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Inside Rhody

Make this a memorable Valentine’s Day!

By | Inside Rhody, jewelry, restaurant, Whats Happening | No Comments

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means reservations will be quickly filling up. Get ahead of the last-minute booking rush by planning out your special day in advance! Running low on ideas? You can never go wrong with these Rhode Island favorites!

Trattoria Romana

Nothing screams romance quite like an Italian meal. Sit down and take in the elegant ambiance that Trattoria has to offer, while eating the fine Italian cuisine that will make your mouth water! Book your reservation now by visiting their website or calling the number below:
3 Wake Robin Rd #3 | Lincoln, RI 02865 | (401) 333-5261

Spain

Rhode Island is full of many classy restaurants, and Spain is top tier! Dine in the ultimate romantic atmosphere this Valentine’s Day while enjoying delicious meals! Make your reservation quickly so you do not miss out on this experience!

2 Locations:
1144 Ocean Rd. | Narragansett, RI 02882 | (401) 783-9770
1073 Reservoir Ave. |Cranston, RI 02910 | (401) 946-8686

Spoil him/her with fine jewelry!

Ocean State Jewelers is conveniently located in Johnston and carries so many beautiful collections. Some top designer names that OSJ carries are Stuller, and Gold Charms! Planning on making this the most memorable Valentine’s Day yet? Customers may also be interested in the very popular Dora Rings, starting at $299, they are perfect for wedding/engagement bands! Veronica, Alicja and the Ocean State family highly recommend gold. You can never go wrong with a classic! Come visit them today and see their many cases of fine jewelry for yourself, and gift it to your special someone!
1395 Atwood Ave. | Johnston, RI 02919 | (401) 751-8105

Go Skating At The Providence Rink

Skate into a romantic evening by visiting The Providence Rink! Make fun memories with your loved one by having a memorable Valentine’s Day this year! Maybe even grab some hot chocolate after. For more information, visit their website.
2 Kennedy Plaza | Providence, RI 02903 | https://theprovidencerink.com/

Red Parrot Newport

By | food, Inside Rhody, restaurant, RetroBlast | No Comments

The Red Parrot building is a historical building located in Newport. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places Built in 1898 by John Alton Barker, it originally served as a meatpacking house, having employed hundreds of people during the era known as “The Gilded Age”.

Through the years, this building has served high-profile heads of state, diplomats, royalty, movie stars, and the thousands of people visiting historical Newport each year. Trading from the Caribbean and South Seas has always been a key part of Newport history and the pineapple, displayed throughout the city, has been a symbol of hospitality in Newport since the colonial era. Sea captains returning home after months at sea would bring exotic fruits back from the Caribbean. A pineapple would be placed in front of the captain’s home to signal his return and to welcome friends in to share his good fortune.

The scenic atmosphere is just one of the reasons, besides the delicious food, why Red Parrot is so popular. Authentic wood and brass finishes are found throughout the restaurant. Their menu itself is diverse with fresh seafood, Caribbean flare, and innovative dishes. Some of the hit dishes are the Lobster Nachos, Mediterranean Swordfish, Blackened Filet, Rasta Pasta, and Shark Bites. They serve all functions! Whether you are celebrating with friends before you tie the knot, graduating college, or want to enjoy a nice meal, we will have you leaving here with a sense of comfort. Before heading out, try one of their award-winning drinks!

Dining in is come first serve for some delicious food. You can also Spread the Red Parrot spirit by purchasing a Red Parrot Gift Card for a loved one. Purchase your gift card over the phone or through email! What could be a better gift than giving someone the experience of a lifetime!

348 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840

(401) 847-3800
manager@redparrotrestaurant.com

Stay Healthy This Winter

By | health, Inside Rhody | No Comments

With heavy snow comes potential injuries! When you’re out shoveling or snow blowing this winter, it is important to follow protocol to avoid slips, falls, and other harm. To help you out, here are some ways to protect yourself this winter!

Proper Posture

Proper shoveling posture can really help minimize aches, pains, and other more serious issues — especially with back pain! Keep the shovel close to your body, using your legs for pushing the snow instead of throwing it. Throwing it requires heavy lifting, and the goal is to make sure you aren’t over-flexing your spine! To do this, keep your back straight.

Warm Up

Stretching prior to shoveling is important! While shoveling is not a sport, it does require physical endurance. Loosening up your body will help protect you from serious injuries. Even taking an anti-inflammatory before shoveling can help ease any soreness!

Start Early

Choose the best time to begin shoveling. People most commonly shovel after the snow has built up. This can cause the snow to become heavy, and heavy lifting can make you more prone to injury! If you can help it, try to shovel when the snow is at its lightest. This, of course, means you will have to shovel more times during the day, but your body will thank you!

Take care of your body

Keeping your body warm is essential to avoiding injuries. Be sure to bundle up before taking on the cold air. Stay hydrated as well, drinking plenty of water prior to taking your first few steps outside.

Cornerstone Commercial Capital: Loan 101: Cash-Out Refinance

By | Inside Rhody, service | No Comments

There are many different types of loans out there, and they can all get confusing to the beginner. That’s why we’ll be breaking down one of the more common loan types we see from homeowners – one that can be particularly helpful during the winter months – Cash-out refinancing.

What Is Cash-Out Refinancing?

A Cash-out refinancing loan replaces your current home loan with a bigger mortgage, letting you leverage the equity you’ve built up in your home and access the difference between the two mortgages in cash. That cash can go toward virtually any purpose, such as home remodeling, consolidating high-interest debt, or other financial goals.

How It Works
It’s very similar to a traditional mortgage refinance and can mean a much lower interest rate than what you currently have. However, with Cash-Out you can withdraw any difference right away. For example, say the remaining balance on your current mortgage is $150,000 and your home is currently worth $400,000. In this case, you have $250,000 in home equity. You’re saving money because of the lower interest rate, but now you can fund those kitchen and bathroom upgrades you’ve been talking about all year.

Why Now?
Winter is a great time to do interior renovations that increase your home’s value. During the slow real estate season, you can bump up what your home is worth and be ready to jump right into the spring busy season. If you’re considering selling but have some projects holding you up – now is the perfect time to get back on track.

At Cornerstone, we are capable of handling any size loan for any need you may have. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from a kitchen, add a new bathroom, or even add a garage – we have a program for you. Our network of lenders gives us the opportunity to provide loans for homeowners like you.

Whatever loan you need – Cornerstone Commercial Capital can help!
cornerstonecommercialcapital.com

Ring In The Holidays In Newport

By | activities, events, Inside Rhody, outdoors, Whats Happening | No Comments

There is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than spending a festive day in Newport Rhode Island. Whether you’re planning a day with a loved one, friends, or family, there is something for everyone to spread Christmas cheer in Newport!

Holidays at the Newport Mansions
November 22nd, 2021 – January 9th, 2022
Explore the extravagant Newport mansions decorated for the holidays. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are hosting their homes, beautifully ornated with Christmas trees, poinsettias, evergreens, and wreaths.

Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland
November 20, 2021 – January 9, 2022 Thursdays through Sundays
Walkthrough an outdoor magical wonderland at The Breakers mansion. Tens of thousands of lights will cover half of the 13-acre property, illuminating the grand mansion for the holiday season.

Holiday Brunch at The Chinese Tea House
Weekends November 27 – December 19, and Christmas week, December 27-31
Experience a delicious cuisine while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Chinese Tea House is providing a three-course holiday brunch to make your day and your appetite merry and bright!

Christmas in Newport
December 1 -31
Newport will be hosting a month-long holiday celebration filled with concerts, tree lightings, craft fairs, candlelight house tours, and so much more!

Spoil that special person in your life with a gift from Ocean State Jewelers!

By | Inside Rhody, jewelry, shopping, style | No Comments

We are amidst the busiest shopping season, and there’s nothing quite like shopping local for the holidays. Our small businesses have endured a lot of hardships, yet continue to serve the community with a smile on their face. Put away the computer this year and visit the small businesses in the community!

One great local business, Ocean State Jewelers, is conveniently located in Johnston and sells brands that will wow your special someone. With their wide range of pieces, you are guaranteed to find the perfect item for your loved one, or maybe even for yourself!

Ocean State Jewelers carries these outstanding collections and more:

The DORA Collection – The DORA collection contains a beautiful selection of wedding rings and other timeless pieces. These pieces can also be monogrammed to make this gift even more special.

The Stuller collection – From various gems to other beautiful pieces, this collection is jaw-dropping, and guaranteed to make that special someone feel extra special!

Quality Gold – Quality Gold – is a beautiful collection with a wide selection. These beautiful gold charms are a perfect, simplistic gift to shower your loved one with!

These examples are just a few of the many brands that Ocean State carries and their selection goes even deeper.

Don’t wait until the last minute this season. Visit Ocean State Jewelers at 1395 Atwood Ave and view their incredible jewelry selection. Shop local for this holiday season, and support the small businesses that give us so much!

The Perfect Pen for your Special Someone

By | Inside Rhody, shopping | No Comments

The holidays are around the corner, which means the busiest shopping season is among us! A quality pen can make a fantastic gift for the writer, professional, or enthusiast in your life. There are a large variety of pens out there, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for – so we created this helpful guide so that you can choose the perfect pen!

Ballpoint Pens – Most ballpoint pens are either a twist-style pen, meaning that the pen operates by twisting it open and close in order to write. Another variation is a click pen in which there is a clicker on top of the pen that pushes up and down in order to write.
Rollerball Pens – Rollerball pens usually have a cap that stays on the pen when not in use. When you are ready to write with the pen, the cap needs to be taken off.
Fountain Pens – Fountain pens have a calligraphy-style nib that uses a wide range of filling systems and offer a wide range of inks and colors. These pens take some time to learn how to use but once you catch on, they are addictive.
Standard Ballpoint Ink – Ballpoint pen ink contains an oil-based solvent and pigment for color. The ink flows from a thin tube or canister in the pen and through a small ball in the tip of the pen when you apply pressure to the ball. Standard colors for ballpoint ink are black, blue, red, and green but are available in many other colors. Ballpoint pen ink dries almost instantly as it touches paper, but because it is oil-based, it can smear.
Rollerball Ink (water-based) – Water-based ink for rollerball requires less pressure on the rollerball tip to write. Water-based ink is less viscous than oil-based ink and deeply saturates the paper, resulting in a dark color. Water-based ink comes in a variety of colors but Black, Blue, and Red are the most common. Water-based inks dry much quicker and will not smudge.
Gel Ink Gel pen ink contains colorful pigment suspended in a thick, water-based gel. The high viscosity of the gel supports more pigment than standard gel ink and also accommodates different types of pigments such as copper and iron oxides. Gel pen ink is thick and opaque and available in almost every color. Gel inks are usually very smooth, require little pressure to write. They are also slower to dry and can smudge if not dried.

Something to keep in mind is that ink refills are not interchangeable, and pertain only to the specific pen it is purchased. Choose the perfect pen for your special someone this holiday season by visiting the Pen Savings website: https://pensavings.com/

Celebrate the Holidays!

By | activities, entertainment, events, Inside Rhody | No Comments

Rhode Island knows how to celebrate the holidays right! Whether it be light shows, theater performances of holiday favorites, or ice skating, there is always a fun activity to experience with your loved ones. Here is a list of fun ideas happening in Rhode Island this holiday season!

Visit Trinity Rep for A Christmas Carol

Rhode Island’s family holiday tradition brings Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to the stage in a glorious retelling of the classic story that has delighted and inspired millions. The show is running from December 15- January 2nd, so grab your tickets now! To do so, visit their website at www.trinityrep.com! Act fast before you miss out on this opportunity!

Enjoy hours of family fun at the ALEX AND ANI City Center Ice Rink

Dust off your ice skates or rent a pair and show off your skating skills as you glide around the 14,000 square-foot rink. Is skating not your thing? Take a lesson – or better yet, try the bumper cars! You won’t be able to stop smiling as you slide, glide & bump your way across the ice in brightly colored round cars. Walk-ups are first come, first serve. Visit theprovidencerink.com to make reservations!

Experience the Magical Bristol Christmas Festival Celebration

Check out the Magical Bristol Christmas Festival Celebration, running from December 11-12 12-6 pm. Celebrating their 35th year, the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee is hosting a European-style Christmas market. Enjoy holiday music by carolers and other entertainers, and watch live wood carving demonstrations. Maybe even take a photo with Santa Claus. Find that perfect gift for yourself or others at the Vendor tables or make a creative present for someone at the crafts table! Don’t miss out on this special holiday event!

Visit the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo from now until January 2nd!

Experience this event featuring festive, larger-than-life dazzling displays with 1.5 million illuminated lights! It’s a must-see event that should be on everyone’s holiday to-do list. Not only this, but take your kids to see Santa!He’s coming to town on December 9, 16, and 23 from 5-7 pm. Tickets for Holiday Lights must be purchased in advance online. To do so, visit their website https://www.rwpzoo.org/holidaylights

Celebrate Mansion-Style at the Blithewold Mansion in Bristol

What sounds better than taking a stroll through beautifully-lit paths on the grounds of a mansion, including custom light displays, and handmade bamboo ornaments? Sunday, December 12at 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm, experience all the beauty that Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol has to offer. Not only that, but RI Cruisin’ Cocktails will be serving non-alcoholic cider, hot chocolate, hot coffee, and some hot drinks with a kick!

The Clarke Cooke House – A Whimsical Holiday Experience

By | business, food, Inside Rhody | No Comments

The Clarke Cooke House is a Rhode Island staple, located on Bannister’s Wharf in Newport. They have hosted a variety of guests, stemming from royal families, to captains of industry. Overall, they offer their guests whimsical scenery along with fine dining! Whether you’re visiting for Sunday brunch or enjoying a nice dinner, their menu is tailored to please all of their guests. Options range from their famous oyster bar to various burgers, salads, and entrees. You name it, they have it!

The main floor of the original house is called The Bistro. The exposed original post and beam construction lend an 18th-century feel. Including the Candy Store bar and cafe, it adds colorful and lively addition, while overlooking the harbor. The owner, David Ray, has a noteworthy personal collection of America’s Cup prints and sailing memorabilia which cover the walls. The ambiance immerses customers into the lively yachting scene that has made the wharf the “heartbeat of the Newport sailing saga.”

Ted Gidley, the chef at Clarke’s Cooke House, began his culinary career in 1981. His journey at Clarke’s Cooke House started in 1993, and he has become a central part of the operations there! With a cooking style described as “Mediterranean-influenced American Cuisine,” Gidley runs the café dining, in the Bistro, Candy Store, fine dining environment, The Sky Bar, a full Oyster Bar, and the renowned Summer Sushi.

You can immerse yourself in this enchanting experience to enhance your holiday season by making a reservation now! To do so, visit their website https://www.clarkecooke.com/ or call 401-849-2900. Act fast before reservations fill up and you miss out!

Outdoor Escapes: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

By | Inside Rhody, outdoors, service | No Comments

Stuck on Christmas gift ideas? What is better than an outdoor oasis for your home! Outdoor Escapes is the expert in home improvement, providing lasting quality, superior value, and professional service while recreating your dream vision.

Our products include bluestone flagging and treads, natural wall stone and veneers, thin veneers, manufactured stone, brick, pavers and segmental retaining walls, mulch, decorative stone, and much more. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly staff will be happy to assist you in selecting the right product to meet your needs and expectations, to make your home improvement project a success.

Give the gift of relaxation and luxury with Outdoor Escapes!