While colleges may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Providence, RI (Brown, RISD, Johnson & Wales), there’s a lot more going on here than higher education (though Brown’s storybook New England campus and the design-forward RISD Museum are definitely worth a look).
The culinary scene is fresh and unique, partly due to those Johnson & Wales grads who stay in town to ply their trade. Knead Doughnuts does its product proud — the brown butter pecan version is a masterpiece. Yoleni’s has creative egg dishes and rich homemade Greek yogurt. Lunch at the artfully decorated Troop (barstools are made out of skateboards) is really fun, with a menu inspired by global street food. Switch gears for dinner at The Dorrance, where expert seafood and craft cocktails are served in high-ceilinged architectural splendor. And try out local mini-chain, Friskie Fries, where crisp, delicious fries are the base for tons of toppings, from flavored salts to pulled pork.
WaterFire
Next to a pretty outdoor plaza, Hotel Providence (from $199/night; www.hotelprovidence.com) has a charming old-world elegance. Popular for its proximity to several theaters, including Trinity Rep and Providence Performing Arts Center, their Backstage Kitchen and Bar is pre-theater perfection.
While walking downtown, revel in the rotating street art curated by The Avenue Project. Like much of Providence, it’s truly a cut above. And then there’s WaterFire, a beautiful city ritual in which over 100 well-tended wood fires burn on platforms atop the Providence River (9/14 and 9/28).
