3.5 Feet of Powder! The Blackstone Team’s Guide to Surviving (and Enjoying) Our Rhode Island Winter Wonderland
Well, Rhode Island, we got absolutely buried!
With a record-breaking 3.5 feet of snow blanketing the Ocean State this week, our neighborhoods have been transformed into a brilliant white winter wonderland. We know that right now, a lot of our neighbors are still completely snowed in, waiting on plows, and starting to feel the very real effects of cabin fever.
Here at The Blackstone Team at Compass, we know that loving where you live means rolling with the punches Mother Nature throws our way. Whether you’re currently trapped inside looking for ways to entertain the kids, or you’re ready to venture out as soon as the roads are safe, here is our guide to making the most of this historic storm.
Part 1: While You're Still Snowed In
If the plows haven't reached your street yet, don't panic! Here are a few ways to embrace the ultimate snow day from the comfort of home:
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Build an Epic Backyard Fort: With 40+ inches of snow, traditional snowmen are out, and snow-caves are in! If you have a safe, open yard, now is the time to build the ultimate igloo or dig out a backyard luge track.
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Host an At-Home Hot Cocoa Bar: Warm up after shoveling by setting up a DIY hot chocolate station. Dig through the pantry for marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed peppermints, and a dash of cinnamon. (And for the adults, a splash of Bailey's makes shoveling out the cars much more tolerable!)
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Take a Neighborhood Snowshoe Safari: Who needs to drive to a trail when your street is the trail? If you have cross-country skis or snowshoes, gear up and take a peaceful trek right out your front door to check on neighbors and enjoy the quiet, snow-muffled streets.
Part 2: Once the Roads Are Clear!
As soon as the plows finish their heroic work and it is safe to drive, reward yourself for all that shoveling by experiencing the best of Rhode Island in the winter!
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Slide and Spin: Ice Bumper Cars in Downtown Providence
Once you can safely get downtown, head to the Providence Rink (widely known by locals as the former Alex and Ani rink) in Kennedy Plaza. You can lace up your skates for traditional outdoor ice skating, but the real star of the show are the colorful ice bumper cars that glide, spin, and smash across the ice. It requires absolutely no athletic ability, it's hilarious for all ages, and it’s the perfect way to embrace the chill. (Pro Tip: Book your bumper car tickets online in advance!) -
Hit the Slopes: Snow Tubing at Yawgoo Valley
Rhode Island may not have the towering peaks of Vermont, but we do have the beloved Yawgoo Valley in Exeter! Thanks to this monster storm, conditions at Rhode Island’s only ski resort are absolutely pristine. We highly recommend booking a session at their Snow Tubing Park. It’s all the thrill of sledding with zero of the exhausting uphill hiking, thanks to their dedicated tow-rope system. -
Warm Up in Style: Igloo Dining by the Ocean
Rhode Island’s culinary scene doesn't hibernate. Once you can venture out, experience "Après-Snow" by booking a heated, private igloo. Spots like The Coast Guard House in Narragansett or the Ocean House in Westerly offer magical, enclosed outdoor dining experiences where you can sip a hot toddy, eat fondue, and watch the winter waves crash against the snow-covered shoreline.
From all of us at The Blackstone Team, stay safe, stay warm, and hang in there while the plows do their work!
P.S. If staring at all this snow while stuck inside has you dreaming of a home with a better mudroom, a massive snowblower-friendly garage, or a cozy wood-burning fireplace, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to The Blackstone Team at Compass today. We’re always here to help you find your perfect Rhode Island (or Florida) retreat.
