Providence,
Rhode Island Attractions
Link
to RI Division of Tourism for more information about:
Providence, Rhode Island
Recommended
Itinerary
Day
One
Walking tour
Start
your tour of our very walkable city with a stroll down Smith
Street to the Inn's namesake, the State Capitol Building. Our
State House, completed in 1904, is an architectural wonder with
one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Among the
historic relics inside is Gilbert Stuart's famous painting of
George Washington.
From the State House walk
down Francis Street along the front of Providence Place Mall.
(For "professional shoppers" the upscale Providence
Place Mall offers over 150 shops and restaurants including
Norstrom and Old Navy stores. The Imax theater and Hoyt Cinema
provide a wide choice of movie selections and Dave and Busters
offers a combined eatery and state of the art arcade.)
Across from the Mall is the
entrance to Waterplace Park. Find the cobblestone walkway which
follows the river as it winds through the heart of the city from
Providence Place Mall to the edge of Narragansett Bay. (On
many weekends from April through October Waterplace Park is the
site of Waterfire, the artistic blend of wood fires burning just
above the water, accompanied by soothing music which is played all
along the walkway. Call for specific dates.) 
Follow the walkway until
you come to Steeple Street. Walk up Steeple Street to the stunning
First Baptist Church of America (this really is the first Baptist
church body, founded by Roger Williams). Built in 1774-75 the
building retains a powerful yet simple beauty. Interior tours
available seasonably.
From the First Baptist
Church walk uphill to the Benefit Street "Mile of
History" which is the greatest collection of Colonial era
buildings (among many other styles) in America. Walk south on
Benefit Street. At Power Street turn left and walk up the hill to
the John Brown House Museum. Built in 1786 for the city's most
successful merchant, the three story mansion features antique
furniture and decorative art in period settings. Included are many
original Brown family pieces with some of the finest American
Colonial furniture in existence. Continue touring Benefit Street
and surrounding area for some of the most beautiful architecture
imaginable.
Return to the Inn via
Waterplace Park and Francis Street. There are many exceptional
restaurants on both sides of the Park and along the front of
Providence Place Mall. Ask at the front desk for specific
restaurant recommendations.
Evening entertainment plans
should include either the award winning Trinity Repertory Theater
or Providence Performing Arts Center.
Day
Two
Walking and driving
Drive down 95 South to exit
17 for Roger Williams Park and Zoo (Elmwood Ave. exit). The Zoo
was recognized as one of the top ten zoos in the country; with
exhibits from bats to Polar Bears you can spend a few hours or all
day here.
If history excites you
drive up 95 North to Pawtucket (10 minute drive) to the Slater
Mill Historic Site which is the birthplace of the American
Industrial Revolution.
After the zoo or Slater
Mill you may want to drive back to the Waterfront area and visit
Wickeden Street, which offers many funky cafe's and antique shops,
among other retail stores, along a 3/4 mile stretch. This
area has a strong influence from Rhode Island School of Design
students. (There are a few other clusters of antique shops within
a half hour drive of the city-ask at our front desk for
directions. )
A
stroll through the Ivy League's Brown University scenic campus is
invigorating and should include a visit to Thayer Street. Thayer
Street is an excellent choice for lunch with many good restaurant
selections, shops and the famous College Hill Book store. This
district is east of Benefit Street.
During the warmer months:
La Gondola provides Gondola rides along the river in Waterplace
Park. Gallery nights is a special event held sporadically where
visitors are taken by trolley bus to art galleries throughout the
city.
Day
Three
Walking and driving
For families with young
children: drive west on Wickeden Street, which turns into Point
Street, and go over the bridge past the set of lights and the four
way stop to the Children's Museum.
Art lovers will want to
return to Benefit Street and stop in the Rhode Island School of
Design Art Museum; like our city, this museum is small but packed
with treasures. Find fine and decorative works of art from around
the world with the finest examples from many cultures and periods.
Providence's little Italy
is located on Federal Hill. Federal Hill has many excellent
Italian restaurants and specialty shops which give this district a
bit of a European feel. Venda Ravioli is a specialty shop, deli
and restaurant which is a joy just to stroll through. There are
tables in the rear of the shop which provide a view of the pasta
and sauce making process taking place in the kitchen.
Day
Four, Five and Six
Day Trips!
Newport and Boston are both
easy day trips from Providence.
For the trip to Boston an
Amtrak ride is an option or the drive is about one hour.
Newport, with beaches,
mansions and shopping, is about 45 minutes from Providence. Ask at
the front desk for directions. South County has many wonderful
beaches and is also about 45 minutes from Providence.
Another wonderful day trip
is a drive to the coastal villages of Adamsville and Little
Compton, RI. About 45 minutes from Providence, these villages are
well known for their pastoral views, historic stone walls, scenic
vistas of the Sakonnet River and peaceful beaches. Tiverton Four
Corners historic district is on the way to Little Compton and
offers antique and specialty shops, restaurants and the famous
Gray's Ice Cream Shop.
