5 Local Gifts That Keep on Giving

Monday, November 29, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Editor Andrea E. McHugh

Sometimes the best gift you can give someone doesn’t come in a box, isn’t found on an “it” list and doesn’t come with a power button. The give of experience offers priceless memories, and more often than not, can be shared with family and friends. Here are five of our favorite gifts that celebrate the best of the Ocean State and keep on giving.

1. Family Membership to the Roger Williams Zoo

A membership to Rhode Island’s most celebrated zoo includes myriad benefits and is offered at different levels, from an Individual member, to Family and Family Plus memberships, Grandparent membership and the premiere Zoo Guardian membership. Benefits include free parking, special member entry (bypassing long lines), discounts on education and family programs, select ticketed special events and a generous 10% discount at the gift shops, invitations to special member-only events and more.

2. Gift Certificates for Trinity Rep and the http://www.ppacri.org/default.asp?ppac=11&searchResults=all">Providence Performing Arts Center

Giving a gift card to these or any theater allow the recipient to choose a show or performance of their choice, whether it’s for a special night out on the town, a family tradition or highly anticipated performance—all when it’s convenient to their schedule. Consider catching up for a cocktail with your gift recipients before the big show. Buyer’s bonus: both can be ordered simply by phone or online; click on links above.

3. Tickets to the National Museum of American Illustration

For the guy, gal or couple who seems to have everything, the lesser-known National Museum of American Illustration (compared to the famed Newport Mansions) is a gem among Rhode Island’s museums. Vernon Court, home to the Cutler family, houses a vast art collection primarily from the 'Golden Age of American Illustration' featuring the work of Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, NC Wyeth, Charles Dana Gibson, Howard Pyle ('Father of American Illustration'), J.C. Leyendecker (Rockwell’s mentor) and more. The museum’s regular season is Memorial Day and Labor Day but is open year-round by advance reservations for group tours (8 persons or more) and private VIP tours (minimum of 2 persons). For information and reservations, call 851-8949, ext. 18.

4. Tickets to the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson and Wales University

Any foodie worth their (gourmet) salt would appreciate a visit to the ever-evolving Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson and Wales University. Recent exhibits have included the Providence-centric "Chow Mein, Chicken Wings, and Cheeseburgers: Recalling Downcity Chinese Restaurants in the Postwar Era," thet much-loved "Diners: Still Cookin' in the 21st Century," plus "Country Fair to Culinary Olympics," "Kitchen Stoves and Ranges: From the Open Hearth to the Microwave," and "Dinner at the White House." While admission only costs $7 per adult (Seniors $6, Ages 5-18 $2, and under 5 free), consider pairing tickets with a restaurant gift certificate to the gift getter’s favorite local eatery.

5. Membership to the Providence Children’s Museum or Museum of Art at Rhode Island School of Design

The perfect gift for a family or that busy stay at home mom always looking for last minute rainy day plan, membership to the Providence Children’s Museum offers Family, Family Plus and Grandparent memberships, plus additional family members can be added on for a nominal fee--a great deal starting at only $80 for 2 people. Membership includes privileges like Free and unlimited admission to Providence Children's Museum for one year discounts on birthday parties and programs and at the gift shop, newsletters full of family events and invitations to special events.

The http://www.risdmuseum.org/membership.aspx?id=15222">RISD Museum offers a trio of different membership levels to accomodate multi- and individual needs. More than just free admission, membership includes discounts at risd|works, cotinuing education extension classes, discounted or free tickets to Museum concerts, films, educational workshops, public talks and lectures, and other special events, and more.

Plus, both memberships can be bought online (read: no malls!)

Photo credit: top left, National Museum of American Illustration by Daniel Case; above right, courtsey Providence Children’s Museum

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