Summer Summer Summertime!

by Kristen Aber

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!