Issues → May/June 2009 → Interact → 10 Things to Do → Yankee Recommends: Ten Great Weekends →
Providence, RI, Weekend
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State House Inns
Hotel chains love Providence, but not everyone who visits the city wants to stay in a big hotel. For people who prefer historic inns, the State House Inns group offers two comfortable alternatives: the Christopher Dodge House (11 West Park St.; providence-hotel.com) and the Mowry-Nicholson House (57 Brownell St.; providence-suites.com). The Dodge House is the more elegant, an 1859 Federal-style brick townhouse with high-ceilinged rooms and a cozy brick-walled breakfast room. Both inns are under the same management and ownership, and located within an easy walk of the State House and the Providence Place mall. [DETAILS]
Gracie's
Chef Joe Hafner makes simple, ingredient-driven meals, with a strong focus on locally caught seafood. His menu follows the seasons, but if you're really lucky, you may be able to get some of his pickled vegetables, too. [DETAILS]
Venda Ravioli
Costantino's Venda Ravioli is authentic Italian cuisine in Providence, Rhode Island. In this quaint and charming store you will find anything from tortellini, to fine Italian cheeses, to delicious wine. Make sure to stop by and explore the taste of Italy! [DETAILS]
Spike's Junkyard Dogs
The signature "Junkyard Dog" is topped with pickles, spicy peppers, house-made mustard, and scallions—not for the faint of heart. Sauerkraut, teriyaki sauce, and buffalo-wing sauce and blue cheese are also on the menu. Or, for the purists among you, try one au naturel for a fresh taste of one of these smoky, spicy, 100 percent beef (no fillers, no sweeteners) wonders. [DETAILS]
La Gondola
Seeing the city from the water, you get a real sense of recent improvements, and a ride down a river on an authentic 36-foot Venetian gondola is not something you do every day. Tote along a bottle of wine to go with the complimentary cheese and crackers, and enjoy the view. The gondolier -- yielding a hefty 14-foot oar -- does all the work. [DETAILS]
WaterFire Providence
The elements are basic: water and fire. But in the hands of artist Barnaby Evans, Providence’s WaterFire wraps thousands of onlookers in an atmo-sphere of mystery and, at times, even awe. The event begins at dusk with the ritualistic lighting of some 100 braziers afloat on Providence’s three rivers. Throughout the evening, until past midnight, visitors stroll the city, enchanted by flickering light and music. [DETAILS]
Figments
At this primo paper store with its extensive selection of letterpress stationery and invitations, owner and RISD grad Peggy Lo also presents a mix of modern home accents and gifts. Think screen-printed tea towels and pillows with Zen designs, storage totes from Hable Construction, and one-of-a-kind artworks. [DETAILS]
ZuZu's Petals
If you’re traveling with a teenager, tiny ZuZu’s (popular with the city’s hordes of students, who frequent this busy area) will be an interesting place to check out together. The jewelry is cool, and the clothes are hip. From full-length gowns in dreamy colors to wee tops and skirts everything is happily wedged into a space about the size of a closet. [DETAILS]
Reader Comments
Comment from Sunny Lavallee on September 9, 2009
A native Rhode Islander now living in Florida due to circumstances beyond my control.. I love this article and plan to save it and go back to it many times to see my beloved Rhode Island and Cape Cod.. Thanks, Clare Sunny Reilly Lavallee of East Providence and Pawtucket, Rhode Island
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