Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum

Rita Parisi of <a href="https://www.waterfallproductions.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Waterfall Productions</a> invites you to step back in time and discover the untold stories of five courageous women, both patriots and loyalists, American and foreign-born, who witnessed, chronicled, and in some cases changed the course of the American Revolution.
Get into the spirit of ‘76 with light fare from the Colonial era in Blithewold’s elegant Dining Room, then join Rita in the bright and sunny Living Room for her presentation, followed by a Q&amp;A session.

Local Event: Women of ’76: A Theatrical Tribute to Lesser-Known Women of the American Revolution

Bristol County

Bristol-Warren

Rhode Island

Women of ’76: A Theatrical Tribute to...

Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions invites you to step back in time and discover the untold stories of five courageous women,...

Women of ’76: A Theatrical Tribute to Lesser-Known Women of the American Revolution

Step into the quiet beauty of the outdoors with this contemplative plein air sketching experience rooted in mindfulness. Emphasis will be placed on mindful observation — slowing down, noticing relationships, and responding thoughtfully to what is seen — fostering a sense of calm, connection, and presence. You’ll leave with sketches that reflect not only the landscape itself, but also process, attention, and a renewed awareness of your place within the natural world.
Open to all experience levels. Please bring your preferred drawing supplies and a sketchbook.
Christina Biroscak is the owner of Barnbury Studios and an accomplished artist, designer, and instructor.
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Registration is required and limited to 10.

Local Event: Grounded in Nature:  A Mindful Plein Air Sketching Workshop

Grounded in Nature:  A Mindful Plein Air...

Step into the quiet beauty of the outdoors with this contemplative plein air sketching experience rooted in mindfulness....

Grounded in Nature:  A Mindful Plein Air Sketching Workshop

Blithewold’s elegant Event Tent and sweeping Great Lawn set the scene with all your local favorites for a quintessential New England summer party! Savor fresh seafood from <a href="https://blountretail.com/food-truck/home/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Blount’s famous Clam Shack Food Truck</a> as you twist and shout to the sounds of The Beatles with local favorite <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Walrus-Gumboot-100076248231208/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Walrus Gumboot</a>. The VIP ticket reserves a table seat in the tent and early access to parking, food, and the cash bar.
Please note that no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. Coolers will be checked at check-in.
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VIP: Early entry 4 – 5 PM First choice for parking, table or lawn seats, and food line.

Local Event: Beatles and Blount at Blithewold

Beatles and Blount at Blithewold

Blithewold’s elegant Event Tent and sweeping Great Lawn set the scene with all your local favorites for a quintessential New...

Join the horticulture staff on a tour of our lush and diverse container plant collection. They will highlight favorites and oddities and share methods for care, maintenance, and design. Learn about soil preferences, plant sources, pest control, fertilizing, and more on a true behind-the-scenes look at this extensive collection.
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Tour limited to 20. Registration is required.

Local Event: Behind the Scenes Tour:  Container Colletion

Behind the Scenes Tour:  Container Colletion

Join the horticulture staff on a tour of our lush and diverse container plant collection. They will highlight favorites and...

Join us for a deep dive into wine. In each class, we will taste five different wines from a variety of regions, compare and contrast them, and learn a little about grape varietals and winemaking practices, with a focus on wines that offer good value for your money. Discover a favorite new grape varietal or taste wines from a region you’ve never tried. We’ll be drinking wine and having a good time!

July 9: Summer Red Wines Learn some of the winemaking methods that impact the body of the wine. Find your favorite summer-friendly red wines to enjoy long after the class ends.
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Limited to 12 Participants. Pre-registration is required.

Local Event: Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch with Lynda Gaines

Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch with Lynda...

Join us for a deep dive into wine. In each class, we will taste five different wines from a variety of regions, compare and...

Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch with Lynda Gaines

Join Dr. Beth Brantley of Bartlett Tree Experts on an illuminating walk to talk about the value, importance, and incredible traits of some of Blithewold’s longest-lived specimens. These trees have persisted through multiple climate changes, storm events, and other challenges to provide us with something to gaze upon with wonder and awe! An excellent opportunity to appreciate some character-defining trees on a very personal level. This tour is held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.
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Registration is required. Tours are limited to 20 people.

Local Event: Elder Trees of Blithewold with Dr. Beth Brantley

Elder Trees of Blithewold with Dr. Beth Brantley

Join Dr. Beth Brantley of Bartlett Tree Experts on an illuminating walk to talk about the value, importance, and incredible...

Practice the basic design and pruning skills to start your lifelong bonsai journey. In this introductory class, we discuss the care and maintenance of the trees. Learn everything you need to keep your tropical bonsai healthy throughout the winter and beyond, including proper watering, lighting, repotting, and fertilizing.
Peter Olson is the head bonsai professional at New England Bonsai Gardens and studied under a genuine Japanese bonsai master. He is an instructor in the prestigious Kaikou School of Bonsai and has been practicing bonsai for 12 years.
This is the first in a series of four workshops leading to a certificate of completion in bonsai techniques. Materials are included.
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Registration is required and limited to 12. Adults only.

Local Event: Bonsai Essentials 1: Beginner's Workshop with Peter Olson

Bonsai Essentials 1: Beginner's Workshop with...

Practice the basic design and pruning skills to start your lifelong bonsai journey. In this introductory class, we discuss the...

Bonsai Essentials 1: Beginner's Workshop with Peter Olson

Hone your pruning skills with board-certified master arborist Paul Fletcher. Following a 45-year career in arboriculture, Paul now volunteers his time to care for Blithewold’s vast array of shrubs and trees in the living collections, managing their care and promoting improved growth and aesthetics. This small-group, outdoor format allows participants to experience seasonal and species-specific best-pruning practices. Attendees will learn to identify pruning needs and goals while safely making proper cuts with the correct tools. Our goal is to increase your confidence in undertaking small pruning projects on your own landscape.
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Registration is required. Each class is limited to 10 people.

Local Event: Proper Pruning with Arborist Paul Fletcher

Proper Pruning with Arborist Paul Fletcher

Hone your pruning skills with board-certified master arborist Paul Fletcher. Following a 45-year career in arboriculture, Paul...

Hydrangeas are the most striking flowering shrubs, from the size and color of their inflorescences to their lengthy flowering times. However, there is much confusion regarding water and soil requirements, sun exposure, fertilization, and pruning of these colorful shrubs. We will walk through the gardens and visit many cultivars of common New England species: macrophylla (Big Leaf), arborescens (Smooth), paniculata (Paniculate), quercifolia (Oak Leaf), as well as some special, uncommon species. A handout will provide information on the proper care of the different species and a listing of the plants visited.
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Pre-registration is required. Tour size is limited to 15.

Local Event: Demystifying Hydrangeas with Reed Pugh

Demystifying Hydrangeas with Reed Pugh

Hydrangeas are the most striking flowering shrubs, from the size and color of their inflorescences to their lengthy flowering...

Students bring their own bonsai tree to learn next-level care, including the science behind pH levels, proper soil, best lighting practices, fertilizing basics, and how it keeps our trees in optimal health. We then focus on the essentials of designing your bonsai tree and on the proper techniques for wiring the branches to maximize its beauty.
Peter Olson is the head bonsai professional at New England Bonsai Gardens and studied under a genuine Japanese bonsai master. He is an instructor in the prestigious Kaikou School of Bonsai and has been practicing bonsai for 12 years.
This is the second in a series of four workshops leading to a certificate of completion in Bonsai techniques.

Local Event: Bonsai Essentials 2:  Workshop with Peter Olsen

Bonsai Essentials 2:  Workshop with Peter Olsen

Students bring their own bonsai tree to learn next-level care, including the science behind pH levels, proper soil, best...

Assistant Grounds Manager Dan Daley will lead a tour of Blithewold’s Rhode Island Champion trees. Learn about the age of each tree and its historical significance, in addition to the growth habit, bark type, soil and drought tolerance, disease, and pest issues of each tree. Visitors will be given a list of current champions before the walk and are encouraged to ask questions. Each visitor will gain general knowledge of the champion trees at Blithewold and leave more inspired by each tree’s majestic beauty.
This is a walking tour across the entire property, so please dress and plan accordingly.
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<ul><li>Preregistration is required.</li><li>This tour is held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.</li><li>Each class is limited to 20 people.</li><li>Includes entrance to the Manor House and Grounds.</li></ul>

Local Event: Champion Tree Walk

Champion Tree Walk

Assistant Grounds Manager Dan Daley will lead a tour of Blithewold’s Rhode Island Champion trees. Learn about the age of each...

The Great Lawn has been the scene of family clambakes for over a century! Step back in time and stroll the gardens and grounds. Feast on a traditional Rhode Island clambake while you relax and enjoy the sunset, just like so many generations of Blithewold guests.
<a href="https://riclambake.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">McGrath Clam Bakes</a> will serve their famous bake, and a cash bar will be available. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any food allergies since all food is cooked together.
Registration is required. Seating is open with 6 people per table; come early to sit with your friends, or make some new ones!
<img src="https://www.blithewold.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mcgrath_box-e1679059839549-300x226.png" srcset="https://www.blithewold.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mcgrath_box-e1679059839549-300x226.png 300w, https://www.blithewold.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mcgrath_box-e1679059839549-768x580.png 768w, https://www.blithewold.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mcgrath_box-e1679059839549-740x558.png 740w, https://www.blithewold.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mcgrath_box-e1679059839549-600x453.png 600w, https://www.blithewold.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mcgrath_box-e1679059839549.png 815w">
McGrath’s buffet menu includes both meat and seafood that have been cooked together. There are no substitutions for guests that have severe allergies, or multiple dietary restrictions (vegetarian/vegan). If you have any other questions regarding the menu please feel free to call McGrath’s at 401-847-7743.
Please note that no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.&nbsp;
Program Agenda: 4:30 PM: Gates open for check-in 5 PM: Rhode Island “clear broth” quahog chowder station 6:15 PM: Guests invited to view the unveiling of the Clambake 6:30 PM: Clambake Buffet
Registration is required. This program is limited to 100 people. This program is rain or shine.

Local Event: Blithewold Annual Family Clambake

Blithewold Annual Family Clambake

The Great Lawn has been the scene of family clambakes for over a century! Step back in time and stroll the gardens and grounds....

Tree Callanan

Providence Metropolitan Area

Barrington

Newport County

Portsmouth

Seekonk-Swansea

Massachusetts

Providence County

East Providence

Kent County

Warwick

Tiverton-Little Compton

Providence

Cranston

Middletown

West Warwick

"Spend the evening in beautiful downtown Bristol," says the <a href="https://www.fourthofjulybristolri.com/fireworks" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bristol 4th of July Committee</a>. Enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants, stroll through charming streets, and discover the unique shops and businesses that make our community so special. Then gather along the harbor and end the night with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky over Bristol Harbor."Photo: Shutterstock

Local Event: Bristol July 3 Fireworks

Bristol July 3 Fireworks

"Spend the evening in beautiful downtown Bristol," says the Bristol 4th of July Committee. Enjoy dinner at one of our local...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

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Posting Activity

Women of ’76: A Theatrical Tribute to Lesser-Known Women of the American Revolution

JUN

27

9:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Grounded in Nature: A Mindful Plein Air Sketching Workshop

JUN

27

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Beatles and Blount at Blithewold

JUL

1

6:00 PM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Behind the Scenes Tour: Container Colletion

JUL

8

1:00 PM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch with Lynda Gaines

JUL

9

6:00 PM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Elder Trees of Blithewold with Dr. Beth Brantley

JUL

11

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Bonsai Essentials 1: Beginner's Workshop with Peter Olson

JUL

19

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Proper Pruning with Arborist Paul Fletcher

JUL

21

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Demystifying Hydrangeas with Reed Pugh

JUL

25

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Bonsai Essentials 2: Workshop with Peter Olsen

AUG

2

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Champion Tree Walk

AUG

20

11:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Blithewold Annual Family Clambake

AUG

27

4:30 PM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Bristol July 3 Fireworks