Day 1
2 p.m. State House Tour - This one hour tour will find you engaged in the grand crowning glory of Rhode Island. Where you will explore all three floors of this magnificent building only to find the famous Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington completed in 1802. Gilbert Stuart was considered the leading portrait artist in America during the Revolutionary period. The state house is also home of the 4th largest self supporting dome in the world.
3 p.m. Welcome to Providence - Meet and Greet at the Visitor Information Center. A warm welcome awaits you where you will be greeted by a friendly face from The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.
3:30 p.m. Check Into Hotel
7:30 p.m. Dinner on Federal Hill - Dine in one of more than 40 restaurants located on Federal Hill, where you will enjoy dining at its best while experiencing the atmosphere of A Little Italy. Federal Hill is the "Heartbeat of Providence"; from shopping to dining to nightlife Federal Hill has it all!
Day 2
9 a.m. Scialo's Bakery - In 1916, Luigi Scialo arrived from the Italian province of Pomigliano d'Arco and, together with his brother, started SCIALO BROS.BAKERY in the heart of Federal Hill, the well known Italian neighborhood. In the 1920's Luigi became the sole proprietor and ran the business with the help of his family for the next seven decades until his death in 1993 at the age of 103. The Scialo Bakery tradition has been carried on by Luigi's daughters of whom you will meet. All of their products from the bakery are to this day made from scratch on the premises in brick ovens that date back to the 1920s. During your visit you will taste scrumptious and unique samplings from the bakery served alongside freshly brewed hot coffee.
10 a.m. Providence Tour - Meet your step on guide on Federal Hill to continue with a 60 minute narrated motor coach tour of Providence.
11 a.m. Lunch on Federal Hill - Lunch on your own in what is also known as "Little Italy" where you will have plenty of time for the opportunity to explore the many fine shops and unique galleries, in addition to more than 40 restaurants for your wandering eye to choose from.
Afternoon on Benefit Street - Also known as ‘The Mile of History," Benefit Street contains the most impressive collection of original colonial homes in the U.S. including 200 pristine 18th and 19th century buildings, and brick sidewalks adorned with antique gas lamps. This magnificent concentration of period architecture is one of the finest historic districts in America. The homes have been restored to the specifications of the Preservation Society and each house bears a plaque noting the original owner and established date. History buffs will recognize the names of many significant Colonial figures.
1:30 p.m. Providence Athenaeum Library -The Providence Athenaeum, founded in 1753 as an independent member-supported library, has played a key role in defining the cultural, intellectual and social life of Rhode Island. In its early years, it had a role in shaping America itself. Our handsome Greek revival building was completed in 1838 to house the library's growing book collections. It is the only New England building designed by the great Philadelphia architect, William Strickland. No charge
2 p.m. John Brown House- One of America's grandest mansions when completed in 1788. The three story Georgian mansion celebrates many aspects of Rhode Island' heritage, including its distinctive tradition of fine craftsmanship, Providence's rise as a city, and the states commitment to preserving its unique history. The 1788 brick-and brownstone mansion was owned by many generations of the family who Brown University was named. On display, you will find original furnishing, including pieces made by leading Rhode Island craftsmen such as furniture makers Townsend & Goddard and clockmaker William Clagget. Today, this magnificent and elegant building serves as a place in which the public can learn about these men and women who helped to create Rhode Island's capital city.
3:45 p.m. Providence Art Club- the Providence Art Club, founded in 1880, was created to stimulate the appreciation of art in the community. Located on Thomas Street, in the shadow of the First Baptist Church, the Art Club is a picturesque procession of historic buildings, home to studios, galleries, and a clubhouse. Through its public programs, its art instruction classes for members, and its active exhibition schedule, the Providence Art Club continues a tradition of supporting the visual arts in Providence and beyond.
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3:45 RISD Museum - The Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, also known as the RISD Museum, is Rhode Island's leading museum of fine and decorative art, housing a collection of 84,000 objects of international significance. It is southeastern New England's only comprehensive art museum and is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
5 p.m. Return to Hotel -Downtown
7 p.m. Dinner & Conversation at Pot Au Feu - Enjoy a three-course, old world style dinner at Pot Au Feu with restaurateur Bob Burke, historian, creator of the Independence Trail Tour, and folk lore personality..... Join Bob for a unique experience, you will find his personality and powerful stories delightfully entertaining. Featuring "Six Stories Told by a Fourth Generation Rhode Islander."
Day 3
10 a.m. Kenyon's Grist Mill- Visit a turn-of-the-century Grist Mill dating back to the early 1700s, and through its history, holding a reputation of quality. They work from their vintage 1886 building, where not much has changed since its construction. They still slowly grind all of their meals and flours the old fashioned way, with original granite millstones, keeping the natural nutrition of the grain intact. Tour and Johnny or Tour and Chowder & Clam Cakes. Allow one hour for tour and tasting.
12:30 p.m. South County Tour - Enjoy a tour through the beautiful fall foliage by many of the South County trails and beaches while on your way to your next destination.
2 p.m. Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruise - This sightseeing cruise is a one-of-a-kind tour featuring 10 of the most picturesque lighthouses in Rhode Island. You will board the Millennium catamaran which offers first-class amenities and three viewing levels; as you cruise through Narragansett Bay and past the featured Lighthouses you will also sail past 10 islands, many other sights as well a complete Newport Harbor Tour. (2 hours)
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2 p.m. Matunuck Oyster Farm - Experience firsthand the importance of Aquaculture from Perry Raso, a nationally recognized, local oyster farmer and restaurant owner who will dazzle you with his knowledge of raising oysters from the size of a grain of sand to market size. Enjoy the beautiful view from his restaurant seated on Salt Pond, along the coast of the ocean where many of the oysters are raised. Perry will serve up a variety of delicious prepared oysters and champagne sure to make even those who are oyster shy a true believer. (2 hours)
5:30 p.m. Dinner at Gracie's - Enjoy a three course meal fit for a king or queen in an opulent setting located just within steps of the theater.
7 p.m. Trinity Repertory Theater - The Tony awarded winning Trinity Repertory Company will surely steel your heart away with their outstanding performances. Trinity is proud to have the last permanent resident acting company in the country. The company is at the heart of Trinity Rep's artistry and success. The theater is opulent and a rich historic treasure.
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7 p.m. Providence Ghost Tour - You will be lead by lantern light through the streets of Providence's historic East Side, sharing with you stories that will be sure to send a chill down your spine, including stories of Edgar Allen Poe and other famous people of earlier times.
Day 4
10 a.m. Explore Historic Wickford Village - The village is built around one of the most well-protected natural harbors on the eastern seaboard, and features one of the largest collections of 18th century dwellings to be found anywhere in the northeast. Today the majority of the village's historic homes and buildings (most in private hands) remain largely intact upon their original foundations. Brown and Main streets are the best streets to explore in this quaint little seaside village located 25 minutes south of Providence. Wickford Village offers many wonderful harbor views, quaint shops, galleries and antique stores and of course ice cream shops and eateries.
Noon Lunch at The Coast Guard House -Located on Narragansett, situated on the water with fabulous vistas of Narragansett Bay and the surrounding area beaches. Their menu features a variety of selections from the bay. This is a group friendly restaurant.
2:30 p.m. Point Judith Lighthouse - Point Judith, part of the town of Narragansett, extends more than a mile from the Rhode Island coast and marks the entrance to Narragansett Bay to the north and Block Island Sound to the south. Several Indian tribes -- predominately the Narragansetts -- were living in the area when English settlers arrived. The passage past Point Judith was a dangerous one, with a treacherous ledge to the west and frequent fog in the area. A day beacon at Point Judith dated back to before the American Revolution. The first lighthouse was built on Point Judith in 1810 for $5,000.
