Historic Varnum House the Setting for Summer Wine Tasting

After waiting patiently for nine long months, we Rhode Islanders finally get our reward. It’s officially summer! If you don’t know what to do this first weekend of the Ocean State’s best season, Patch is coming to the rescue with the best bets for how to spend your free time. Check out our picks for the local activities to hit and places to explore.

1.

Just in time for summer season enjoyment, comes a wine tasting at the Varnum House. The event will feature fine wines from France, specially selected for the event in consultation with The Savory Grape Wine Shop of East Greenwich, paired with gourmet cheeses.

While feasting on wine and cheese, you can check out the formal garden, currently being restored by University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners, and beautiful lawn of the James Mitchell Varnum House’s two-acre lot.

Be sure to take in the house itself, a fine example of late 18^th century Rhode Island architecture, with its commanding views of Greenwich Bay. According to its caretaker, it was built as the home of James Mitchell Varnum, a prominent lawyer and Brigadier General in George Washington’s Continental Army, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the home serves as a museum furnished with notable pieces from the Revolutionary War era.

Tickets to the wine tasting include a special tour of Varnum House and its many treasures. Proceeds benefit the Varnum Continentals’ efforts to preserve history, promote patriotism, and provide education to all.

Where/When: ; Saturday, 6 to 8 p.m.

Why Go: You can eat, drink and learn about our town’s history in one beautiful setting.

Pricing:  $20 in advance; $25 at the door

2.

Where/When: Air National Guard Base, 1 Belver Ave., North Kingstown, RI 02852; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.

Why Go: Perhaps you’ve heard them practicing already, but nothing compares to seeing those planes’ amazing formations live.

Pricing: Free; voluntary $10 parking donation to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital

3.

Where/When: ; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.to 12 a.m.; Sunday, 6 to 10 p.m.

Why Go: Summer is when we can really take advantage of EG’s picturesque waterfront. What better way to enjoy the view than by adding music and friends.

Pricing: Free

4.

Where/When: ; Friday, 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.

Why Go: We have not one, but two great establishments on the water to choose from for food, fun and music performed live.

Pricing: Free

5.

Where/When: ; Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.

Why Go: More beautiful area gardens are on display this weekend. You’re sure to be inspired to get out and dig yourself! Enjoy a special tea with iced tea, lemonade, tea sandwiches and desserts while you’re there.

Pricing: $5 per person to tour the gardens; $20 per person including tea

We know you have your favorites that we missed. So please share the goodness in our comment box below, add your events to the EG Patch calendar, or e-mail them to eg.calendareditor@gmail.com.