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As we enter December, the holiday season is in full swing around us! From Christmas carols on the radio, to decorations in stores, and sales upon sales being advertised, there is no escaping the holiday spirit! While many people prefer to shop online, holiday shopping is a great opportunity to support local, small businesses. Here are some of our favorite local businesses and unique gift ideas for this holiday season!  Looking for great stocking stuffers or gifts for friends on your list? Get everything from hair products, beauty products, or gift certificates for hair service at St. Germain Studio in Providence. They carry boutique hair products, and have a long list of services for both men and women. Shop the salon or book online at stgermainstudio.com  A night out to the movies is something people of all ages can enjoy. A movie gift certificate to see the newest flick would be a hit among anyone on your Christmas list. Wrap it up in a DIY movie basket with some popcorn, candy, and soda and let your gift recipient pick the movie. Check out your local theatre for gift options.  Buying for those “hard to shop for” people on your list? Flaunt Boutique should be your next stop. From clothing, to jewelry, to gourmet goodies, Flaunt Boutique has it all! They offer name brand accessories, trinkets from local vendors, and even gifts for your furry, four-legged friend! Hours and contact information at Flauntri.com  This winter, give the gift of sun-kissed skin from Glistening Goddess. With three convenient locations, the gift of a perfect Caribbean glow is one stop away. Recipients can make an appointment for a decadent spray tan, or utilize the teeth whitening services. Visit their website for a list of locations, or send an E-Gift card! Glisteninggoddess.com  A unique gift for those on your list is a gift certificate for a local catering company. Pranzi Catering, located in Providence, offers a dining experience unique to your event, for a meal at any time of day. Use their services to send a decadent dinner or holiday cookie tray. Even better, allow them to help with your holiday event. Find their information at www.Pranzi.com  Another option is the gift of health and wellness. Emerging Energy Acupuncture in Providence offers not only acupuncture services but a variety of massage packages, and sauna treatments. Don’t forget about yourself this holiday season; book yourself an appointment too! www.Emergingenergy.net  As always, OPTX Rhode Island is your one-stop-shop for designer sunglasses! Prescription or nonprescription, try on frames for you, and pick a pair for a friend. Check out winter specials on the website www.OPTXRhodeIsland.com or visit us at 1277 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI. We gladly assist clients from all areas of Rhode Island whether you are as close as Garden City, Cranston or a little further such as East Greenwich, it is worth the drive for those perfect, stylish eyeglasses or sunglasses.
... As the beautiful autumn leaves fall and the temperatures begin to drop, we begin to venture inside for our activities. But for those nice, crisp, fall days, here are some family friendly outdoor activities that even your dog will enjoy!  Outdoor dining Dining in Rhode Island doesn’t have to be limited to indoors as the temperatures drop. Many local restaurants offer patios equipped with heaters, or enclosed tents to keep you warm. Diego’s in Newport, The Trap in East Greenwich, and Ogie’s Trailer Park in Providence, all offer these amenities and are dog-friendly with their outdoor seating. Check your local restaurant’s website for hours, menus, reservation options, and to find out their outdoor dining and dog policies.  Rustic TriView Drive-In Movie Theatre- North Smithfield, RI The Rustic Drive-In is a Rhode Island treasure. Located on Rt 44, the theatre opens Fridays and Saturdays with a variety of movies for your viewing pleasure. Whether you tailgate out of your trunk, or bring your own comfy chairs, its never too cold to wrap up in a blanket and watch a double feature. Pack the car with the kids and the dogs, and don’t forget to hit the snack bar upon arrival and stock up on treats for all! Details and movie times are located at www.yourneighborhoodtheatre.com  Escobar Farm- Portsmouth, RI Escobar Farm is a great fall destination for the whole family. They offer an extensive corn maze, with a new design every year. Open September-November, the farm hosts several events such as Harry Potter Day, Military Appreciation, and their annual Halloween Party on October 31st! You can even host a birthday party at the farm! Don’t miss out on pumpkin picking and a hay ride once you’ve escaped the maze! Check out their website for information about their other offerings like Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree, special events, and to see an aerial view of this year’s corn maze! Dogs are welcome on a leash for the safety of all participants. www.escobarfarm.com  North Burial Ground -Providence RI Rhode Island is the resting place of many famous (and infamous) Americans. Whether important to history, or the basis of popular folklore, their gravesites are throughout Rhode Island and waiting to be visited (if you dare!). One not-so-scary location, the North Burial Ground, was established in the 1700s as Providence’s first public cemetery, and now consists of more than 40,000 gravestones. The grounds open to the public daily and welcome browsing, or you can participate in a guided tour, organized based on notable inhabitants. This history-rich site is home to many notable people from Rhode Island’s past, yet is beautiful enough for a fall afternoon stroll through the foliage. Stop by the front office for a map of the burial ground or visit their website to learn about their tours. www.northburialground.com Festivals and Food Trucks- Throughout Rhode Island  Autumn in Rhode Island boasts many festivals and events celebrating the season. From the Newport Food Truck and Beer Festival, to Woonsocket’s Autumnfest, to the Scituate Art Festival, they are scattered throughout the state and feature art, crafts, food and fun! Kids and adults alike can find a festival tailored to their interests. While not all venues allow pets due to crowds and safety precautions, many welcome furry, four legged companions. Farmers markets, pumpkin festivals, and Halloween events are also prominent at this time, including Paws In the Park at Pawtucket Dog Park (in Slater Park). The event includes a costume contest for dogs with prizes awarded, and an agility course. Register on their website www.pawtucketdogpark.com If you’re in need of some new prescription eyewear or sunglasses for your next outing, come see Team OPTX at OPTX rhode island! We are a full service eye-care center with an eyewear gallery sure to please. Our staff is ready and committed to helping you find that perfect frame! Dozens of designers on hand and plenty of package deals to suit every budget. OPTX is located just minutes from Cranston, Providence, Warwick and more! Call us at (401)521-6789, visit us at 1277 Hartford Avenue, Johnston Rhode Island or check out our web for more information at www.optxrhodeisland.com!
Pick your own farms are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors while collecting and harvesting your own delicious and healthy foods. It’s a great activity to do alone or with a crowd! During these unprecedented times, nutrition and boosting our immune systems is vital to lead a healthy and happy life. Here in Rhode Island, we have many cities which boast wonderful and hardworking farmers. Why not enjoy those delicious fruits and foods that much more while supporting local and independent farmers in your state?! Some of our favorite places to pick your own include:  1. Rocky Point Blueberry Farm in Warwick, RI - Blueberries https://www.rockypointblueberries.com Blueberries are a flavorful ingredient when baking, whether it be in muffins, pancakes, scones. But they are also delicious when enjoyed fresh, a favorite of humans and dogs! At Rocky Point Blueberry Farm, you can wander the rows of blueberry bushes before taking a break at one of their shaded picnic tables.  2. Narrow Lane Orchard in North Kingstown, RI - Apples, Nectarines, Peaches, Blackberries, Blueberries https://www.narrowlaneorchardri.com Fall often brings memories of apple picking, apple cider, apple pie, the list goes on! Rhode Island has a great selection of apple orchards that offer all this, and more. Narrow Lane Orchard also has pick-your-own nectarines, peaches, blackberries and blueberries throughout the changing RI seasons.  3.Salisbury Farm in Johnston, RI - Raspberries, Strawberries and Tomatoes www.Salisburyfarm.com Nothing says summer like fresh, juicy fruit, and what better way to enjoy the summer flavors of raspberry and strawberry than by picking them yourself! Salisbury Farm offers a family-friendly experience which includes PYO fruits and vegetables, farm animal feeding, and a farm tour. They also offer a seasonal corn maze, hay ride, and pumpkin picking!  4.Dame Farm Johnston,RI http://www.damefarmandorchards.com We often think of “pick your own” to be for fruits and vegetables, but how about flowers? Dame Farm and Orchard offers seasonal picking of zinnia, dahlia, and other flowers. As fall approaches they open for apple and pumpkin picking. Check out their farm stand for additional fresh produce and baked goods.  5.PippinOrchard in Cranston - Apples http://www.pippinorchard.com Pippin Orchard offers all things apple! From a large variety of ready-to-pick apples, to apple pies, and their famous apple cider donuts, Pippin orchard is the place to go for your apple needs. They also sell locally produced milk, eggs, honey and more! Due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is best to visit the website or call the farm(s) directly before planning any trips. There may be changes in policies regarding face coverings and masks, limitations on groups, changes in hours/days of operations and pricing.
As always, don’t forget to protect your eyes on your outdoor adventures and outings. Warmer weather is right around the corner! Be prepared with sunglasses and special treatments to protect your eyes such as polarized lenses and blue-light blocking lenses.Stop in to see us for spectacular new shades at OPTX rhode Island, 1277 hartford Ave., Johnston, RI or our web site www.OPTXrhodeisland.com . 401-521-6789 Pick your own farms are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors while collecting and harvesting your own delicious and healthy foods. It’s a great activity to do alone or with a crowd! During these unprecedented times, nutrition and boosting our immune systems is vital to lead a healthy and happy life. Here in Rhode Island, we have many cities which boast wonderful and hardworking farmers. Why not enjoy those delicious fruits and foods that much more while supporting local and independent farmers in your state?! Some of our favorite places to pick your own include:  Rocky Point Blueberry Farm in Warwick, RI - Blueberries https://www.rockypointblueberries.com Blueberries are a flavorful ingredient when baking, whether it be in muffins, pancakes, scones. But they are also delicious when enjoyed fresh, a favorite of humans and dogs! At Rocky Point Blueberry Farm, you can wander the rows of blueberry bushes before taking a break at one of their shaded picnic tables.  Narrow Lane Orchard in North Kingstown, RI - Apples, Nectarines, Peaches, Blackberries, Blueberries https://www.narrowlaneorchardri.com Fall often brings memories of apple picking, apple cider, apple pie, the list goes on! Rhode Island has a great selection of apple orchards that offer all this, and more. Narrow Lane Orchard also has pick-your-own nectarines, peaches, blackberries and blueberries throughout the changing RI seasons.  Salisbury Farm in Johnston, RI - Raspberries, Strawberries and Tomatoes www.Salisburyfarm.com Nothing says summer like fresh, juicy fruit, and what better way to enjoy the summer flavors of raspberry and strawberry than by picking them yourself! Salisbury Farm offers a family-friendly experience which includes PYO fruits and vegetables, farm animal feeding, and a farm tour. They also offer a seasonal corn maze, hay ride, and pumpkin picking!  Dame Farm Johnston,RI http://www.damefarmandorchards.com We often think of “pick your own” to be for fruits and vegetables, but how about flowers? Dame Farm and Orchard offers seasonal picking of zinnia, dahlia, and other flowers. As fall approaches they open for apple and pumpkin picking. Check out their farm stand for additional fresh produce and baked goods.  PippinOrchard in Cranston - Apples http://www.pippinorchard.com Pippin Orchard offers all things apple! From a large variety of ready-to-pick apples, to apple pies, and their famous apple cider donuts, Pippin orchard is the place to go for your apple needs. They also sell locally produced milk, eggs, honey and more! Due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is best to visit the website or call the farm(s) directly before planning any trips. There may be changes in policies regarding face coverings and masks, limitations on groups, changes in hours/days of operations and pricing.
As always, don’t forget to protect your eyes on your outdoor adventures and outings. Warmer weather is right around the corner! Be prepared with sunglasses and special treatments to protect your eyes such as polarized lenses and blue-light blocking lenses.Stop in to see us for spectacular new shades at OPTX rhode Island, 1277 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI or our web site www.OPTXrhodeisland.com . 401-521-6789 After a long winter and year of mainly indoor activities, it is time to get outside and enjoy the fun Rhode Island has to offer! From famous locales such as the Newport Cliff Walk, events like Providence WaterFire, and drinking refreshing Del’s Lemonade, there is so much to experience this summer! Grab some friends  Fireworks Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate the 4th of July, but why just celebrate one day? Oakland Beach is one of many beaches and parks that offers several fireworks displays throughout the summer that you won’t want to miss! Check out https://www.centralrichamber.com/1048/events/fireworks/ for a list of events for 2021.  Hiking A Nature Path Rhode Island boasts some of the most beautiful nature trails around. From trails through local state parks, to lesser known venues, a short drive to the entrance will begin your journey into a world of green, with beautiful foliage, local wildlife, and, perhaps, a picturesque view at the end of your hike!  Going to the beach When you live (or visit) the OCEAN STATE, a trip to the beach is a must! Whether surfing, swimming, or sunbathing, there is something for all ages. With numerous beaches it is easy to find what you’re looking for: small waves, a playground, accessible showers, or a snack bar...we have it all! As the sun starts to set, pack up and head to a local restaurant to enjoy what else Rhode Island’s waters have to offer!  Great Burgers and Summer Food Who doesn’t love enjoying a great meal outdoors? Grab your sunglasses and head to your local bistro for a delicious burger, lobster roll, or clam cake. Many of our Rhode Island restaurants offer all this, and more! Order Aunt Carries and take your food down to the beach, or experience ocean views while dining at the Coast Guard House in Narragansett.  Flea markets During the summer, sunny Sunday mornings are a great time to adventure to one of dozens of local flea markets. Regardless of your interests, you can browse, barter, or buy from one of the many vendors. Rhode Island hosts several indoor and outdoor flea markets throughout the year. With ever-changing inventory, you’re likely to leave any of these venues satisfied!  Visit Newport School may be out, but Rhode Island’s history has been beautifully restored and can be relived any time. The Breakers Mansion in Newport replicates life from the 1800s, and after the walkthrough experience, you can tour the grounds which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Want more? You can enjoy the 3.5 mile Cliff walk that offers views of other mansions, and culminates at First Beach. As always, protect your eyes when outdoors. Call or stop by at OPTX Rhode Island to pick up some great sunglasses for all of your favorite outdoor activities! www.OPTXrhodeisland.com , 1277 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI 02919 , 401-521-6789.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG! LET’S HAVE SOME FUN! Looking for the top activities to enjoy in Rhode Island now that the flowers are blooming and the weather is warmer and sunnier? Well look no further! We’ve got the scoop:  1. Hotel Week kicks off in Rhode Island from April 17-30. Ever wanted to stay in the top, luxury destinations in Rhode Island for some R&R and pampering? Now is your chance. You can stay in many of Rhode Island’s most beautiful hotels and resorts for a fraction of the normal room rate during Hotel Week. Try the Hotel Viking in Newport or maybe The Shelter Harbor Inn in Westerly. Endless options to enjoy some down time and recharge with room service, candlelight dinner and of course breakfast in bed! Complete list of participating hotels here: https://www.visitrhodeisland.com  2. Wicked Tulip farm is an absolute MUST SEE for the ultimate spring time activity. Revel in the magnificent site of thousands and thousands of brightly tinted blooms. This adorable family run business has Dutch roots, the family of tulip growers relocated to Rhode Island and brought so much beauty with them. It is located in Exeter. Check their website for Covid safety restrictions for your visit and to purchase tickets: www.wickedtulips.com  3. Love the sound of waterfalls? Well, surprisingly there are some truly beautiful falls here in Rhode Island! Take a “Rhode” trip (pun intended, ha) to see some of the best ones for photo ops and a day outside in the warm sun! Our suggestions: Harrisville Falls in Burrillville, Ponagansett Falls in Scituate, The Falls at Slater Mill in Pawtucket, and Shannock Horseshoe Falls in Richmond. Splish Splash!  4. How about the ultimate convertible experience? Check out Scooter World in Newport, https://scooterworldri.com/ , for all kinds of cool, open air buggies you can rent to cruise the streets. Motor scooters, Slingshots and three wheelers are just some of the rental options to take a spin and become a tourist for the day.  5. How about some wine in a dreamy farm setting? At the historic Andrew Brown homestead in Chepachet sits the beautiful Mulberry vineyards and venue. Check the web site for Covid-19 safety and hours: https://www.mulberryvineyards.com It is definitely worth the trip. Occasionally you can even catch live music during the tastings. We understand that these challenging new times have changed our sense of normal, but we still need to have fun and find a sense of balance in our own lives. The above activities are perfect for spring, but be sure to always call for hours, restrictions and current safety practices before embarking on your fun trip for the day,
Also, don’t forget to take your sunglasses. A day out in the sun requires eye protection. We can help if you’re looking for that fashionable edge to compliment your spring wardrobe! Call 401-521-6789 to speak with one of our frame stylists or visit us at 1277 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI, you can also visit our web site www.OPTXrhodeisland.com We all know these are difficult and unusual times while we navigate a pandemic and a strange, new normal. We also know how to take the usual precautions to stay safe during these tumultuous times. So how do we enjoy some winter fun? It may be disappointing that we can’t attend winter sporting events or spend time at a crowded ice rink with friends, but there are still plenty of safe, thoughtful activities we can participate in to get over those winter blues.
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