Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!

A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!

A couple of weeks ago, I took a solo trip (yes, this is Trippin’ It With One Vega ya’ll) to good ole’ sunny Florida.  I haven’t been to the Sunshine State in god knows how many years, so I was really excited to venture out.  This trip was a couple of firsts for me….1. traveling alone for the first time in over 20 years and 2. my first trip on an airplane since even before the pandemic. So you can imagine my nerves were in full gear when I arrived at the airport. (Side note: because it was a domestic flight, I didn’t have to arrive crazy early…prob about two hours before departure just in case but the process was super quick since I did an early check in the night before. And you MUST wear your mask throughout the airport/flight. The flight attendants on Jetblue are really strict on that, so don’t mess around with the masks unless you have a legitimate reason not to wear one). 

My partner in crime, my traveling companion, the other 1/2 of our duo, aka my hubby, had to work for the five days I was away but agreed that I needed some time by myself where I could relax, unwind and literally just chill. So, I chose to visit a hip, artsy, fun, creative place and went to Sarasota, aka the Circus City https://www.visitsarasota.com/. Bonus….my mother rented a place in the Rosemary District of Sarasota (right smack in the middle of everything), so I saved big on accommodations.

Win Win for me! I love anything and anywhere that is super creative,  so it was only right that I would travel here too. I mean the decorative & colorfully painted bikes & pianos on each corner alone, I was fascinated with, nevermind the tons of street art every which way you looked.  

The day I was leaving, there were severe thunderstorms in several parts of FL, so all flights going there were delayed. To keep busy and my anxiety at bay, I read from one of my inspirational books to get my mind calm and kept reassuring myself that I can face my fear with ease. Finally, after four loooooonnnnngggg hours, we were on our way.  Someone that struggles with anxiety especially when flying, I was actually shocked at myself for sticking it out rather than taking an uber straight the hell outta there after an hour of waiting lol.  I was super proud of myself…..like I said this was HUGE for me, my self growth & my self journey. Kudos to me! Ok, back to Sarasota. 

Because of the long delay in my flight, I arrived in Sarasota Sunday night rather than the afternoon. So, I extended my trip to Thursday instead of Wednesday. I needed that extra beach day in my life, if you know what I mean. Sunday was a wash since I arrived so late but the next day was all about exploring all that Sarasota had to offer…..but first beach please! 

You gotta start your day off right with a hearty meal; amiright? One place that is worth mentioning and literally right across the street from where I was staying (walking distance is always a plus in my book) was The Overton http://theovertonsrq.com/. From avocado toast, to espressos to your typical bacon and eggs go to,  you can find healthy and tasty dishes at The Overton for whatever you fancy. What I extremely liked about this place along with their appetizing food, was their open air atmosphere.  It was nice to feel the breeze in the shade while chowing down on your first meal of the day. For those extra hot days though, make sure you catch a table under the several umbrella seats so you are not melting away with your food lol. Avocado toast is a must as well as the breakfast plate to really start your day off right. They also serve lunch and dinner which looks equally appetizing. Best part, they serve liquor so you can get your drink on any time of day. 

Another breakfast place to check out in the downtown area within walking distance is Willow’s Càfe https://www.willowscafesrq.com/. Here you can get biscuits & gravy, shrimp & grits and eclectic omelettes for that daring egg lover at heart. Serving sandwiches and salads too, it’s no wonder they are a staple breakfast & lunch spot in the neighborhood.

The closest beach to downtown is Lido Beach. It is literally right over the John Ringling Causeway (yes, that is named after the Ringling Brothers, hence why one of Sarasota’s nicknames is Circus City). Talk about soft, white sands and warm, clear water. No wonder why they are known for being one of FL’s pristine beaches. OMG, I was in heaven! Plenty of parking in the free parking lot right next to the entrance of the beach or you can get lucky with a spot on the street adjacent to the beach. On a Monday, it was not super crowded at all which was nice….very peaceful and relaxing. Perfect way to spend the day in the sun IMO.  After a couple of hours in my zen like state, it was time to explore. If you visit Sarasota, Lido Beach is one you don’t want to miss.  I didn’t see any food vendors nearby beachside so I suggest bringing some snacks to hold you over.  But don’t worry. Just a short distance drive up ahead, you will have plenty to choose from for whichever palette you are craving. 

Want to get some shopping in and maybe a bite to eat? Only a four minute drive from Lido Beach is St. Armands Circle https://starmandscircleassoc.com/ where boutiques and eateries line both sides of the street. Plenty to buy and a variety of places to eat from. The best is literally just walking up and down, window shopping and enjoying the beautiful scenery.  People flock the streets and the musical sounds of open doors and windows from bustling restaurants echo up and down the circle. 

What I did notice automatically being in my first ‘crowded’ area from stepping off the plane, was that some people wear masks, some don’t, some stores mandate it while others don’t require it. It is honestly whatever you are comfortable with. Coming from the Northeast where masks were still mandated in public, I wore mine and kept my 6 ft distance as best I could. 

There is paid parking on the street and plenty of spots opened to choose from as well as a parking garage around the corner. I would assume that on a Friday or Saturday night though, this was a happening place so I would get there early if you wanted a spot close to the action. Like I mentioned before, there are tons of boutiques and shops for everyone’s liking.  You can find stores like Lilly Pulitzer & Tommy Bahama to your typical t-shirt beach store selling knick knacks and souvenirs. I went into a store called Destination Florida….just follow the addictive aroma of waffle cones being made (the store is right next to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shop) to grab some gifts to bring back home. Worth a stop in if you are looking for that beachy souvenir for a loved one or friend. Reasonably priced and friendly staff would def make me go back.

Need a little cold sweet treat from all that walking around in the warm sun? Then head on over to Le Macaron https://lemacaron-us.com/; you guessed it…a macaroon and gelato bar. I’m always down for some delicious treats! The decor is super cute and fun and makes for the perfect photo opp for all my influencers out there.  And of course the macaroons and gelato are exceptionally yummy! Def check them out if you are in the area. If you are looking to walk along the water’s edge, then head on over to the Waterfront Park on 10th Street. Sit on the numerous benches to watch the sunset or take a walk along the path around the Van Wezel grounds which is adjacent to the park. Btw, if you are looking for concerts or a show, Van Wezel https://www.vanwezel.org/ on N Tamiami is the place to go. 

After enjoying the walking path along the water’s edge, you might want to continue your walking straight on through to the center of downtown http://www.downtownsarasota.com/ …where I mentioned before…the Rosemary District. There, you will find more stores to shop at and more eateries to eat at. The boutiques here are more upscale with a heftier price tag. These are the stores that I call ‘splurge shops’. A lil bit different from the beachy gifts shops in St. Armand’s Circle but definitely worth a walk through. One store in particular that I absolutely adored and bought one of my fav shirts there (a summer 3/4 sleeve holey sweater with Mickey Mouse on the front and back and the Gucci ‘G’ all over) was Darci, https://shopdarci.com/. This boutique was affordable and had the trendiest and fashionable clothes around. If you are a die hard fashionista like I am, you will LOVE this place. 

Other places worth mentioning for eats and attractions that I visited in the downtown Sarasota area are: Wicked Cantina https://wickedcantina.com/on N Tamiami for AMAZING authentic Tex-Mex dishes. The nachos are a heaping overload of your favs all on top of a bed of tortilla chips. You really can’t go wrong here. The Taco Salad is another yummy dish to counterbalance the ‘healthy’ part of your meal. 

If you are looking for that perfect burger, Patrick’s 1481 http://patricks1481.com/ is the place to go. Known as the best burger in town as well as Sarasota’s own “Cheers”, the locals & tourists alike couldn’t be happier with the ambience, the live music for the outdoor patio,  (I suggest making a reservation or get there early for those patio street seats) and the comfort food favorites everybody enjoys.  There $5* burger plate is a MUST. It will not disappoint. They were jammin’ in there for a Tuesday night…. I mean, the place was PACKED. Reservation is a must if you want to get a table inside or out. 

Mattison’s City Grill https://mattisons.com/mattisons-downtown-sarasota-restaurant/ is literally right in the middle of all the ‘action’ and within walking distance of everything. The menu is a combination of American, Mediterranean, Italian, Asian & Caribbean. The food was good, the atmosphere was chill and the service was friendly. I really enjoyed the Artichokes Esther-Style and the Greek Salad with Lamb Chops. The glass of Pinot Grigio that I had with my meal, hit the spot.

And you know me and my sweets lol. There’s a sweets shop on Main Street in downtown (a few doors down from Patrick’s) that specializes in Italian coffee drinks and pastries called Sorrento Sweets https://www.sorrentosweets.com/. Growing up in an Italian bakery myself, I felt right at home. All my fav desserts from Italian cookies to Lobster Tails to gelato, I couldn’t walk by here and not go in. Grab a nutella gelato and a cappuccino to go, sit on their outside table and enjoy the outdoor live music from Patrick’s a few doors down.  Cappuccino in one hand, gelato in the other…sounds like the perfect way to end the night if you ask me. 

A place I really wanted to check out but it was closed due to the pandemic, was the Whimsy Museum http://www.whimsymuseum.org/. I was able to walk the grounds and take some fun pics. Again, looking out for my fellow influencers out there….you def want to check out the grounds. Although, you can’t go inside, you are more than welcome to walk around outside where fun and whimsical statues will be the perfect backdrop for your insta photos. Just sayin’. Their website still says closed due to the pandemic🙁  Hopefully the next time I visit, they will be open because I really want to check the inside out. 

Although my visit to Sarasota was shorter than a week, I was able to check out the majority of things in the area. Next visit, I will definitely be checking out Venice Beach, about a 30 minute drive but worth it. I heard this specific beach is known for it’s ‘black sand’, just like in Santorini, Greece. Not able to go to Greece atm, so I’ll take the next best thing. On my next trip too, I def want to venture out on the outskirts of Sarasota to see what else that area offers. All in all, I loved the location, right in the middle of everything, I loved how stores and restaurants were a walking distance and I loved all the creative art of the murals & the statues. It was worth the trip and one for the books. Plus, I learned A LOT about myself, from the moment I was up in the air to the moment I touched the ground. Yes, it was def a much needed lil getaway. Sometimes, you need that to rediscover yourself. 

Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you!! If you are visiting and have questions, don’t hesitate to ask me with either a comment below or send me an email! Check back for my next trip adventure!!!

Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!

A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!

Every Valentine’s Day, my husband and I like to take a little road trip just to get away for a night or two to celebrate. It always seems to fall on President’s Day weekend which, lucky for us, we get to close the restaurant down for an extra day away. But since last March when CV-19 hit, our overnight stays have been zero to none.  So this VDay, we decided to give it a shot and stay in a hotel.  Normally , we probably would have stayed someplace in NH near Mount Washington or RI near Newport, but with all the regulations still ongoing with the pandemic within each state, we decided on somewhere in good ole Massachusetts.  And we are so glad we did. We decided on the city of Northampton, MA.  Trendy, artsy, quaint & historical, this was right up our alley.

We left on Sunday, Valentine’s Day, which, from our house right outside of Boston, took about an hour and a half to get to. Since we left early enough and still had time before we could check into our hotel, we opted to go to the Basketball Hall of Fame, https://www.hoophall.com/, in nearby Springfield….aka ‘The Birthplace of Basketball’;  something my husband and I were really looking forward to.  Seeing the best of the best over the years for the NBA, the WNBA, to coaches’ careers to the NCAA teams to the old school & new school uniforms, to the story behind how basketball was invented, even if you aren’t that big into  the ‘hoop game’, you will enjoy this place.  Enriched with so much history and memorabilia along with interactive activities (selective because of CV-19), any avid bball fan would go crazy in here. Definitely worth the couple of hours walking around getting to know the game, its players, and its history  that much better.  Make sure you check out the ten minute video located in the theater behind the concierge desk.  It runs every hour or so but showcases the most memorable highlights of bball, past to present. Also, make sure you sit at the TNT sports desk, located on the second floor. Very cool interactive way to get a feel of what it is like to be a sports commentator.  Upon leaving the Hall of Fame, make sure you check out their gift shop to grab a souvenir of your visit.

After enjoying the BBall Hall of Fame, we decided to head on out to our hotel, about a 20 minute drive from where we were.  We stayed at an historical landmark hotel, the Hotel Northampton http://www.hotelnorthampton.com/,  which IMO, was THE BEST place to stay. Conveniently located in downtown NoHo (newer residents call it this…sounds so NYC chic right!?), its location couldn’t have been more perfect. The hotel has two parking lots, one located literally right behind it and another parking lot 1/4 block down to accommodate all the guests. We were able to find parking behind the building and the back entrance was literally right there to make it even easier with all of our luggage.  Rob, the evening concierge, was awesome, helpful, friendly and super hospitable. He gave us an updated list as to what places were opened for food around us, which ones were temporarily closed, which ones delivered etc. Side note: He was really sweet and gave me a box of chocolates at the end of the night because it was Valentine’s Day. Just an added touch to make it that much more personal. 

Ok, so let me talk about the hotel in general since, like I mentioned before, this was mine and my hubby’s CV-19 first stayover. First off, everything was immaculately cleaned and sanitized. From the lobby, to the rooms, to the hallways.  I did bring my own Lysol wipes to wipe everything down when I got into our room, but honestly, it smelled super clean and looked it to boot. The remote and telephone had plastic wrapped around it with stickers that said sanitized. I mean, if I wasn’t reassured that everything was ok, Hotel NoHo definitely did it for me. Plus, you had super friendly Rob at the front desk that made our stay even more enjoyable. The rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable. What else do you need at a hotel anyway? If you ever decide to travel to Northampton, check this place out. You won’t be disappointed. Side note:  The restaurants inside the hotel like The Wiggins Tavern and Coolidge Park Café were closed due to the pandemic.  I’m sure both places are happening during normal times. If you enter the hotel from the front, there are these big panoramic floor to ceiling windows that overlook a Spanish style sitting area on one side and what I call a ‘Green Garden Oasis’ on the other side.  Perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or just people watch. And again, I’m pretty sure in the spring and summer time, both sides are bustling with people. 

After settling into our hotel room, we decided to take a walk around the area to see what we wanted to go check out again in the a.m. There were stores galore all up and down Main Street. Do you ever realize that every city or town has a ‘Main St.’ in it? Well, anyway, cute little area with tons of shops, eateries, cafés, & galleries. 

You name it, Northampton has it. We walked up and down the main strip and then got hungry so checked out a place called High Brow, https://www.highbrowrestaurant.com/, a wood-fired coal kitchen and bar. We went for some nit picky stuff since we had dinner reservations a few hours later. We got the Fried Calamari appetizer that had not only the rings but the tentacles, which I love, a Ceasar Salad to split and a couple of beers…..Yum! The perfect light fare to hold us over until dinner. 

After our late ‘lunch’, we walked around some more and came across Pulaski Park https://www.stimsonstudio.com/pulaski-park. Nothing much really going on considering it was February but you can just tell in the warmer weather, this place is jumpin’.  

After strolling around the NoHo’s Main Street, we walked back to the hotel to chill before we had to get ready for our special VDay dinner at Alina’s https://www.myalinas.com/ in Hadley, the next town over….literally a ten minute drive from where we were.  My husband made reservations which was needed especially it being a ‘celebratory’ night.  A very cute, romantic and comfy Italian restaurant setting with the main dining room hosting a piano (during normal times, there would be someone playing it) to add to the intimate ambience.  To start, along with our Pinot Grigio & Woodford Reserve drinks, we ordered the Involtino de Melanzane, which is just a fancy Italian way to say Eggplant Rollatini lol, & the Scallops Mare é Monti…4 pan seared sea scallops over wild mushrooms. For our main course, I ordered the Pesce Arrosto…Oven Roasted Salmon with EVOO and garlic with double spinach and broccoli rabe. My husband had the Bistecca ‘Nicky D’ CAB NY Sirloin topped with gorgonzola and accompanied with cranberry risotto & sauteéd string beans. Both my salmon and his steak were cooked perfectly. To end the night with a Créme Brulée with espresso and cappuccinos was favored.  Everything was delicious and from start to finish, the perfect meal and atmosphere to celebrate our Valentine’s Day. Note: Ask for Serena as your waitress. She was super helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and made our experience at this little gem restaurant a more enjoyable one.  After dinner, we drove back to the hotel and decided to take a nice long stroll around the neighborhood. What can I say? My hubby and I love walking and it was a good way to digest all that amazing food (and drink) we just consumed.  We tried to go have a drink at a local bar but they were all booked up so we decided to call it a night.  An amazing ending to  a great day celebrating us.

The following day was all about shopping, relaxing and just laid back. We revisited the stores that were closed from the day before like Thornes’ Marketplace https://www.facebook.com/Thornesmarketplace/.  Reminding me of a big department store on the outside and a historic apartment/office building in the inside, this place was a cool place to shop. Upon entering the building, there was a basket of little ‘Heart Notes’ for you to take which I thought was a really nice gesture as a way to say thank you for coming in to check out the small businesses located in the building.  Four floors of stores for the shoe lover, the book aficionado, the fierce fashionista, the sweet tooth junkie, the boutique shopper, or the home goods hoarder, whatever it is, you can find something in here for everyone. Two stores I absolutely loved because they had all types of trinkets to browse through were Cedar Chest https://explorecedarchest.com/, and Noteworthy http://www.noteworthynoho.com/, and The Blue Marble https://thebluemarble.biz/.  I don’t know, call me crazy, but I love stores that you can find one of a kind, quirky, boutiquey,  knick knack & unique finds that you can add to your office, living room or bedroom. Cedar Chest was one of my favs for this sort of thing.  So, if you like that kind of stuff too, then you need to check them out if you are visiting Thornes!  Plus, supporting local and small merchants is a necessity in this day in age and I’m always happy to do so. And I stumble upon some great products too! 

After all that shopping, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at FitzWilly’s https://www.fitzwillys.com/, for some apps & salads. This place is HUGE!! With little nooks all over the restaurant to accomodate 2, 3 or 4 guests at a time, it kind of reminded of being in a huge tree house (due to all the wood architecture) and like a secret house with hidden places in every corner. I really liked the atmosphere of the place. Now, to the food.  We ordered some wings, which were perfectly cooked and to my liking (well done and crispy please) and a couple of the ‘Spicy Chicken Caesars salads,’ that were indeed spicy….my mouth at one point was on fuego. But it was so good and different from the classic salad dish.  From the look of the plates at the tables around us, there food is on point with sandwiches, burgers and your all around comfort pub food.  And a wide range of beer like the Cloud Candy I had. Def a laid back, cool and chill place to enjoy some yummy eats and brews. 

Wanted a little something sweet since I’m an addicted  chocolate connoisseur, so how could I not step into Sweetie’s Chocolates  https://www.sweetieschocolate.com/, on the corner of Main & Pleasant? A chocolate lover’s haven, you can get it dipped, whipped, covered and then some in milk, white, or dark chocolate.  They sell other candy too, by the bag, that you can pick and choose yourself, from a huge variety of your favorite sweets covering walls and shelves all over.  After we grabbed a couple of ‘dipped’ cookies and truffles, we headed out to walk around some more and do a little more shopping. We checked out a Newbury Comics https://www.newburycomics.com/ because my husband was on the hunt for something specific and I always love walking up and down the aisles to check out all their fun and weird gadgets.  If you have ever been in a Newbury Comics, you know what I’m talking about lol.  

Decided to revisit that local bar we tried to go to the night before that was jam packed, well because, of Valentine’s Day. Enter The Tunnel Bar https://www.thetunnelbar.com/.  Situated in an actual tunnel built in 1896 where people boarded trains to far away destinations, according to BUZZFEED, this bar is named as one of the “top 20 bars in the U.S to drink at before you die.”  And I can totally see why. Sitting in old fashioned leather lounge chairs among long corridors with subway brick lining the walls, this place is cool, funky and eclectic. 

Grab one of their Paper Plane Martinis like we did, while enjoying some snacks like Truffle Fries and the delectable variety Cake Pops, all while singing your pretty little heart out to the popular jams playing in the background, makes for the most swanky and snazzy chill Monday afternoon activity. Yup, I was loving every minute of it. The fact that we practically had the place to ourselves along with our super friendly bartender/server, we know if we come back to Northampton, this will definitely be a place we will return to.  They just opened up their outside igloos for the colder weather which at any given night, you would need a reservation for.  Cool thing about this place, is that they are also attached to the Platform Sports Bar which is on top.  You guessed it…..on the ‘train’ platform.  A typical sports bar with big screen T.V.’s to watch the games on, it’s not as cool as their sister bar downstairs. A bucket list must do just for the ambience and good drinks!

After walking around for most of the day and our energy kind of dwindling from our cocktails, we needed a quick pick me up so we headed on over to Northampton Coffee https://www.northamptoncoffee.com/.  Apparently, this is ‘THE’ coffee shop to go to if you are in the neighborhood.  We asked for an iced latté and cappuccino and sat outside at their table since sitting is prohibited inside due to Covid.  We didn’t mind though. People watching and drinking coffee was the relaxing thing to do to unwind before heading on back to our hotel. 

We loved the atmosphere and the smell of the coal fired pizza so much at High Brow from the day before, that we went back there for dinner for some pizza, apps and of course, a couple of cold brews! If you are a cheese lover like we are, then The Fried Goat Cheese Balls to start are a MUST. Creamy, crunchy and with a ‘bite’ to it, this was the perfect app choice. The honey and almonds on the plate complimented the sweet and savory perfectly.  We then ordered the ‘Nuovo Bianco’ individual pizza….. four different cheeses…. that is fontina, asiago, mozzarella and Grana Pradano (similar to a parmigiana-reggiano) cheese with a touch of EVOO, garlic and pepper flakes; this pizza was beyond delicious! And for my meat loving husband, we also ordered the ‘Umbria’ ….caramelized onions,  prosciutto, black pepper and a parmesan cream sauce…..OH……MY……GOODNESS!!! Those ingredients along with the crunch of the crust…..you can’t go wrong with that one! Both those pizzas are where it’s at!  So yummy & flavorful with some cold, refreshing Morettis on draft; we literally were in pizza heaven!

We ended our trip with full bellies and great memories and planned on the next time we are going back to Noho!!

***We had such a great time and plan on going back to visit some of the things that were not open due to the pandemic or the weather, like the Smith College Botanical Garden, Pulaski Park, Progression Brewery Company, The Beer Can Museum, Smith College Museum of Art, & the Norwottuck Rail Trail; along with local popular restaurants who were temporarily closed for the time being.*** 

Thank you for checking this post out! I hope you found it helpful and enjoyable! 

Until the next trip with us on  Trippin’ It With the Vegas’!!

Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!

A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!

One thing my husband and I like to do is take trips together. And because Covid has really put a damper on our traveling this past year, we decided to enjoy what is in our state as well as our neighboring states (obvs in compliance with CV-19 guidelines). One place that is a 45 min. short drive from us in Boston, is a fun and exciting little city called Providence, RI. We have been several times for a night or two away or just to grab dinner on a Sunday night in the summer. Anytime we have gone, we always have a blast. For the past several New Year’s, we have enjoyed going to Providence and have more fun with each year that we go. 

On our nights away, we have stayed once at the Providence Marriott Downtown https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/pvdri-providence-marriott-downtown/. On Orms Street & located near Brown University, it was a little on the outskirts of downtown but very reasonably priced and an enjoyable stay. Another hotel we stayed at several times was the Hilton in Downtown Providence on Atwell Ave https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pvdprhf-hilton-providence/. Located just a short walk to the Little Italy Of the ‘Ocean State’–Federal Hill https://federalhillprov.com/dining/, is several blocks of some of the best restaurants in Rhode Island. Yes, mostly Italian, but big portions for unbelievable prices, and cheap and easy parking,  will make you take this 45 minute ride and avoid Boston’s famous North End altogether. 

One of the restaurants that we rave about in Federal Hill is Il Massimo https://providence.massimori.com/.  The Burrata with Prosciutto and Mediterranean Charred Octopus were out of this world and my Seared Local Scallops Entreé were cooked to perfection.

Some other restaurants we love in Federal Hill are Cassarino’s  https://www.cassarinosri.com/ and if you go there make sure you get there Meatballs. These things are HUGE, like softball size huge. But well worth sharing for two. Packed with pork, veal and beef, they are not shying away with the meat in these balls.  Another Italian fav to check out is Il Pane e Vino https://panevino.net/menu/, everything on this menu is worth trying. But make sure you leave room for dessert….there Torta al Cioccolato or Cannoli Trio is the best ending to an amazing meal.  If you aren’t in the mood for Italian but like the atmosphere and ambience of Federal Hill, especially in the summer with outdoor dining and live music in the square, The Providence Oyster Bar https://provoysterbar.com/ is worth checking out for delicious libation and you guessed it, a whole lotta oysters and seafood!  IMO, if you visit Providence, Federal Hill is a must to check out!

Another restaurant in downtown Prov. that is really good is Jackie’s Waterplace & Sushi Bar https://jackysgalaxie.com/locations/waterplace-providence. A ‘contemporary riverside restaurant with a Pan-Asian fusion menu’, not only do you get amazing views of the Woonasquatucket River, but if you go during the summer, you can enjoy the Waterfire https://waterfire.org/ experience right from the comfort of your seat while eating your delicious dinner. 

Speaking of the river right there at the Waterplace Plaza, make sure you enjoy a Venetian Gondola Ride https://www.gondolari.com/ that will take you to Venice, Italy with songs from your own gondolier. Side note: they will reopen again in May 2021 until the fall.  Reservations are highly recommended and go fast, so make sure you take advantage of this seasonal ‘trip around the world’!

Looking for some fun, outdoor activities in the warmer weather while on your visit? Then check out the Roger Williams Park Zoo https://www.rwpzoo.org/. Such an amazing place with tons of animals to learn about and see in their natural habitats. From monkeys, to elephants, to bears, to snow leopards, to seals, to giraffes, to peacocks, and every other animal you can think of, you will see it all there at the zoo. My husband and I actually went on a 50 degree day in January and even though it was winter we were still able to see the Big Brown Bear in hibernation. Very cool to walk around and roam the grounds. Make sure you visit the gift shop too for a souvenir to take home with you. 

After all that walking around and viewing all the cute cuddly animals, head on back to downtown to enjoy some shopping at Providence Place https://www.providenceplace.com/en.html and visit some of my fav stores like Sephora, Aldo, Footlocker, Torrid, & Charming Charlie just to name a few. With 136 stores to choose from, I’m sure you can find something to buy lol. 

Want some good comfort food like some good ole charcoal pizza, then head on over to Providence Coal Fired Pizza https://www.providencecoalfiredpizza.com/  on Westminster Street. Conveniently, there is a parking lot right across the street too so that’s a win win. My husband and I wanted something light to eat although there homemade pizza was extremely tempting. We opted for some apps which were deliciously satisfying like Broccoli & Rabe Sausage, Coal Fired Wings, & Tomato Soup with Mozzarella…..oh yeah, like a grilled cheese but without the bread. The perfect combo.

Looking to end your night with a delicious martini in hand while looking up at the stars with gorgeous views overlooking the city? Then you need to check out the Rooftop at Providence G  http://www.rooftopattheg.com/.  Offering you your own personal ‘igloo’ as well as an enclosed glassed area with fire pits during the cooler months and the most breathtaking views and comfy lounge couches and chairs during the warmer months, this spot is a go to if you head on into Providence, any time of the year.  A perfect Saturday to meet the girls for a sip and soireé or a romantic dinner with your loved one celebrating your anniversary. Either way,  with great drinks and a bunch of small plates to nibble on with the city’s beautiful landscape and casual but fun ambiance, you won’t be disappointed. 

All in all, Providence is worth the trip! 

Thank you for checking this post out! I hope you found it helpful and enjoyable! 

Until the next trip with us on  Trippin’ It With the Vegas’!!