Tired of the Bail Out, Economy, Political Debates, Bad News. Need to Get Away & Outside

I think I have been watching to much News, Political Debates, and reading in general just to much negative information. I need to clear my head and refocus. When this happens to me I find positive things to do outside or around town.

Recently I was reading the forum on http://www.city-data.com/regarding Rhode Island. People were asking what it was like living in Rhode Island and much to my surprise it was very negative. If I were considering living in Rhode Island and read some of the responses I don't think I would move here. You may want to look up what people are saying about your area.

So let's see exactly what is going on in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Due to the economic times I have chosen events that are free. Yes Free!
October 4, 2008 - Information obtained from the Lifestyle section of http://www.eastbayri.com/

Aquidneck Growers' Market
Features local products from 15 member growers and producers including fresh produce, cut flowers, berries, herbs, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, baked goods (including a dog bakery), pasta and cheese.
Where: On the ground of Newport Vineyard and Winery, 909 East Main Rd., Rte 138, Middletown, RI
When: 9:00am-1:00pm Saturdays through Oct 25, rain or shine

Astronomy Day Celebration
UMass Dartmouth Observatory and the Astronomical Society of Southern New England hosts a celebration of Astronomy Day. Visitors will view many nebulae in the Sagittarius Constellation through the observatory's 16-inch telescope and other large telescopes. Also on the program is Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. Each object will be explained and questions answered.
WHERE: UMass Dartmouth Observatory, field next to the main entrance, Old Westport Rd., North Dartmouth, MA
WHEN: 7 p.m.
COST: Free, donations to the Observatory Development Fund appreciated

Autumn Fair
Features handmade gifts and crafts, baked treats, fudge and candy, white elephant table, country store, a variety of food at the Autumn Fair Cafe, a concert by Hillside Galileans Gospel Group and more.
WHERE: First Congregational Church, the Olde White Church, Rt. 6 and Maple Ave., Swansea, MA
WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fall Gardening Festival
Features a variety of speakers and exhibitors to share their knowledge and tools of the trade through workshops, hands-on activities, garden talks and demonstrations. Learn how to divide perennials, prune shrubs, propagate tender perennials, harvest and dry herbs and put the garden to bed for the winter. Bring a picnic lunch, drinks provided.
WHERE: Tranquil Lake Nursery, 45 River St., Rehoboth, MA
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
COST: Free

Meet Lemon the Duck
Meet Lemon, the star of the children's picture book, "Lemon the Duck," and author Laura Backman. Based on the true story of Lemon, a teacher and her class conduct an egg-hatching project and welcome four little ducklings into the world.
WHERE: A Novel Idea Booksellers, 450 Hope St., Bristol, RI
WHEN: Noon-2 p.m.
COST: Free

Montanaro's Open Studio
Montanaro's Open Studio will feature works by Michael and Elizabeth Montanaro for viewing or purchase, music, beverages and entertainment.
WHERE: Montanaro's Studio, Portsmouth, RI
WHEN: 1-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: 741-8101

Westport's Farmers' Market and Craft Fair
Features local produce, crafts and more.
WHERE: Westport Grange, 937 Main Rd., Westport
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 11

Are you a Nature Lover? The Audubon Society of Rhode Island provides a list of wildlife refuges in Rhode Island you can visit complete with descriptions, trail maps, and lists of permitted/not permitted uses of the trails.
http://www.asri.org/refuges/wildlife-refuges.html

There is also Fort Barton Highland Rd Tiverton, RI
Revolutionary War redoubt. It was the troop staging area for the invasion of Aquidneck Island and Newport and the eventual Battle of Rhode Island. Observation tower and 3 miles of nature walks.

Saving (in my opinion) the best for last. This place gets my gold star.
Okay so the star isn't gold but you get my point.


The Frerichs Farm and Greenhouses
43 Kinnicutt Ave - Warren, RI 02885
http://www.frerichsfarm.com/index.html


Free: Western Town, Corn Maze, Toddler Flower Maze, Tee pee
Small Fee: Pumpkin Coach Ride, Scarecrow Factory


When you do things right you just simply shine. I suggest you visit their web site. I am sure you will agree. Think I'll bring my grand baby there this weekend.

So before you believe all the negative you read about Rhode Island come see for yourself. Every place you live has it's share of negative. It is your choice to focus on the negative or the positive. This is a overview of One Day/One Month! Look at the effort people put into their communities. Besides the wonderful ocean and beaches we have farmers, artists, authors, and much more. Aside from the classroom we provide fun ways to educate our children. This is what Rhode Island is to me.

So for one day or one weekend walk away from your computers. Turn off your TVs. Put down your game controllers. Get outside and enjoy your town. I would love to see what other communities around the country have to offer. I'll be looking.