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The Smith Hill area, bordering downtown, is home to the august Rhode Island State House, one of the most impressive in the nation, as well as Providence College, a premier institution of higher education. Shopping is plentiful and residential areas range from modern apartment living in refurbished mill buildings to private residences and tenement houses. The area is easily walkable and is an iconic part of Providence.
Post Date:
October 7, 2026
Providence was founded as a home for free thinkers, and that creative spirit is still present nearly 400 years later. From the RISD Museum's world-class collection to jazz in a speakeasy-style social club, art here isn't confined to museum walls. It spills into the streets, the waterways and every corner cafe. Providence is a city where makers, performers and dreamers converge, and where a single weekend can leave you genuinely inspired.
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.
Some vacations you come home with a tan. Others you come home with a stack of books and a head full of stories you can't stop talking about. Providence is the second kind of trip. The bookstores are the kind worth lingering in, the literary history runs deep (and a little bit weird), and you can find a spot to curl up with a good book around just about every corner.
Stop by Patrick’s Irish Pub to quench your thirst with a Guinness or an Irish cider. Hear live Irish music on Tuesday nights. There’s also great people-watching as the pub has a crowd of regulars. A casual local place serving up traditional pub fare, which includes corned beef and cabbage and a Reuben sandwich. Never dull, there’s also karaoke nights and a dart league.
Capitol Hill Taqueria is a great local spot for breakfast. Venture down Smith Street and stop by Newport Creamery for a casual meal and a beloved Rhode Island milkshake called an “Awful Awful” (it’s awful big and awful good).
A Rhode Island True Crime Experience Paired with Providence’s Best Brews Looking for the most unique beer tour in Providence, Rhode Island? On Clues & Brews: Murder Mystery Beer Tour, you’ll visit three of Providence’s top craft breweries, enjoying a curated flight at each stop as you travel through the city in our comfortable tour van. The Providence beer scene is excellent and rapidly growing, making for an incredible tasting journey.But here’s where things get interesting: you don’t just go to the breweries, you have to uncover them. Through interactive puzzles and games, you and your group will solve clues that reveal your next destination. Each challenge moves the story forward and keeps the experience fun and immersive.At the center of it all is a real 19th-century Rhode Island murder case. You’ll step into the mystery of Josephine Barnaby, a wealthy widow, poisoned in what became known as the first murder by mail in U.S. history. As you piece together evidence, interrogate suspects, and follow the twists of the case, you’ll work to uncover the truth and finally answer the question: who did it?Can you and your crew crack the case before the final round?HighlightsSolve a real 19th-century murder mysteryPlay interactive mini gamesStop at 3 breweriesEnjoy a beer flight at each breweryA food tasting at one of the stops A Rhode Island True Crime Experience Paired with Providence’s Best Brews Looking for the most unique beer tour in Providence, Rhode Island? On Clues & Brews: Murder Mystery Beer Tour, you’ll visit three of Providence’s top craft breweries, enjoying a curated flight at each stop as you travel through the city in our comfortable tour van. The Providence beer scene is excellent and rapidly growing, making for an incredible tasting journey.But here’s where things get interesting: you don’t just go to the breweries, you have to uncover them. Through interactive puzzles and games, you and your group will solve clues that reveal your next destination. Each challenge moves the story forward and keeps the experience fun and immersive.At the center of it all is a real 19th-century Rhode Island murder case. You’ll step into the mystery of Josephine Barnaby, a wealthy widow, poisoned in what became known as the first murder by mail in U.S. history. As you piece together evidence, interrogate suspects, and follow the twists of the case, you’ll work to uncover the truth and finally answer the question: who did it?Can you and your crew crack the case before the final round?HighlightsSolve a real 19th-century murder mysteryPlay interactive mini gamesStop at 3 breweriesEnjoy a beer flight at each breweryA food tasting at one of the stops
Find Out More Find Out MoreA Rhode Island True Crime Experience Paired with Providence’s Best Brews Looking for the most unique beer tour in Providence, Rhode Island? On Clues & Brews: Murder Mystery Beer Tour, you’ll visit three of Providence’s top craft breweries, enjoying a curated flight at each stop as you travel through the city in our comfortable tour van. The Providence beer scene is excellent and rapidly growing, making for an incredible tasting journey.But here’s where things get interesting: you don’t just go to the breweries, you have to uncover them. Through interactive puzzles and games, you and your group will solve clues that reveal your next destination. Each challenge moves the story forward and keeps the experience fun and immersive.At the center of it all is a real 19th-century Rhode Island murder case. You’ll step into the mystery of Josephine Barnaby, a wealthy widow, poisoned in what became known as the first murder by mail in U.S. history. As you piece together evidence, interrogate suspects, and follow the twists of the case, you’ll work to uncover the truth and finally answer the question: who did it?Can you and your crew crack the case before the final round?HighlightsSolve a real 19th-century murder mysteryPlay interactive mini gamesStop at 3 breweriesEnjoy a beer flight at each breweryA food tasting at one of the stops
Bordering both downtown and Smith Hill, visitors can enjoy three levels of shopping and two hours of free garage parking at Providence Place. The mall includes a wide range of shops, including Zara, H&M, Sephora, Footlocker, Old Navy, DSW and countless others. For fun and games, there’s Dave & Buster’s, Level 99, Build-a-Bear Workshop and the Lego Store. Dining options include a food court with a variety of cuisines, Fogo de Chao, Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s and more. An IMAX Theatre and a Showcase Cinemas make this a perfect destination for locals and travelers alike.
Visitors should not miss the Rhode Island State House. The impressive marble building dates back to 1904 and boasts the fourth largest unsupported marble dome in the world. The State House is home to the executive and legislative branches of state government. Docent-led and self-guided tours are available Monday–Friday. Virtual tours can be found online. Stop by the visitor center/gift shop on the first level of the State House and take home Rhode Island-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Rhode Island features seamless transportation connectivity, with both MBTA and Amtrak services available at the Providence Train Station. Providence is conveniently located on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor route, which runs from Boston to Washington, D.C. and back. The MBTA commuter rail service travels between southern Rhode Island, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, the Providence Station and points north, with many stops along the route to South Station in Boston.
The area has ample on-street metered parking, frequent intercity bus service, and paid garage parking at both the mall and train station.
Yes. Docent-led and self-guided tours are offered Monday through Friday, and virtual tours are available online. Built in 1904, the State House has the fourth-largest unsupported marble dome in the world, and its first-floor visitor center sells Rhode Island-themed gifts.
Yes. Providence Place offers two hours of free garage parking, with three levels of shopping, dining and entertainment, including Dave & Buster’s, Level99, IMAX and Showcase Cinemas.
Patrick’s Irish Pub serves traditional pub fare with live Irish music on Tuesdays, plus karaoke and darts. For breakfast, try Capitol Hill Taqueria or Rise ‘n Shine Coffee Bar.
It’s a beloved Rhode Island milkshake from Newport Creamery on Smith Street, “awful big and awful good.”
Options include the Christopher Dodge House Bed & Breakfast, the Providence Marriott Downtown with its Aqua rooftop bar and outdoor pool, and the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, across from the State House.
CRAFTLAND is a quirky shop in downtown Providence featuring an eclectic and fresh selection of fine crafts and cutting-edge handmade items. CRAFTLAND is a quirky shop in downtown Providence featuring an eclectic and fresh selection of fine crafts and cutting-edge handmade items.
Find Out More Find Out MoreWelcome to Trinity Rep, Rhode Island's Tony Award-winning theater! For over 60 years, we've delivered high-quality performances, stellar educational opportunities and a sense of community to people of all ages across Rhode Island. Welcome to Trinity Rep, Rhode Island's Tony Award-winning theater! For over 60 years, we've delivered high-quality performances, stellar educational opportunities and a sense of community to people of all ages across Rhode Island.
Find Out More Find Out MoreCourtland Club is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar tucked away in a residential neighborhood, in a building that housed members-only social clubs for generations. We are proud to restore it to its historically appropriate use, with a contemporary and inclusive mindfulness. Come join us for world-class cocktails, eclectic bites, good company and thoughtful design. Courtland Club is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar tucked away in a residential neighborhood, in a building that housed members-only social clubs for generations. We are proud to restore it to its historically appropriate use, with a contemporary and inclusive mindfulness. Come join us for world-class cocktails, eclectic bites, good company and thoughtful design.
Find Out More Find Out MoreAugust 5 is National Oyster Day and we've rounded up all the deals for you! Whether you're digging a buck-a-shuck specials or want a behind-the-scenes peek at where oysters grow, look no further for everything you need to have a shucking good time. August 5 is National Oyster Day and we've rounded up all the deals for you! Whether you're digging a buck-a-shuck specials or want a behind-the-scenes peek at where oysters grow, look no further for everything you need to have a shucking good time.
Find Out More Find Out MoreLooking for information on upcoming events, dining info, promotions and deals? Stay in the know with our GoProvidence e-newsletter.
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