2:00pm – Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch at Pizzico Ristorante. This charming local Italian restaurant offers both traditional and unique cuisine in a classy New York style casual upscale setting. They are most well known for their oyster bar & seafood entrees, although I prefer pasta. Try the pumpkin ravioli – it’s delicious! Tuscan Grilled Pizza is another specialty here.

Pumpkin ravioli at Pizzico in Providence, RI

4:00pm – Take an afternoon stroll around historic Benefit Street, home to the 4th oldest library in the US and the John Brown House Museum. This mile long walk will take you past some of the most impressive Colonial architecture in the city. You can also walk a few additional blocks to tour the beautiful Brown University campus. While in the area, be sure to check out the Rhode Island School of Design’s Art Museum.

John Brown House on Providence's Benefit Street

7:00pm – It’s time to enjoy another fantastic Italian dinner! There are so many great choices, you might as well take advantage while you can. Spirito’s, located on Broadway St., is the perfect place for a romantic night out, due to the beautiful setting in an old Victorian house. UPDATE: Spirito’s is unfortunately closed! Massimo and Camille’s are popular alternatives.

9:00pm – Providence does not disappoint in the nightlife department. With pubs, wine bars, and nightclubs, this vibrant city offers a good mix. Bodega Malasana is a fantastic option for a wine bar. Wicked Good Bar is a great choice for a casual night out on the town. Check out the full nightlife guide.

Day 3

7:00am – Take a scenic ride along the 13.5 long East Bay bike path, one of the best rail trails in the country! This former railroad route now operates as a multi-use path, filled with tremendous views of the coast, forests, the Providence skyline, and even a lighthouse. Your ride will start in East Providence and end at Independence Park in Bristol. Take the opportunity to experience all the scenery in Providence and neighboring Bristol County.

East Bay Bike Path - Providence, Rhode Island

11:00am – After your ride, enjoy a nice leisurely lunch at the Providence Place Mall. Since you will likely be tired, worn down, and sweaty, you will be seeking something casual. There are a number of restaurants near the start of the bike trail in Indpendence Park. Quito’s is a low-key seafood place offering a nice patio.

Noon – Check out the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Most tourists like this zoo better than the bigger zoos in the Boston metro. With a founding date way back in 1872, it holds the title as the nation’s third oldest zoo. The zoo is on the smaller side, easy to navigate, and there are a lot of interesting animals to see.

Red panda at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI