Rhode Island Best Bargains 2012

BEST PLACE TO GET CRAFTY
Craftland, Providence
Imagine Etsy in real time: a shop featuring jewelry, housewares, clothing, and gifts from independent artists around the country at tax-free prices. The space also houses a crafting school and a gallery focusing on contemporary crafts and fine art. 235 Westminster St. 401-272-4285; craftlandshop.com

BEST OUTDOOR FLICKS
Ballard Park Movies on the Rocks,Newport
A path of tiki torches lights the way to a meadow where free movies are screened on Wednesday nights in August. Films are family-friendly PG- or G-rated, splashed against the rocks, with couples and families spreading their blankets and picnics at this three-acre nature preserve. Jct. Hazard & Wickham Roads. 401-619-3377; ballardpark.org

BEST IN SHOW
Theatre by the Sea,Matunuck
Broadway quality at off-Broadway prices: This coastal barn theater offers summer and fall performances with a bar and restaurant on site, plus a patio for pre-show cocktails and people watching. 364 Cards Pond Road. 401-782-8587; theatrebythesea.com

BEST ECOTOUR
Newport Pedicab, Newport
Circumvent congestion with a customized tour or destination ride, or opt for one of the regular routes: Cliff Walk, Goat Island, The Point neighborhood, or Thames Street. Pedicab is also a reliable designated driver after a night on the town. Hour-long tours are $65. 401-432-5498; newportpedicab.com

BEST BASEBALL TICKET
Pawtucket Red Sox, Pawtucket
Boston’s Triple A affiliate has been funneling big-league talent to The Show for more than 40 years. McCoy Stadium is a gem of a park, and the general-admission price of $5 is something no Major League team can come close to beating. 1 Columbus Ave. 401-724-7300; pawsox.com