Providence

Hey guys!  Welcome back.  Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite things in Providence, Rhode Island.  I had been going to Providence my whole childhood (let’s just say my mother gave the Roger Williams Park Zoo more than her fair share of dollars over the years ;)). but it’s always so refreshing to go back to a place you loved as a child as an adult.  From reminiscing about my days of running carefree in Roger Williams Park, to finding a newfound dorky adult appreciation to the architecture and history, New England cities always know just how to tug on my heartstrings.

Where to stay: The Dean Hotel.  This charming hotel had me from the moment I saw its marquee sign.  Then they added a coffee shop in lieu of a traditional lobby and a charming red elevator complete with a mini chandelier for good measure.  Add in all the quirk and character you could imagine and a prime downtown location, and there really is no comparable option for something unique during your Providence stay.

Where to eat: The Salted Slate.  We went here for brunch and it was absolutely perfect.  From the cheddar & chive biscuits and warm donuts to the homemade granola; everything we ate was a somehow fresh take on breakfast classics.  The Salted Slate also crushed it by featuring pretty much all of my favorite interior design aspects (plants, long wooden shelves, lots of natural light, and an exposed brick wall) in just one restaurant.

Milk Money.  Milk Money was our second brunch choice for the weekend, and you can bet that pretty much anywhere that has challah french toast and cheddar grits on the menu will be a home run in my book.  And if not, there’s always a quinoa bowl for when I entertain the idea of healthy eating!  Interior design aspects captured my heart again, with more exposed brick and long wooden benches, combined with artful culinary displays on gorgeous wooden cutting boards and a basket of beignets!

Los Andes.  Recommended by a friend for our last visit, Los Andes definitely did not disappoint.  It’s Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine in a low-key environment with five star service.  The prices and atmosphere may be affordable, but the staff goes above and beyond to give you an enjoyable dining experience.  They have really cool dishes with great flavor, but make sure to make a reservation as they are seemingly always busy!

Also check out: Capriccio, Fellini, Al Forno, Massimo.

What to do: WaterFire.  Providence’s signature event has created quite the name for itself in recent years.  The best way I can describe WaterFire is nearly 100 fires burning in the middle of the river, accompanied with Epcot-approved music and lots of street vendors.  It was a perfect activity for a slightly chilly fall evening but I imagine it would be just as breathtaking during the summer.  It’s a truly amazing experience, only enhanced by the fact that it is free.

Roger Williams Park + Zoo.  The Roger Williams Park can aptly be described as ‘elaborate’.  Well over 400 acres, the park contains everything from lakes and a boathouse to a carousel and zoo.  The landscaping is divine throughout the entire park and the zoo is sure to delight kids of all ages.  One of my favorite features as the aforementioned nerdy adult is the botanical center, but others may delight in the casino or planetarium!

Walking and Exploring.  One of the best ways to experience any city in my book is just to get out and explore it by foot.  Appreciating the architecture and people of a city can be more telling than spending your days in and out of one museum and the next.  In Providence it’s pretty hard to walk around the city and not find different buildings and historical sites and learn something while you’re there!  Check out some popular ways to walk and tour the city!

Thanks for stopping by!  See you all tomorrow!

xo, C