Long seen as Boston’s kid sister, Providence is not just a sidekick city. In the last decade, Providence’s cultural scene has slowly re-emerged, offering gourmet dining options, a wide range of shopping and a tight-knit set of neighborhoods.
For those reasons,and many more, Rhode Island’s capital city has much more to offer than long-distance Red Sox fans.
Where to stay:
Hotels in Providence range from budget to luxury, and since the city itself isn’t always high on travelers’ lists to see, prices at nicer hotels are more affordable than other northeastern locations.
Stay at the Providence Marriott Downtown before Oct. 31 and receive buffet breakfast for two at the Bluefin Grille, and reduced bookings for Providence Ghost tours. You’ll also get access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, where hours of pumpkin-peeking abound.
Tips on the event:
- Give yourself at least two hours to see this – lines are long, and the crowd slowly meanders to snap photos and absorb the festivities. On Saturday and Sunday nights (from anywhere between 6pm-10pm) lines can be up to an hour long.
- Concessions like pumpkin-flavored beer and vendor food like pretzels and fried dough are available, but extra layers are up to you. In chilly New England weather, it’s a good idea to over-prepare.
- Bring your camera, and turn off the flash. You’ll see unimaginable pumpkin art (images of Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix, pumpkins weighing more than 1,000 pounds, and themed collections), so be sure to capture them.
Where to eat:
A chock-a-block haven for restaurants, Federal Hill is close to downtown and easy to walk around. Park anywhere and aimlessly stroll to find mostly Italian restaurants and dessert shops that spawn from authentic family-owned traditions.
Where to shop:
There are plenty of places the get the job done, but two extremes define the consumer scene here: Thayer Street and the Providence Place Mall. The former is more bohemian, beckoning a patchouli and coffee shop vibe, and the latter is home to Nordstrom and a big-ticket movie theater. Take your pick.
Inside Information:
Rent a car. Providence lacks highly-linked public transportation, and some neighborhoods are inconveniently spaced.
