This past November, we went #OnTheRhode to explore several destinations in Rhode Island. One of our favorites was Providence, which charmed us instantly! We created a little Travel Guide to show all this capital city has to offer.
Where to start the day…
Sydney
Sydney is an Australia-inspired cafe & coffee shop located just south of the Providence train station. The shop itself is modern, airy, and serene – the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee & croissant.
Bolt Coffee
Locals say Bolt Coffee has the best coffee in town. Check out either of their locations: one on College Hill and one downtown in the trendy Dean Hotel.
The Shop
The Shop is a small, local-owned coffee shop with focuses on fair trade coffee, grass-fed dairy products, and supporting local bakers who provide their handmade pastries daily. Not to mention, it is adorable, too!
PVDonuts
The donuts at PVDonuts are handmade daily with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. They offer a unique, ever-changing menu – we couldn’t resist!
Kitchen
Kitchen might be the tiniest restaurant ever – be prepared to wait in line! But, it’s totally worth it.
Nick’s on Broadway
Be sure to check out Nick’s on Broadway, a local favorite.
What to See & Do…
The Providence Athenaeum
When you step inside the Providence Athenaeum, it feels as though you have traveled back in time. This independent, member-supported library that was founded in 1836 is housed in a Greek Revival building. Wander the aisles and lose yourself as you browse their extensive collection of literature.
Benefit Street
This charming little street features historic buildings and classic Colonial homes, both big and small. The 1.2 mile stretch is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Slater Mill Historic Site
In the neighboring town of Pawtucket, the Slater Mill is definitely a must-see, especially if you love history! This historical textile mill is recognized internationally as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution
The RISD Museum
The RISD Museum is a part of the Rhode Island School of Design. They always have exciting exhibits with a variety of works, ranging from ancient fabrics to modern art. Plus, free entry on Sundays!
Local Breweries
Blackstone Valley is collectively one of the largest producers of beer in New England, so a stop at a brewery is a must! Check out The Guild, Foolproof Brewery or Crooked Current (or check out all of them if you’re up for it!!)
Where to End the Day…
Federal Hill
Federal Hill is Providence’s own little Italy. This part of town is filled with family-owned trattorias with cozy bars and homemade Italian dishes. We indulged at Restaurant Siena which was DELICIOUS! But we were told there really is no where you can go wrong.
Cocktail Bars
There are so many cute, hidden spots in Providence to grab a pre-dinner drinks or a night cap! On the top of our list is The Eddy, an intimate, stylish, cocktail bar that serves both classic & creative concoctions. Another highly recommended place was the The Magdalenae Room. This hidden gem is tucked away in The Dean, a posh boutique hotel in downtown Providence.
Pastiche
Indulge your sweet tooth at Pastiche, a euro-inspired dessert cafe serving up homemade cakes, pastries and chocolates. The sweetest ending to a sweet day!
Waterfire
For a really exciting evening in Providence, be sure to visit during a time that WaterFire is hosting a lighting. WaterFire is Providence’s signature event, which features an award-winning fire sculpture installation by local artist Barnaby Evans on the three rivers in downtown Providence. This event is truly awe-inspiring – a must-see for visitors!
We had so much fun #OntheRhode in Providence! It really is a charming city that has so many gems. We hope you find this guide helpful when you #VisitRhodeIsland!
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Thanks for sharing this, we are heading up to this area later this month. Will try some of these places out