Rediscover the

Blackstone Valley

We hope you will find some fun ideas and ways to rediscover the valley with our redesigned newsletter!

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Holiday Traditions: Food -

Cookies for Santa and Other Treats

At Home with Family

The Holidays is a great time with the family, and with family gathering at home more often, we would like to share a few opportunities for things to do with your kids.

Of course, with snow comes lots of fun things to do inside.

Plan ahead and check out the local libraries and other places for DIY crafts to check out or take home. Here are just a few in the valley that are offering some DIY crafts for adults, kids and families:

·     Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library in Harrisville has DIY mini gift bags, teen DIY holiday card kits and scratch ornament kits and be sure to check out the virtual escape room. See who can get through 2020 first. More Info.

·     Greenville Public Library offers virtual programs and a craft program on December 22nd. More Info.

·     Cumberland Public Library is offering a Movie Kit Madness in addition to crafty kids kits and book ornament kits for adults. More Info.

In addition, the Empowerment Factoryin Pawtucket presents 12 Days of Wishmas with opportunities for adults and kids to get involved with their community as well as creative opportunities.

Of course, with the recent snowfall, why not get outdoors and build a snowman, take a walk in the winter wonderland or find a safe place for some sledding with the kids.

Try winter birding, The Christmas bird count runs from mid-December until early January. Learn about the Christmas bird count.

Photo courtesy AJ Coleette

100 Ways to Buy Local

If you are looking for more ways to shop local this holiday season, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council has partnered with the Providence & Warwick Convention Bureau, RI Foundation and the other regional tourism council to compile a list of 100 ways to buy local.

Here in the Blackstone Valley and in Rhode Island our restaurants, retail shops and attractions need our support more than ever. We have shared a few places and you will find more by visiting buylocalri.

Below we are listing a few other shopping deals and online places to visit.

·     Wright's Farm gift shop in Harrisville is offering Exclusive VIP Holiday Shopping by appointment through December 22nd. You may also visit the shop during regular restaurant take-out hours. You can order a meal and while you wait do some shopping. Thursday & Friday from 4:00-7:00 pm or Saturday & Sunday from 12:00-7:00 pm.

·     With the newly fallen snow on the ground, maybe you are thinking of someone who likes winter sports. Did you know we had a ski shop in the Blackstone Valley? The Ski Shop Plus, a family-owned business, is located off 146 North in North Smithfield. They have skis, snowboards, and winter clothing for everyone in the family. They also rent and offer seasonal leases on equipment.

·     If you've been to our Christmastime Marketplace in Central Falls and were in awe of the wonderful decorations, you can visit our friends over at Vose True Value an independently and locally-owned True Value in Woonsocket. They have craft supplies or maybe some birdseed for the bird lovers on your holiday list. Better yet stop by our marketplace and see some of the wares along with specialty gifts from St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center, one of shop vendors.

·     You may also want to gift an experience by purchasing a gift membership or certificate from one of many attractions or restaurants.