The East Side
The most prominent neighborhood in this area, College Hill, is home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and the vibe is very East Coast academia. Highlights include the Providence Athenaeum Library, RISD's brand new arts-filled Chace Center, the Blackstone Boulevard bike path and Brown's majestic Van Wickle Gates. You can also take a stroll down Benefit Street to explore the gorgeous 18th- and early-19th-century historic homes that peacefully coexist with the surrounding college campuses. When the troops get weary from all that walking, head farther east to the Blackstone neighborhood and join the crowds at Seven Stars Bakery for a sinful pastry and freshly brewed coffee.
RESTAURANTS
Farmstead
Hundreds of cheeses and gourmet spreads, and the mac and cheese at the shop's restaurant, La Laiterie at Farmstead, make this place a foodie paradise. 186 Wayland Avenue, (401) 274-7177.
Blue Elephant
Kids will be in heaven when they order the ooey-gooey French-toast sandwich or the triple-decker Peanut Butter Monster at this family-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner joint. 312 Wickenden Street, (401) 383-8149.
Seven Stars Bakery
This organic bakery is best known for its freshly baked breads, but the fair-trade coffee and pecan sticky buns are also worth a try. 820 Hope Street, (401) 521-2200.
Apsara Palace
Find Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Cambodian cuisine for anyone that craves a diverse palette of flavors. The green curry, pad thai, and Chinese satay noodles are a few of the local favorites. 783B Hope Street, (401) 831-4722.
STORES
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Works
A storefront devoted to the work of RISD grads including Chris Van Allsburg, author and illustrator of The Polar Express. 20 North Main Street, (401) 277-4949.
Simple Pleasures
You will find everything from John Derian to Marimekko at this shop housed in a charming little cottage. 6 Richmond Square, (401) 331-4120.
Books on the Square
This beloved independent bookstore offers story hours four days a week for children of all ages. 471 Angell Street, (401)331-9097.
Mod Mama
Local moms flock to this hot spot for modern goods from companies including Stokke, Quinny, Oeuf, and Tea. 16 South Angell Street, (401) 273-7800.
Curatoriam
This store touts itself as one part natural-history museum, one part design store, and one part small-town gift shop. 199 Wickenden Street, (401) 453-4080.
ACTIVITIES
RISD Museum
Stop by this renowned museum on Sunday afternoons for family workshops that allow children to study art in the galleries and then create masterpieces of their own. 224 Benefit Street, (401)-454-6500.
John Hay Library at Brown University
Kids and adults alike will love this library's massive collection of 6,000 miniature toy soldiers representing armies from all over the world. 20 Prospect Street, (401) 863-3723.
Kreatelier Kids Craft Classes
Make everything from glittery felt party crowns to stuffed robots at this colorful storefront. 804 Hope Street, (401) 432-7995.
Next Page: Federal Hill and Olneyville
