As far as national holidays go, Rhode Island Independence Day has never made much of an impression. Even in Rhode Island, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade and Gaspee Days have vastly overshadowed … more

When you take pictures that are as exciting and beautiful as the ones that David Silverman took in Africa this year, it’s hard to take him seriously when he protests that he’s not an … more

Terri Bert has the recipe for a cookbook. You start with a palazzo. Seriously, a lavish place overlooking the Arno River and Florence is part of the story. And it ends with a place in Michigan … more

A partly cloudy day in late summer is the perfect time to approach Grace Note Farm in Pascoag. The weather is mild and this year’s greenery has taken on an invitingly mature look, with patinated … more

As we approach Mother’s Day and begin to reflect on the unconditional love mothers provide, the phrase, “Has a face only a mother could love,” immediately springs to mind when you see Inara for … more

The Beantown Swing Orchestra, the high energy, 18-piece swing band that wowed guests at The Kent Center’s Swing into Spring celebration last year, will be back for this year’s swing May 17. … more

After three well received books on early American decoration, Ann Eckert Brown says she wrote her last book on the subject. “After studying houses and working in houses all over the country for … more

It’s easy to argue you that Halloween is America’s most popular secular holiday. Most people spend more on Halloween than they do on Labor Day, July 4, Thanksgiving or any other non-religious observance. Just ask Gary Garabedian of Rhode Island Costume in the Warwick Mall. “As you know, this is the busiest time of the year for me,” said Garabedian on a recent visit. “I’ve got someone … more

I first suspected that Senator Sheldon Whitehouse did a lot of reading after I saw excerpts from a speech he gave at the height of the Affordable Care Act debate: “History cautions us of the … more

Next to wanting to be an actor, wanting to be a fashion designer is one of those ambitions most parents try to discourage their kids to pursue. But when Sarah Maloff told her mother she wanted to be … more