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Summer Weekends in Providence Prove Fun, Funky, and Affordable

* Mom Central received complimentary lodging. All opinions expressed are our own.

Even in the summer, every day seems busier than the last, and we rarely get the time to think about vacations, much less actually take them. So when the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Rhode Island invited Mom Central to come to Providence, I welcomed the break.

The close proximity to Boston makes Providence an attractive getaway option. Without needing a car, you can get to Providence directly from Boston courtesy of the MBTA, arriving in a little over an hour. With amazing nightlife, delicious food, and activities for the entire family, my boyfriend and I experienced a weekend of pure fun and relaxation.

We spent our sunshine filled day in Roger Williams Park, which sits directly south of Providence. It takes just a few minutes walking around to discover how a family vacation would work so well here due to its affordable and easy nature. Boasting a playground, great spots for picnicking, swan boats, and the Roger Williams Zoo, there is plenty to do. After riding the carousel, taking a duck tour, exploring the Botanical Center and even taking a picture with Mr. Potato Head, we could not wait to see what the rest of the city had to offer.

Downtown Providence proves extremely walkable, and features parks, shopping and beautiful architecture. Historical Federal Hill, renowned as the cultural “heartbeat of Providence,” offers incredible dining. The variety of food pleasantly surprised us, as we passed restaurants spanning from Lebanese and Japanese to Italian favorites. At Providence Oyster Bar, an upscale casual restaurant, we found everything seafood lovers like us could ever want.

After dinner we strolled through DePasquale Square, which showcased the friendly atmosphere of the Federal Hill neighborhood. After grabbing delicious desserts at Pastiche, the live music of old school classics and the dancing all around us made this a night to remember. Our only regret was that we did not schedule our visit during a WaterFire lighting, the award-winning sculpture that illuminates the riverfront throughout the city.

After a great stay at the recently renovated Courtyard Marriott Downtown we headed to Julian’s for breakfast based on the enthusiastic online reviews. I would go back to Providence just to eat there again! Julian’s highlighted the underlying creative, funky vibe of Providence. A few doors down, Seven Stars Bakery caught my eye and we couldn’t resist stopping in for a few treats to bring home.

Thanks to sunshine and some much needed warm weather, we made the most of our trip, enjoying the awesome dining and an incredible variety of activities. Easy, affordable, and so close to Boston, Providence offers the perfect weekend getaway for you and the entire family. Get more info here thanks to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.