Fall Fun in New England

The weather may not be cooling off too much just yet but that doesn’t mean you can’t start enjoying all those classic fall New England traditions. Apple picking, hay rides, pie baking, corn mazes, pumpkin picking! There are so many gorgeous, local, family run farms that you could check out a different one every weekend. I have put together a few favorites from around the state to get you started on your RI Fall Bucket List.

Barden Family Orchard, North Scituate

Barden Family Farm was founded in 1931 and has been in the Barden family ever since. They began full time farming in 2005 and today offer a wide range of farm grown produce at their farmstand as well as cider, donuts, and honey. If you are looking for a true farm experience you can pick your own apples, peaches, berries, pumpkins and even flowers! This is a great excursion for the whole family. They are open every day August 1- October 31. You can head to their facebook page to see exactly what is open for picking on any given day: https://www.facebook.com/bardenfamilyorchard

Salisbury Farm, Johnston

Salisbury Farm was founded in the 1800’s and has been owned and operated by 5 generations of the Salisbury Family. In the summer they offer pick your own strawberries and raspberries. This time of year you can pick your own tomatoes and sunflowers as well as shop their fresh produce at their farm stand. Salisbury may be best known for their iconic corn maze. Every year for the past 23 years they have created a unique and challenging maze that is fun for young and old alike. You can also take a hayride, pick your own pumpkin and pet and feed the animals! Check out their Facebook page before you head out to see what is happening today: https://www.facebook.com/salisburyfarm

Escobar Farm, Middletown

On Aquidneck Island, Escobar Farm is another family run business that offers a unique yearly corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking. You can even tag a Christmas tree to be cut and picked up later in the year!

Jaswells Farm, Smithfield

Started in 1899 by Nicholas Jaswell after immigrating from Italy, the farm is currently being run by the fourth generation of Jaswell’s. They offer pick your own apples, and have a large farm stand where you can purchase their fresh produce, donuts, cider and fresh baked pies. You can go to their website to reserve a time slot for apple picking: https://www.jaswellsfarm.com/picking-schedule.html

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and find some fun ways to welcome in the new season!

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 for all of your real estate needs.

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Beauty Blooms

I’ve talked before about the ease and joy of growing your own flowers in a cutting garden. Maybe you started one this year and have more blooms than you know what to do with! Or maybe you can’t pass up all the beautiful flowers this time of year at your local market (Trader Joes and Whole Foods always have a fantastic array to choose from!) Either way I thought it might be a good time to talk about arranging all of that gorgeous color with some tips and tricks to help your bouquets stand out and last longer.

When to cut your flowers? Cut in the early morning. The day is not yet hot and the flowers have had a night of cool air and morning dew. Their stems are filled with water and will be firm to the touch. As the day wears on and the sun comes up, flowers start to dehydrate. They wont last as long inside if cut when hot and stressed.

How to Cut? Use Sharp Snips or shears. Cut at a 45 degree angle, this provides a larger area for water intake. Bring a vessel of water with you outside. This doesn’t have to be the vase you plan on displaying your flowers in, just a container of cool water that you can immediately immerse the stems in as you go. Remove all of the foliage that will be below the water line. This helps slow down bacteria growth in the water which will extend the life of your bouquet. Cut your stems long, right above a set of leaves. You can always make them shorter if necessary once arranging them in your vase.

What to Cut? I have mentioned before that fantastic cutting flowers are Zinnias, Cosmos and Dahlias as they are all easy to grow and cutting them will encourage more blooms. It is always nice to add in other stunners for texture and color like Hydrangeas, Sunflowers, Daisies, and Roses. You can also round out your arrangements with leafy greens. Look around your yard; Hosta leaves make a beautiful addition, as do many different herbs. Basil, mint, lavender, lemon balm will all look (and smell) beautiful with your flowers!

Arranging your Bounty. I would encourage you to have fun playing around with your options. Don’t worry about having the perfect vase. A simple glass jar or ceramic pitcher can make a beautiful statement. You could cluster several small jars or bud vases together to make a tableau. If you have large vessels and enough flowers to fill them, by all means, make a masterpiece! Think about the colors you are using. Monochromatic bouquets can be very visually pleasing and peaceful. If you are feeling playful, put together a riot of color!

Shopping When shopping for cut flowers to arrange remember to include some extra greenery.  Eucalyptus can add a lot of interest and texture and there are many different kinds to choose from. Also; ferns, ivy and lemon leaf are great options. One of my go-to favorites for store bought flowers are Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lilies. They come in all shades and colors all year long, with strong sturdy stems and a very long shelf life. If you change the water often they could last you a couple of weeks!

I hope you fully enjoy the rest of this gorgeous growing season and find peaceful moments in the beauty all around you; both inside and outside of your home.

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 for all of your Real Estate Needs!

Beach Life

Who’s ready to pack a towel, sunscreen, a good book and hit the beach? It’s officially beach season and we have a lot of fantastic choices here in the Ocean State. Whether you are looking for calm water and easy bathrooms for your little ones, big waves or just a whole lot of peace and quiet there is sure to be a sandy spot that will fit the bill. If you don’t already have a favorite or if you’re looking to try something different I’ve put together a few options for you in South County and Newport County.

South County

East Matunuck in South Kingstown is known for its strong surf, making it a popular spot for older kids and boogie boarding. It has a lovely pavilion with bathrooms and a full concession stand. The parking lot is large but does fill up on busy summer weekends so arriving early is always a safe bet.

Roger Wheeler in Narragansett used to be called Sand Hill Cove. It has very calm water and fine sand, making it perfect for young families. There is also a playground, picnic tables and bathhouse. Another large parking lot that has been known to fill up on hot days.

East State Beach in Charlestown stretches for three miles of shoreline abutting Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge on Quonochontaug Neck, the barrier island separating Block Island Sound and Ninigret Pond. In addition to the beachfront the area also offers a small, seasonal campground (20 units) and salt-water fishing. It is one of the least developed of RI State Beaches and has a small parking lot and a few changing rooms.

Newport County

Eastons Beach in Newport is also known as “First Beach.” This 3/4 mile stretch of sand also marks the beginning of the Cliff Walk if you want to stretch your legs and see some gorgeous views. There can be waves good for both surfing and boogie boarding. There are beach concessions and restrooms but the bathhouses are currently still closed due to COVID restrictions. Parking lots for residents and visitors are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fort Adams State Beach is located in Fort Adams State Park on Ocean Drive. It is a small, 225 foot beach overlooking Newport Harbor. The water is calm and there is a roped off swimming area that is perfect for kids. There are restrooms, showers and a picnic area and parking is actually free!

Sachuset Beach in Middletown is also know as “Second Beach” and is a favorite for locals. There are 1.5 miles of white sand stretching down to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge where you will find 2.5 miles of nature trails and over 200 bird species. At surfer’s end you can Surf, Kayak and fly kites. There are restrooms and a picnic area.

I hope you are able to get out there this summer and enjoy our gorgeous state and all the sunshine and saltwater it has to offer!

Please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 to view any RI beachfront homes for a permanent staycation!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Weekend Plans

Spring, or what feels like summer, is undeniably here in Rhode Island! After being cooped up for so long, and with restrictions finally loosening up, our options for what to do on any given weekend are expanding quickly. There are always gorgeous beaches, state parks and hiking trails to explore but what if you are in the mood for something new and different? I have put together a list of events happening around the state this weekend to give you some inspiration!

Asian Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Journey through a dazzling wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s first ever Asian Lantern Spectacular! Produced by Hanart Culture, the show will feature over 50 spectacular glowing lantern displays, kids interactive lantern area, savory Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks, hand-crafted keepsakes, and more. This enchanting multicultural experience is sure to delight all ages!

Dates: Wednesday - Sunday evenings April 15th - July 4th, 2021

Times: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Price: $25/person; $23/children 12 and under (Free for children under 2)

For more information, visit rwpzoo.org/lantern

Greek Festival in Cranston

If you have a craving for Spanakopita, you’re in luck! The much loved annual Greek Festival will be express this year, take out only.

Dates: Friday May 21- Sunday May 23.

Location: 175 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston, RI 02920

You place your order online here: https://www.greekfestexpress.com/ and then head over to pick it up and enjoy! Easy and delicious.

Coastal Queen Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Experience magnificent Newport Harbor and lower Narragansett Bay as the sun sets. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a complimentary “special drink” of the night. While on this 90-minute cruise you will see mega yachts, lighthouses, historic church steeples, the Newport Pell Bridge, Rose Island, the Jamestown shoreline, historic forts, and so much more. They follow the most current health guidelines to make your experience safe and enjoyable.

Dates: 5/21/2021, 5/22/2021, 5/23/2021

• Location: Coastal Queen Cruises

• Address: 5 Bowen's Landing, Bowen's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840

• Phone: (401) 423-9900

• Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

• Price: All Ages - $32

Jewelry District Guided Walking Tour

Join Jewelry District resident and neighborhood historian, Olin Thompson, for a two-hour guided walking tour of the Historic Jewelry District neighborhood.

They will discuss the past, the present and the future. Why is it called the Jewelry District? Learn about the District’s history, buildings and architecture. Learn about the people … from Mayors to business owners to factory workers. Learn about innovation from the first Providence building with electricity, to the first steam engine, to a revolutionary watch band, to today’s medical innovations. The District has been a hot spot for innovation for over 100 years.

Date: Sat May 22; 12-2pm

Location: Brown Medical School Park, Corner of Richmond and Ship Streets, Providence

Reserve your spot online: Jewelry District Guided Walking Tour

Price: Free!

Wine Tasting at Leyden Vineyard

Guests select 5 delicious Leyden Vineyard wines to experience while learning about what makes each so unique. Following the wine tasting, guests are welcome to purchase a bottle of their favorite wine and enjoy it inside the tasting room, outside on our patio, or stroll around the vineyard.

Dates: Daily from 12-4pm

Location: 160 Plain Meeting House Rd., West Greenwich

Price: $12 for a wine tasting and logo glasses for two. $22 for a wine tasting and logo glasses for four.

More Info: Leyden Farm

Whatever you are up to this weekend I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the gorgeous weather!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Top 5 Places to Spend Your Next Sunny Saturday in RI

We’ve had a handful of lovely weather days in the past couple of weeks and you may be feeling that outdoor itch. Its just too sunny and beautiful to be cooped up inside a second longer but where to go and what to do when you might be tired of your own yard, deck or neighborhood? Luckily, our fantastic little state has no shortage of beautiful parks and hiking trails. Whether you are looking for somewhere to have a picnic and a casual walk with your dog or a more intense workout surrounded by nature, there is sure to be a spot within 30 minutes or less that will fit the bill. I have put together a few favorites across the state so you can plan out your next local adventure.

1. Long Pond Trail

Long Pond Trail is a 4.5 mile out and back trail near West Greenwich. It is part of the Arcadia Management Area. It is a moderately difficult hike and there are some steep rock scrambles that would be too difficult for young children or those with knee problems. There are some beautiful views of the lake and the beginning of the hike starts out in a pretty incredible rhododendron grove (even better if you can catch them in bloom.) The parking area only fits a couple of cars but you can also park along the side of the road by the trailhead.

2. Lincoln Woods

Lincoln Woods is no secret but it really is a gem of a state park nestled in the Blackstone Valley. It covers over 600 acres around Olney Pond in Lincoln. There are trails designated for Horseback Riding and others for Mountain Biking. There are private sites tucked in the woods with picnic tables and firepits that you can reserve, perfect for your outdoor get together. In the summer season you can swim at the freshwater beach. Parking is abundant throughout the park as well. It is a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon immersed in nature but still close to home.

3. Stepstone Falls

Save Stepstone Falls for when it is a little warmer out and you can reward your hiking efforts with a dip in the fresh cool water of the swimming hole. Complete with a rope swing and a waterfall, it is every child’s dream. Stepstone Falls can be accessed via the Ben Utter Trail; which is a 2.7 mile out and back trail near West Greenwich. There are lots of opportunities for spotting wildlife on the trail. A couple of things to note: during hunting season you must wear orange. Also be prepared that the road driving in is a bit steep and narrow, roadside parking available.

4. Ken Weber Conservation Trail

The Ken Weber Conservation Trail is a super short and mostly easy (great for kids!) little hike near Greenville. It is a 1.1 mile loop trail complete with large rock formations and a small waterfall (if there has been enough rain.) There are a couple of rock scrambles and an old fireplace foundation as well as some interesting signage and poetry along the way. Easy drive from 295 and plenty of room for parking at the trailhead.

5. Lime Rock Preserve

Lime Rock Preserve is another relatively short and easy walk; a 1.8 mile loop near Lincoln. It is part of the Aust Family Preserve and features a lovely water view over a pond, the perfect spot to stop for a picnic lunch. There are a few diverging trails you can take but it is well marked. .

I hope you are able to take some deep breaths of fresh air this weekend and enjoy all the natural beauty that surrounds us as our days get warmer and longer. Happy Trails!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

The Power of Art

It’s no secret that art, in its many forms, has long been a driver of human emotion and a source of comfort and pleasure. The privileges of enjoying fine art, in a museum or at a theatre, are experiences we hopefully all have throughout our lives at different times.

Art is not just for museum galleries though. You should think of the walls of your own living room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen and hallway as opportunities to display art that is meaningful to you.  Paintings, drawings, murals and photos by talented artists as well as work done by those in your own life (children, grandchildren) and items with special meaning should all have a place on the walls of your home. With everyone spending so much time in their own spaces this past year you may have noticed that your mood can be directly affected by what you surround yourself with. Let that be a good reason to reassess what is currently taking up your wall space and decide if its time to refresh.

Below I have collected some inspirational images and ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Less can definitely be more sometimes. Hanging just one, or a pair, of large statement pieces in a central location can be both beautiful and calming to the eye. The negative space around the work is restful and places more emphasis on the art itself. Pay attention to color as well. There is no need to match your art to your furniture but sometimes a particular tone in a piece of art might work really well (or clash horribly) with a more permanent fixture in the room.

If you are feeling like more of a maximalist, think Gallery Wall! Gallery Walls work well in so many different spots, staircases being one of my favorites. Make sure there is a common theme tying all of your pieces together. This could be similar tones, black and white; it could be similar subject matter (all family photos or all nature photography.) Also keeping your frames either the same size, shape or color helps to create a cohesive look and your entire wall will end up feeling like one bold statement, with lots of treasures to discover.

Don’t forget that art does not have to be two dimensional. Tapestries, sculptures, light fixtures, vases, etc. can all add unique depth and texture to your spaces.

Most importantly, don’t be intimidated by choosing art for your home. Fine art is a luxury but what you display in your own home does not always have to be precious. Put simply, if looking at it brings you joy, hang it up so you can see it everyday!

Follow me on Facebook for more lifestyle articles and stunning photos of Rhode Island's finest real estate.

Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505

Five great reasons why I love the holiday season (besides the free-flowing wine)

Christmas came upon us quickly this year, and while we frantically decorate, shop, wrap, cook and clean in anticipation, I decided to focus on and share 5 solid reasons why Christmas has always been so special to me.

1. Family. Nothing says Christmas more than connecting with family. I have a large, loud, spirited Italian family that comes together each year to celebrate the season. We eat as if there is no tomorrow, share memories of Christmases past, remember those gone before us, and laugh hysterically at all the zany things that have happened to each of us over the year. Sure, they can drive me nuts, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world—they are mine for always, and I am grateful.

2. Giving. I’ve learned over the years that giving far surpasses receiving. There is a special joy of selecting the perfect, strategic gift that you know, once opened, will surely bring the element of surprise and joy to your loved ones… The joy of volunteering or donating to a meaningful cause that helps those who are less fortunate. Christmastime reminds us of gratitude and empathy, and prompts us to be respectful and mindful of those in need.

3. Food. Lobster, Lasagna and Rib Roast, oh my! Those of you who know me know I love to eat good food, and between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, our table is plentiful. The former includes Lobster with Tagliatelle Pasta, and the latter goes on forever. Mom’s bountiful antipasto platter with Italian hams, cheeses and marinated vegetables is followed by Italian “Wedding Soup” (tons of tiny meatballs), cheesy, meaty lasagna, standing rib roast with all the sides, and cookies, pies and cheesecake for dessert. If it weren’t all so scrumptious it would be obscene, and when else can we overindulge like this?

4. Warmth. Is there anything better than cozying up to a warm fire with loved ones, admiring the home decor, sipping a hot toddy or a cabernet sauvignon? It’s so indulgent, so comforting, and so nurturing. Christmas seems to entice us to nest, reflect and take inventory of that for which we are grateful in life, and bask in the warm glow of home.

5. Home decor. I’m obsessed with it! I love to notice all the curb appeal Christmas inspires around town…the tasteful and well, the not so. I admire the spirit and dedication to stringing lights, curating window boxes, decorating the tree, and filling the house with scents of pine, balsam and gingerbread cookies. The holiday hand towels, stockings on the mantle, gifts under the tree, and the myriad wreathes on the front door all make me giddy with joy, and in my business I am fortunate to be exposed to all the decor of the season.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”- Edith Sitwell

Wishing you all a happy holiday season embraced by the warmth of family and friends, great food, and beautiful surroundings. Peace.