Events

The salty air fills with the aroma of fried clams and melted butter in early August for the Charlestown Seafood Festival (Ninigret Park, Charlestown, 401/364-4031, www.charlestownrichamber.com [1]), a self-proclaimed “gastronomic extravaganza” that combines musical performances with all the lobster and chowder you can eat.

Two dozen brightly colored hot-air balloons take to the sky every July for the South County Hot Air Balloon Festival (URI Athletic Fields, Rte. 138, Kingston, 401/783-1770, www.wakefieldrotary.com [2]), sponsored by the Wakefield Rotary Club.