Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
BONFIRES AFTER DARK
Move over, Christo. Providence has blazed onto the public-art installation scene
ter. Nearly 100 braziers poke above the water, each supporting a bonfire that roars
after dark. Flames dance off the water, music plays, black-clad gondoliers glide by,
and party-goers pack the riverbanks. A captivating blend of art and entertainment,
WaterFire takes place about a dozen times between May and September, mostly
on a Saturday, from sunset to 1am.
Sleeping
Christopher Dodge House
B&B$$$
( 401-351-6111;
www.providence-hotel.com
;
11 W Park St; r incl breakfast $120-180; )
This
1858 Federal-style house is furnished with early American reproduction furniture and
marble fireplaces. Austere on the outside, it has elegant proportions, large, shuttered win-
dows and wooden floors.
Providence Biltmore
HISTORIC HOTEL$$$
$$$
( 401-421-0700;
www.providencebiltmore.com
;
11 Dorrance St; r/ste $146/279; )
The
granddaddy of Providence's hotels, the Biltmore dates from the 1920s. The lobby, both
intimate and regal, nicely combines dark wood, twisting staircases and chandeliers, while
well-appointed rooms stretch many stories above the old city. Ask for one of the 292
rooms that are on a high floor.
Eating
Both the Rhode Island School of Design and Johnson & Wales University have top-notch
culinary programs that annually turn out creative new chefs. The large student population
on the East Side ensures that there are plenty of good places around College Hill and Fox
Point. To experience old Providence, head over to Atwells Ave in Federal Hill.
East Side Pockets
MEDITERRANEAN$
(
www.eastsidepocket.com
; 278 Thayer St; mains $4-7;
10am-1am Mon-Sat, 10am-10pm Sun;
)
Fabulous falafels and baklava at student-friendly prices.
