Thinking of visiting Providence, RI and wondering what to do?

Fall is the perfect time to come visit Providence, RI. 

Thinking of heading down to PVD? You are in for one great “ride!”

If you are coming down from the north, catching the foliage along 95 can be pretty amazing and as soon as you see the skyline of Providence pop up, I promise you, a smile will emerge. On crisp, fall days, Providence’s beauty is particularly compelling! 

So what should you do on a fall day in Providence, RI? Well, since I was born in PVD, attended college in PVD and work at our beautiful Waterplace Park office in PVD,  I can give you at least two dozen fun ideas but I’ll keep the list streamlined and salient to make it doable for you!

If gorgeous flowers and plants are your jam, I highly recommend that you stop in at the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park, which is the largest public indoor display garden in New England! They have 2 greenhouses here; The Conservatory and the Mediterranean Room which have over 150 different kinds of plants including cacti, palms and aloes. 

If kids are in tow, then proceed directly to the adjacent Roger Willimas Park  Zoo! It’s one of the oldest zoos in the US and home to over 100 rare and amazing animals from habitats found in Africa, Australia, South America and the Tropics. If you are brave enough, come at dusk (Starting Sept 30 until October 31st) and walk through the nationally acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! This year’s theme is a musical one so prepare to be truly blown away by a display of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins while you bust a move to tunes from the 1860s to today!

Care to head to Downtown Providence, RI?

I highly recommend dining up on Federal Hill, now with “al fresco on the Hill” available. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5-11pm, they offer expanded outdoor seating into the street!  More than 20 delicious restaurants are taking part and reservations are suggested. Some of my faves on the Hill include: Angelos Civita Farnese Restaurant, Cassarinos, and  Il Massimo; all of whom are participating in the al fresco offering!

Since you are in the Ocean State why not set aside time for a kayak adventure on the Providence River! At Providence Kayak you can explore urban Providence one ” row” at a time as you paddle under the beautiful bridges and take in the stunning beauty along the river’s edge in hip, happening downtown Providence! Take a glance upward when you hit the Exchange Street bridge and see my office at the bottom of stunning Waterplace Park!

IF your travels have you in Providence on a Saturday be SURE to take in Waterfire. It is an absolutely amazing experience. Gondolas with torches traverse the river with music, lights and revelry filling the air. Waterfire Providence was created with the hope of revitalizing the urban experience by fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city. It does so in one very enriching, meaningful way. Be sure to check the website https://www.waterfire.org for the latest lighting schedule.

Finally, I highly suggest some walkabout tours. They can be self-led and I would suggest doing so in areas such as Fox Point, Benefit St and then down by Blackstone Boulevard. Grab a slice of ‘Za at Felinis Pizza -( my all-time fave) as you stroll around the outskirts of my alma mater; Brown U. Grab a cone at “Like No Udder” in Fox Point as you admire the gorgeous historic homes tucked away off cobblestone alleys with a truly eclectic mix of architecture. Care for a brew? Head down to the Narragansett Brewery and check out all the water activity at India Point Park and while at Narragansett Brewery be sure to greet others with a “Hi, Neighbor.” Trust me – you’ll feel just like a Rhody local!