November in Rhode Island: Dining, Shopping and Performing

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, that's an awfully big name for the smallest state in the Union. Measuring a whole 48 miles from north to south and a whopping 37 miles from east to west for a total of1 214 square miles Rhode Island is the self proclaimed Biggest Little State In The Union and one look at the calendar of events available in this manageable area is proof enough.

The size of the state, what some would call small, the residents prefer quaint, allows you to cross from one side to the other in half an hour. Breakfast in a Burilville diner to lunch down city Providence finishing with an elegant supper in Newport the playground of American royalty. Music, theater, classic movies, bazaars, traditional dinners, natural beauties, they all mark the holiday season in Rhode Island and no matter what town you live in they are all close enough to enjoy.

11/3/2006 - 11/4/2006 Colonial Dinner
Enjoy a colonial style dinner served by costumed volunteers. Recipes are adapted from 18th and early 19th century meals. $20.00 per person, reservations are required.
Smith Appleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Road, Smithfield 401 231-7363

11/4/2006 Candy Cane Bazaar
Christmas wreaths, decorations, gifts, themed baskets, large food table, pictures with Santa and a luncheon
First Baptist Church, 35 Pierce St., East Greenwich 401-884-2322

11/4/2006 - 11/5/2006 Holiday Bazaar
Homemade Christmas wreaths, ornaments, crafts, jewelry and more.
Church Hall, 221 Main St., Warren 401-245-2641

11/4/2006 - 11/12/2006 The Polar Express
Inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, come experience the magic of The Polar Express@ in the Blackstone River Valley. On November 4, 5, 11 & 12 enjoy an 1 1/2 hour train ride from Ann & Hope Cumberland, RI to the North Pole. Trip includes Hot Chocolate & cookies, Santa Claus, story presentation of The Polar Express and Sing-a-long. $27.50 All Seats.
Ann & Hope/Providence & Worcester Railroad, Broad Street, Cumberland, 401-724-2200 www.tourblackstone.com

11/4/2006 - 11/5/2006 15th Annual Trudeau Center Indoor Powwow
Enjoy pony rides, face paintings, teepee, split feather singers and dancers, barbecue and more.
Trudeau Center Recreation Building, 3445 Post Rd., Warwick 401-739-2700 ext. 278

11/4/2006 URI Concert Choir and University Chorus
An evening of choral music.
University of Rhode Island, Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Rd., Kingston 401-874-2431 www.uri.edu/arsci/mus

11/8/2006 Coffee Concert
Mighty Wirlitzer Organ Concert with Jack Cook at the Keyboard.
Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket 401-762-4545 www.stadiumtheatre.com

11/10/2006 - 12/17/2006 "Nuncrackers"
The Little Sisters of Hoboken return in their glory with their holiday special.
Mill River Theater, 499 High St., Central Falls 401-721-0909 www.millrivertheater.com

11/11/2006 8th Annual Harvest Festival
The Boston-based folk duo Fishken and Groves performs. Enjoy tractor rides, vineyard tours, snacks and wine tastings.
Greenvale Vineyards, 582 Wapping Rd., Portsmouth 401-847-3777 www.greenvale.com

11/11/2006 Veteran's Day Parade
Bands, floats, antique cars and fire engines.
Rte. 108 and Main St., Wakefield 401-789-9301

11/12/2006 - 11/19/2006 Seal Watching
The waters around the Wickford area often provide a wonderful opportunity to view harbor seals. In double kayaks, get close enough to quietly observe the seals.
9 Phillips St., Wickford 401-295-4400 www.kayakcentre.com

11/18/2006 Christmas on the Hill Bazaar
Homemade crafts, hand knit items, gift baskets, baked goods, country store, white elephant rooms, book nook, snack bar and more.
Wesley U.M. Church, 55 Woodland St., Lincoln 401-724-7954

11/18/2006 Holiday Pie Sale, Bazaar and Fireside Luncheon
Homemade items, crafts and more.
Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church, 229 Wilbur Ave., Cranston 401-944-0864

11/18/2006 South County Habitat for Humanity Autumn Auction
The Autumn Auction raises funds to continue building affordable homes in South County. The auction has many items to offer including gift certificates to restaurants, art work, wine baskets, wine tasting, tools, passes to various attractions, jewelry, quilt work, Don Bousquet Cartoon, trips and more.
Quonset 'O' Club, 220 Lt. James Road, North Kingstown 401-783-2480

11/18/2006 St. Andrew's Holiday Bazaar
Seasonal bazaar brimming with handmade craft and holiday items, home-baked goods and more.
St. Andrew's Parish Center, Spring St., Block Island 401-466-2474 ww.blockislandchamber.com

11/18/2006 - 11/19/2006 Uncommon Art at Linden Place
Fifty juried artists display their talents in oils, watercolors, wood, sculpture, glass, tapestries and fine jewelry.
Linden Place, 500 Hope St., Bristol 401-253-0390 www.lindenplace.org

11/19/2006 Chorus of Westerly Classical Concert
Handels' "Dixit Dominos" and "Coronation Anthems" performed by the chorus and the Boston Festival Orchestra. Conducted by George Kent.
George Kent Performance Hall, 119 High St., Westerly 401-596-8663

11/19/2006 URI Opera Workshop
A staged presentation of scenes from opera and musical theater.
University of Rhode Island, Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Rd. Kingston 401-874-2431 www.uri.edu/arsci/mus

11/24/2006 "The SantaLand Diaries and Season's Greetings"
From award-winning humorist, playwright and National Pubic Radio commentator David Sedaris comes a pair of comic monologues bursting with uncoventional holiday humor, adapted from the author's best-selling "Holidays on Ice."
The Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket 401-723-4266 www.gammtheatre.org

11/24/2006 - 11/26/2006 17th Annual Block Island Christmas Shopping Stroll
Island shops open for the weekend with many sale items.
Old Harbor, Water Street, Block Island 401-466-2474 www.blockislandchamber.com

11/24/2006 - 12/10/2006 36th annual Holiday Pottery and Art Sale
Assorted bowls, plates, pots and ornaments in clay. Small paintings, drawings and photography, all by South County Art Association members.
South County Art Association, Helme House, 2587 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown 401-783-2195 www.southcountyart.org

11/24/2006 - 11/25/2006 16th Annual Ocean State Artisans Holiday Craft Festival
Eighty crafts of all media from jewelry, wood, stained glass, soft sculpture, pottery, florals, Christmas items and more.
Community College of Rhode Island, Knight Campus, 400 East Ave., Warwick 401-647-7848 www.oceanstateartisans.com

11/24/2006 Santa's Arrival
Santa and entourage arrive downtown Westerly via fire trucks. Children are greeted by Santa and friends. All children will receive free coloring books and lollipops.
Dixon Square, Broad St., Westerly 800-SEA-7636 www.westerlychamber.org

11/25/2006 "A Stadium Christmas"
Celebrate the season at the Stadium Theatre with a spectacular blend of song, dance, and Christmas spirit ... Featuring the John Worsley Big Band, The Encore Repertory Company Carolers, Charles Desaulniers, Kelley Lennon, Noel Pincince, Charlene Soucy, and more! Sponsored by Credit Union Central Falls.
Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Sq., Woonsocket 401-762-4545 www.stadiumtheatre.com

11/26/2006 - 12/22/2006 Little Picture Show and Sale
Members affordable art in all media. Holiday open house gala Dec. 3, 1-5 p.m.
Wickford Art Association, 36 Beach St., Wickford 401-294-6840 www.wickfordart.org

11/28/2006 End of Semester Jazz Session I
URI Standards Combo. Monk and Mingus Ensemble.
University of Rhode Island, Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Rd., Kingston 401-874-2431 www.uri.edu/arsci/mus