Anyone been to, live near/in Providence, RI?

[MickeysMommy]

My mom has always wanted to go for a visit and I thought it might be a nice four day weekend trip. Anyone been there or live there? What should we do? Where should we stay? Highlights? Low-lights?

Thanks

 

[Crankyshank]

I live in North Providence and work in Providence. It's a beautiful city. When are you looking at going? The city is much less crowded when colleges are on break.
I would recommend staying at the Westin. You can usually get good deals through Priceline. It's connected to the Providence Place Mall and is extremely convenient to downtown and the highways. You'll want to check out college hill and the RISD museum. I would definitely go during a waterfire weekend. It's crowded but definitely worth it
Here's the schedule
http://www.waterfire.com/schedule/index.html
Definitely head to Federal Hill for some Italian food

Since you're going to be in the area, I would recommend going to Newport to check out the mansions and the shops and possibly a ferry to block island. You can get a ferry right in Providence. If you are in the mood for the theater, PPAC is a gorgeous theater and has a lot of current shows stop there - www.ppacri.com

here's some helpful links
http://www.visitri.com/
http://www.projo.com/
http://www.rimonthly.com/
http://www.gonewport.com/

I have to warn you that driving in Providence is not for the faint of heart. There are lots of one ways, streets that arbitrarily change its name, and lots and lots of construction going on with the 195 project. It is a capitol city so there is crime and traffic and seedy sections that I wouldn't recommend walking through but avoid those areas and you'll be fine.

It's been dubbed the Renaissance city and I highly recommend coming to visit.

 

[MickeysMommy]

Thank you for those great links, Jenn

 

[kelleigh1]

I live just over the RI border in Massachusetts, but I love Providence. Jen is right - try to catch Waterfire. It is amazing!

The city itself is so much nicer than it was when I was a kid. Mayor Cianci really revitalized the city before he was sent to jail.

Don't forget to visit Federal Hill for some good Italian food.

And there is the Roger Williams Zoo which is a treat. There seem to be different events going on at different times also.

And if you're sports fans, you could always catch a Pawsox baseball game in Pawtucket, RI.

Another website to visit: www.providenceri.com

 

[LisaB]

All great ideas-- The first week in June I think is Gaspee Days this is where we celebrate the burning of the English ship The Gaspee--There is a big parade and such. Also fourth of july has the annual bristol 4th of july parade--the oldest 4th of july parade in the country. I am also over the border into Massachusetts. Your only an hour from the Cape and Boston.

 

[JennyMominRI]

All great ideas-- The first week in June I think is Gaspee Days this is where we celebrate the burning of the English ship The Gaspee--There is a big parade and such. Also fourth of july has the annual bristol 4th of july parade--the oldest 4th of july parade in the country. I am also over the border into Massachusetts. Your only an hour from the Cape and Boston.

That's right here in My town.. It actually starts the last weekend in May with a big Arts and Crafts festival
http://www.gaspee.com/ArtsandCrafts.htm

 

[kpm76]

I agree with Jenn, try to stay at the Westin...it is a beautiful hotel. We stayed there the night of our wedding and it was wonderful. I highly recommend a tour of the State House, which can be arranged through the Secretary of State's office www.sec.state.ri.us It is a truly gorgeous building and has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. I would not recommend visiting during Memorial Day weekend. It is Commencement Weekend as well as Reunion Weekend at Brown University and the city is packed. In fact, hotel reservations at this point are probably non-existent. Make sure to stroll Federal Hill and have lunch or dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants. They are all good! We recently had a wonderful meal at Zooma. Have fun...Providence is a great city!

 

[Crankyshank]

That's true about Memorial Day weekend. Actually I'd avoid this area from next weekend until the 2nd weekend of June with the Commencements, reunions, and there's several huge medical research conventions going on

 

[Mermaid02]

Eat at Al Forno's... pricey but oh so worth it!