Here’s Ruth to tell us a little bit about where she lives and what she loves about it. Thanks Ruth!
A year and a half ago, I needed a change. I left my tiny hometown in middle-of-nowhere Connecticut and found a less-than-ideal job in Providence – anything to go somewhere new. I only knew one person in the entire city and didn’t have a place to live, but I got brave and made it happen – and I’m so glad I did. I’m now running my calligraphy Etsy shop and working for a local photographer, as well as doing outreach for a public education center at Brown University. I’m secretly a little happy that not everyone has discovered just how creative, hip, progressive, and fun Providence is just yet – when they do, it’s going to go wild! You can find me on my blog, Etsy shop, Instagram, and Facebook.
Some things Ruth loves in Providence:
The Columbus Theatre is a historic music venue on the west side. It’s gorgeous from the outside, gorgeous on the inside, and they find the raddest bands ever. It wasn’t operating for a few years and just recently reopened – I want everyone I know to come here!
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The best little Mexican place in Providence is Lola’s. It’s right on the Providence River with a stunning view of the Providence River Bridge, especially at night. Their house margarita (“The Lola,” appropriately) is always $4 and sitting by the water is the perfect Providence experience.
Surprisingly, I haven’t met many Rhode Islanders who are aware of Raffa Yoga’s Urban Sweat – which is heartbreaking, because it’s so glorious. Multiple saunas, a mediation room, water beds for napping, a eucalyptus steam room, a juice and raw food bar – you can pay the entrance fee and literally stay all day long. Heaven.
Up on College Hill, Prospect Park (and its huge statue of Roger Williams) overlooks the city and is a great place to bring a picnic or do a mini photo shoot.
On my first ever visit to Providence, before I moved here, I Yelped all the great places and serendipitously discovered Wildflour. It’s the sweetest little café that serves fresh juices and vegan/raw/gluten free treats. Their “raw-reo” (yes, a raw Oreo!) was the first thing I ever tried and I will always be in love with it!
Rapid-fire questions:
// how long have you lived in Providence?
A little over a year.
// It’s Saturday morning and you’re starving. Where do you go?
Hands down, Nick’s on Broadway. Best brunch anywhere, ever.
// It’s Saturday night and you’re looking for fun. Where do you go?
A show at the Columbus or dancing at Local 121.
// And finally, it’s Sunday and you need to work off yesterday’s food. What do you do?
Shri Yoga, an urban revitalization yoga studio, or Lincoln Woods for a hike.
A little over a year.
// It’s Saturday morning and you’re starving. Where do you go?
Hands down, Nick’s on Broadway. Best brunch anywhere, ever.
// It’s Saturday night and you’re looking for fun. Where do you go?
A show at the Columbus or dancing at Local 121.
// And finally, it’s Sunday and you need to work off yesterday’s food. What do you do?
Shri Yoga, an urban revitalization yoga studio, or Lincoln Woods for a hike.
Thank you so much, Ruth!
Any other Providence tips? Leave them in the comments! And if you’d like to contribute to the series, email (itsahuntlife@gmail.com) me with the subject TRAVEL SERIES and the place. Thank you!
Looks like a lovely town. 🙂 Love that theater!
Country Girl's Daybook: Jesus, Photography, Fashion, & Food
What a fun series!!!
Thank you, Bridget! There was so much more I wanted to include……! Loved being a part of this 🙂
Fell in love w/ Providence when I went for the first time a couple years ago! : )
other ideas:
mccoy stadium in nearby pawtucket to see the pawsox
hope street shops, including frog and toad
federal hill!
thayer street/brown university
risd art museum
Okay. I need to go to that sauna and never leave.
Thanks Ruth for tell us about Lola's….I see a road trip in my future!!
my Providence recommendations:
Zooma for the best fresh pasta you'll ever eat
PPAC for a inexpensive way to see a touring broadway show
Blackstone Boulevard for a jog or a walk (1.5 miles long, lined with the most beautifully groomed homes)
Bravo or Red Stripe for mussels
Del's Lemonade, stop at the sign of the fruit!
Westminster Street for cute shops (HomeStyle is my favorite) & yummy college-ish food
I live here currently.. will be moving soon 🙁 but will always be back to visit for the food.. it's too good not to!