Day One-walking tour

Start your tour of our very walkable city with a stroll down Smith Street to the Inn's namesake, the State Capitol Building. Our State House, completed in 1904, is an architectural wonder with one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Among the historic relics inside is Gilbert Stuart's famous painting of George Washington.

From the State House walk down Francis Street along the front of Providence Place Mall.  (For "professional shoppers" the upscale Providence Place Mall offers over 150 shops and restaurants including Norstrom and Old Navy stores. The Imax theater and Hoyt Cinema provide a wide choice of movie selections and Dave and Busters offers a combined eatery and state of the art arcade.)

Across from the Mall is the entrance to Waterplace Park. Find the cobblestone walkway which follows the river as it winds through the heart of the city from Providence Place Mall to the edge of Narragansett Bay.  (On many weekends from April through October Waterplace Park is the site of Waterfire, the artistic blend of wood fires burning just above the water, accompanied by soothing music which is played all along the walkway. Call for specific dates.) 

Follow the walkway until you come to Steeple Street. Walk up Steeple Street to the stunning First Baptist Church of America (this really is the first Baptist church body, founded by Roger Williams). Built in 1774-75 the building retains a powerful yet simple beauty. Interior tours available seasonably.  

From the First Baptist Church walk uphill to the Benefit Street "Mile of History" which is the greatest collection of Colonial era buildings (among many other styles) in America. Walk south on Benefit Street. At Power Street turn left and walk up the hill to the John Brown House Museum. Built in 1786 for the city's most successful merchant, the three story mansion features antique furniture and decorative art in period settings. Included are many original Brown family pieces with some of the finest American Colonial furniture in existence. Continue touring Benefit Street and surrounding area for some of the most beautiful architecture imaginable.

Return to the Inn via Waterplace Park and Francis Street. There are many exceptional restaurants on both sides of the Park and along the front of Providence Place Mall. Ask at the front desk for specific restaurant recommendations. 

Evening entertainment plans should include either the award winning Trinity Repertory Theater or Providence Performing Arts Center.

Day Two
Walking and driving

Drive down 95 South to exit 17 for Roger Williams Park and Zoo (Elmwood Ave. exit). The Zoo was recognized as one of the top ten zoos in the country; with exhibits from bats to Polar Bears you can spend a few hours or all day here. 

If history excites you drive up 95 North to Pawtucket (10 minute drive) to the Slater Mill Historic Site which is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.

After the zoo or Slater Mill you may want to drive back to the Waterfront area and visit Wickeden Street, which offers many funky cafe's and antique shops, among other retail stores, along a 3/4 mile stretch.  This area has a strong influence from Rhode Island School of Design students. (There are a few other clusters of antique shops within a half hour drive of the city-ask at our front desk for directions. )

A stroll through the Ivy League's Brown University scenic campus is invigorating and should include a visit to Thayer Street. Thayer Street is an excellent choice for lunch with many good restaurant selections, shops and the famous College Hill Book store. This district is east of Benefit Street.

During the warmer months: La Gondola provides Gondola rides along the river in Waterplace Park. Gallery nights is a special event held sporadically where visitors are taken by trolley bus to art galleries throughout the city.

Day Three
Walking and driving

For families with young children: drive west on Wickeden Street, which turns into Point Street, and go over the bridge past the set of lights and the four way stop to the Children's Museum.  

Art lovers will want to return to Benefit Street and stop in the Rhode Island School of Design Art Museum; like our city, this museum is small but packed with treasures. Find fine and decorative works of art from around the world with the finest examples from many cultures and periods.

Providence's little Italy is located on Federal Hill. Federal Hill has many excellent Italian restaurants and specialty shops which give this district a bit of a European feel. Venda Ravioli is a specialty shop, deli and restaurant which is a joy just to stroll through. There are tables in the rear of the shop which provide a view of the pasta and sauce making process taking place in the kitchen.

Day Four, Five and Six
Day Trips!

Newport and Boston are both easy day trips from Providence.

For the trip to Boston an Amtrak ride is an option or the drive is about one hour.

Newport, with beaches, mansions and shopping, is about 45 minutes from Providence. Ask at the front desk for directions. South County has many wonderful beaches and is also about 45 minutes from Providence.

Another wonderful day trip is a drive to the coastal villages of Adamsville and Little Compton, RI. About 45 minutes from Providence, these villages are well known for their pastoral views, historic stone walls, scenic vistas of the Sakonnet River and peaceful beaches. Tiverton Four Corners historic district is on the way to Little Compton and offers antique and specialty shops, restaurants and the famous Gray's Ice Cream Shop. 

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