I know we haven’t even had Thanksgiving yet, but news flash…Christmas is indeed loading! (As someone who worked at the now defunct Nordstrom Providence where they didn’t roll out anything even remotely xmassy until the day after Thxgiving or DAX, I realize that the start of everything jolly-ole-elf related these days is apparently Nov. 1st.)

Fa la la festive music abounds over on Sirius XM Radio, everything from acoustic and country to holiday pops and one dedicated solely to all things Hallmark. Really haven’t committed to any of those stations at this point, but that could change this week, depending on my mood.

And yesterday I actually spied a row of xmas trees propped up outside somewhere, ready to go home with some lucky and hyper enthusiastic fans of the season.

If you happen to need a little nudge to get into the spirit this year, I have three (3) very merry destinations in South County that you’ll want to visit this coming weekend.

First off, the MVP or shining star when it comes to Yuletide cheer and decor, The Farmer’s Daughter is unveiling their Christmas 2021 spectacular this Saturday, November 20th. Tbh I can’t think of a more stunning location to snap phone photos and shop for wreaths, ornaments, Advent calendars, and lots more.

Next stop, about 5 minutes up the road, is TLC Coffee Roasters, one of the best cafes in that area for a hot drink and a muffin or breakfast sandwich. Top shelf stuff! I also like to grab a bag of their roasted-on-the-premises Bruce Wayne Coffee to brew up at home.

Last but certainly not least, I highly recommend easing on down the road and making a stop at the iconic Peter Pots Pottery in West Kingston. (Started by a RISD grad back in 1948 no less!) It’s another 10 or 15 minutes or so away.

Also: You do have to go over a river and thru some farmland and woods, but instead of to grandma’s house, you’re headed for a Rhody rustic storefront with a crazy great selection of made-in-RI ornaments (someone really needs to send Seth MacFarlane, the guy behind Family Guy, at least 1 of the quahog ones in the image above from their site), mugs for hot chocolate or tea by the fire, and dish towels by my old friend at Taft Street Studio (Jeff Palmer). And it’s all made in WK. I mean, what could be better than THAT?

As always, if you make a joyeux (Noel) Rhode trip over after reading this, please do let them know you found them via Patty J and PattyJ.com.