November winds down some of our most vibrant colors of the season with pops of gold to vibrant ruby red leaves enhanced by stunning pink sunsets with purple hues. Mother Nature brings out her best this time of year. No need to dread those shorter days ahead when there is so much to do about town. We’ve got you covered!
November Events
Harvest Festival at Greenvale Vineyards – Nov 1
Autumn Artisan Market at Linden Place – Nov 1
Newport Restaurant Week – Nov 7-16
Newport Symposium: The French Influence in Newport – Nov 6 –7
Songs from Newport – Nov 13
Holidays at the Newport Mansions – Starting Nov 22
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers – Starting Nov 21
Christmas at Blithewold – Starting Nov 25
Newport Illuminated Boat Parade – Nov 28
Hot Chocolate Bar Weekends at the Chanler throughout November
Cozy Autumn Fires and Tasty Treats Saturdays & Sundays at Blithewold through November 23
Gravy The Turkey
Gravy the Turkey is somewhat of a local celebrity. He has his own Instagram page! He and his family reside near the intersection of Valley Road and Green End Avenue in Middletown, RI. Gravy likes to strut between the cars, peck at any shiny object, and have insults hurled at him for creating traffic jams. Though he may be a bit of a nuisance, no one really wants to see any harm come to him. In the spirit of having Gravy and company around for another holiday season, here are some other great places to pick up a fresh turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Baffoni’s Poultry Farm—Cage-free turkeys. Call in advance to reserve a limited supply of turkeys 12 to 30 pounds. 324 Greenville Ave., Johnston, Rhode Island. 401.231.6315
Breene Acres Family Farm—Pasture-raised turkeys. Available by advance order for pick-up. Please call 401.397.4748 to order. 21E Victory Hwy, West Greenwich, Rhode Island.
Gnarley Vines Farm—Pasture-raised turkeys. Offering Thanksgiving dinner packages with turkey and side dishes included. 241 Cornell Rd., Tiverton, Rhode Island. 401.816.5021.
Helger’s Turkey Ranch—Farm raised turkeys available, sizes ranging from 14 to 30 lbs. Call early to reserve a turkey. 2554 Main Rd., Tiverton, Rhode Island. 401.624.4087.
Pat’s Pastured—Pasture-raised turkeys. Available by advance order for pick-up in several locations, including the farm. 830 South Rd., East Greenwich, Rhode Island. 401.413.9770
Gastronome
Get ready to sharpen your forks and loosen your belts because Newport Restaurant Week is here!
For ten delicious days, the flavors of Newport and the surrounding coastal communities come alive with incredible culinary deals. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the best of the local dining scene—from storied waterfront classics to exciting new chef-driven spots—all at an incredible value.
Whether you’re craving a multi-course prix-fixe dinner, a great-value lunch, or a chance to sample some of our region’s freshest seasonal ingredients, we’ve got the scoop on which restaurants are participating, what the deals are, and how you can get your table!
Check out this link for everything you need to know to eat your way through Newport Restaurant Week!
Gilded Age
The holiday decorations in Newport’s Gilded Age mansions capture the era’s taste for lavish, maximalist splendor, transforming the already opulent rooms into dazzling winter showcases. While most of these “summer cottages” weren’t originally decorated for Christmas by their owners, the tradition today is a modern interpretation that complements the architecture and themes of each space. This elaborate decorating includes nearly 30 exquisitely adorned Christmas trees, hundreds of fresh poinsettias, and miles of garlands and wreaths, all carefully matched to the color schemes and period furnishings. For example, the Great Hall of The Breakers features an iconic 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree made of 150 live plants, while other trees boast themed ornaments, such as trains and top hats for Cornelius Vanderbilt’s bedroom. The launch of these festive displays, known as Holidays at the Newport Mansions, begins in November, and also includes the exterior Sparkling Lights display, which bathes the grounds of The Breakers in hundreds of thousands of colorful lights.
Gutters
As the leaves begin to change, most homeowners are focused on cozying up indoors — but one of the most important fall maintenance tasks happens outside: cleaning your gutters. Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, rainwater can overflow, leading to costly issues like foundation erosion, roof leaks, and even basement flooding. A little time spent on maintenance now can save thousands in repairs later.
🏠 What Happens When Gutters Are Neglected:
• Roof Damage: Water that can’t drain properly will pool on your roof, eventually causing rot or leaks.
• Foundation Problems: Overflowing gutters allow water to collect near your home’s base, weakening the foundation over time.
• Pest Infestations: Damp debris is a welcoming environment for mosquitoes, rodents, and mold.
• Ice Dams in Winter: When gutters are clogged, trapped water can freeze, leading to ice dams that damage shingles and gutters alike.
🍂 Fall Gutter Maintenance Tips
1. Clean out leaves and debris at least once in the fall, especially after most leaves have dropped.
2. Flush your gutters with water to check for proper drainage.
3. Inspect for leaks or sagging sections and repair them before winter weather hits.
4. Trim nearby branches to prevent future buildup.
5. Consider gutter guards if your property has a lot of trees.
💡 Pro Tip for Homeowners: Even if you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, scheduling a professional gutter cleaning each fall (and spring) is a worthwhile investment in your home’s health and longevity. A clean gutter system protects your roof, foundation, and overall property value — and ensures your home is ready to weather the winter ahead.
