The Crafty Traveler

New England. When you hear those words, what city comes to mind? Odds are it isn’t Providence, but it should be. Underrated is how I describe this place. Often glimpsed from I-95 through a car window, it’s time to finally take the exit ramp. Providence delivers a small-town feel alongside a big-city experience, and its look and vibe are charming enough before you even dive into the culture. A strong arts scene and a diverse population set the stage for, you guessed it, an up-and-coming culinary scene. Now you have my attention. And honestly, how can you not love a city that literally sets its river on fire? (If you visit in the summer, don’t miss WaterFire.) Let’s get you fired up for 48 hours here.

Day 1

Picking a spot to stay is your first task, and location is key. The Beatrice is the perfect home base to explore downtown and cross the river for some of our later stops. Elegant yet modern rooms and a rooftop bar—what else do you need?

Once settled, take a 10-minute walk to the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, a pedestrian bridge on the Providence River Walk that offers the city’s best views. Getting your steps in will help you feel better about what’s next. Keep your energy up with a cappuccino from Coffee Exchange. Don’t let the ’90s décor fool you—they know their stuff. If you need an extra jolt, grab a sugar high next door at the decadent PVDonuts.

This leads you into one of my favorite neighborhoods: Fox Point. Why? Because a concentration of amazing food within a few blocks is always the key to my heart. Lunch options abound, starting with Pizza Marvin, a casually cool spot serving some of the best Sicilian slices around. Expect unique topping combinations, pepperoni Negronis (yes, really), and creative custard for dessert. If you’re here on a weekend and brunch is calling, head next door to Aguardente for espresso martini flights alongside Portuguese and Guatemalan tapas.

Down the street, Aleppo Sweets, started and staffed by Syrian refugees, offers a dozen incredible baklava varieties (and don’t sleep on their savory options). Craving seafood? Dune Brothers has a plate of fish and chips with your name on it.

If you’ve decided to stay in Fox Point all day (and I wouldn’t blame you), dinner could mean the elevated Oaxacan cuisine at Dolores or the well-celebrated tasting menu at Persimmon. Wash it all down with a Narragansett at the nautical neighborhood dive, Captain Seaweeds Pub. This is Rhode Island.

Odds are you’re feeling full by now. Burn some calories on your way back to town via Brown University, using Thayer Street as your guide. The campus’s charming blend of modern and historic architecture is worth the detour (and for a beverage side quest, check out Ceremony Tea House for a black sesame latte).

Once back downtown, give yourself a pep talk—because the evening awaits. Dinner is at Gift Horse, a South Korean–seafood mashup that delivers. Start with crudo and a martini (caviar floater optional). From here, the world is your oyster. If there’s still gas in the tank, nightcaps abound—from the clean and contemporary Clementine’s to the classy, calm The Eddy. That’s day one: underrated and unforgettable.

Day 2

Day 2 takes you outside the city center. If you did day one right, today might start later than usual. Grab some of the strongest cold brew in town at White Electric and head to There, There, an unassuming neighborhood sandwich shop that takes its burgers seriously. On weekends, breakfast comes in the form of brekkie tortas and buffalo hash browns. For lunch, their dream burger and salt potatoes will set you right. Dessert is just down the block at Tricycle Ice Cream, home to inventive ice cream sandwiches you can’t miss.

Next, head through Federal Hill to soak in some of Providence’s history as you make your way to your first brewery stop (I can’t believe it took this long for me to get to one). Buttonwoods Brewery pours perfect side-pull lagers in a spacious, laid-back taproom. If hunger strikes, their food program is far from standard brewery fare. Across the street, Industrious Spirit Company (ISCO), Providence’s first distillery since Prohibition, serves cocktails featuring Oyster Vodka, Seaweed Gin, and Dill Aquavit.

Then it’s on to brewery number two: Long Live Beerworks. Their hazy IPAs are among the best anywhere. In the same complex, seek out Juniper Bar. Check their Instagram for entry instructions (don’t expect to find a sign), and once inside, order recklessly (clarified Long Island Iced Tea, anyone?). For an indulgent pairing, ask the bartender for a Knead Doughnut from next door.

Your body has capacity for one more spot, make it a good one. Courtland Club is a self-proclaimed mashup of cocktail bar, restaurant, social club, and performance venue. Another spot that is tricky to track down, but well worth the hunt. Grab some bites from the “New England Tropical” food menu and soak in whatever is emanating from the speakers.  

That “underrated” label may not be around for much longer if Providence keeps delivering like this. For now, take pride that you just experienced a city far too few travelers truly know. And next time you’re here? Let me know – I’ll happily join you, Narragansett in hand.