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August 15-17

Looking for sand, sun and surf? Search our beach guide for information about dozens of beaches in Rhode Island.

Click Here

Remember: You're on vacation. So find something fun to do. That doesn't mean painting the house or cleaning out closets, unless you really like doing that sort of thing.

Go someplace nearby that you've never been – or haven't been to for a while. An amusement park. A museum. A park. A spa. By spending your vacation at home, you may discover some hidden treasures.

Change your routine:
  • Get a hotel room.
  • Try a new restaurant.
  • Hire a personal chef.
  • Skip the chores. You could even get a cleaning service to do it for you.
  • Take public transportation.
  • Turn off e-mail, cell phone and PDA.
  • Be spontaneous. Leave some unscheduled time for unplanned fun.
Check the Web for information:
  • Find tourism sites for attractions, guidebooks, maps, even coupons for discounts and free events.
  • Online calendars have dates for concerts in the park, festivals and ball games.
Have an adventure:
  • Hit a bike trail.
  • Take a hike.
  • Take a lesson – horseback riding, swimming, skydiving, bungee jumping, fly fishing.
  • Take a photo safari at a zoo.
  • Pick your own vegetables.
Your own backyard:
  • Break out the grill and have a picnic feast.
  • Pitch a tent and take the kids camping.
  • Get out the volleyball net or the croquet set and have a party.
  • Buy a hammock and read a good book.

There are many ways you can turn your grilling not only into a flavorful and fun way to cook, but also into a healthy way to eat. By choosing foods that are low in fat, high in nutrients and full of flavor you can get great meals that are also healthy.

Grilling Tips:

  • Keep your grill clean. It cooks better and is safer to use.
  • Trim excess from food. Fats are troublemakers.
  • Avoid flare-ups. Charred foods increase HCA and PAH* formation.
  • Don't overcook foods. Cut charred sections off.
  • Use marinades to add extra flavor and to reduce the formation of cancer causing substances.
  • Use herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage to add flavor and reduce HCA.
  • Serve grilled foods with a good helping of fruits and vegetables.

Heterocyclic Amines (HCA) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are known cancer-causing agents

While around the fire, be sure to know the native tongue.

Barbeque (BBQ) to broil or roast in large pieces over an open fire; seasoning with spices
Grilling to broil on a gridiron embossing with a series of char marks
Smoking a means of curing meat by heat using wood or wood chips
Pit Roasting cooking large meat directly over embers placed underground
Gas: $60 to $1,000
  • More than 63 percent of homeowners who cook outdoors use propane.
  • For the novice griller
  • Propane burns cleaner
  • Often portable
  • Cooks large volumes
  • Heats quickly
Infrared: $300 to $1,500
  • A roaster's favorite
  • For high heat burning
  • Best for roasting and rotisserie
  • Great for low quantity, high yield meat
  • Provide even heat
Charcoal: $25 to $2,000
  • Intermediate griller
  • Inexpensive to operate
  • Perfect for that barbeque taste
  • Less dangerous than gas
  • Great internal heat for moderate-size grilling