7 Things To Do In Providence This Spring

With the blankets of winter snow packed away and the vibrant blossoms of spring making a comeback, it’s time to dust off your favorite pair of shorts and make your seasonal debut. With its riverfront setting and its cultural charms, let Providence, Rhode Island, guide you in your seasonal metamorphosis. From the old-world style of Benefit Street to the shimmering notes of the Philharmonic, the list of things to do in Providence is endless. This bustling city will offer the perfect backdrop for your seasonal explorations. 

7 Things To Do In Providence This Spring

Go Coffee Crazy

Put down the K-Cup — tasting gourmet coffee and donuts is one of the top things to do in Providence. With more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the country (there are 25 shops for every 100,000 people), your morning cuppa joe is bound to get an upgrade. Prefer your coffee on the hipper side? Stop into White Electric Coffee. This crunchy oasis serves highly caffeinated brews and tasty vegetarian sandwiches to keep you fueled as your stroll through Providence. For a cozy, classic feel, head to Federal Hill for a cappuccino and a slice of pie at Pastiche. With all their recipes are made with natural ingredients, they’re redefining what it means to grab coffee and donuts.

Embrace Your Artistic Side

Art in Providence doesn’t begin and end with Waterfire. On chilly spring days, one of our favorite things to do in Providence is visit the art collection at the Rhode Island School of Design. With of 86,000 works of art from icons like Picasso, Warhol & Monet, you can pass the day away soaking up works from the world's greatest artists. In addition to collections from these famous painters, this museum also houses a large ancient art exhibit — see if you can find the mummy. Audible art is front and center at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. There are few things to do in Providence as transformative as a trip to the Orchestra, where you can hear everything from the pastoral to the modern come alive on stage.

Tour By Trolley

For the days when you want to see the city, but have no patience for walking, hop aboard the trolley cars in downtown Providence for a late spring tour. You’ll have a front row seat to history as you glide along in these red trolleys. Sights include the original 1636 settlement, the historic Federal Hill, and the “Mile of History,” a colonial thoroughfare which shows off a collection of 18th and 19th century wood-frame houses. History not your thing? No worries. Providence's Trolley Tours also boast gorgeous views along the riverfront and waterfront.

Catch Up With The Cthulhu

While neighboring Massachusetts often gets more glory for its literary exports, Providence was home to a number of prominent authors in the 19th and 20th centuries. As you wander the cobblestone streets of Providence, don’t be surprised if you hear the call of the H.P. Lovecraft's fictional monster, the Cthulhu. Lovecraft, a noted science fiction author, called the city home for most of his life, even weaving Providence landmarks into his works. Take a walking tour of these Lovecraftian sites and end with a visit to Swan Point Cemetery, where you’ll find his grave inscribed with the phrase “I am Providence.” While Lovecraft may be Providence, he wasn’t the only supernaturally-inclined author to wander its streets. Edgar Allan Poe spent time in Providence in the mid-19th century, courting local poet Sarah Whitman. During their brief romance, they spent much of their time in the Providence Athenaeum, one of America's oldest libraries. Follow in the footsteps of Poe and visit this library's quiet corners and two-story high stacks, both to pay tribute to this great author and to uncover your next literary obsession.

Visit the Zoo

After a long winter cooped up inside, don’t be afraid to get a little wild. Plan a visit to Providence’s renowned Roger Williams Park Zoo, located just ten minutes from downtown. Founded in 1872, this 40-acre zoo and park is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Tour the grounds where 100-plus species (many of which are rare) reside year-round. Whether you want to simulate the journey of Marco Polo, or romp in Alex and Ani’s Farmyard, a trip to the Roger Williams Park Zoo is a lovely way to spend an outdoor afternoon.

Grab a Slice

With a neighbor like Connecticut, it’s no wonder that grabbing a hot slice of pizza is among the best things to do in Providence. For a classic pizza spot, head to the legendary Bob & Timmy’s Grilled Pizza. Cooked over an open flame, these delightfully crispy and flavorful pies come overflowing with fresh vegetables and unique flavor combinations. Once you’ve had your fill of grilled pizza, take things to the next level with a visit to Providence Coal-Fired Pizza. Their pledge to make everything from scratch means they serve some of the freshest and tastiest pies in the region. 

Where To Stay in Providence, R.I.

With culture infused into life in Providence, why not rest your bones for the night in a place worthy of Lovecraft, Roger Williams, and Bob & Timmy? Sleep easy in one of the exceptional inns and resorts in Providence, R.I., and have sweet dreams of adventures in the days to come.

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