I love going to Providence every year, and I can’t wait to go back. Two years ago, I started seeing a doctor at Brown University. Instead of just going up for a day and coming back, my mom thought it would be fun to spend some time up there. This was my third time visiting, and it’s nice to finally feel like I know my way around. I’m sharing where I stayed, ate, explored, and shopped. I’m even including my next time list, the places I didn’t make it to this time, but hope to next trip. Feel free to share your favorite places in Providence. I’d love to know if you have other places in town I should check out! 

Pembroke College at Brown University

Where I Stayed

We rented an Airbnb and it was so cute! One of my mom’s favorite books, Something Up Stairs by Avi, takes place in this neighborhood, just a few blocks away. It was a perfect place to stay, close to Brown University, and in-between the Fox Point and Wayland neighborhoods. The apartment is part of a house built in the 1890s, and the stairs were definitely fun 😉 We had two very comfortable queen sized beds, a kitchen, and a sitting area with a tv. 

Where I Ate

Providence is a foodie’s dream come true. With so many types of restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to find a meal to statisfy any craving.

Andreas

Visiting the Brown Bookstore then having an amazing meal is my idea of pure happiness.

My latest trip, I ate here two nights in a row. They have real Greek food, that won’t disappoint! My favorite thing on the menu is either moussaka, dolmathakia, or the baklava. It’s also close the Brown University bookstore, which is a must-see for avid readers.

Coffee Exchange

I can smell the coffee from here.

My mom loves coffee and was so excited to find this place on Wickenden Street near our Airbnb. When I opened the door, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the smell of coffee. There had to be over thirty different types of coffee to choose from. I had some tea that was really nice. But this is a must visit if you love coffee.

The Duck and Bunny

Strawberry Sassafras Tea and Sweet Baby James crepe.

This snuggery is the perfect place for an afternoon tide-me-over. My favorite thing on the menu is their Sweet Baby James crepe or their Carrot Cake cupcake. Everything on the menu is wonderful! When we stopped by, they were closed for a renovation and that was just sad!

Loie Fuller’s

Elaine sitting at a small table outside of Loie Fuller's in Providence.
The weather that night was perfect to just sit and wait for our friend to show up.

This hands down is my favorite restaurant in all of Providence. It’s located on the edge of the West End neighborhood. The art nouveau style speakeasy is an upscale neighborhood hangout that serves French fare with a modern American twist and specially crafted cocktails. The cozy spot was even featured in the Woody Allen movie Irrational Man. My last night there, I met a friend, Missy, for dinner and we spent hours eating, laughing, and talking.

L’artistan Cafe and Bakery

Elaine eating a scone in Wayland Square. Behind you can see daffodils, a blue building J. McLaughlin, and a Lululemon.
Not pictured, three men having an interesting conversation about trading stocks.

This place is right next door to the most amazing jewelry store, Reliable Gold LTD. I found gold with the cinnamon scone I had for breakfast. I have never had a scone so crunchy on the outside, but so cakey in the middle. They also had the fancy coffee served in the small cups, the foam art was very impressive.

Wayland Square Diner

I found a J. McLaughlin store right next door.

This place reminds me of Luke’s Diner from Gilmore Girls. I ordered eggs, bacon, and toast for breakfast, and it was really yummy. They had omelets, scrambles, and French toast. Any restaurant that can hit the basics out of the ballpark is a keeper. The Wayland neighborhood is a place I want to spend more time when I come back. 

Where I Shopped

Brown University Bookstore

I whaley love Providence.

Not only can you find lots of Brown University t-shirts here, but an amazing collection of books. I was stunned to find out that it’s one of the last remaining independent bookstores on a college campus.

Blick Art Store

Before I entered this store, I told myself I wouldn’t go over my set budget. I failed. The Blick Art Store has so much to choose from for real artists. I ended up buying liquid watercolors, watercolor pencils, and paint brushes. There are few mailing lists that have actually saved me money, but theirs is 100% worth it. I can always buy things from them online, but it’s nice to try products out in person. Also, it’s across the street from the Coffee Exchange. There are just so many cute stores up and down Wickenden Street like City Gardens Flower Shop, Lore, and Three Wheel Pottery.

Reliable Gold LTD

I have a post coming soon about buying jewelry.

I have been searching for a piece of jewelry to celebrate graduating from high school. On a whim, after eating breakfast at Wayland Square Diner, My mom and I decided to check it out. BEST DECISION EVER. I’m working on a post about shopping for a piece of jewelry, and will share more then. I had a magical experience in this store, and I plan on coming back in the future.

Next Time…

There are a few places I didn’t go this time, but I want to visit when I go back. Pastiche is another dessert place with rav reviews in the Federal Hill neighborhood.

Sea you soon Rhode Island!

Talulah’s Taqueria was down the street from our Airbnb. I could hear music, smell something really yummy cooking, and when I walked by people were enjoying themselves on the patio. Just down the street from that was PVDonuts, I’m always on the hunt for good donuts.

The Van Wickle Gates guard the entrance of Brown University. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to go see them on this trip.

There’s so much to do in Providence that one blog post can’t cover it! I can’t wait to share more about this amazing city next year.

With Love from the East Coast,

Elaine