Blog

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Providence RI The new year is right around the corner, and people will be flooding the streets in celebrating the beginning of something new. We have a list of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Providence RI for you to see. Let’s find the place for you this December 31st. Star Light Star Bright How does a party on a rooftop sound to you? The Star Light Star Bright NYE celebration is a fun dance party on top of the Providence G. There will be champagne, buffets, and plenty of great music. Dance inside the Glass Ski Lodge this New Year’s Eve. To learn more, you can check out their website today. Roaring 20s If you’re looking to party like it’s 1929, you should head over to the ballroom. There will be a red carpet, a buffet, live music with the help of the New Providence Big Band, and more. This will be a night to remember as you dance to classic music and enjoy the last day of 2018. To learn more, you can find more information on their website by clicking here. Party in the Pub If you just want to go to the bars with your friends, there are plenty of places to go. Party in the Pub is a fun time to celebrate the new year. You can win prizes, have a nice dinner, and spend time with your friends at this huge party. There are more event details on their website. These New Year’s Eve celebrations in Providence RI are great ideas for you and your friends. If you need a vehicle for the new year, we have plenty of 2018 and 2019 models for you to choose from. If you want to learn more about them, you can check out our online inventory and schedule a test drive with us at .

Follow them on Facebook! For five decades, Save The Bay has been working to protect the Narragansett Bay to make it a safe, accessible place for everyone to enjoy. The Bay watershed includes over 400 miles of coastline and stretches just over 1,700 square miles inland, which covers most of the Ocean State and part of Massachusetts. Since being founded in 1970, Save The Bay has become well-known for its fierce advocacy. We’re saying cheers to this incredible organization and celebrating their accomplishments for 50 years of work in the region. From Grassroots Beginnings Save The Bay is a member-supported non-profit, which got its start back in 1970 as a grassroots organization with just a few members. These early members were concerned that an oil refinery would harm the shores of Tiverton. Their work started something special. Today, Save The Bay carries out its mission through advocacy, education, and habitat restoration and adaptation. Advocacy: Save The Bay champions the right of everyone to enjoy the Narragansett Bay, standing against activities which can diminish public access to the Bay. The organization uses science to pursue laws and policies that will safeguard the bay and fights legislation that threatens the overall health of the bay itself. Education: It all depends on the next generation and how they will understand the threats the Bay faces. Hands-on marine science and environmental education programs take place each year. These “living classrooms” take place on the water, on education vessels, and in the field. Habitat Restoration and Adaptation: This is a critical part of the organization’s mission. Protecting and preserving the Narragansett Bay ecosystem includes staking care of coastal salt marshes, beaches and dunes, upland forests, rivers, and streams. The International Coastal Cleanup each fall and beach cleanup program engages over 4,000 volunteers to help beautify the beaches and shorelines. Want to Get Involved? Become a Volunteer Every year, over 4,000 volunteers play a role in the work of Save The Bay. Shoreline cleanups take place from Earth Day in April through the International Coastal Cleanup in the fall. Habitat restoration may include beach grass plantings, water quality testing, invasive species removal, and more. Save The Bay also hosts events throughout the year, including outreach activities and fundraisers. Volunteers are needed for the CVS Classic, 4 Bridges Ride, and Save The Bay Swim. Save The Bay Turns 50! From now through October 2020, Save The Bay is celebrating 50 years of preserving and protecting the Narragansett Bay. As the organization celebrates this accomplishment, we invite you to celebrate with them by volunteering your time or becoming a member. Be a champion for the Narragansett Bay!

Follow them on Facebook! It’s important to ensure that today’s children receive a good education when it comes to transitioning into adulthood. However, Rhode Island schools may not always have a program available to teach children about financial independence and business ownership in a tangible way. Luckily, Junior Achievement uses unique, hands-on learning exercises and a comprehensive financial education to help domestic and international children. To get an in-depth understanding of just what this organization does, keep reading! The Mission Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, which was founded in 1921, is an organization that specifically teaches students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. One of their goals is to empower children to become successful, financially independent adults. To date, Junior Achievement has impacted over 10 million students in 100 countries. Much of the content delivered in the class sessions comes from volunteer role models from the area’s leading companies. This allows for a broad understanding of both business and community with a diverse perspective. Their Programs There are many programs for those enrolled in elementary school, middle school, and high school. For example, elementary school programs feature six varied programs, beginning with learning about your role within the economy in kindergarten to understanding the nation’s economy and job market in fifth grade. These highly structured program sets make education accessible and interesting. They don’t just teach about market trends and how to land a job, but they also expand the scope of their discussions to touch on global manufacturing. That way, students can discover how the goods they own travel through different economies and how globalization affects people’s lives. Volunteer Opportunities All you need to do to volunteer is speak to the coordinator at Junior Achievement about the grade level and school you would like to work in and wait for placement. The organization also provides comprehensive training as part of a manageable time commitment, allowing educators to make an impact while balancing their busy lives. If you’re inclined to teach, certainly take a look at possible volunteer opportunities on their website to discover what would suit you best. There’s even a form online where you can conveniently sign up to become a volunteer. Events Achieve-A-Bowl is Junior Achievement’s oldest fundraising event, in which they have raised more than $2 million in 35 years. To participate, you’ll need to make a 5-person team, schedule a time to bowl, share your fundraising page, hit the $500 team goal, and then attend a great bowling afterparty. Show Support for Junior Achievement After reading through our guide highlighting some of the contributions Junior Achievement of Rhode Island has made to youth financial education, we bet that you’re excited to learn more. We suggest that you check out their website and see how you can show support near Warwick, Providence, and Coventry, RI. Perhaps you own a business or work at a leading company in the region, or maybe you’re contemplating whether to get your child involved. Either way, be sure to take a look at their Facebook page to get a better idea of their classroom sessions and events.

Rhode Island is an incredible state to explore with your Volkswagen. From the coastline to the rolling hills of southern Rhode Island, this small state packs a lot into its 48 miles of land. Here are ten of the most scenic drives you can take in the Ocean State that will make you fall even more in love with your VW. Newport Coastline Drive – This drive along the coast offers stunning views of the ocean and beautiful beaches. It starts at Castle Hill Inn and takes you past Fort Adams and Fort Wetherill, before ending up at Brenton Point State Park. South County Trail – If you’re looking for some peace and quiet while driving around Rhode Island, then this is definitely the drive for you. The South County Trail takes you through rural villages, past freshwater ponds, and into beautiful woods full of wildlife. Block Island Ferry – Take a ride on one of the Block Island ferries from either Galilee or Point Judith Harbor. The ferry ride itself is quite scenic as it gives you great views of both Block Island and mainland Rhode Island from out on the water. Once on Block Island, hop back into your VW and explore all that this little island has to offer! Scenic Tour Through Narragansett Bay – Start off at Jamestown Beach then head east to Conanicut Park via Mackerel Cove Road where there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic lunch or just take in the view of Narragansett Bay from shoreside cliffs! From there, continue east through North Kingstown before looping back towards Jamestown Beach via Old Tower Hill Road for some great views over Narragansett Bay again! Westerly Sunsets – Head west from Watch Hill across Little Narragansett Bay to Weekapaug Point where you’ll be treated to some amazing sunsets over Block Island Sound each night! On your way back make sure to stop off at Napatree Point which is known for its incredible beachfront sunsets too! Lincoln Woods State Park - Head north through Providence towards Lincoln Woods State Park where you can explore 6 miles of trails perfect for walking/hiking/biking with lots of scenic spots along the way like Olney Pond and Moonstone Beach! Beavertail Lighthouse - Take a short drive south down Route 1A towards Beavertail Lighthouse located at one end of Conanicut Point in Jamestown RI for some spectacular views out over Narragansett Bay that will take your breath away! Tiverton Four Corners - Drive east from Tiverton Four Corners towards Sakonnet Point where there are plenty of great spots along this route that offer amazing views including Fogland Marsh (a great spot for bird watching!), Historic Main Street/Water Street, and Seapowet Marsh (another great spot for bird watching!). Newport Mansions & Cliff Walks - Head south down Bellevue Avenue which is lined with some incredible mansions right near the edge of Cliff Walk which provides breathtaking views down onto Easton’s Beach below! Providence Waterfront Loop - Taking a drive around Providence’s waterfront loop provides fantastic views out over Narragansett Bay as well as glimpses into Providence’s diverse neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Armory District etc., making it a must do when in RI regardless if driving a VW or not! Rhode Island VW Scenic Rides No matter what type of Volkswagen vehicle you own—whether it be a sedan, SUV, or convertible—Rhode Island has so much beauty to offer that any drive is sure to be enjoyable no matter what kind of car you have behind wheel! With any luck these top ten drives will provide enough inspiration to get out there and explore everything The Ocean State has to offer while also showing off your awesome VW vehicle at same time! Enjoy your next trip around Rhode Island and feel free to stop by Speedcraft VW!

There’s no reason needed to volunteer other than the want to give back. That’s why the United Way of Rhode Island was created. With a wide selection of programs for individuals of all ages, the United Way of Rhode Island makes it easier than ever to help others. Keep reading to learn more! About United Way of Rhode Island The United Way of Rhode Island dates back nearly 100 years. Founded in 1926, originally named the Providence Community Fund (PCF), over $480,000 was raised in only one week. In the 1940s the PCF partnered with several other local fundraising organizations to help as much as possible during WWII. Over the next several decades United Way of Rhode Island continued to grow all while maintaining their purpose of changing lives while also building the community. This is achieved with their five core values: Integrity: maintain the highest standards of accountability, particularly when it comes to funds and fairness Impact: work to make a difference in the lives they touch Engagement: create strong and trusting relationships in and out of the community Inclusiveness: treat everyone the same Catalytic Leadership: build leadership with the intention of building the community Overall, the United Way of Rhode Island has a mission of helping everyone and anyone who needs assistance, no matter what. In their own words, “Because 90,000 households in Rhode Island are struggling to meet basic needs, we help families with the essentials. We believe not only in helping people through an immediate crisis, but also in funding programs that help people develop the tools they need to provide for themselves and their families. And we provide one place for everyone to call when they need help.” United Way of Rhode Island Programs Throughout the year the United Way of Rhode Island hosts several events all with the vision of helping children love learning and helping train adults for careers. One program that the United Way of Rhode Island hosts annually is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This program allows you to get your taxes filed for free while IRS-trained and certified volunteers help with questions along the way. All across Rhode Island you’ll find dozens of VITA locations sponsored by Citizens Bank. Involvement Opportunities The United Way of Rhode Island makes it easy for individuals to get involved by offering a variety of ways you can contribute. Some of the most popular ways to take action involve giving, advocating, and volunteering. Give Everyone needs a little help every now and then. That’s why the United Way of Rhode Island makes giving as easy as possible. You can provide your secure donation online where you can even schedule donations on your time. Plus, with no overhead, every penny you give goes right to the community. Advocate Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to spread the word. When you choose to advocate on behalf of the United Way of Rhode Island you’ll be raising awareness of legislative issues that are the top concern for Rhode Islanders. Volunteer Donating your time is a fun way to help others in your area. Several events occur throughout the year that you’re encouraged to help out with. In addition to their reoccurring events throughout the months, the United Way of Rhode Island also has several smaller projects. To learn more about these volunteer opportunities, stop by their Facebook page. Get Involved Today The United Way of Rhode Island makes it fun and easy to help those in your community. With plenty of volunteering opportunities you’ll find there’s no better time than the present to give back. Get involved with the United Way of Rhode Island today!

When embarking on a road trip or leaving the house every day for work, what do you do with man’s best friend? Crate train and hope for the best? Load up dog-friendly videos for your canine to catch up on? Better options exist for the love of your life. Schedule a visit to a doggy daycare facility near Southern Rhode Island where you can board your dog. Creature Comforts Animal Inn LLC Pets need TLC when they are far from home, and Creature Comforts Animal Inn will give your pooch that comfort seven days a week. Owners Fred and Kim Muller channel their love of animals toward caring for your pup. First-aid certified staff members know pet CPR and possess plenty of experience with dogs and many other beloved pets. Your dog will play in the spacious indoor/outdoor dog runs five times a day! Vets highly recommend this doggy daycare, and the owners live on the premises and can stay with your dog from dawn to dusk. Visit their Facebook page to see how to schedule a tour! Delmyra Country Club for Dogs & Cats Established in 1958, the Delmyra Country Club for Dogs & Cats provides a home away from home for your furry friend. Owners Scott and Ruth Gordon invite your pets to visit, and you can tour the kennel and daycare beforehand to see your dog’s vacation destination. Their facility houses 60 roomy suites for pups with radiant heated floors and central air conditioning. Enclosed areas for exercise mean your pet stays active and entertained. Comfy bedding and relaxing music lull your pet into slumber at night or for an afternoon snooze. Staff members update daily reports to ensure your pet is treated with love. Email their facility for more information. The Gnarly Dog Trust owner Jaclyn Beauregard to know what’s best for your very own gnarly friend. Since 2013, the Animal and Veterinary Sciences graduate keeps dogs active and happy at her doggy daycare. She understands that dogs need to be social with other dogs to feed their pack animal instincts. Staff members separate small pups and larger dogs into two different areas so that no hound ends up in the doghouse. For your dog’s convenience, Gnarly Dog provides food bowls and water buckets. No reservations required to drop off your dog for the day if they register with the daycare prior to the date. Check out their Instagram page for happy dog pics! Drop Off Your Dog at the Best Places to Board Your Dog in Southern Rhode Island These three doggy daycares get your dogs moving and give them the TLC they need when you embark on a getaway. If your dog doesn’t want to stay home alone, do doggy drop-off at the best places to board your dog in Southern Rhode Island.

>>> Follow Them on Facebook! <<< Rock on, Rhode Island! Since 2009, Girls Rock! Rhode Island has used music creation and critical thinking to empower girls, women, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals. Using music as a force for change, Girls Rock! Rhode Island has made a difference right here in the Ocean State. We’re shining a light on the work and mission of this incredible organization. Using Music as a Force for Change Music unites. Music mobilizes. Music invigorates. It helps connect individual expression to thoughts, emotions, and actions. Creating music as a band not only requires collaboration, but also respect, individual effort, and skill building. Girls Rock! uses music to empower individuals and create positive change for society. The organization encourages analysis of systems of oppression such as racism, classism, and heterosexism, particularly as they appear in the media and popular culture. Creating meaningful dialogue helps all students act against these systems. Girls and women deserve a place where they can create a strong sense of identity and self in this ever-changing world. Girls Rock! Rhode Island is committed to expanding traditional conceptions about gender, with girls, women, trans-identified, and gender-variant individuals welcome. Becoming a Camper Girls Rock Camp is a one-week camp offered to youth ages 10-17, where campers will have the opportunity to learn guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and other instruments. Campers will form a band, write a song, and perform at the final Showcase for other campers, friends, family, and fans. Adult Rock Camp is a weekend day camp in Providence that provides an opportunity for individuals to spend a weekend playing music together. This intensive three-day music and mentoring program brings together people from different walks of life for a weekend of lessons, songwriting, and workshops. No prior musical knowledge is required! Rock Out All Year Long While joining one of the camps is a great way to experience what Girls Rock! Rhode Island is all about, these camps, of course, only last for a short period of time. However, you can rock out all year long with group lessons. Group lessons are taught in Providence in the winter, spring, and fall, for vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and ukulele. Need to borrow a certain piece of gear? The Gear Loan program lets campers and volunteer’s use music gear throughout the year with a small deposit, providing access to all. Music Matters and You Do, Too This is Girls Rock! Rhode Island’s 10-year anniversary and they’re thrilled to continue working towards serving many more in the community!

>>> Follow them on Facebook! <<< For over a century, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island has strived to protect birds, wildlife, and their habitat through conservation and education here in the Ocean State. Through advocacy, educational programs, and conservation efforts, they’ve been able to do that. New 21 st century challenges make the Audubon Society of Rhode Island all the more important. Let’s take a closer look at how they’ve approached these challenges and how you can get involved. An Important Part of Rhode Island Since 1897 A small group of Rhode Island citizens formed the Audubon Society of Rhode Island way back in 1897. Their goal was to prevent the destruction of wild birds for the commercial use of plumage of their feathers. Today, as one of the largest private landowners in the state, Audubon manages and maintains a 9,500-acre refuge system, which includes almost 30 miles of trails for public use. The organization also teaches about 15,000 schoolchildren each year, both at schools and at Audubon sites. The Nature Center and Aquarium hosts many students, with thousands of visitors stopping by each year and modern exhibits helping those of all ages learn about the state, its lands, and its wildlife. Educating the Future Leaders of Tomorrow Audubon educators are able to provide hands-on science program in classrooms, in wildlife refuges, and at the Nature Center and Aquarium located in Bristol. Programs include: Nature stories: A story, activities, and a live animal educate kids. Topics include hawks, owls, insects, snakes, and turtles. Life science programs: These one-hour classroom programs are designed to support science curriculum standards with hands-on demonstrations and live animal presentations. Inflatable whale and raptor encounters: Students will understand the true, actual sizes of animals with a 65-foot life-size inflatable fin whale and other demonstrations. Become an Audubon Member The strong membership base allows Audubon to be a leader when it comes to education, conservation, and advocacy for the people of Rhode Island. With the help of supporters, they’ve been able to work to protect the state’s environment for present and future enjoyment. Audubon members play an important role in protecting the wildlife and environment here in Rhode Island. As a member, you’ll receive free admission to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, plus discounts on programs. Donations are also accepted for wildlife refuges, programs, and environmental advocacy. Consider becoming a member or donating to the organization that cares about the state’s environment and its future. Audubon: Blazing Trails The Audubon Society of Rhode Island has accomplished great things over the years. They’ve maintained wildlife refuges for our enjoyment, helped create key legislation through advocacy, and continue to teach future leaders with classroom programs and events. Consider volunteering your time to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island or become a member today!

Sports Bars to watch Super Bowl 2019 in Providence RI The Super Bowl is almost here. The Patriots and the Rams will duke it out on the field for the Lombardi trophy. There are a lot of places to go to watch the game, but we wanted to help you pick one from the crowd. Let’s take a look at these sports bars to watch Super Bowl 2019 in Providence RI. READ MORE: Where can we go camping? Ladder 133 This bar used to be a fire station until 1902, now it has been reinvigorated. Ladder 133 has the classic sports bar staples. It has over 32 big screen TVs for you to enjoy the big game. If you want to learn more about Ladder 133, you can check out their website for more information. Snookers Snookers is a great place to relax and enjoy the game. They have pool tables and tournaments there for the expert players. They also have fun pub snacks like sliders and drink specials that will start the night off right. If you want to learn more, visit their website for more details. Hanley’s Ale House Hanley’s Ale House is the place to go for some wings and some football. They have 35 cent wings on Football Sundays along with some drink specials. There are two bar wraps that give you extra space for you and your friends. You can cheer on the Patriots with some friends at Hanley’s Ale House for a fun night. If you want to learn more about Hanley’s Ale House, you can check out their website today. READ MORE: Ski Resorts near Rhode Island These sports bars to watch Super Bowl 2019 in Providence RI are just some recommendations for you if you haven’t thought of a plan yet. If you’re looking for a new car or SUV, you can check out our online inventory and schedule a test drive with us at Speedcraft Volkswagen today.

Thanksgiving Restaurants in Providence RI Thanksgiving is a great time to celebrate with the family and cherish what you have. If you need a place to go this year, you can check out our list of Thanksgiving restaurants in Providence RI. These restaurants are offering special menus for the holiday and will be open for whenever your family decides to come in. READ MORE: Ski Hills near Providence RI Red Stripe At Red Stripe, you and your family can sit down to a delicious three-course meal. They offer delicious food and have plenty of wines for you to choose from. If you would like to learn more about their Thanksgiving event, you can check out their website for more details. Bluefin Grille If you want a nice Thanksgiving Day brunch this year, you can head over to the Bluefin Grille. This restaurant is a large lounge with lots of food options and space to give you a special time this Thanksgiving. You can find out more about this restaurant by visiting their website today. Andrea’s If you want a less traditional Thanksgiving or just a nice spot to relax this year, you can head over to Andrea’s. They will be open until 11 p.m. for your convenience. Try out their succulent Greek dishes for a fun time with the family. If you would like to learn more, you can check out their website for more information. READ MORE: Campgrounds near Providence RI After looking at these Thanksgiving restaurants in Providence RI, you can see that the city will be bustling this holiday season. Take some time to relax with your family this year at one of these restaurants. If you would like to learn more about our available Volkswagen vehicles, you can check out our online inventory to see what we have in store and then schedule your test drive with us at Speedcraft Volkswagen today.

Public Swimming Pools in Providence RI The summer heat isn’t letting up anytime soon. Are you tired of having the air conditioning on all the time? Maybe you and your family should visit one of these public swimming pools in Providence RI. Let's take a look at what the city has to offer. READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails near Providence RI North Providence Pool If you have young children that want to learn how to swim, you can take them over to the North Providence Pool. There are many different membership packages to choose from and different times to go to the pool. If you would like to learn more about this pool, you can check out their website for more details. Zuccolo Recreation Center At the Zuccolo Recreation Center, you can have lots of fun on the playground, on the basketball court, and in the swimming pool. After a hot day, it feels good to swim around. You can learn more about this recreation center by visiting their website for more information. Katherine Moran Coleman Aquatics Center This swimming pool is a part of the Brown University Campus. There are many times for open swim if you would like to stop by. This pool has lanes and plenty of space for you to swim. If you would like to learn more about the times, you can check out their website for more details. READ MORE: Golf Courses near Providence RI These public swimming pools in Providence RI are a fun way to spend time with the family. Cool off at one of these pools with the kids and teach them how to swim while you're there. If you are looking for a vehicle to take you to any of these places, you can check out our online inventory and schedule a test drive with us at Speedcraft Volkswagen today.

Father's Day Ideas in Providence RI Father's Day is almost here, and there are plenty of things to do. If you haven't come up with plans yet, you should read some of our suggestions for Father's Day ideas in Providence RI. We want you to have a memorable time with your father this year. Let's take a look at what the area has to offer. READ MORE: Best Seaside Towns, Beaches, and Aquariums in Rhode Island Gracie's If you are looking for an upscale steak house to surprise your father, Gracie's is the place to go. This restaurant has the finest steaks in Providence and has a seasonal menu for premium taste. If you would like to make a reservation, you can check out their website for more details. Triggs Head to Triggs for a round of golf with the old man. This golf course offers a special golfing experience for veteran and beginner golfers alike. There's nothing like a round of golf in mid-June to celebrate what your father has done for you. If you would like to learn more, visit their website to reserve a tee time. Neutaconkanut Hill If your father is an outdoorsman, a fun hike might be a great way to spend time with him. At Neutaconkanut Hill you can take a guided hike on Saturday mornings, or go on your own hike whenever you please. If you would like to learn more about the trails, you can check out their website for more information. READ MORE: Top Three Sports Bars near Wakefield RI These Father's Day ideas in Providence RI are great recommendations for an unforgettable time with your father and your family. If you need a car to take you to any of these locations, check out our online inventory to see what Volkswagen models we have available and schedule a test drive with us at Speedcraft Volkswagen today.