Girlfriends' Getaway
Set-Jetting in the Creative Capital: An "Ella McCay" Weekend
About Set-Jetting in the Creative Capital: An "Ella McCay" Weekend
Providence is ready for its close-up! With the release of "Ella McCay" — the first film directed by James L. Brooks in over a decade — The Creative Capital is shining on the big screen after hosting an all-star cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey and Woody Harrelson, to name a few. Filmed across our neighborhoods and landmarks, the movie captures what makes Providence so special: diverse architecture, walkable streets and that perfect blend of city energy and neighborhood charm.
Brooks himself summed it up best: "What I need for this film is to represent America ... in sort of the best sense possible. And we looked at a lot of places and I'm so glad we're here."
And Jamie Lee Curtis? She fell in love with Providence, too — whether grabbing her daily sticky bun at Seven Stars Bakery or hosting a cast dinner at New Rivers. Now you can follow in her footsteps with this "Ella McCay" inspired weekend itinerary.
Itinerary Details
Day One
Check-in: Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown, a contemporary hotel right in the middle of the action (and Curtis' filming home base).
Morning: Coffee and a sticky bun at Seven Stars Bakery, then stroll Broadway for its historic architecture and neighborhood vibes. Stop at Sawyer's Market (which served as the fictional Helen's) and the distinctive Viola Building (280 Broadway), another filming site.
Afternoon: Tour the Rhode Island State House, where much of "Ella McCay" was shot.
Dinner: New Rivers, a family-run restaurant Curtis adored for her cast dinner (she raved about the roast chicken and lobster rolls).
Day Two
Brunch: Little Sister, praised by Curtis as "a lovely little corner café ... with yummy food and drinks."
Afternoon: Explore Hope Street shops, stroll Benefit Street's living history or join the Parasols and Pocket Watches Tour with Providence Ghost Tour. Don't miss Prospect Terrace Park for the best city view and shopping at the nearby Bangled Tiger, a curated vintage and modern clothing store that Curtis stopped in.
Film Stops: Walk Lorraine Avenue, where crews filmed against East Side homes, and snap a photo at Olney and Pratt streets, in front of the coffee shop set with its unmistakable white-pane windows.
Dinner: Providence Coal Fired Pizza, a downtown favorite for charred, crispy pies just steps from your hotel. (Curtis dined at nearby Figidini, which has since closed.)
Day Three
Breakfast/Lunch: Wrap up your cinematic weekend at the West Side Diner, another filming location — and a piece of diner history.
Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor eager to see Providence through Hollywood's lens, this itinerary is your ticket to experiencing The Creative Capital the way the stars did.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where was “Ella McCay” filmed in Providence?
Filming locations include the Rhode Island State House, where much of the movie was shot, Broadway in the West End (including Sawyer’s Market and the Viola Building), East Side streets like Lorraine Avenue, the coffee shop set at Olney and Pratt streets, and the West Side Diner.
- Can I tour the Rhode Island State House?
Yes. Docent-led and self-guided tours are offered Monday through Friday, so you can see the halls and chambers that appear in the film.
- Where did Jamie Lee Curtis eat in Providence?
Curtis grabbed sticky buns at Seven Stars Bakery, hosted a cast dinner at New Rivers, brunched at Little Sister and dined at Figidini downtown (now closed).
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