The Fantastic Animal Rescue With A Thrift Shop, Cafe, Gardens, And More

All Photos Are Courtesy Of Pandemonium Site & IG

Pandemonium Rainforest Project

Spring has arrived, cabin fever gives way to wanderlust and just like that, day trip season is  here.  When planning your daycation, I highly recommend Pandemonium. 

Last weekend, despite persistent drizzle, we enjoyed an excursion to the Pandemonium Rain Forest Project in Deep River, Connecticut. First, we explored the two story thrift shop that has something for everyone: clothes, tools, dishes, tchotchkes, kitchenware, seasonal decor,  jewelry, Christmas items, toys, games, chandeliers, appliances and furniture. You’ll also find an entire wing of all kinds of books! Just follow the amazing aroma coming from the cafe. 

Don’t miss the trailer full of DVD’s, classic VHS tapes and vinyl records. It is on the way to the animal sanctuary. Just past the enclosure with turkeys and goats, enter the building under the giant parrot sculpture to meet rescued exotic pets including tortoises, parrots, macaws, cockatiels, snakes and lizards. We paid a small fee (100% goes to the care of the animals) and received a guided tour. The knowledgeable staff are all clearly dedicated to the mission of this sanctuary; telling us background stories about the animals. Humphrey the tortoise and I instantly took a liking to each other. He followed me as I marveled at the hyacinth macaws.  

Before leaving we stopped by Cafe Ella to savor some coffee and scones in a cozy reading room. Cafe Ella also has lunch offerings and an outdoor seating area. We didn’t stop by Ashleigh’s Garden this time around but will when planning our next visit.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina is a life long Rhode Islander who has been dedicated to mission-driven human services work. A mother of two, she recycles, composts, and runs her household with solar energy. An animal lover and a world traveler, this bon vivant has jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped (twice!), run over the Newport Bridge, swum across Narragansett Bay, and also penguin plunged.