Olivia Barone
Anchor Staff Writer
Summer is rapidly approaching as Rhode Island breaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit and enters what many New Englanders would consider to be a heat wave. If you’re looking to top off your summer bucket-list with some Rhode Island favorites, look no further than these spectacular summer events.
Narragansett, Rhode Island is renowned for its abundance of beaches and seafood, but not many are aware of how close visitors can get to ocean life. Narragansett waters offer many whale watching opportunities and tours are set to open throughout the warmer months. From May to October, the beautiful humpback whale, pilot whale, minke whale and more can all be seen feeding near Narragansett bay. There are numerous guided ocean life tours to attend in South County where anyone can get a taste of New England’s diverse ocean life.
If you are looking to celebrate pride month this June, look no further than the famous Providence Pride. PrideFest began in 2001 and has since supplied the LGBTQ+ members and allies of Rhode Island with a place to celebrate their community. Complete with a festival throughout the day and night parade, Providence Pride is set to take place in Downtown Providence on Saturday, June 17. Having been titled as one of the “world’s best destinations for LGBT pride celebrations” by National Geographic, Providence PrideFest is not an event you want to miss.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is welcoming summer with the return of their beloved food-truck fridays. For the next few months, families and friends from across Rhode Island will visit the park’s Carousel Village each Friday for a night of live music and a wide selection of food trucks. Each week, 15 food trucks are rotated to give newcomers and weekly visitors a new variety of tasty treats to try. Beginning at 5 p.m. every Friday from April 14 to Sept. 29, this family fun event is a must.
Dame Farm & Orchards in Johnston is a favorite for its stunning flowers and familial atmosphere. Founded by Donald Dame in 1890, the farm and orchard has been a Rhode Island favorite for decades. Its beautiful flower gardens including the Instagram-famous sunflower, zinnia and dahlia fields are a sight to behold. Visitors can take home a little bit of the farm’s beauty and pick their own flowers and buy from the farm stand’s collection of fresh produce. Open Monday through Friday, Dame Farm & Orchards is a precious piece of Rhode Island and a peaceful day-trip worth having.
Summers in Rhode Island do not have to be spent hiding from the heat. Enjoy summer before it’s over and engage in some of Rhode Island’s summer wonders.