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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

For love of figs: A growing community takes root

Sandy Pavao-Pinaretta, owner of FigMamma Farms, stands among the fig trees that grew from a personal collection into a nursery producing thousands of plants.

Fifteen years ago, Sandy Pavao-Pinaretta thought figs were purple. Then she tasted a large, yellow fig growing from an in-ground tree in Fall River — a variety she knew at the time as “Pingo …

The story behind the stuffie

Tony Amaral (left), his son, Brian Amaral, and brother, Don Amaral, pose with trays of Amaral’s Fish & Chips’ signature stuffed quahogs, better known as stuffies, a family recipe that has become a local favorite.

Few foods are as closely tied to Rhode Island as the stuffed quahog. Found everywhere from church feasts to neighborhood seafood shacks, the “stuffie" has become an Ocean State tradition, with …

Plan today to plant for tomorrow

Perennials provide a splash of color and interest in the authors’ yard, but it is a group of three mid-canopy ‘Forest Pansy’ Redbuds and towering native Oaks that provide ongoing structure and ecological pizazz to the space.

Think your garden is winding down for the year? Think again. August marks the start of the most transformative season for landscape planning and design. Whether you are envisioning a major overhaul …

More East Bay Life stories here.

Columnists ...

Whisking Wisdom

An eggplant event for everyone In our house, eggplant parmesan isn't just a dish, it’s an event. A glorious, cheesy, breaded event that leaves the kitchen looking like a flour bomb exploded and everyone’s hearts (and …

Book Reviews

Reading — The perfect indoor cold weather activity

As the cold weather hangs around, reading is my go-to activity. Who wants to go outside? Stay inside where it’s cozy and enjoy a new author. These are all new authors for me. “The Framed …

East Bay Scoops

Finding the (W)right scoop The Wright Scoop is the ice cream side of Wright’s Dairy Farm, a family-run gem, with deep roots in the dairy and food industry, and a history dating back to the 1910s. Cate Kennedy guides the …

The Local Music Scene

Jesse Liam: Singer, songwriter, dancer, artist As a singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, and recording artist, young Rhode Islander Jesse Liam, who fronts The Jesse Liam Band, walks an artist’s tight wire act, blending the spirit of the …

No Fluke

Harvest Fair in Middletown this weekend Norman Bird Sanctuary hosts its Harvest Fair for two days this weekend. Families can expect to find pony rides, pumpkins painting, face painting, field games, a mud pit, train rides, a grease pole …

Life & Death

Coping with family caregiver guilt A family caregiver is typically an unpaid family member, partner or friend providing physical, emotional or social support to someone experiencing health challenges. AARP and the National Alliance …

Life in the Garden

Health and healing by design – A landscape for all senses Most garden designs start with a look, inspired by perfectly curated social media feeds and magazine spreads. We get hooked on bold flowers and eye-catching features. But healthy, healing spaces …

Events & Things to Do ...

'Oktoberfest' with a 'twist' inspires Warren Heritage Foundation's 2026 gala

7 hours ago

The Warren Heritage Foundation’s 12th Annual Gala gathering takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, at Parker Mills off Metacom Avenue, this year's event titled "Harvest to Heritage" with an …

Reenactment Weekend at Coggeshall Farm

Yesterday at 9:53 PM

Coggeshall Farm Museum is hosting Bristol Expedition Reenactment Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visitors can step back in time to see what life …

Newport Polo hosts an unexpected encore

Yesterday at 1:58 PM

After last weekend’s nor’easter postponed its scheduled season finale, Newport Polo will saddle up one more time this Saturday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m., bringing its historic 150th Diamond Jubilee …

Harvest Festival at the vineyard this weekend

3 days ago

Sakonnet Vineyard will host its second annual Harvest Festival this weekend. The two-day event includes family-friendly activities, with live music, wine tastings, food, vineyard tours, and …

Find more to do here ...

Community calendar

Friday, October 2

Level Up with the Foundations of Hospitality Leadership Program

Friday, October 2, 18:00:00

Kai Franz and Neal Walsh

Saturday, October 3, 21:00:00

Dr. Steve Taubman's Mind Magic: A Night of Laughter and Astonishment

Sunday, October 4

Chamber Orchestra of Barrington 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert

See the full calendar here.