Carousels, kites and critters: There’s plenty to do in R.I. this summer

When I first moved to Rhode Island, I was fascinated – this small state has so much to offer, along with some unique quirks (party pizza, clear chowder, the accent … and I still don’t know where the old Almacs used to be!) Now, many years later, I consider myself an official Rhode Islander – but I still regularly find myself surprised and delighted by new discoveries.

I also love to share my finds, so it gives me great pleasure to offer the following summertime suggestions. These events and activities are (mostly) unique to Rhode Island, and have been selected for being both affordable and having all-ages appeal. Did I miss anything? Let me know at mschemaille@jewishallianceri.org!

Hop aboard

the R.I. carousel Trail 

Rhode Island has seven notable working carousels, and it’s possible to ride them all in a single day – reach for that brass ring!

Slater Park Looff Carousel

A Rhode Island fixture since 1910 and the fastest carousel ever built by renowned master carver Charles I.D. Looff.

426 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 50 cents a ride.

Roger Williams Park Carousel

This modern carousel is surrounded by all Roger Williams Park has to offer.

1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Daily 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. $2 a ride.

Crescent Park Looff Carousel

Featuring over 60 hand-carved animals, this was once the site of Looff’s showroom.

700 Bullocks Point Blvd., Riverside. Weekends noon-6 p.m. $2 a ride.

Easton’s Beach Carousel

A Newport attraction since 1952, featuring metal horses and beachfront views.

175 Memorial Blvd., Newport. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $2 a ride.

Adventureland

This modern ride features animals not often seen on carousels, such as anteaters and penguins!

112 Point Judith Road, Narragansett. Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $2 a ride.

Atlantic Beach Park Carousel

This carousel, which features an eclectic mix of horses, used to be at Rocky Point Amusement Park.

321 Atlantic Ave., Westerly. Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $2 a ride.

Flying Horse Carousel

This may be the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country. Adults are not allowed to ride.

151 Bay St., Westerly. Weekdays 11 a.m.-9 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $1-$1.50 a ride.

Bonus: Fall River Carousel

A hand-painted masterpiece from the 1920s.

Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., Fall River. Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $2 a ride.

Please note that most carousels close after Labor Day; find more details online.

No. 1 funky shopping site

The Fantastic Umbrella Factory is unlike any other place in Rhode Island. Chickens, ducks, emus and goats wander the grounds, which are landscaped with perennials and rare plants. Specialty shops across the property sell art, plants for home and garden, jewelry, clothing and a mind-boggling array of eclectic gifts.

The property is open year-round and has an organic café. No amount of description can do the umbrella factory justice; you’ll have to see it for yourself.

4820 Old Post Road, Charlestown, www.fantasticumbrellafactory.com. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

Go fly a kite, R.I. style

Brenton Point is situated at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, guaranteeing sweeping ocean views and plenty of strong winds. That makes it the perfect location for the Newport Kite Festival, July 13-14.

Other activities include music, food vendors and a kite-borne candy drop.

Even if you can’t make it to the festival, Brenton Point is always worth a visit, and you’re likely to see kites aloft there – or bring your own.

Ocean Drive, Newport, newportkitefestival.com. Daily dawn-dusk. Admission is free.

Animals galore and more

The Washington County Fair will return to Richmond Aug. 14-18. The fair, now in its 53rd year, has everything you’d expect from a large county fair, including farm animals, entertainment, rides and fair food, plus plenty of special attractions for kids.

78 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond, www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Adult admission, $11; free for children under 10. Admission fee does not include rides, food, etc.

Visit Japan at home 

The Japan-America Society of Rhode Island will host the 36th Annual Black Ships Festival on Aug. 9-11 in Bristol. Described as a “celebration of the friendship and culture between Japan and the United States and the trading treaty negotiated by Rhode Island’s own Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN, over 150 years ago,” the festival brings Japanese art and culture to these shores. Adults can enjoy the formal gala and Sushi Sake Sail events (tickets required), while everyone can enjoy the Aug. 10 Arts & Crafts and Martial Arts Fair at Independence Park.

Independence Park, 419-459 Thames St., Bristol. For a full schedule of events and times, go to www.blackshipsfestival.com.

A little hidden bonus

The Purple Ape beach shop, in Westerly, hosts hermit crab races every Wednesday evening in July and August, and all reports indicate that it’s a great, wild time.

17 Winnapaug Road, Westerly, www.purpleape.com/mobile.html. Registration starts at 7 p.m., races begin at 8. Admission is free.

MICHAEL SCHEMAILLE (mschemaille@jewishallianceri.org) writes for Jewish Rhode Island and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.