I needed to get out of town a few weeks ago, so decided to take a day trip to Rhode Island. Providence is an interesting city, only a short hour-long drive south of Boston. It definitely has some rough spots, but the eastern side of Providence has a cute college town vibe and it’s a great city for artists and foodies. I happened to pick the most gorgeous Spring day to visit. If you want to follow my itinerary, do the following:
Stop 1: Roger Williams Park
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dawn3355/ / CC BY-NC 2.0
A large 427-acre park and zoo, Roger Williams Park is perfect for bike rides and long walks, and is extremely affordable ($0-12). My friend and I packed a picnic to eat in the park and went for a long bike ride. You can also rent boats and kayaks in the park ($5); the park is home to seven lakes. We also stopped by the Botantical Center ($3, open year-round), which is totally worth a visit.
Stop 2: The RISD museum
http://risdmuseum.org
It’s hard to believe the RISD museum ($0-10) is a college museum. Then again, you know it’s going to be awesome because it’s RISD and they know art. Don’t miss the Main Gallery or the Impressionist Collection.
Stop 3: Walk around College Hill…
…and dream of living in the houses you will never be able to afford unless you are on faculty at Brown University. [If you want to get formal about it, the RI Historical Society offers walking tours of the area for $12.] Speaking of Brown,
Stop 4: Take a stroll around Brown
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaynev/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
The College Green is exactly what you’d expect to see. Kids were playing frisbee, a girl was writing a paper on her laptop under a tree, a couple of children were flying kites, and some guy was sitting in the grass strumming his guitar. Also, there were a lot of foreign tourists. Just like home.
Be sure you swing by the whispering arch near Metcalf (190 Thayer Street).
Stop 5: Get some food
If you want to stick around Brown and College Hill, walk over to Sawaddee, a BYOB Thai restaurant. It’s very small and the hostess was curt, so there was a long wait. But the food is good and it’s BYOB, so we were happy. We walked out for $14 each including food, appetizers, tax and tip.
If you don’t mind heading a whopping mile across the river to downtown Providence, check out The Cuban Revolution. Great food, $3 draft beers, and crazy propaganda make for a fun experience. The sandwiches and wraps and huge and range from $7-10.
Stop 6: Wrap up your day with a cookie as big as your head
justdessertsnyc.com
You thought I was lying? Grab your car and on your way out of town, swing by the Meeting Street Cafe for the biggest cookie you have ever seen. I recommend the chocolate chip cookie (have them warm it up for you). Each cookie is $4.50 each and can easily serve 3 people.
You know when someone comes to visit you and you run out of things to do? Take them down to Providence for the day. It’ll be worth it. I’m certain I’ll be back again. What should I should see on my next trip?
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I’m glad you enjoyed my city and did the wonderful things people don’t usually do when they come here!
What a great day trip! I think you saw more than I did when I went for a weekend.
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