Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in Rhode Island for 2013. Your wallet will thank you.
BEST CITY CINEMA
MOVIES ON THE BLOCK,
Providence
The free flicks are always hits, and the food options are way better than popcorn and Jujubes. Grab some takeout from Tazza (250 Westminster St., 401-421-3300,
tazzacaffe.com) and break out the lawn chair. Thursdays from June through early October.
Grant’s Block, jct. Westminster & Union Sts. indowncity.comBEST SUNDAY BLUES
THE NARRAGANSETT CAFE,
Jamestown
There are three simple reasons why “Ganny’s Blues, Bloodies & Brunch” has a cult following: awesome live acts, strong drinks, and zero cover charge. And, for good measure, a fourth: the famous fish-and-chips house specialty.
25 Narragansett Ave. 401-423-2150; narragansettcafe.comBEST FOOD TRUCK
MIJOS TACOS,
Providence
Traditional Mexican street food with a Left Coast bent. Five bucks gets you some killer carnitas tostadas–a late-night favorite of local restaurant types. Check the Web site for truck locations and schedule.
401-752-9942; mijostaco.comBEST STARGAZING
FROSTY DREW OBSERVATORY,
Charlestown
A state-of-the-art telescope plus a very dark sky equals serious stargazing. Frosty Drew opens its dome Friday nights free of charge, so visitors can scope the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter.
Ninigret Park, 62 Park Lane. 401-364-9508; frostydrew.orgBEST HOME CONSIGNMENT SHOP
ALFRED’S OF BARRINGTON CONSIGNMENTS,
Barrington
Owner Alfred Brazil also runs an antiques shop, so he’s a whiz at navigating estate sales. Prices drop 15 percent every 30 days, so patience pays off with big wins on furnishings and collectibles.
18 Maple Ave. (address at press time; moving to 940 Main St., Warren, later this spring). 401-245-3101