Getting a Sense for Providence🌃

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’!!