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Sled-Worthy Hills + Downtown Thrills 🛷

Sled-Worthy Hills + Downtown Thrills 🛷

Hit the best sledding hills in Rhody, see how PVD favorites are elevating experiential dining downtown, 5 animal experiences worth layering up for, + more!

January 27, 2026

“Catastrophic”? Please. Rhode Island looked that forecast straight in the eye, grabbed a shovel, and carried on. Sure, the snow might be creeping past knee height, but complaints are on pause – because Rhody is very busy being itself. From prime sledding hills that double as core workouts to cozy hotel packages leaning all the way into the season’s latest trends, there’s no shortage of ways to lean into winter instead of hiding from it. Add in fresh happenings, can’t-miss local finds, and a few excuses to get out (or stay in) in style, and you’ve got yourself a stacked lineup. Ready to dive in?

45+ Rhody Sledding Spots to Know

After this weekend’s snowfall, the entire state turns into a choose-your-own-adventure of plastic sleds, bold decisions, and very strong opinions. We’ve rounded up 45+ sledding hills across Rhode Island, from gentle family favorites to legendary “send it (carefully)” runs, so you know exactly where to head once the snow boots are on. Read more online.

Ellie’s & Gracie’s Winter–Spring Events Bring Experiential Dining to Downtown PVD

If winter has you craving more than another night in, Ellie’s and Gracie’s are delivering hands-on classes, spirited tastings, and thoughtfully curated events that make going out feel special again. From macaron magic and cake decorating at Ellie’s to wine seminars, whisky nights, and chef-led experiences at Gracie’s, the season’s lineup is all about connection, creativity, and a little indulgence. Read more online. Read more online.

Meet the Analog Bag: A Break From the Scroll

Meet the analog bag, a screen-free tote filled with books, puzzles, crafts, and other low-tech joys designed to break the reflex to scroll. Equal parts cozy, creative, and quietly rebellious, it’s a gentle reset that fits perfectly into everyday life, especially around Rhode Island. Read more online.

Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of what’s happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because let’s be real, life’s too short to leave the fun for last minute.

Date	Event
Wednesday 1/28	Fresh Blooms & Bubbly Event Fresh flowers meet festive sips from 5–4pm at 349 Broadway in Providence, where guests can create custom bouquets while enjoying cocktails and local bites in a celebratory, come-as-you-are setting. Learn more online ⸻ Rosa by Sarto Slip into a midweek escape at Sarto in Providence starting at 6pm, where cosmos, charcuterie, music, and DJ vibes set the tone for a chic night out. Learn more online ⸻ A Winter’s Pour: Winter Wine Tasting + Dinner with Curated Pairings Settle in at The Brook Kitchen & Bar in Warwick at 6pm for an intimate four-course winter wine dinner, where guided pairings and seasonal dishes come together for a thoughtfully crafted evening of food and wine. Learn more online
Thursday 1/29	Laugh Track at Track 15 Providence Comedy Underground takes over Track 15 inside Union Station from 7–8:30pm, pairing a showcase of rising comedy talent with bites from one of the city’s most dynamic food markets for a laughter-filled night out. Learn more online ⸻ Cocktails & Canvas at Celestial Cafe Sip, paint, and unwind from 5-8pm at Celestial Cafe in Exeter, where a guided, beginner-friendly paint night includes a handcrafted cocktail, a chef’s-choice appetizer, and all the supplies needed to create your own starry masterpiece. Learn more online ⸻ South County Distillers Vertical Rye Tasting Sip from 6:15–7:30pm at South County Distillers in Westerly during this guided rye tasting, featuring unreleased barrels hand-selected by the master distiller, side-by-side comparisons, and the chance to label and take home your favorite expression. Learn more online
Friday 1/30	Water Chemistry Workshop Brew a better cup from 4–5:30pm at Borealis Coffee Company in Bristol, where this hands-on workshop dives into how water chemistry shapes coffee flavor, complete with tastings, practical tips, and a take-home bag of coffee. Learn more online ⸻ Sea Shanty Night Sing along from 6-9:30pm at George’s of Galilee, where URI Marine Affairs students and faculty lead a lively sea shanty night joined by the Anchors Away Brass Band, plus seafood bites and brews to keep the energy high. Learn more online ⸻ Tequila Pairing Experience at Agave Social Sip and savor from 6-8pm at Agave Social in Narragansett, where a guided tasting of premium blanco tequilas is paired with authentic Mexican bites for a flavor-forward evening out. Learn more online ⸻ Boogie Wonder Band at the Stadium Theatre Get ready to dance starting at 8pm at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, where the high-energy, 10-piece Boogie Wonder Band brings disco-era hits, dazzling costumes, and full-on ’70s sparkle to the stage. Learn more online
Saturday 1/31	Free Family Fun Day at Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium Spend the day exploring from 10am–3pm at the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium in Bristol, where families can enjoy animal encounters, nature stories, crafts, hikes, and hands-on learning, all at no cost. Learn more online ⸻. Queers and Beers of Rhode Island 4th Birthday Party Celebrate from 1-4pm at The Guild in Pawtucket with an afternoon of community fun featuring a puzzle swap, cupcakes, new merch, BYO board games, beer, and raffles packed with generously donated prizes. Learn more online ⸻ Cold Joy Author Talk, Breakfast & Dip with Libby Delana Hosted by The Yellow House, this morning gathering runs from 9-11am at Sakonnet Point Club in Little Compton and features an author talk and Q&A celebrating Cold Joy, breakfast, and an optional group plunge for those ready to embrace the cold. Learn more online ⸻ Game On! Meet and mingle from 7-9pm at Tower Hill Brewing Co. in South Kingstown, where local singles can dive into indoor yard games, enjoy a charcuterie spread, and swap screen time for laughs and friendly competition. Learn more online ⸻ Wine & Olive Oil Pairing Experience Taste and learn from 2–4pm at The Langworthy Inn & Winery in Westerly during this guided pairing experience that brings together extra virgin olive oils, local wines, artisan breads, and curated charcuterie for an afternoon of flavorful discovery. Learn more online
Sunday 2/1	KPOP Demon Hunters Brunch From 10am-12pm at Medici Lounge in Providence, this high-energy brunch experience brings together live performances, dancing, meet-and-greets with fan-favorite characters, and a breakfast buffet for a lively, family-friendly morning out. Learn more online ⸻ Chakra Tune-Up: Snow Full Moon Sound Bath Unwind from 6-7pm at Nurture Holistic Wellness in East Greenwich during this guided Snow Full Moon experience, blending meditation, breath work, and sound healing to support release, balance, and renewal in the heart of winter. Learn more online ⸻ Providence Royal Princess Ball Step into a fairytale from 10am-3:30pm at the Providence Marriott Downtown, where families can enjoy a full day of princess meet-and-greets, interactive performances, dancing, story time, and magical moments designed especially for young royal fans. Learn more online ⸻ Grand Wedding Expo From 11am-3pm at Bally’s Twin River Casino & Event Center in Lincoln, this all-in-one wedding planning expo brings together top vendors, emerging trends, and a bridal fashion runway show to help couples plan their big day in a single afternoon. Learn more online ⸻ Create Lavender Wreaths & Needle Felt Lovebirds at Roots Heaven Farm Settle in from 1-3pm at Roots Heaven Farm in Smithfield for a cozy, hands-on workshop where guests can craft a petite lavender wreath and needle-felted lovebirds, then wander the farm to visit alpacas, goats, and miniature donkeys for a calm, creative afternoon. Learn more online

Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!

The Beatrice Is Making Silence the Ultimate Luxury

As rest-first travel takes over 2026, The Beatrice is leading the charge with a sleep-centered stay designed for true downtime. From personalized sleep concierges to pillow menus and mindful nighttime rituals, this downtown Providence hotel proves that the quietest experiences make the boldest statement. Read more online.

⭐ ⭐ Is your winter craving a little more flavor and a lot less cooking at home? Providence Restaurant Weeks returns for its 20th year from January 25 through February 7, bringing nearly 100 restaurants across Providence and beyond together for limited-time prix fixe menus, lunch and dinner specials, and creative drink offerings. With both longtime favorites and first-time participants on the lineup, it’s the perfect excuse to eat your way through Rhode Island’s ever-evolving food scene.

⭐ Looking for a reason to linger a little longer in Newport on a Sunday? Flora, the coastal Mediterranean restaurant inside the Gardiner House hotel, has launched a new Sunday brunch that blends classic favorites with Spanish-inspired flair, from eggs Benedict and house-made pastries to brunch cocktails and a signature Bloody Mary. Served Sundays from 11am-2:30pm, the waterfront experience pairs Chef Miguel Somoza’s vibrant, farm-forward cooking with sweeping harbor views and a dining room steeped in Newport history.

⭐ Dreaming of a summer on stage by the sea? Bill Hanney’s Theatre By the Sea is holding local Equity and Non-Equity adult auditions for its 2026 summer season, with roles available across a crowd-pleasing lineup that includes Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, Titanic, and On Your Feet. Auditions take place by appointment only on January 31 and February 1 in North Kingstown, giving Rhode Island performers a chance to shine close to home before the season kicks off in May. Sign up online.

Five Animal Experiences in RI Worth Bundling Up For

Winter doesn’t scare everyone into hibernation, and thankfully, some of Rhode Island’s most charming residents are still very much open for visits. From penguins and seals to alpacas and tortoises, these five cold-weather animal experiences prove that bundling up comes with serious payoff. Read more online.

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Snowy views at Colt State Park ❄️✨

Photo by @k___elizabeth

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