Downtown
Thanks to a new shopping center, downtown Providence has recently enjoyed a rebirth. Drop by on any Saturday for the Providence Open Market on Westminster Street, various arts and crafts festivals rotating through Burnside Park, concerts at Kennedy Plaza and the area's biggest draw, Waterfire, where fire installations light up the three rivers that run through the city. If you can manage a night out, you'll find no shortage of cultural entertainment, including the Trinity Repertory Theater and the Providence Performing Arts Center.
RESTAURANTS
Cuban Revolution
Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine while honoring the revolutionary spirit of the '60s. Make sure to try the Che sweet-potato fries and the award-winning steak sandwich on fresh Cuban bread. 50 Aborn Street, (401) 331-8829.
Tazza
This neighborhood cafe has good eats and a packed calendar of free music, movies, and art shows. Try the drinking chocolate, the chai, or the tomato, basil, and mozzarella panini. 250 Westminster Street, (401) 421-3300.
White Electric Coffee
Don't miss the ginger scones, organic oatmeal, and hearty lunchtime salads at this hipster joint decked out in local art. 711 Westminster Street, (401) 453-3007.
STORES
Heir Antiques
Keep your eye out for quirky vintage anatomical prints at this gothic-cool antique store brimming with covetable home goods. 65 Eddy Street, (401) 331-5680.
Rocket to Mars
This funky secondhand shop is a cult favorite with a wide selection of retro men's and women's (and occasionally kids') clothes and home furnishings. 144 Broadway, (401) 274-0905.
Touched by Green
Everything you and your little ones need to live a greener life, including sustainable jewelry made by Colombian artisans and soft knits woven from Peruvian alpaca wool. 271 South Main Street, (401) 223-4420.
Bambini
Make sure to chat up the owners of this upscale baby boutique to get expert advice on sprucing up your nursery. 251 South Main Street, (401) 490-6952.
ACTIVITIES
Waterfire
The river comes alive with fire installations, live classical, jazz and opera music, and gondola rides. Memorial Boulevard.
Providence Children's Museum
Float boats, build tunnels, construct fountains, and splash around while learning about fluid dynamics with Water Ways, the museum's biggest hands-on draw. 100 South Street, (401) 273-5437.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Don't miss the groundbreaking Marco Polo Trail, an interactive exhibit that traces the explorer's three-year journey through Asia. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, (401) 785-3510.
Next Page: The East Side
