Fresh Fits & Seafood 🦐

The sparklers may be spent, but your summer’s still glowing – and today’s newsletter just landed to keep the heat alive. From local style pros serving up sunny-day inspo to a seafood festival blowing out 40 candles (and your taste buds), plus even more ways to savor the season, this newsletter brings the fireworks all over again.

Rhode Island Designers Set the Tone for Summer Style

Butter yellow, natural fibers, and a splash of seaside charm are Rhode Island’s fashion musts this summer. Local designers and boutiques are leaning into craftsmanship, breezy fabrics, and nostalgic hues like mocha mousse and navy – proving the smallest state knows how to make a big style statement. Read more online.

^{• By Elyse Major}

Celebrate 40 Years of Flavor and Fun at the Charlestown Seafood Festival

The iconic Charlestown Seafood Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this August with three days of fresh seafood, live music, fireworks, and family fun in Ninigret Park. Named one of North America’s top events, the festival doubles as a community fundraiser and showcases everything delicious and memorable about Rhode Island summers. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo courtesy of Poland Media Group}

Presented by RI State Parks

Unlock Unlimited Summer Fun with a RI State Beach Pass

There’s a reason both locals and tourists flock to Rhode Island’s coastline every summer. With eight public state beaches stretching from Westerly to Narragansett, the Ocean State offers no shortage of sun, surf, and shoreline to explore. Thanks to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and its Division of Parks and Recreation, getting your parking pass to enjoy these natural gems has never been easier.

Managing more than 8,200 acres of public land, DEM oversees not only beaches but also parks, bike paths, historic sites, and trails. This vast network draws nearly nine million visitors each year and sets the stage for major events, like the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals.

At the heart of many summer traditions is the RI State Beach Parking Pass, a one-time purchase that offers parking access at all eight state beaches for a one-time cost for the entire summer. For frequent beachgoers, it’s a convenient, cost-effective alternative to daily rates, making spontaneous trips to the shore that much simpler.

“We’re excited to welcome everyone to swim, relax, and make memories with friends and family at Rhode Island’s beautiful state beaches,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “With thousands of people heading to the shore, we’re encouraging everyone to enjoy them safely, be respectful to our staff and fellow beachgoers, and soak up every moment of this special summer tradition.”

This year, DEM introduced several helpful updates to improve the experience. Returning customers with no changes to their vehicle or account information can now skip the online verification process, making checkout faster than ever. The agency also opened a new in-person sales office at Fishermen’s Memorial State Park in Narragansett and expanded its real- time parking tracker to include all eight state beaches.

Whether you’re heading to Charlestown Breachway, Misquamicut, Scarborough, or Salty Brine, the state beach season pass offers a smart way to invest in summer fun. Find the full list of beaches, check parking availability, and buy your pass at riparks.ri.gov/beachpass.

Instagram: @RIStateParks

Facebook: @RIStateParks

^{• Photo courtesy of RI State Parks}

Newport Art Museum Revives a Gilded Age Star

Newport Art Museum is bringing Howard Gardiner Cushing back into the spotlight with his first major retrospective in decades. Opening July 12, the exhibition reunites 55 of the Gilded Age painter’s long-hidden works with the city that inspired him, celebrating his elegant yet modern vision. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo by Alexander Nesbitt, courtesy of Newport Art Museum}

Rhode Island’s Most Instagrammable Cafes Brew Charm

From log cabins to carriage houses, Rhode Island’s coffee scene is serving more than just lattes—it’s serving vibes. These eight unique cafes across the state blend bold flavors, cozy atmospheres, and plenty of photo-worthy details for your next caffeine fix or catch-up sesh. Read more online.

^{• By Patty J, photo by Elyse Major}

#HeyRhodyPhotos

Bristol looking like a painting, as usual. 😌

Photo by @marcushanscom

^{Use #HeyRhodyPhotos to share your Rhody views, and it might be featured here!}