A Visit to Providence, Rhode Island

A Visit to Providence, Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in terms of area, but its capital city is big on flavor, art, and entertainment.

Home to both the nationally-acclaimed Johnson and Wales culinary school and leading visual arts school Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence boasts more chefs and artists per capita than any other city in the nation.

With so many cultural and culinary offerings at your fingertips, be sure to check out our top picks for this quaint and quirky destination.

What to Do

  • RISD Museum: Unleash your inner artist by browsing this museum’s dynamic art and design collections, then heading over to Cafe Pearl to grab a drink and people watch as students sew, paint, and draw around you.
  • Waterfire: Providence is known for being eclectic, and there’s nothing more eclectic than this one-of-kind event series. Watch as the city’s three rivers come alive through dozens of bonfires, live shows, and festival booths.
  • Ladd Observatory:  Spend an evening stargazing at Brown University’s astronomical observatory and see why it’s called one of Providence’s best kept secrets. Note: the observatory is open to the public on Tuesday evenings only, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Where to Eat

  • The Duck and Bunny: This cozy ‘snuggery’ takes Providence’s cute and quirky vibe to the next level. Enjoy their vintage decor while experiencing the one-of-a-kind Crèperrito or Portuguese Sweet Bread French Toast and don’t leave without grabbing one of their famous homemade cupcakes!
  • Waterman Grille: If you’re looking for some fine dining in a relaxing atmosphere, look no further than this Creative Capital favorite. Watch the Seekonk River from your table as you enjoy shared dishes like the Mussels Mariniere or dig into the Wood-Grilled Sirloin Steak.
  • AS220: Come for the cafe, stay for the community. AS220 is the perfect place to grab a snack, cocktail, or gluten-free pale ale, see an exhibit by a local up-and-coming artist, and catch a live band all in the same evening.

How to Get There

If you’re looking for the thrill of high-speed travel and the quality of Business or First Class seating, we recommend taking the Acela Express to Providence. With unlimited Wi-Fi and complimentary at-seat meal service, you’ll be traveling in style on the only high-speed rail system in the country.

Check out the Northeast Regional for a convenient and affordable route spanning from Newport News, VA to Boston, MA. You can’t go wrong with 39+ inches of legroom and dual-plug outlets at every seat.