Rhode Island Monthly May/June 2020 | Page 103

{ THE LIST } Editor’s note: As of press time, most non-essential businesses are closed due to COVID-19. However, the following list will make for excellent post-pandemic adventures. Restaurants that remain open are only doing call-ahead takeout and curbside pickup, so be sure to check websites and social media for hours/ instructions. { where to eat } Blackie’s One of Smithfield’s prized possessions shares the same mascot as the town’s university. The owners strive to make your experience as personal as possible the minute you place your order. From Sunday brunch to burgers to pizzas to meatloaf to cheesecake, Blackie’s offers everything you could possibly be craving. As winners of multiple Rhode Island Monthly “Best of Rhode Island” awards, this is the place you need to try when you’re in the area. 280 George Washington Hwy., Smithfield, 231-4777, eatat blackies.com. Terrazza The two-year-old restaurant has made a Mediterranean splash in Rhode Island since opening its doors. With most of Terrazza’s ingredients coming from local farms, you’re consuming some of the freshest food in the state. Its executive chef has cooked across Europe and ensures this menu is completely authentic — there is no shortage of feta cheese or olives. 645 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 233-3223, terrazzari.com. A SHORT DRIVE AWAY Cook and Dagger One of the most popular modern American restaurants in the area is tucked inside little Greenville. The eatery recently revamped its menu and is excited for customers new and old to check it out. Start your meal off with something traditional like R1 Indoor Karting Center in Lincoln. By Andrew Small calamari or go bold with the roasted bone marrow. Cook and Dagger even uses a number of locally sourced meats for sandwiches and entrees. Plus, the restaurant serves up a fancy brunch for when you just want to sleep in a little on Sunday morning. 566 Putnam Pike, Greenville, 349-3927, cookand dagger.com. Silvio’s Restaurant For almost fifty years, Silvio’s has been owned and operated by the Patriarca family. The Roman-inspired, home-like atmosphere has been attracting families for years. While the menu is entirely Italian, there are plenty of dishes to choose from. If you’re not in the mood for a sit-down meal, consider stopping at Silvio’s shop next door for some of its self-proclaimed best pizza in Rhode Island. 133 Greenville Ave., Johnston, 231-5060, silviosrestaurantri.com. { things to do } Wolf Hill Forest Preserve The town of Smithfield is split in half by 300 protected acres of trails, trees and wildlife called the Wolf Hill Forest Preserve. With six miles of trail this area is the perfect length for hikers, bikers or horseback riders. Views from the trail include an array of flora, vernal pools and the Providence city skyline. Waterview Drive, Smithfield, exploreri.org. Boston Skydive Center Looking for an adrenaline rush? Does jumping out of a plane sound like a fun Saturday activity? Despite its name, Boston Skydive Center is in Smithfield and has been giving people the thrill of their lives since 2011. You can bring your friends to jump with you and get the whole thing on video. 300 Jenckes Hill Rd., Smithfield, 508-759-3483, bostonskydivecenter.com. A SHORT DRIVE AWAY R1 Indoor Karting Center–Lincoln Zoom around at blistering speeds at one of the newest additions to Lincoln’s recreational facilities. Equipped with the latest in go-kart technology, the electric vehicles have the power of a racecar without the fumes. Its asphalt track is specifically designed for karting, meaning you’ll have a fast experience all around. R1 also hosts a bowling and billiards lounge as well as Fuel Restaurant and Sports Bar, so you can grab a bite after you take first place. 100 Higgins Ave., Lincoln, 721-5554, r1indoorkarting.com. Rustic Drive-In Theater With freshly popped popcorn and a choice of three screens playing two back-to-back feature films, the Rustic Drive-in is the perfect place to take your kids for some classic evening fun. Open rain or shine, the first film begins at dusk and costs $27 a carload. 1195 Eddie Dowling Hwy., North Smithfield, 769-7601, yourneighborhoodtheatre.com { where to shop } Flaunt Boutique Owner Amanda Doumato stayed close to the family business by opening her business inside her father’s jewelry store. Her top priority is to provide women with a selection of beautiful accessories to complement the boutique’s clothing. Whether her customers want bold or simple, Amanda has them covered. She also makes it her mission to donate to a charity each month. Check out her shop today and you might even see her adorable pup. 425 Putnam Pike, Greenville, 949-4849, flauntri.com. Orange Cat Candle Co. Inspired by the feral cat she adopted in Providence, Samantha Lebeau named her candle company after Mr. Field. She promotes her eco-friendly hand-poured candles; the wicks are made of hemp and the wax is soy, which allows them to burn cleaner and longer. The oils and scents she uses are also non-toxic but have a scent like the leading brands. She attends many flea markets to sell her candles or you can buy them online. 5 Minoru St., Smithfield, 688-9181, orangecatcandleco.com. A SHORT DRIVE AWAY Lulu’s Krazy Daisy Fashion Consignment Looking to sell high-end designer brand items or buy some at discounted prices? Lulu’s Krazy Daisy Fashion Consignment is the boutique for you. Clean out your closet or clean out your wallet at Lulu’s. You’ll think all the products in this tidy store are brand new. 706 Saint Paul St., North Smithfield, 597-6219, facebook.com/luluskrazydaisy. Ryco Trimming Co. If you’re crafty and want to get into textiles, check out Ryco Trimming Co. Equipped with every fabric, thread, trimming, ribbon and sewing tool imaginable, the shop has the right supplies for beginners and experts alike. Take some classes on sewing, quilting or design. Whatever your project, whether it be a quilt, child’s dress or a teddy bear, there are resources and inspiration at Ryco. 25 Carrington St., Lincoln, 725-1779, rycotrim.com. � PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF R1 INDOOR KARTING CENTER. RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MAY/JUNE 2020 101