It seemed appropriate this year to feature a theme that kept me close to home, so I give you my A to Z within the small acreage that is Rhode Island. I tried to be creative (you’ll see!) but I hope you learn something about Little Rhody, too. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, grew up within the boundaries, or have never set foot on one of our many beaches, come along for a virtual tour.
Escoheag (ES-co-heeg) is a neighborhood in the town of West Greenwich. The meaning of the native word is ‘origin of three rivers.’ (I found the Wood River and the Flat River on a map, but I’m unsure about the third river). Escoheag was known, back about 50 years ago, for the former Pine Top Ski Area. The area opened in 1965-66 and had two T-bar lifts, night skiing, and snowmaking. The ski area closed in 1980, and the ski lodge burned in the mid-1980s. The area is now part of the Arcadia Management Area and is open to hikers.
The old Escoheag Fire Tower sits at the top of Escoheag Hill Road, across the street from the old Escoheag cemetery. It’s in bad shape, falling into disrepair. The bottom stairs have been removed and it’s fenced off so no one will climb it.
The photo above is the starting point for a 10-mile hike, but it’s hunting season and I wasn’t wearing any blaze orange, so I opted out.
Mt Yawgoo!!!! Diamond Hill………So much fun!! BTW; I love to hear the GPS voice butcher the places with Indian names!
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Classic. My sister remembers skiing at Pine Top.
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My husband played in a country band at Escoheag Ranch. They backed up Lorrie Morgan who was the opening act for John Conlee! The Ranch hired some pretty known country singers, and that day was especially memorable for our family! Beautiful area! Diamond Hill in Cumberland was also a big part of our family. My husband skied there all the time when he was a teenager and when our own children were young we used to go blueberry picking at the top of Diamond Hill. Loved the views and the blueberries were wild and plentiful! You brought back many good memories Martha! Thanks!
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Thanks for sharing and hope to visit someday! That ten mile hike sounds amazing 🌿
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OMG, when I was a kid, we went there to SKI!!!!!
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Pine Top!!
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I think that hike might include Stepstone Falls which is a beautiful spot.
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I think you might be right, Debbie!
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I agree with Liam, fun to imagine there were 4 ski areas here!! Be careful with hunters 😉
Quilting Patchwork & Appliqué
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I have a similar, though not so tall, historic landmark near my home. It is an old chimney with stone stairs that lead up to it. It became a popular tourist photo op until the city realized how dangerous it was and put up “Don’t Do It” signs.
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I can’t imagine skiing being all to popular in Rhode Island since there isn’t much elevation.
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Liam, you’re absolutely right. Believe it or not, there used to be FOUR ski areas in Rhode Island (Pine Top in Escoheag, Ski Valley in Cumberland, Diamond Hill, also Cumberland, and the one that remains, Yawgoo Valley in Exeter). They’re mostly beneficial for beginners and kids.
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I really love these back to nature spots. They pull me.
BTW, I just finished Villa del Sol. If I’d known it would be that good, I would have read it long ago. I don’t know why that one isn’t winning lots of awards. I can’t wait to review it.
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JACQUI!!! Thank you so, so much. You made my day. I think of all my novels, that’s the one I’m proudest of. But as a self-published author, it’s always hard to get that ‘reach.’ Thank you in advance for your review – that is very much appreciated! xxx
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I’m buried in edits at the moment. I used your book to relax. I probably won’t get the review done for a month but if you need it earlier, let me know. I’ll find the time!
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No, Jacqui, no rush at all. 💛
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Hari OM
I do love a woodland walk… but my days of full hikes are gone, I fear! What a shame the fire tower is dilapidated – I would be tempted to climb it! YAM xx
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Rhythm & Roots festival! Put on your dancing shoes.
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Stepping Stone Stables, right??
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Yes!
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I would opt out of a 10 mile hike even if it wasn’t hunting season!
(I thought I posted this a few minutes ago but it didn’t show up) Maybe it will be posted twice.
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I’d opt out of a 10 mile hike even if it wasn’t hunting season.
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Yes! A little walk is enough!
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Reminds me of something you see in our Upper Peninsula. Ten miles is quite the hike.
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One way!
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