017

Five Days Of Foliage Day #4 – Goddard Memorial State Park (Warwick, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 1, 2017

Location: 1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free (but there are fees to use fields, gazebos and other facilities)

Parking: There are several parking areas

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, some areas of the park are handicapped accessible

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Goddard Memorial State Park

Highlights: 490 acre park with a 9 hole golf course, playing fields, beach, performance center and equestrian show area with bridle trails.  The foliage isn’t bad either.

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To borrow a term coined by my northern Vermont neighbors, “stick season” is fast approaching.  Stick season is the fall and winter transition that occurs after the leaves have fallen but also before snow has settled on the trees.  This season is not just common to Vermont though.

Indicative of “stick season, I noticed many of the trees at Goddard Memorial State Park had already lost most of their leaves.  Yet, there were still some decent foliage opportunities along the shore of the beach and park.  The densely wooded Goddard has 62 deciduous (trees that have leaves that change) and 19 evergreen species (a species of tree that does not change color throughout the year).  So, there were a variety of trees to find foliage on.

Considered one of the best parks in Rhode Island, Goddard Memorial State Park’s 490 acres of land along Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay in Warwick, RI.

Goddard Memorial State Park has an equestrian show area and 18 miles of bridle paths for horse riders to enjoy.  While I was there I did happen upon a few riders.

I had never been to Goddard before.  I only learned about the park the day before after a quick search for the best parks in Rhode Island.  And the reviewers didn’t miss their mark.  The best part of the park may be the variety of activities and Goddard Park also has a 9 hole golf course, 11 playing fields, a canoe launch, a beach that allows swimming and a performance center.  With its pretty waterscapes, extensive hiking trails and picnic areas, Goddard is definitely a great place to take the family.

Read more view more photos about my trip to Goddard Memorial State Park here…

 

7 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in birds, dog, foliage, Goddard Memorial State Park, horses, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized, Warwick

March 1, 2017

Beach Polo (Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: February 25 & 26, 2017 (photos taken Feb. 25)

Location: Easton’s Beach (First Beach), 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI

Hours: 1:00 -2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Parking: Free (parking was free for this event but usually the beach charges to park at the beach)

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: people on horses playing beach polo

 

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It’s not everyday you get to see polo.  It’s even less often when you get to see it on a beach.

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As part of their “Winter Carnival”, Newport Rhode Island held a polo match sponsored by the Newport International Polo Series.

Even if you don’t know the rules of the game (I don’t), it is still fun to watch the horses and players.  There was also an announcer who did the play by play and explained some of the rules during the game.

While there are some rules of the game I don’t know, the basic goal (no pun intended) is pretty basic.  Put the ball between the two orange cones.  The team in gold won 10-9 by the way.

The horses looked especially pretty with the wavy water along the beach.  Onee thing I noticed about the horses is how they will sometimes use their legs to kick the ball and help the player. Or, they are sick of the player getting all the glory and they may want to score a goal or two.

The players all seemed to really have a lot of fun but they also play hard.  And the game is not without risks.  One player had to be carted away with a leg injury after she fell off her horse.

Dogs like polo, too.  I was surprised and impressed how well the leashed dogs and horses coexisted.

 

 

The players and fans have a close connection.  At the end of the match, the players trot by on their horses and greet the fans.

12 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in beach, beach polo, dogs, horses, New England, Newport, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

February 2, 2017

Gun Totem (Providence, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 24, 2016

Location: S Main St, Providence, RI

Hours: Accessible everyday,  24 hours a day

Cost: Free

Parking: There is on street parking and several parking garages in the area

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlight: concrete obelisk constructed with over 1,000 real guns embedded in the concrete of the structure

 

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I found this group of photos from a visit to Providence, Rhode Island last summer.  I was originally going to post it on my Facebook page.  But, since not everyone has liked my Facebook page (you really should), I decided to post it here.  But, I do periodically post additional photos, videos and other fun stuff on my Facebook page that I don’t post on WordPress.  So, think about joining it.  OK, enough shameless self-promoting.

Built from 1,000 reclaimed guns from the Guns For Goods gun buy back program, the Gun Totem is a 12 foot obelisk made of concrete and 1,000 guns.  Perhaps not coincidentally, the totem is located across the courthouse in Providence, Rhode Island.

Award winning artist Boris Bally created the monument in 2001.  The concrete was chipped away to reveal the guns giving the guns a fossilized look.  Or, as Bailey is quoted and saying:

“All aboriginal cultures, including this country’s own native American culture, build totemic structures to serve as venerated symbols of a clan or family… It will act as a monolithic, metallic warning and ‘mojo’ to ward off evil and violence so prevalent in today’s society. A crew of volunteer ‘archaeologists’ aided me in carefully chipping away areas of the concrete skin to reveal the ‘fossilized’ handguns beneath.”

 

23 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in art, gun totem, guns, New England, obelisk, photographs, photography, photos, Providence, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

December 30, 2016

Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Sanctuary (Tiverton, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 14, 2016

Location: Seapowet Ave, Tiverton, RI (about an hour south of Boston and about 30 minutes  southeast of Providence, RI)

Cost: Free but donations are appreciated

Hours: Trails are open dawn until dusk

Parking: There is a lot which can accomodate about 5-10 cars

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Trail Difficulty/Size: 50 acres of easy but narrow trails, I couldn’t find a description of the trail lengths but it can’t be more than 4 or 5 miles total

Handicapped Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No, Audubon sanctuaries are not pet friendly

Highlights:easy trails, blinds to hide behind bird watch, wildlife, streams and bodies of water, birds, scenic

Web Site: Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Sanctuary

Trail Map: Emilie Ruecker Trail Map

As a preface, I am trying to post about as many of my trips from earlier this year before the end of the year.  So, I may be posting pretty much every day until the new year and into the beginning of the new year to catch up and start fresh in 2017.  Lucky you… ( :

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Tucked away just over the Massachusetts and Rhode Island border is a serene little trail with lots of surprises.

One of the cutest surprises are these blinds that you can hide behind to photograph or observe birds.

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The trails at Emilie Ruecker are easy enough to navigate and they are mostly loops so it is easy to stay on the trail. There are also maps displayed throughout the sanctuary.  The trails can be narrow in some areas.  Also, if you go on the red trails, it’s easy to go off track.  Just keep looking for the color coded trees to stay on track.

One of the cool things are the openings along the trails that allow you to get closer to the water so you can view the ducks and other birds.

You’ll also find the occasional bench to rest at.

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Although there is lots of wildlife at the sanctuary, the highlight for me was the beautiful scenic views.

If you look closely, you may see the outline of a deer just behind the branch of this tree.  Unfortunately, my camera couldn’t focus in time to get a better photo.

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Much like this deer, the birds at Emilie Ruecker were hard to photograph.

The birds in the water proved more easy to photograph.

These birds were very easy to photograph, as long as I kept my distance.  They were hanging out on the other side of the road across from the sanctuary on some farm land.

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10 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in birds, nature, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

October 8, 2016

Water Fire (Providence, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: September 24, 2016 (next and last Water Fire of the year is Nov. 5)

Location: Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI

Time Of Event: First lighting is a little after sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the area.  Off street parking is limited during the event

Dog Friendly: Yes

Web Site: Water Fire

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Originally an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans in 1994, Water Fire has become a staple of the Providence entertainment scene.  Initially, the Water Fire display was a celebration of the 10th anniversary of First Night Providence.  There were 11 braziers, or hot coal baskets, that were lit at the first Water Fire.  There are now over 80 in the three rivers of downtown Providence.

It was another warm summer day when we arrived.  Summer’s last gasp.  And there was plenty of outdoor pre-Water Fire entertainment.

The first braziers are lit right after sunset (around 7 pm when I went).  People on boats, some in the fashion of gondolas, float by during the festival and music is played during the event.

It was a cool evening.  But the warmth of the fires kept us warm.

This man kept going by and throwing flowers to various people.  I didn’t get one.

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Of course, Providence looks beautiful with or without the water Fire lighting.

It was also Chinese Culture Night.  Steeple Street had booths with information and games about Chinese culture.

The next Water Fire is scheduled for Nov. 5 (bundle up if you go).  It will be your last chance to attend the event this year asit is the last Water Fire event of the year.  They usually start up again in the spring of each year, usually in March.

Dogs are allowed at the Water Fire event.

Oakley is a 4 month old Australian Cattledog

Raleigh is a 6 month old American Staffordshire Terrier with a special talent (see the videos below)

Below are some videos from the Water Fire event:

A dragon in the water!  Part of the Chinese Culture Night

A human on a skateboard:

wait for it….yes a dog on a skateboard…

Someone playing with fire

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4 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in dogs, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Providence, Rhode Island, Uncategorized, Water Fire

July 6, 2016

Coggeshall Farm Museum (Bristol, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 18, 2016

Location: 1 Colt Drive, Bristol, Rhode Island (about half an hour from Providence and 1 hour from Boston, MA)  (401) 253-9062

Hours: presently open Tue-Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 15 – April 15
Open Weekends, 10 am to 4 pm
Open February 16 – 21, 2016 for February vacation

April 15 – December 15
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Cost:

Weekdays

Adults: $5
Seniors: $3
Children (3–12): $3
Children under 3: Free

Weekends

Adults: $7
Seniors: $5
Children (3–12): $5
Children under 3: Free

You can also purchase a membership for unlimited visits, free access to special events and discounts at their gift shop.  If you plan on going more than once or twice a year and especially if you go with your family, the membership is probably the best rate:

 

Individual membership: $25

Couples: $35

Family: $50

Parking:  There is a space for about 4 or 5 cars across from Coggeshall Farm.  You can also park at Colt State Park, which is adjacent to the farm but you may have to pay a fee to enter the park.

Size: 48 acres

Time To Allot For Visit: About An Hour

Dog Friendly: No (except for guide dogs)

Highlights: living museum, character actors, farm animals, historic style homes

Coggeshall Farm Museum

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You often find the most wonderful places in the most unexpected places.  On an otherwise nondescript trail at Colt State Park used for cycling and running, lies a farm frozen in time.

Established in 1973, the Coggeshall Museum Farm features interpreters and authentic reenactments of farm life in the year 1799.  Every last detail from the tools they use to the bedding (mostly hay) is authentic to the time it represents.

I loved the houses and workshops at Coggeshall.  The homes and interiors were definitely the highlight of the trip for me.  The rooms were modest and fairly bare (and I thought my room was small).

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Even the papers and bills in the houses are accurate to those days.  They don’t accept them as legal tender though, in case you were wondering.

Coggeshall Farm Museum also has a variety of animals.  When I came to visit there were 2 steer, 11 sheep and several chickens, turkeys and other fowl.  I also got to see some newly hatched chicks.

When I asked how long they keep the animals there I was told they usually live 6 to 8 years and then they have a “retirement plan.”  Yes, everything gets used at the farm.

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There were several character actors working during my visit.  This gentleman was cutting wood to store (it’s never too early to get ready for long, chilly winter nights).  When I asked how long it would take to cut all the wood he said, “util it is done”.  Where has that work ethic gone?

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The grounds are well kept and very pretty.  They also have a large grazing area for the animals.

Then there was Moe – the resident cat and pest control manager.  He was very friendly and playful as you can see.  Believe it or not, the chipmunk he’s hunting and carrying so gently escaped only a little worse for the wear.

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Coggeshall Farm also lets the patrons partake in some tasks (such as cutting wood) as long as it is supervised and they  have many events throughout the year such as Arts On The Farm and Farm Camp.  Check their website for more details.

 

 

12 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in animals, cats, historical, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

July 1, 2016

Green Animals Topiary Garden (Portsmouth, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 25, 2016

Location: 380 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI (about 15 minutes north of Newport, RI and 1 hour south of Boston, MA)  (401) 683-1267 

Hours: Open everyday  10-5 seasonally (May 21 – Oct. 10 this year but the dates may change each year)

Cost: $15.99 for adults, $6.99 for youth (ages 6-17).  There are discounts available if you provide an AARP card (I’m not quite that old yet) and if you have AAA and possibly if you’re in the military.  Take note that the Green Gardens is considered part of the Newport Mansions and their prices are based on how many houses you visit.  In this case, the price was based on a one house tour because there is only one mansion on the premises (the Brayton House)

Parking: Free parking for 24 vehicles

Dog Friendly: No (service dogs may be allowed)

Highlights: shrubs and bushes cut into shapes of animals and other shapes, pretty flowers and gardens, mansion (Brayton House)

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If you think the grass is always greener on the other side, you’ve never been to the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Located adjacent to the Brayton house, the Green Animals display is the brainchild of gardener Joseph Carreiro.  Carreiro began the topiary in 1905 and the 80 pieces of topiary have been in place at the garden ever since.

The topiary may be the main  attraction.  But the flowers and plants are also very pretty.  In fact, as much as I loved the different shapes at the topiary, I found the flowers and the garden near the side of the topiary to be just as appealing.

The website states there are 80 different shapes sculpted into the greenery (although I don’t remember seeing that many).  I have included the most interesting of these 80.

The Damask Rose Garden is featured at the entrance of the topiary.

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The topiary has shapes of all kinds of animals. Like this giraffe.

DSC_0306DSC_0303with her/his baby giraffe (the black dot in this and some other photo is dirt on my sensor which I didn’t notice until after I got home unfortunately)

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And this duck.

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This is a growly bear (it is standing on its hind quarters)

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Not all of the shapes are made in the image of creatures that are presently with us.  This dinosaur was one of the scarier shapes in the garden.

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This colorful shape is of a yew rooster

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I don’t usually get this close to lions.

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This swan peaked her head out among the other green animals.

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This appears to be a bird

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It was a little warm for a polar bear

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Reindeers aren’t just in the North Pole.

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There are even human shapes cut into the greenery.  This human is riding a horse.

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This police officer helped direct traffic around the green garden.  I am not sure if he is affiliated with the Portsmouth department.

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There’s even a mythical unicorn

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This baby bear just wants a hug

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There are even inanimate objects cut into the greenery.  For instance, you can take a seat in this chair if you get tired (I am just kidding, you’re not allowed to climb and/or touch the greenery)

One of the few birds who actually sits still long enough for me to photograph him

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I looked like this elephant was going to charge!

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I don’t mean to boar you with this piece from the topiary.

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The handout I received did not have a description for this shape.  it appears to be a train.

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This mommy and baby bear were sitting outside the Brayton mansion.

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There is also a pet cemetery located at the topiary.  Four pets of the owners are buried there.  This section is very peaceful and decorative.  The cemetery has a bench for sitting and reflecting and gravestones with the names of the deceased friends.  It is very tranquil.

The flowers and garden are well kept and have some very vivid colors. I thought it was cute how they had “scarepeople” instead of scarecrows.  I also liked the different chairs and wind vane and other decor around the grounds.

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There is also a fish pond with goldfish in it.

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I also liked the Brayton House.  They do not allow flash photography in the house (although you can take photos with your cellphone).  I don’t like how photos look on my cellphone so I didn’t take any photos in the house but it is a must see on the tour.

 

 

 

24 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in flowers, garden, New England, photographs, photography, photos, plants, Rhode Island, topiary, trees, Uncategorized