Some things in Jamestown have certainly changed ty.

For starters, the oft-Instagrammed Windmill in the historic district is closed to tours for the season because of COVID. I mean, you can still take photos from the stone wall — although I wouldn’t recommend attempting any between the hours of about 10am to 4pm unless it’s a cloudy day. Bright sunny days and phone photos do not mix well. Case in point, the ones I took of it yesterday were so flat and run-of-the-mill that I didn’t bother including them here.

One thing you can still do this summer is zip over to the East Ferry Deli on Conanicus Avenue (which I guess is technically considered downtown Jamestown…okayyy) for some takeout. I’ve been a fan since stumbling on it four or five years ago. The views of the Newport Bridge, the Bay and various boats large and small are truly incredible and once you get your breakfast or lunch (more about that in a sec), you can take it over to the benches closer to the water and really soak in the lovely water front surroundings.

The locals have been known to rave about the coffee and bagels or muffins for brekkie, I go for the sandwiches, though. (Also I’m trying not to drink so much when out and about because I’d rather not risk using public rest rooms at the moment.) They are delectable and first rate! Yesterday I had the Greek Wrap, which is essentially a handheld greek salad, very tasty and of course, meat free. (Don’t fret if you’re a carnivore, however, because there are plenty of options on their menu for ya!) The hubs had a tuna with swiss on wheat and devoured it happily.

Side bar, I was quite impressed with how organized and in keeping with current COVID safety measures the ordering and pickup process was. Everyone, employees and customers to be exact, was masked and maintained that all important distance.

And we noticed that there’s some new nautical and pretty eye catching public art right out-front of East Ferry. You will not want to miss it. The Marbelle is a rowboat with an oar (I only saw one, aren’t there supposed to be two?) that’s been reimagined by artist Sandy Sorlien and decked out with brightly colored glass marbles and silicone calk. You really have to see it irl to fully appreciate!

***The East Ferry Deli is located at 47 Conanicus Ave. in Jamestown.