The big Memorial Day weekend is upon us and we have lots of reasons to get out and about. And you don’t even have to “go north of the Tower.”
- Check out the tag sale on Saturday starting at 8 am Saturday on Old Post Road between Ocean Aire Motel and Genwood Drive.
- Take a break from browsing the piles of treasure at the tag sale to visit the official opening of the new Charlestown Wine and Spirits (widely known as the Charlestown Package Store) a short drive west at 4625 Old Post Road. The Grand Opening is at 9 am Saturday.
- The new Cross Mills Farmers Market starts this Saturday at 10 am. It’s across from the new fire station on Old Post Road and it will just be short walk back to the tag sale for more valuable bargains. This is not to be confused with the Charlestown Farmers Market run by the Charlestown Land Trust which has a Friday morning market at the Cross Mills Public Library (starting June 17). The Cross Mills Farmers Market is run by Katherine Tylawski and her initial list of vendors is Schartner Farms, Healey Farms, Stoney Hill Cattle Farm, South County Flowers, Dave's Coffee, Narrow Lane Orchards, Moonstone Gardens, Watch Hill Farms and Burnside Acres.
- After all that shopping take a break at one of our great restaurants “downtown”. The weather should be nice so you may be able to sit outdoors at The Cove, The Breachway Grill, Johnny Angels, or The Bakery. Don’t forget the Hungry Haven; it’s north of Route 1 but just barely, in the Simple Pleasures complex. The Breachway Grill is now serving beer and wine.
- Of course Sunday we have Charlestown’s great Memorial Parade. You’ve seen the signs around town so find a spot along the route before 1 pm and plan to go to Ninigret Park for ceremonies, food and drink after. The volunteer parade committee has created an event bigger than ever this year.
- On Monday you can see the Memorial Day Parade held in the beautiful village of Carolina, north on Route 112, starting at 9 am. I've had the opportunity to march in this parade a couple times and it's wonderful seeing this historic village outside of a car.