There are certain people who have made mocking Cranston - and those who live there - part of their repertoire. (A specific story comes to mind that’s a doozy, and that at the time, really irked me. I’d probably be more apt to share it with you IRL over coffee, though.) What those peeps apparently don't realize is that it's a pretty sweet place to be, especially this time of year. So, while they are off having a few yuks at the expense of fine and upstanding Cranstonites (Or is it Cranstonians? Apparently, that either was or still is a hot debate, depending what you read on Google.), let's take a look at three not-to-be-missed summer spots in Rhode Island’s now 2nd largest city.

1. Patio Season, It’s Finally Here!

Coast on over to Garden City and meet your crew for lunch, dinner, or drinks on the side patio at Avvio, a personal fave of mine since it opened a few years back. Outdoor dining in GCC is an absolute must in the summertime , but who needs to be squinting - and sweating, which is so the opposite of glam - in direct sunlight? I mean, dare I say the W word (yes…wrinkles). I'll take some shade and overhead fans with my al fresco dining, thank you very much. Unfortunately, you can't reserve a table on either of their patios, side or front, in advance. It's a first come, first serve, as available sorta situation, but if you time it just right (or you're one of those souls who’s just plain lucky), you'll probably end up victorious.

Sartorial Suggestions

A pair of stylish sunglasses are essential. And hint, hint: those hoop earrings at the bottom of your jewelry box (or armoire, if you’re fancy) have definitely made a huge comeback.

2. Game Of Cones

Motor over to Sundaes on Oaklawn Ave for a cone with the ice cream fan in your life. In the not-too-distant past, there was a Patty J post praising a delightful ice cream destination in Watch Hill. Well, the outcry from devotees of Sundaes was intense. Yes, Sundaes has a loyal and extensive fan base of repeat customers, for many reasons, including dozens of flavors of both soft serve & hard ice cream (Their black raspberry chip is a hot seller.), generous portions (Have you see what they call a small?!), and their low cal, sugar free frozen yogurt called Only 8 (8 calories a spoonful? Idk?). On any given night, the line is down the street and it's a mayyy-jor scene where you'll spy everyone from families with toddlers to cutesy couples still in the honeymoon stage to white and silver hairs and the occasional hipsters, doing their best Kurt & Courtney circa 1990 homages. Also, don't forget to snap an I-Phone pic of your ice cream and upload it to Instagram Stories or Snapchat.

Sartorial Suggestions

Go cas with a logo tee or crop top (Like hoops, crop tops are also having another moment right about now. No doubt inspired by JLO, who has been known to flaunt her impressive abs in tiny tops.) and your best looking pair of sneakers or flat sandals.

3. BRB, Getting More Lemonade

Been going to the Del's Lemonade stand on Oaklawn Ave since I was a kid from Providence, but only just found out a few yrs ago that that location is in fact their World Headquarters. Uhhhh, wowwww! One more reason to get over there and treat yourself to a nice cuppa sunshine. And just so ya know, reaching for a spoon (or straw) is a dead giveaway you're not a Rhody native.

Sartorial Suggestions

Aviators, ponies (an instant facelift effect for all my fellow over 40 friends out there), baseball caps, and jorts or sundresses are all great choices.

*This post has been updated and revised from one that first appeared on the site during the Summer of 2018.