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Excited to announce: Instagram takeovers!

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We’re psyched to announce a new project: Instagram takeovers! Every other week, a different Warren local will post as @discoverwarren, sharing their daily lives in this little town. Our first takeover was @mrtrayday, local artist and native son Adam Tracy. (His week will be hard to top–he seemed to tackle everything Warren had to offer, from bars and restaurants to free shows in the park, the men’s basketball league, kayaking, local art…)

This week, we have a mother/daughter team taking over the account: Susanna Jackson (@sue_thebigcheese) and her mother, Mary. Susanna will start us off: born and bred here in Warren, Susanna now lives in Boston, working as an editor for alt-weekly newspaper Dig Boston. She accepts all invitations back to lil’ Rhody ’cause she knows she’ll be well fed. Lucky for us, she’s spending the weekend here in Warren, making her the perfect gal to take over @discoverwarren. When she heads back up north, her mom Mary Jackson will be taking over; best known as the manager of local hangout The Coffee Depot and yogi extraordinaire, Mary herself grew up here in Warren and is often seen walking and biking around town. Thanks ladies–we can’t wait to see your take on 02885.

Spotlight in Warren: Whimsies

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Getting to know a different Warren merchant every week

Whimsies!

Inside Whimsies
Inside Whimsies

Whimsies is a little shop in downtown Warren owned by local Warren resident Andie Churchill, who describes it as an “art-inspired gift shop and gallery.”

Custom painted furniture
Custom painted furniture

The shop is filled with all sorts of knick-knacks, many of which are made by local artists, making them unique, as well as tax-free. Much of the store is appropriately nautical-themed, with items for sale like sterling silver necklaces with pendants filled with sand from local beaches or jewelry made from different types of shells.

Andie also takes custom orders for hand-painted pieces of furniture.

Whether you are looking for a cool gift for a special someone, a new piece for your home, or just a fun place to look around, Whimsies is the place to go!

 

 

La Passeggiata

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By Kristen Aber

Four years ago today I was enjoying my honeymoon in Rome and loving every second of it…even though it was July and hotter than Hades. My husband and I were swept up in the Italian custom of la passeggiata, or the evening stroll. You see, in Rome, most Italians know better than to take a walk in the middle of the day; they wait for dusk when the light is its most flattering and the temperature begins to drop.

These walks are best when taken arm in arm with a loved one, spouse or dear friend. They are meant to be gentle, meandering strolls to take in the fresh air and exchange the latest gossip. Studies have found hydration during exercise to be very important, so if you happen to pass a bar, then have a glass of wine.

While you may know and love the two bike paths or the Audobon refuge in Touisset, Warren has many routes that I find ideal for la passeggiata that I’d like to share them with you.

Downtown Walk

 

Downtown: Between Main Street and Water Street, you will find an architect’s dream of beautiful old homes. Park in the spots behind Town Hall, grab a Del’s, and take it all in.

Vernon St Walk

 

 

Vernon St: This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in town. Lovely homes, friendly people, and a big old cemetery in the middle. Park at the Franklin St. Park and Ride.

 

Reservoir Walk

 

Reservoir: For those looking for a more country road experience, circle the reservoir. The Child St stretch may not be the most pleasant, but a stop in at Chomp for a cold beer could help alleviate the pain.

 

 

Touisset

 

Touisset: This remote part of town is a sweet waterfront community perfect for exploring at sunset.

 

Follow this link to see the Google Map that includes each of these walks.

What are your favorite strolls?

Advanced Moves: The Best Bench in Warren

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Advanced Moves shines on light on the smaller, lesser-known joys of living in Warren. 

Approaching from Baker St.

By E.A. Mann

The best bench in Warren hides in plain sight. A stone’s throw from some of Warren’s best restaurants, you may have passed this bench a dozen times without ever seeing it. It has no markings or memorial plaques. But stumble onto it, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfect moment of peace and beauty.

To locate it, make your way to Water Street and turn onto Baker toward the water. Past the children’s pirate ship, the street dead-ends at the bench.

Bench Side View

Head there for a moment of quiet after dinner, or to start the night. And bring your bike – a convenient rack makes this a great place to park for the night. For bonus points, come at sundown and get all of the gorgeous pinks and yellows of a sunset over the Warren River without any squinting (a house on the right blocks the brunt of the sun).On Bench

Got an Advanced Move? Message the Discover Warren page or share it in the comments.

Summer Summer Summertime!

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by Kristen Aber

Stairs from Burrs Hill leading to the Town Beach
Stairs from Burrs Hill leading to the Town Beach

Summer is here and whoa have we earned it! The weather has been perfect for so many days in a row that you might have actually run out of things to do. If so, never fear – I’ve got some great Warren summer activities for you:

  1. Take a walk. I love starting on the bike path and ending with a ramble through downtown, drooling over the historic homes with an iced coffee in hand.
  2. Quahog Festival. For a weekend in July, Burr’s Hill gets taken over by stuffie-slingers. A great day to get a taste of Rhode Island, and check out some local art while you’re at it. July 19 and 20.
  3. The Town Beach. There is a playground for the young (and old, no judgment!), a grassy area with big shady trees perfect for picnicking under, and a calm, shallow beach to cool your toes.
  4. Art night. Hop on the trolley and take in all the local artists and their astounding work. Next night is July 31.
  5. Dine al fresco. So many restaurants in town have outdoor seating: there’s Chomp, Trafford, Square Peg, Stella Blues, Tav Vino, Blount Clam Shack and Wharf Tavern – just to name a few. And for a snack afterwards, hit up Coffee Depot, Café Water Street, Del’s Lemonade, or The Fruity Cow.
  6. Outdoor Movies! The Hometown Revival Project has organized a series of outdoor movies to take place in Burr’s Hill this summer. Next on the list is Grand Budapest Hotel on July 10. See ya there!
  7. Take to the water. I’m fortunate to have a kayak and love paddling through Belcher’s Cove on a warm summer day. Don’t own something seaworthy? Rent a boat or kayak from Steve’s Boat Rental and see Warren from a different point of view.
  8. Bike it. The bike path runs right through town and takes you into wooded areas that kiss the water. If, for whatever reason, you have never explored the East Bay bike path, stop what you are doing and go right now!
  9. Shopping. Warren is chock full of small, unique stores brimming with things I guarantee you haven’t seen before, but I also guarantee you will find you can’t live without them. Ramble along Water Street and Main Street to pick up something for that special someone (or yourself).
  10. Get sporty. Play a round of hoops or a tennis match in Burr’s Hill, an inning or two of baseball at the Warren Recreation Park, or a game of roller hockey at Jamiel’s Park.

Bottom line: there’s a lot to do in our little town this time of year, so get out there!

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