Rhode Island

19 Trending Private Event Venues in Rhode Island Right Now

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

19 Trending Private Event Venues in Rhode Island Right Now

Rhode Island, despite being the smallest state in the country, boasts an extensive list of exceptional venues for private events. Its strategic location between NY and Boston makes it an ideal choice for events and gatherings of various types and sizes. To highlight some of the highly recommended event venues in the state, I’ve curated a list of 19 event spaces that are trending RIGHT NOW in Rhode Island. Explore these top-notch venues that offer impeccable food, facilities, and amenities for any occasion!

SEE ALSO: 10 Best Family Friendly Event Venues in Rhode Island

1. Hope Events on Main
1005 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860

As you step into Hope Events on Main, you are greeted by an enchanting atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern elegance with timeless charm. The venue boasts a versatile space that can be transformed to suit your unique vision for the perfect wedding day or any other special occasion. Whether you envision a grand affair or an intimate gathering, The Hope Events on Main team is a dedicated team committed to bringing your dreams to life.

Tables and linens for a wedding at Hope Events on Main

Reserve Hope Events on Main: https://restaurent.com/venue/hope-events-on-main/

2. Atrium on Main
285 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Atrium on Main is perfect for any event. The spacious 1500sqft event space can be transformed to fit your needs and style! Not only can you rent our dining room for your big parties like weddings and networking events, but we also have a 1700sqft event space downstairs and are no stranger to hosting birthdays, baby showers, and everything else you can imagine! If you’re curious about the space feel free to stop in for a tour on weekday mornings. The Atrium on Main has a coffee shop serving up drinks and delicious pastries when the venue is not reserved for an event. Available parking lot on site.

Downstairs at The Atrium on Main decorated for a birthday party

Reserve Atrium on Main: https://restaurent.com/vendor/atriumonmain/

3. Machines With Magnets
400 Main St, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Discover an arts haven just outside Providence, Rhode Island. Machines with Magnets is a unique venue since 2007, blending an established art gallery, music performance space, and a welcoming patio. Impeccable service, diverse bar offerings, and a standing capacity for 200 guests. Perfect for your special occasion, offering contemporary art exhibits, A/V amenities, and a seamless planning experience. Your special occasion begins here, where creativity meets celebration!

Wedding guests watching a beautiful ceremony at Machines With Magnets

Reserve Machines With Magnets: https://restaurent.com/venue/machines-with-magnets/

EXPLORE 100+ VENUES IN RHODE ISLAND: Find the best venue for any event

4. Maria’s Cucina
477 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909

Maria’s Cucina is the perfect spot in Providence, RI to hold your next special event! We are conveniently located near Federal Hill at 477 Broadway Providence, RI 02909. We offer a large parking lot with plenty of off-street parking. We do all types of events, from political fundraisers, anniversaries, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, corporate events, collations/bereavements, Etc. Our second level can seat up to 70 people. The first floor is available based upon your event, up 60 seated or 125 buffet style or cocktail party. (Handicap Accessible). We offer both sit down/plated service, buffet style options. Your choice, either off the menu or customize select menu options

Street view of Maria's Cucina with outdoor patio seating — Street view of Maria’s Cucina with outdoor patio seating

Reserve Maria’s Cucina: https://restaurent.com/venue/marias-cucina/

5. Waterman Grille
4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906

Offering a setting that is unlike any other in Providence, Waterman Grille is situated along the Seekonk River in a former bridge gatehouse that dates back to 1871. Waterman Grille offers an array of custom spaces for your private event, each highlighting the dramatic and romantic character of our historic building. From small intimate parties to corporate meetings or social gatherings to formal celebrations and wedding receptions, our choice of three private event rooms and outdoor patio space will be sure to accommodate all your event needs, up to 150 people. No matter your preference, you will be pleased with our unique location and our ability to accommodate all your event requests.

Reserve Waterman Grille: https://restaurent.com/venue/waterman-grille/

6. Mill’s Tavern
101 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Mill’s Tavern is known for its extensive and award-winning wine selection and was the recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence.

Celebrate your family, friends and business associates with a classic and comfortable atmosphere for Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Receptions, Holiday Parties and more! Our inviting space is enhanced with personalized menus and professional, attentive service. Our menus change seasonally based on the best local meats, seafood and produce. Create a memorable intimate gathering in our charming private dining room that can accommodate up to 25 guests. Larger parties can be accommodated throughout the restaurant. Our space is ready to host up to 125 of your guests! We love hosting birthdays, wedding rehearsals, baby/bridal showers, graduation parties and corporate dinners!

Reserve Mill’s Tavern: https://restaurent.com/venue/mills-tavern/

7. Provence Sur Mer
39 Touro St, Newport, RI 02840

Provence sur Mer is a unique event space in Newport’s historic Washington Square. Housed in a mid-1800s building, surrounded by iconic structures, our venue offers a distinct experience. Enjoy our exceptional outdoor garden and patio area with landscaping, seasonal decor and stone fire pit. Inside, our French-inspired design includes a Baby Grand Piano, elegant bar, gas fireplace, and more. Provence sur Mer is the ideal location for weddings, corporate meetings, and special events!

Reserve Provence Sur Mer: https://restaurent.com/venue/provence-sur-mer/

8. Cassarino’s Restaurant
177 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903

From office events to birthday parties, any celebration can benefit from great food and attentive staff. Contact Cassarino’s Restaurant when you’re looking for Providence events and catering you can trust. We’ve been the premier restaurant for delectable Italian cuisine since 1988. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust our top-tier customer service to make your event stand out. Make sure it’s the best one yet with Italian food from Cassarino’s Restaurant. We provide catering for all occasions and events. Ask about our exceptional menu today! Located in the Historic Federal Hill of Providence, Rhode Island, and is sure to be a hit with all of your guests. There is a reason people trust Cassarino’s with their party and event needs!

Tables set for dinner at Cassarino's — Tables set for dinner at Cassarino’s

Reserve Cassarino’s Restaurant: https://restaurent.com/venue/cassarinos-restaurant-third-floor/

9. La Forge Casino Restaurant
186 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Established in 1880, the restaurant overlooks the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. A view, special to La Forge, that reflects the rich history and heritage of Newport, Rhode Island. We are open year round, serving our guests daily, as well as offering bespoke private dining areas to Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Outings, Bus Tours and other Group Functions. We have long been the premier choice for many of Newport’s social gatherings such as the Miss Rhode Island Pageant, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, The Newport Rugby Club, and Newport Hospital to name a few. Whether your group is 15 or 150 people, there is no event too big or small. We take a lot of pride in the execution of every event we orchestrate and can even cater your off-site event for any number of guests. Our picturesque setting and abilities to customize events are only limited by our guest’s imagination!

Reserve La Forge Casino Restaurant: https://restaurent.com/venue/la-forge-casino-restaurant/

10. Saje Kitchen
332 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903

Saje Kitchen is a contemporary American restaurant fused with southern Inspirations open from brunch until dinner. Saje Kitchen would be honored to provide our services for your next event! Each event is bespoke to your tastes and needs, to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests. Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, office function, or any other special event, we’ll do our best to accommodate your desired date and any requests you may have to make your party/celebration memorable.

Reserve Saje Kitchen: https://restaurent.com/venue/saje-kitchen/

11. Bistro 22
22 Midway Rd, Cranston, RI 02920

Experience Bistro 22, where the timeless allure of rustic comfort meets the warmth of family-friendly charm. Prepare to create unforgettable memories at your private event or large party in our contemporary eatery. Indulge in our culinary delights crafted from fresh seasonal ingredients, combining cherished old classic dishes and dishes with a modern Italian flare. Our superb wine selection will elevate your celebration to new heights. Whether you choose to revel in our inviting indoor ambiance or bask in the delightful outdoor seating, every moment at Bistro 22 will be filled with exceptional flavors and cherished moments. Book your event with us and ensure an extraordinary experience that will be remembered for years to come!

Reserved Bistro 22: https://restaurent.com/venue/bistro-22/

12. WXYZ Bar
191 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903

WXYZ Bar. Serving inventive drinks, craft beers and small bites, our inviting restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Providence is ideal for unwinding with friends or networking with colleagues. WXYZ Is always serving up new and inventive drinks every day of the week. We are available for private and semi-private bookings for small to large parties. We offer a full bar and small bites to accompany your delicious drinks. WXYZ can also handle overnight accommodations as we are located in the Aloft hotel in Providence RI!

Reserve WXYZ Bar: https://restaurent.com/venue/wxyz-bar/

13. Thirsty Beaver
288 Atwood Ave, Cranston, RI 02920

The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub & Grub; a stylish yet classic pub-staurant set in a distinctive & vibrant log cabin. The perfect space for family friendly and nightlife events. The Thirsty Beaver has 5 locations across Rhode Island and Mass in Cranston, Smithfield, North Kingston, Westerly, and Foxboro.

Reserve Thirsty Beaver: https://restaurent.com/vendor/the-thirsty-beaver/

14. The Event Factory
144 Metro Center Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886

The Event Factory is a crafted event space designed to enhance your vision for any special occasion. The venue has multiple conference or rehearsal rooms with stages of multiple sizes, along with open space rooms with theater style seating, a prep/catering kitchen, and lighting and sound packages. The Event Factory is the perfect blank canvas for Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Milestone Birthdays, Corporate Events, Dance Recitals and More.

Reserve Event Factory: https://restaurent.com/vendor/hugo-adames1gmail-com/

15. The Centredale Revival
2025 Smith St, North Providence, RI 02911

American comfort food and cocktails – The Centredale Revival will make the perfect welcoming atmosphere for your next event. The venue can be transformed into a spacious layout to allow for mixing and mingling at a networking style event. There is even a small stage for the host to say a few words or for a DJ/music performance. The tables and chairs can all be brought back out to create a space for enjoying all the food their great menu has to offer at your next family event like a birthday party or reunion.

Brick backdrop wall at The Centredale Revival

Reserve The Centredale Revival: https://restaurent.com/venue/centerdale-revival/

16. Long Live Beerworks
40R Sprague St, Providence, RI 02907

At Long Live Beerworks we are passionate about brewing great beers and creating a comfortable and welcoming environment in which to enjoy them! Our prime location on Providence’s West End / South Side border is accessible to many visitors. The building features lots of natural light, exposed brick and carefully considered architectural touches, including a mezzanine with lots of seating. It is the perfect venue for your next gathering!

Reserve Long Live Beerworks: https://restaurent.com/venue/1378/

17. Rooftop at the G
100 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903

Rooftop at the Providence G is Downtown Providence’s premier rooftop restaurant and lounge that is weatherized and open year-round. Guests can enjoy stunning and unobstructed views of Providence’s famous skyline perfectly paired with a distinct food and drink menu, and live entertainment! The perfect venue for your next party or corporate event.

Views of the rooftop on a summer evening

Reserve Rooftop at the G: https://restaurent.com/venue/rooftop-at-the-g/

18. Moonshine Alley – Music City
52 Pine St, Providence, RI 02903

Music City is the ideal choice for your group gathering & dining experience. Ambiance, food & drink, and entertainment… all with that southern twang!

Whether you’re hosting a birthday or holiday party, corporate event, or just gathering with friends & family for a night of Nashville, Moonshine Alley is sure to impress!

Moonshine Alley Music City private events room

Reserve Moonshine Alley: https://restaurent.com/venue/moonshine-alley-music-city/

19. 345 by Plant City Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar
345 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903

345 by Plant City is a plant-based and vegan speakeasy lounge & mixology cocktail bar. Located next door to the main Plant City building, the intimate bar and seating area is a cozy home for creative small plates and innovative drinks. The rotating menu features an ever-changing array of eclectic concoctions, fresh mocktails, and elevated snacks. The space is perfect for those looking for a stylish, sleek, and elegant get together, while making sure that all of the products they are consuming are plant-based and ethically sourced. We love hosting events for charities, networking, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate events!

Reserve 345 by Plant City Speakeasy and Cocktail Bar: https://restaurent.com/venue/345-speakeasy/

Consider these event spaces the next time you’re planning a holiday party, birthday party, bachelorette party, bridal shower, business dinner, company get together, brand activation or investor meeting!

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island men’s basketball extends slide with loss to St. Joseph’s

Published

9 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island men’s basketball extends slide with loss to St. Joseph’s

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Whatever hopes the University of Rhode Island harbored for a men’s basketball Senior Day upset of Saint Joseph’s disappeared on a rare made 3-pointer.

Jaiden Glover-Toscano connected on just one of his eight attempts from deep, and it turned out to be a backbreaker. The Hawks mustered just enough offense to hold off the Rams at the Ryan Center in an Atlantic 10 rock fight that went to the visitors.

Glover-Toscano hit from the left wing with 3:37 left, restoring a two-possession lead. Saint Joseph’s did just enough from there to finish a 61-55 victory on Feb. 28 and extend URI’s late-season slide.

“We needed to get that stop,” URI coach Archie Miller said. “It was in the balance. Those last three minutes, whoever was going to make the play or get the stop was going to win.

“They made a big shot right there.”

The Rams cut a 13-point deficit all the way to 56-55 when Tyler Cochran knocked down both ends of a 1-and-1 at the line with 3:54 left. The Hawks overloaded the right side on the ensuing possession, and Derek Simpson got a step on his man toward the paint. He fired a crosscourt pass to Glover-Toscano that caught URI’s defense rotating, and the air came out of the announced 6,391 fans in the building when the net rippled in front of the visiting bench.

“We weren’t able to convert,” Miller said. “That’s kind of the name of the game. You’ve got to have some plays go your way.”

Myles Corey missed a 3-pointer at the other end, and Simpson played facilitator again to give Saint Joseph’s more of a cushion. He found Justice Ajogbor rolling to the rim for a slam with 2:36 left and it was a six-point game. Neither team scored again on an afternoon where they both shot under 40% from the field and went a combined 10-for-61 from deep.

“The bottom line for our team today – and let’s just keep it simple – is we didn’t make a shot,” Miller said. “We really struggled to shoot the ball.”

The Hawks built their largest lead with 13:53 to play, thanks to what was a major sore spot on the afternoon for the Rams. URI couldn’t inbound the ball after an Ajogbor free throw, and Jonah Hinton was called for an offensive foul. Simpson drove for a two-hand slam on the ensuing possession, part of a 13-0 shutout for the visitors on points off turnovers.

“We have no room for error,” Miller said. “That plays a big role.”

The Rams (15-14, 6-10 Atlantic 10) enjoyed their best stretch of the day after falling into that 44-31 hole. Alex Crawford offered some life with a couple of 3-pointers, and Jahmere Tripp buried another from the left corner to make it a 54-51 game with 5:10 left. Crawford’s hard drive down the right kept it a three-point game, and Cochran’s successful trip to the line put URI in position to steal it late.

“I feel like we had open shots,” Crawford said. “We had a lot of good looks – shots we usually make.”

Saint Joseph’s (19-10, 11-5) won its fourth straight and continued an impressive rally from an 0-2 start in league play. The Hawks are on course for a double bye in the upcoming conference tournament, while the Rams look increasingly likely to play on the opening day in Pittsburgh. A home date with Duquesne and a road trip to Fordham wrap the regular season this week, and URI hopes guard RJ Johnson (concussion protocol) will be able to return at some point.

“It did hurt a little bit,” Crawford said. “You face adversity, you’ve got to find a way to make up for missed players.”

SAINT JOSEPH’S (61): Dasear Haskins 5-11 4-5 14, Justice Ajogbor 4-5 1-3 9, Derek Simpson 4-10 4-4 13, Jaiden Glover-Toscano 3-14 0-1 7, Austin Williford 2-9 0-0 5, Khaafiq Myers 4-7 0-0 9, Jaden Smith 1-2 1-3 3, Anthony Finkley 0-2 1-2 1. Totals 23-60 11-18 61.

RHODE ISLAND (55): Tyler Cochran 2-13 8-8 13, Keeyan Itejere 4-5 2-2 10, Jahmere Tripp 4-12 2-3 11, Jonah Hinton 2-11 0-0 5, Myles Corey 1-8 1-4 4, Alex Crawford 4-6 2-4 12, Jalen Harper 0-6 0-0 0, Drissa Traore 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 17-62 15-21 55.

Halftime – SJ, 30-27. 3-point FG – SJ 4-28 (Haskins 0-3, Simpson 1-5, Glover-Toscano 1-8, Williford 1-8, Myers 1-2, Finkley 0-2), RI 6-33 (Cochran 1-9, Tripp 1-4, Hinton 1-7, Corey 1-4, Crawford 2-3, Harper 0-5, Traore 0-1). Rebounds – SJ 45 (Myers 8), RI 46 (Cochran 15). Assists – SJ 14 (Simpson 5), RI 12 (Corey 4). Turnovers – SJ 13 (Simpson 3, Myers 3), RI 13 (Corey 5). Blocked shots – SJ 7 (Ajogbor 3), RI 4 (Itejere 2, Tripp 2). Steals – SJ 8 (Simpson 3), RI 4 (Tripp 2). Attendance – 6,391.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island women’s basketball wins A-10 regular-season championship

Published

21 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island women’s basketball wins A-10 regular-season championship

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – What was a peerless achievement in University of Rhode Island women’s basketball history now has some company just four short years later.

The Rams are Atlantic 10 regular-season champions again after a special Saturday afternoon in Kingston, a coronation more than a contest against visiting George Washington.

The Revolutionaries never had a chance after the hosts got off to a sharp start at the Ryan Center. URI left no doubt in front of its best crowd of the season, and a significant portion of that gathering stuck around long after the final whistle to see the nets cut down again.

It was all Rams in this 72-48 cruise, a result that matched what was a first in 2022-23 and handed URI a No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament. George Mason dropped to the No. 2 spot despite posting the same 16-2 league record as the Rams, and that came thanks to a comprehensive 79-63 defeat in a Valentine’s Day matchup.

“There’s nothing more satisfying as a coach than to have the confetti fall and to cut down nets with this group of young women,” URI coach Tammi Reiss said. “I’ve never been prouder.”

URI scored on each of its first five offensive possessions and authored a masterpiece through the opening three quarters. It was only in the fourth when Reiss emptied her bench that George Washington showed any semblance of being able to keep pace. Palmire Mbu led three in double figures with 23 points, and Sophia Vital played yet another complete all-around game to help the Rams run roughshod.

“We were just extra motivated today,” Mbu said. “We wanted to do great for our crowd.

“Just trying my best. Trying to be aggressive and to give solutions on offense and defense. It felt good.”

URI owned a 21-point lead entering the final 10 minutes, thanks to 18 assists, just two turnovers and 63.4% shooting from the field. The Rams buried the offensive struggles they experienced in road losses to La Salle and Richmond with what had been a typical display of crisp execution. URI closed 26-for-35 from 2-point range, collected 48 points in the paint and racked up another 17 off Revolutionaries turnovers.

“I do believe the last four years we had talented teams – we had talented players,” URI guard Ines Debroise said. “But I think it’s also how we can put all the pieces of the puzzle together. This year that’s what we were going to do from day one.”

Mbu’s bucket off a Vanessa Harris steal gave the Rams a 25-10 lead and forced a George Washington timeout with 6:38 left in the second quarter. It seemed just a matter of time before this one was out of reach, and Brooklyn Gray followed a Debroise 3-pointer with a pair of layups to make it a 32-12 cushion. URI’s lead never dipped under 12 points again, and Mbu’s hook in the lane capped an 8-0 run that took it back to 58-38 with 1:00 left in the third.

Video of URI coach Tammi Reiss speaking postgame on Feb. 28

URI women’s basketball beats George Washington to win the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship

“They were sharing the ball in a championship game,” Reiss said. “It wasn’t 1-on-1. That’s what makes this team special.”

The Rams (25-4, 16-2 Atlantic 10) set a new program best for conference wins in a season and are now one shy from a new overall mark – they collected 26 while making a run to the WNIT Round of 16 in 2022-23. URI shared the league crown with rival Massachusetts that year before suffering a semifinal upset against Saint Louis and missing out on a third meeting with the Minutewomen.

“Their job is to show up and be us,” Reiss said. “Execute our game plan with discipline and ferocity for 40 minutes. Our job is to manage them – their health, their minutes.”

The Revolutionaries (15-16, 7-11 Atlantic 10) dropped to the No. 10 seed in the upcoming conference tournament and will play No. 7 Saint Louis in the second round on Thursday, March 5. The Rams will open Friday’s quarterfinals in an 11 a.m. tip on the USA Network against either No. 8 Loyola Chicago or No. 9 St. Bonaventure. No. 4 Davidson and No. 5 Saint Joseph’s are in URI’s half of the bracket, while the second-seeded Patriots and third-seeded Spiders could be on a semifinal collision course in the other half at Henrico Sports & Events Center.

“It’s going to be tough for everybody – probably three games in three days,” Mbu said. “We’ve got to push to the end and play like we’ve been doing.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON (48): Sara Lewis 2-10 2-2 6, Gabby Reynolds 7-13 2-2 17, Tanah Becker 1-2 1-1 3, Mia James 2-6 0-0 4, Kamari Sims 2-4 0-0 4, Emma Theodorsson 0-6 2-2 2, Jaeda Wilson 1-2 0-0 2, Filipa Calisto 2-2 0-0 4, Colleen Phiri 0-0 0-0 0, Caia Loving 2-2 0-0 4, Payton Dulin 1-1 0-2 2. Totals 20-48 7-9 48.

RHODE ISLAND (72): Palmire Mbu 9-14 3-4 23, Albina Syla 5-6 0-0 10, Brooklyn Gray 5-6 0-0 11, Sophia Vital 3-6 1-2 7, Ines Debroise 4-7 0-0 9, Vanessa Harris 3-7 0-0 7, Aimee Michel 2-2 0-0 4, Valentina Ojeda 0-2 0-0 0, Ta’Viyanna Habib 0-0 0-0 0, Eva Agba 0-1 1-2 1. Totals 31-51 5-8 72.

Halftime – RI, 40-25. 3-point FG – GW 1-8 (Reynolds 1-2, Becker 0-1, James 0-2, Sims 0-1, Theodorsson 0-2), RI 5-16 (Mbu 2-4, Gray 1-1, Vital 0-2, Debroise 1-4, Harris 1-2, Ojeda 0-2, Agba 0-1). Rebounds – GW 23 (Sims 5), RI 26 (Vital 6). Assists – GW 7 (Sims 2, Loving 2), RI 21 (Vital 7). Turnovers – GW 13 (Sims 4), RI 7 (Gray 2, Harris 2). Blocked shots – GW 2 (James 1, Loving 1), RI 3 (Mbu 2). Steals – GW 3 (Lewis 1, James 1, Sims 1), RI 6 (Vital 3). Attendance – 6,580.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25

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Rhode Island

Frostbitten lizard found in Rhode Island is healing

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Frostbitten lizard found in Rhode Island is healing

While shoveling his driveway during yet another winter storm, a man in Providence, Rhode Island found something rather unexpected—a very cold giant lizard. Fortunately, the animal rehabilitation experts at the New England Wildlife Center found that besides being very dehydrated and having frostbite on its tongue and toes, the female tegu named Frankie was doing okay.

Tegus are large South American reptiles, so how did Frankie end up in the middle of a snowstorm in New England? Tess Gannaway, a veterinarian at the wildlife center who treated Frankie, tells Popular Science that she was probably someone’s pet.

“Given their size they often roam folk’s homes like dogs or cats and there is a chance that in warmer months Frankie escaped and was surviving on her own outside until the weather got too cold for her to manage,” Gannaway explains. There’s also the more unfortunate possibility that the lizard was recently abandoned.

The black on the tip of Frankie’s tongue are the dead tissue as a result of the frostbite. Image: New England Wildlife Center Staff.

Either way, Frankie was likely unable to pull her tongue back into her mouth at the start of the storm, which caused the frostbite on both her tongue and her toes. The tongue frostbite is particularly notable because known cases of animals with mucus membrane related frostbite are exceedingly unusual. Because of the frostbite, Frankie no longer has the iconic reptilian V-shape in her tongue.

In fact, veterinary medicine as a whole didn’t have any published accounts of such an affliction. As such, Gannaway and her veterinary student turned to human medical literature to decide on Frankie’s best treatment option, and ultimately identified what they were looking for.

This “is really cool and an example of something in veterinary medicine and other fields we call one health, so the intersection between human and animal health,” Gannaway explained in a New England Wildlife Center video.

In the human report, a portion of a patient’s tongue had unintentionally frozen because of a medical intervention in the mouth. Doctors then removed the dead external tissue a number of times, healing the injury within three weeks.

Similarly, the team at the New England Wildlife Center aims to remove part of Frankie’s dead tongue tissue every two or three weeks. Hopefully, the tongue will heal on its own, but the good news is that tongues are rapid healers.

Gannaway says that the team is “cautiously optimistic” about Frankie’s future.

“She did great during her first debridement [the tissue removal] and has moved on from liquid to solid food. New England Wildlife Centers’ Veterinarians will keep checking her tongue every 2 weeks to see if she needs further sedation to remove more superficial tissue,” she adds.“Until then she is on pain medications and an antibiotic. Tegus can live normal lives with only part of their tongue so as long as we can get her tongue to stabilize she should be ready to live a warmer although slightly less adventurous life.”