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Hi All, I'll be spending one day in Providence (first time in Rhode Island!!!), probably this Saturday. Any suggestions about my walking route? I'm interested in architecture (both historical and 'cool'), vibrant streets with good pedestrian traffic and lot's of shops, and nice views of the city.
I'll start at the Amtrak station, and then head over to Prospect Terrace Park (I want to get in a good view while it's daylight). I then plan on heading down Thayer Street, all the way to Wickenden Street, and checking that area out a bit. I can cross the river back towards downtown from that street, and then explore the downtown area.
From there, I'd like to visit the Federal Hill area. I'd likely go along Atwells Street heading in, and then back towards downtown along Broadway. I suppose it would be about time for me to head back towards the Amtrak station by then!
Am I missing anything big? I'm pretty in-shape and enjoy walking a lot, so I'm assuming this is feasible...though I haven't mapped out the distance. Any sketchy streets I should be concerned about, especially once it gets dark?
Also, general suggestions for things to see/do and things to eat (quick/cheap/street food) are appreciated!
Rather than cross the river on Wickenden (which changes name to Point St on the other side), I would probably walk along the river from Wickenden back up towards where you will have crossed it the first time. Then you could cross the river into the downtown area -- Kennedy Plaza, city hall, the mall, etc. The area on the west side of the river between Point St and the main core of downtown is not very interesting, and in fact is mostly empty right now (it's where an elevated freeway was recently torn down). The east river bank is a pleasant walkway / park strip.
Not sure what time you are planning on getting back to the train station, but I'd reverse the west side part of your trip and walk in Broadway and out Atwells. I don't spend loads of time on the west side, but most of the interesting stuff on Broadway (IMO) are stores and a few restaurants, and the stores will close up earlier than the restaurants on Atwells, which is mostly restaurants.
Plenty of cheap eats depending on what you are looking for, Tallulah's Taco's is a bit off your path, but a current fave.
Definitely see Benefit Street and, at some point, with all the planned walking- you might look into a RIPTA Link trolley map. Loads of restaurants on Thayer St to choose from. Also some on South Main St.
The RI Historical Society offers walking tours. There are also trolley tours available. You might be interested in the narration since there is much fascinating history that comes with the area. The RISD museum is a gem as is The Athenaeum.
Definitely see Benefit Street and, at some point, with all the planned walking- you might look into a RIPTA Link trolley map. Loads of restaurants on Thayer St to choose from. Also some on South Main St.
I can't think of a decent restaurant on Thayer -- it's food for college kids. In fact, Thayer seems down at the heels with cheap tchotchkes shops. I think Westminster St. has much more interesting food, a few interesting shops and a couple of bookstores -- and some of PVD's best architecture.
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The RI Historical Society offers walking tours. There are also trolley tours available. You might be interested in the narration since there is much fascinating history that comes with the area. The RISD museum is a gem as is The Athenaeum.
Funny, Holly, I just noticed the trolley yesterday. It runs 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, and it's right behind the Biltmore (near the Avis car rental place).
To the OP, if you're looking to see truly great architecture, you are coming to exactly the right city. (I'd add as a destination the campus of Brown -- just lovely, and just a couple of blocks from Prospect Terrace Park.) Enjoy your visit.
Did you make your trip? I was in downtown Providence on Saturday. There's some type of construction there right now, detouring many of the bus routes. I felt kind of limited since I was on foot and didn't want to get that far from Amtrak. I was taking the MBTA "T" commuter rail train back to South Station.
Great-looking photos! Thanks for posting those. I thought I'd been all over Downcity, and yet there were a couple of sights I didn't quite recognize.
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