Providence weekends

Heading to Providence for a couple weekends this summer. Would like to be in the area of Johnson and Wales. Any suggestions for activities and lodging in the area? Would like to go to Newport to see the homes, etc. Appreciate any suggestions!

Providence weekends

Hi, pestew

First question to you is will you have a car? If yes, then I recommend you stay at the Providence Marriott Downtown and take advantage of their free parking. The hotel is not ';technically'; downtown but it%26#39;s within walking distance(15 minutes) to the downtown area, where J%26amp;W is located.

If parking fees are not a concern (about $25-30 night) or you won%26#39;t have a car, then staying right in the downtown at places like the Courtyard by Marriott, Biltmore, Westin, Marriott Renaissance or Hotel Providence would situate you VERY close to J%26amp;W. The downtown (downcity as they call it) is a very compact area. It%26#39;s probably only 1 or 2 sq. miles in area, so walking around is a breeze.

There%26#39;s always plenty of things going on downcity in the summer. There%26#39;s free concerts at Waterplace Park, as well as the very popular and cool WaterFire events. If there%26#39;s a WaterFire event scheduled during either of your stays, be sure to attend it!

Going ';up the hill'; to the East Side is a good way to spend some time exploring. Lots of gorgeous streets with some of the oldest homes in America. (Walk down Benefit Street to see what I%26#39;m talking about) Up the top of the hill is Thayer Street (main thoroughfare for Brown University). Lots of one of a kind shops, places to eat and just a really cool vibe in this area. At the bottom of the hill is RISD (Rhode Island School of Design). They have a new museum which is well worth a visit if that interests you. The Culinary Archives Museum at J%26amp;W also makes for a nice, educational visit.

No trip to Providence is complete without wandering over to Federal Hill for fantastic italian food. Atwells Avenue is lined with great italian restaurants and the whole area comes alive with the smell of food, the sound of music and the sights of people out having a good time.

The downcity area around J%26amp;W is loaded with nightlife. Nighclubs, bars, taverns, etc.. It%26#39;s a good city for nightlife and barhopping, if that interests you.

Daytripping over to Newport can be done without a car by taking public transport (bus #60) from Kennedy Plaza downcity. If you%26#39;ll have a car, it%26#39;ll allow you to take the much more scenic route. 95 South to Route 4 South which turns into Route 1 South. Take the Route 138 East exit off of 1 and it will take you over the Jamestown Bridge (free) and the Newport Bridge ($2) which will dump you into Newport.

Many locals and tourists also head to Narragansett on nice weekends. Narragansett doesn%26#39;t have as much going on as Newport, but it%26#39;s easy to find free parking and the scenery is beautiful. Narragansett has some really nice beaches like Town Pier Beach, Roger Wheeler and Scarborough. Definitely worth a drive down if it%26#39;s hot and muggy in the city. You would take the same route as going to Newport, but just continue on Route 1 instead of taking Route 138 to Newport. There%26#39;s also bus service to here from Kennedy Plaza.

Providence weekends

Very close to Johnson and Wales Providence Campus and very new is the Providence Hampton Inn. Check waterfire.com and plan to come on a waterfire weekend

Thanks to both posters for all the info! I will have a car so transportation will not be an issue. I%26#39;ll be checking in to all your suggestions - thanks again!