RHODE ISLAND - Blackstone Valley

The Blackstone River makes several lazy bends as it curves through downtown Woonsocket on its way from Worcester to Narragansett Bay. Woonsocket Falls was on the map by the early 1800s as a crossroads along the Boston-Hartford Highway and because of the Worcester- Providence Blackstone Canal. By 1850 the area was busy with factories, mostly textile mills, which employed French-speakers from Quebec. A wonderful walking tour of the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor takes history buffs through these historic factory communities, back and forth across the Blackstone River. The second, third, and fourth generation descendants of these Northern American immigrants continue to give Woonsocket a genuine Canadien flavor. Phone: 401-762-0250.

The dreamy landscapes and historic cityscapes of New England are ideal fodder for watercolorists. The Rhode Island Watercolor Society , with more than 300 members, provides artists and the general public the opportunity to view, purchase, exhibit, and learn about watercolor art. Located in a historic lakeside boathouse on Armistice Boulevard in Slater Memorial Park in Pawtucket, the society features an art gallery, library, and studio space. The gallery hosts 15 shows per year, including a National Watermedia Competition. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Phone: 401-726-1876.

Blackstone River Theatre, a 1928 Masonic Hall at 549 Broad Street in Cumberland, was renovated and reopened in 2000 as a cultural arts center, under the encouraging leadership of the Rhode Island-based ensemble, Pendragon. The theater hosts live heritage and folk music concerts, children's shows, art exhibits and special performances. Performing artists are primarily folk, Celtic, and world music ensembles. Among the performers scheduled for 2011 are Bertrand Laurence, Occidental Gypsy, Kelley Lennon, Long Time Courting, Triple Spiral, Pendragon, Lunasa, and more. Voted "Best New Folkie Haven" in the Providence Phoenix. Check website for schedules. Phone: 401-725-9272.

The Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre opened its new performance space in the Pawtucket Armory Annex in 2003 at 172 Exchange Street in Pawtucket. Complete with a sun-drenched lobby and a black-box performance space, the new Gamm has many more seats than its previous location but retains its hallmark intimacy. Its offerings have been described as a “theatrical feast” by the Providence Phoenix. Forthcoming performances in 2011-2012 include “Hamlet” (November 3 - December 11, 2011); “Festen” (January 12 - February 12, 2012); “Boon” (March 8 – April 8, 2012); and “1984” (April 26 - May 27, 2012). Phone: 401-723-4266.

The Wintertime Farmer’s Market at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket is in full swing, with local farmers offering up everything from kale, collards, cabbage, and chard, to oysters, eggs, honey, and maple syrup. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th century textile mill, this market provides community members and guests with a cozy atmosphere to shop for fresh, local food and hand-made gifts, and maybe even enjoy some live music too. Open through May 28, 2011. Hours: Wednesday, 4 - 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Planet Garden at 30 Martin Street in Cumberland is a place to indulge your garden decorating fantasies, even in the dead of winter (maybe especially in winter. This is an indoor garden showroom and factory direct outlet for garden statuary and accessories. The 1,500 items in stock include unique and unusual benches, birdbaths, stepping stones, religious figures, animals, architectural pieces, fountains, gargoyles, sun dials, Buddhas, pet memorials, wall hangings and other custom pieces. Great place to find gifts for your favorite gardener. Open year round except February in the old Berkeley Mill. Call ahead for hours. Phone: 401-334-4443.

The Stadium Theatre in Monument Square in Woonsocket is not only home to the fantastic Encore Repertory Company, but is also one of the nation’s finest examples of historic theater restoration. Built in 1926 while Woonsocket was still a bustling hub of the Industrial Revolution, the theater was left vacant in the 1970’s as industry started to move elsewhere. With the work of some dedicated supporters, the Stadium has been back up and running for nearly 10 years. Upcoming shows in 2011 include Rent, Fame, Little shop of Horrors, George Winston,and more. Phone: 401-762-4545.

Sportsmen and hunters, you should know about Addieville East Farm at 200 Pheasant Drive in Mapleville. Addieville East Farm encompasses over 900 acres of ideal upland bird habitat. The farm is managed to provide the challenger of a natural hunt for fast-flying birds, sporting clays for shooters from novice to expert, and areas for fly fishing and dog training. The property has 20 fields studded with patches of corn and surrounded by brush thickets; a 15-stand sporting clays course; fly fishing; two trout ponds, a native trout stream and a bass lake; instruction in fly fishing and shot gunning, and a dog training and breeding facility. Instruction programs for novices. Phone: 401-568-3185.