4 Reasons To Kick Off Your July 4th Weekend In Wickford

Last summer, I told you about the Martha Stewart & Charlie Watts sightings, the Thursday afternoon farmers' market, and my stylin' friend Janelle Feigley's Gossip Boutique, which carries Free People and other boho chic casual, in The Wick. Now, just when you thought it couldn't get any better, I'm back with 4 more fantastic reasons to set the Maps App on your smart phone to the Village:

1. Sweets...Shayna's Place is one of my go-to's for fresh juice, smoothies, acai bowls, and sandwiches. Starting today, add ice cream to that list because their takeout window, featuring 20+ flavors and a waffle cone option, is officially open for biz. (They're the same peeps who brought you Roba Dolce Gelato on Thayer St. in PVD a few years back, so you know this stuff is going to be splurge worthy.)
2. Stars...In case you were unaware, John Updike apparently based the village in his book The Witches of Eastwick on WV. (For the record, I've seen parts of the movie version featuring Jack, at his creepy best, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer.) And you already know about Martha & Charlie. But what about Billy Joel? I hear he's been known to dock his boat and hang out in the Village on a fairly reg basis during the summer. Who knows - Maybe he'll double date with ex Christie Brinkley & John Cougar Mellencamp this year and they'll all end up in Wickford together? (It could totally happen!)
3. Scrumptious Dinners...So, I had lunch and talked Rhody restaurants with a savvy friend recently. One of her fav raves? Tate's Italian Kitchen, which you've probably walked right by and didn't give a 2nd look. Guilty! I went back to sample it last night and I'm giving it the golden seal of approval for fresh food and friendly service. Lots of locals from the surrounding 'hood, but the vibe is still tres welcoming to newbies and non-Villagers alike. After your meal, take a stroll. You'll def see some neat things, maybe even the vintage light blue Chevy pickup (Photo above.) that I stumbled across in my travels.
4. Shopping...This week, I spied perrenial favorite Green Ink, the Blue Hydrangea (with lots of nautical themed navy and white), and a new olive oil shop, The ImPressed Olive, that I can't wait to go back and check out more closely.

Ciao for Now,

Patty J

Photo Credits: Thumbnail photo by Ashley Farney. All other photos courtesy of PattyJ.com. For more cool pics, check out the PattyJDotCom Instagram.