The Providence Rink at Alex and Ani City Center
Located in the middle of Providence, RI, the Rink at Alex and Ani City Center is one of the highlights of a Southern New England winter. From 10am to 10pm every day, locals enjoy scooting around in the winter wonderland. The rink also features ice bumper cars, but be sure to reserve them early each season, as they have limited time slots and book up fast!
If you don’t know how to skate but want to learn, the Providence Rink offers private lessons by appointment only. For more information on scheduled lessons and fees click here.
The rink admission costs $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under and seniors (65+). Skate rentals are $6 and locker rentals are $3. The rink is open to the public daily, but be sure to check online prior to attending because it does close in the case of bad weather.
Gurney’s Newport Skating Center
We were all disappointed when we discovered that the Newport Skating Rink at the Wharf would no longer be open, but the coastal city couldn’t be without a skating rink for long. This past December, Gurney’s Newport Skating Center opened at the waterfront resort. Situated on Goat Island and surrounded by Narragansett Bay, Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina is a location better known for summer cocktails by the water and elaborate weddings than family fun. This winter though, you can enjoy the beautiful water view while ice skating with the family.
Open through February, guests and locals alike are invited to join in the fun. The rink is open daily for guests, visitors and locals from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Out of town-ers can also book the "Stay and Skate" Package now for unlimited skating, late checkout, and more.
Admission will cost $7, with different specials for children, seniors and military. Skate rentals will cost $5. Different pricing would apply to private parties, which can be organized through Gurney’s.
The South Coast is a great place to buy a home. We are just an hour away from the trendy buzz of Boston, but with the quiet slow pace of small-town living. We are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Atlantic Ocean and there is never a dull moment on a beautiful summers day.
Here at EZ Home Search Real Estate our agents live and work on the South Coast. We’ve composed a list of all of their favorite places to go and things to do on the South Coast.
Below is a list of a few of our favorite out door places to explore with your family. Try them out for yourself and see if you agree with us!
The Caddy Shack
The Caddy Shack has outdoor fun for all ages. Spend the day putt-putting around the mini-golf course, getting soaked on the bumper boats, and taking a swing at the batting cages. When you are all done with that, you can get an ice cream or a slush puppy to help escape the summer heat. The Caddy Shack is open daily from 6 am until 10:30 pm, so it is the perfect way to entertain the kids on a nice summers day. Check out the website for pricing and directions! http://www.caddyshackdartmouth.com/
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in America and one of the nicest ones that you can visit on the South Coast. In the 40 acre park you can visit exotic animals from Africa, Australia, and North America. You can even come face to face with monkey’s in their Tropical America exhibit. General Admission is just $9.95 for children ages 3-12, so it is a fun and inexpensive way to spend a day with your family. For hours and ticketing information, check out their website. http://www.rwpzoo.org/
Battleship Cove
Is your child the type who loves hands on history? Well then Battleship Cove is the place for you! Your kids will love exploring the world’s largest and most diverse collection of historic naval ships. Battleship Cove is a nonprofit maritime heritage museum comprising five National Historic Landmarks. Stop by and explore the cove or visit the website at http://www.battleshipcove.org.
Westport Kartway
Does your kid have a need for speed? If so, then Westport Kartway is perfect for you! Right off of Route 6 in Westport, Westport Kartway is a go-karting places perfect for kids and teens! First, you pick your car, which is anything from a race car to a cop car. Next you start your engines and it’s “Ready, Set, Go!” For pricing and hours check out their website right here! http://westportkartway.com/
Buttonwood Park Zoo
“Named one of the finest small zoos in the U.S.A.” Buttonwood Park Zoo is a great place to take your little ones. The zoo has plenty of amphibians, reptiles and birds to keep the kids entertained. They also have elephants, cougars, bobcats and an abundance of smaller mammals to awe and wow the kiddies. Located in New Bedford, MA, this zoo is a great alternative if you don’t have time to explore a bigger zoo like Roger Williams. Ticket information and more is right here. https://www.bpzoo.org/our-animals/
Freetown-Fall River State Forest
Want a day to hike and explore without going too far from home? Great! Go to the Freetown-Fall River State Forest! Just 5 minutes from Fall River and Taunton, and 15 minutes from New Bedford, the forest is the perfect way to get away from the bustle of the cities. Near the day entrance is a wading pool for your little ones, picnic areas and a field to play in. The 50 remaining miles are made up of unpaved roads and trails. Horseback riders, dog sledders and mountain bikers all are welcome. Find out more information at http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/freetown-fall-river-state-forest.html.
Below is a list of some of our favorite places to grab food to go. Try them out for yourself and see if you agree with us!
Riccardi’s Restaurant:
Riccardi’s is one of the favorites here at EZ Home Search. Whether it is a party where we feed 30 people, or just a night in with the family, Riccardi’s has food for you! At both Riccardi’s locations you can either enjoy a sit down italian meal, or you can head to the counter and pick up a meal to go. We suggest trying their lasagna, it’s easily the best in the area. Here’s their website so that you can try it for yourself! http://www.riccardis.com/
Marcucci’s:
Forget Subway, if you want a fantastic sandwich stop in at Marcucci’s in Fall River. Marcucci’s is a family owned sub shop that has been serving Fall River for the past 30 years. The bread is baked in shop everyday and the grinders are some of the best in the city. Don’t believe us? Well then check out their website where they announce that they are finalists in Herald News’ “Reader’s Choice Awards” for Best Deli and Best Subs. For hours and locations go to their website. http://www.marcuccisbakeryandgrinders.com/
Ma Raffa’s
Another Italian place is added to the list but that is simply because they serve up some of the best take out. Ma Raffa’s has a home in both Somerset and New Bedford, with some of their bestsellers being garlic bread, salad, lasagna and chicken parmigiana. Their homemade pizza is also fantastic! Directions to their two locations are online right here! http://maraffas.com/
Family Ties
The best food that your mama didn’t make. That should be the slogan for Family Ties. It is the perfect place to grab a homecooked meal when you’re simply not in the mood to cook. You can order all kinds of different comfort food at Family Ties, I suggest their baked mac & cheese because it is simply delicious. Warning though, don’t go to Family Ties if you are on a diet! With their diverse home-cooked menu and their hefty portion sizes, you will not want to be worrying about calories as you are eating up your yummy meal. For a full menu and a list of their daily specials go to http://eatatfamilyties.com/
Ten Cousins
Looking for a great brick oven pizza? Well how about ordering one from Ten Cousins in Westport?! Ten Cousins is family owned by the Lafrance’s and serves up delicious gourmet pizza made by the locals. The Lafrance’s own quite a few restaurants throughout Westport, but Ten Cousins is especially special because it is named after CEO Richard Lafrance’s 10 grandchildren. It is a family owned restaurant with great food. Stop in at 977 Main Rd, Westport. For their phone number and menu at http://www.tencousinsbrickoven.com/.
Kozy Nook
Kozy Nook is the go to take out place in Westport. The food is alway delicious and the prices are great when compared to other places around town. Check it out if you want a tasty homestyle meal or an all american burger. For more information check out their website at http://www.kozynook.com/
Patti’s Pierogis
Like Pierogis? Well then Patti’s Pierogis is the place for you! Choose from over 25 different Pierogis and mix and match to get a taste of all of your favorites. If you are in the mood for sweet treat instead you can try one of their 20 dessert flavors. See the full list of pierogis flavors at http://www.pattispierogis.com/home.html
Author Profile:
Mariah Terry is passionate writer and blogger studying Journalism at Emerson College with a minor in Marketing. See her work at mariahterry.jimdo.com.
Below is a list of some of our favorite places to go on a romantic date night. Try them out for yourself and see if you agree with us!
The Back Eddy
The Back Eddy is the perfect date night spot for couples who enjoy the beach. Who wouldn’t want to end a day on the sand with a drink on a dock watching the sunset? The Back Eddy is located directly on the Westport River, with a deck that looks right out at the boats sailing through the channel. It is a little pricey, but it is well worth it for a romantic dinner on the water. For more information visit their website at http://www.thebackeddy.com/.
The Tipsy Seagull
Want a romantic summer escape in the middle of the South Coast? Look no farther than the Tipsy Seagull. The Tipsy Seagull not only offers great food and drinks, but also nightly live entertainment. Sit outside on the deck and enjoy a summer date on the South Coast, you won’t regret it! Check out which bands are playing by going to their website at http://www.thetipsyseagull.com.
The Tipsy Toboggan
When it is time to trade in the sandals for boots, it is also time to move date night over to the Tipsy Toboggan. Owned by the same people who run the Seagull, the Tipsy Toboggan is a fancy little place where you can cozy up to your sweetheart. The entire restaurant resembles a log cabin, and the live music on weekends is a nice way to break up the cold winter days. Find out more about this enjoyable restaurant at http://thetipsytoboggan.com
Bittersweet Farm
Bittersweet Farm is a rustic barn with fantastic food and an even better atmosphere. The barn is surrounded by a stone-lined meadow, and the main dining room has floor to ceiling windows making it the view even more valuable. Bittersweet is a quaint, yet romantic, place to enjoy a date. For more information go to http://www.eventsbylhc.com/venues/bittersweet-farm.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse in Tiverton is a fancy seafood restaurant with another breathtaking waterfront view. I know “waterfront” has been a common theme among these restaurants, but that is only because a sunset date on the water is just so romantic! View the menu and reserve a table
at http://www.boathousetiverton.com/boathouse-restaurant-menu/dinner-menu.htm