Rhode Island Monthly

2 days ago | rimonthly.com | Dana Rae Laverty

The Charlestown spot has been a cultural touchstone for locals and tourists for nearly six decades. OK, lets just get this out of the way: There was never an umbrella factory at the Fantastic Umbrella Factory. There was, however, a founder — Robert Bankel — who, inspired by a trip to San Francisco, christened his fledgling shop with the fanciful name in 1968. At least that’s how current owner David Turano remembers it.

1 week ago | rimonthly.com | Andrea E. McHugh

Eva Erickson didn’t set out to be a trailblazer, but when she paused her doctoral studies at Brown University to become a contestant on Season 48 of “Survivor,” she became the hit reality series’ first openly autistic participant. Erickson was diagnosed with autism as a child. Doctors told her parents she would never hold a job or live independently, but they relentlessly explored treatments for their daughter, and she thrived.

2 weeks ago | rimonthly.com | Dana Rae Laverty

Allison Spain and her husband had just finished their second home renovation project when they saw an 1867 Italianate for sale on Providence’s Benefit Street. The home had been vacant for years. The roof leaked, trees branched through windows and the rooms were cloaked in layers of dated wallpaper and musty carpeting.

2 weeks ago | rimonthly.com | Kaitlyn Murray

Over the years, LGBTQ+ establishments and Pride celebrations have (thankfully) become more prevalent, accepted and even encouraged in Rhode Island. However, when you take a step back and look around, you’ll more often than not encounter a sea of white individuals with alcohol in hand (see: the fruit loop in downtown Providence). As such, many local queer spaces and events don’t always leave much room for other folks in the community to feel welcome or empowered.

2 weeks ago | rimonthly.com | Kaitlyn Murray

The 'Real Housewives of Rhode Island' is a reality, see a local teenager steal the show in a hit Prime Video series, and more. Actor Sam Waterston of “The Great Gatsby” (1974 version) and “Law & Order” is set to kick off the Preservation Society’s Summer Lecture Series at Rosecliff on July 9. Waterston will revisit and discuss his role as the 1974 film’s narrator, Nick Carraway. You can get tickets here.