The Jewelry/Innovation District Providence

The iconic towers of the Narragansett Electric Company rise high above the Providence skyline illuminating the night sky with the glow of their red lights. They point towards a neighborhood that was once a thriving hub of jewelry manufacturing and is now poised to be a center of innovation. The “Jewelry District” has begun an evolution into the “Innovation District,” spearheaded by the economic development organization called the 195 Commission, Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, a portion of the Johnson & Wales University campus and several major hospitals.

Where to Shop

There’s still great jewelry to be found in the Jewelry District at Domaine Designs. The store has been in existence for 20 years and its parent company has been providing raw materials and manufacturing services to the jewelry industry for more than 70 years. Discover jewelry adorned with freshwater pearls, labradorite beads and sterling silver, as well as one-of-a-kind pieces such as a shagreen stingray necklace. Items range from as a little as $1 for fashion jewelry to a few hundred dollars for designer items. 

 

A post shared by Domaine Designs (@domaine_designs) on Dec 31, 2017 at 4:55pm PST

Places to Dine

Olga’s Cup & Saucer is the perfect little café for coffee, tea, breakfast and lunch. Their baked goods are decadent and the daily pizza offerings are a must try.

 

A post shared by Olgas Cup And Saucer (@olgascupandsaucer) on Jan 25, 2018 at 7:34am PST

The menu at French bistro Rue Bis has tasty breakfast treats like a gooey sticky bun and satisfying sandwiches, panini and salads for the lunch crowd. For a great deal, try the brown bag special. A new addition to the neighborhood, Xaco Taco has a warm, relaxed atmosphere and a menu reflecting the traditions of Mexican street food.  

Funky and eclectic, CAV restaurant is an antique lover’s paradise. Bedecked from floor to ceiling in ornate tapestries, art and collectibles, this local favorite is a charming setting for lunch, dinner and drinks. The food is as creative as the ambiance and also as decadent. The weekend brunch selection is not to be missed. 

 

A post shared by Cav Restaurant (@cavrestaurant) on Aug 23, 2017 at 9:21am PDT

Things to Do

The Providence Children’s Museum offers exploration spaces with local Rhode Island history, play-based exhibitions and an immense water activity room. Kids will leave stimulated and exhausted from the selection of play options, which also includes an outdoor activity space.

Providence Power Yoga classes range from sunrise and lunchtime yoga to heated Vinyasa and back care foundations. With two studios in the Jewelry/Innovation District, there are many opportunities to find comfort and peace at the mat.

 

A post shared by Providence Power Yoga (@providencepoweryoga) on Nov 4, 2017 at 10:19am PDT

For an adult night out, Point Street Dueling Pianos is a fun, entertaining and sometimes off-color place to hear songs, jokes and enjoy some laughs. A rock 'n' roll dueling piano show, performers play song requests and occasionally call guests to the stage for some fun. Call ahead for reservations and it’s always 21 and over.

 

A post shared by Point Street Dueling Pianos (@pointstpianos) on May 20, 2017 at 1:04am PDT

Neighborhood bar Nick-a-Nees has been around for more than 20 years. A great under-the-radar bar with legions of die-hard fans, Nick-a-Nees boasts an outside deck and on weekend nights local music acts frequently play to the crowd. 

The Jewelry District is easily walkable. There is limited, metered on-street parking and the area is also served by RIPTA. 

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