Don’t overlook the smallest state in the nation: at only 1212 sq. mi., the Ocean State nevertheless has all the ingredients for the perfect weekend getaway, from pristine beaches to world-class cuisine. Founded in 1636 by religious outcast Roger Williams, Rhode Island today exudes nothing less than pure New England charm. It is easily accessible through Providence by both bus and train out of South Station.
Greyhound buses (800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com), Bonanza Bus Lines (888-751-8800; www.bonanzabus.com), Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL; www.amtrak.com), and the “Purple Line” commuter rail ($5.75) travel to Providence daily. By car: take I-95 S., about 1hr. To reach Brown, take exit 20 to Rte. I-195 E. From I-195 take exit 1 “Downtown Providence” onto Memorial Blvd. Turn right on College St. and then right again on Prospect St. For information, call the Providence Visitors Bureau (401-274-1636, 800-233-1636; www.goprovidence.com).
Home of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD, pronounced “RIZ-dee”), Providence is worth visiting for the college campuses as well as the marvelously preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes all over College Hill. Benefit Street, near the bottom of College Hill, is a mile of historic homes reclaimed from the suffocation of vinyl siding and decay about 20 years ago. For lunch in the area, Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches, 163 Benefit St., has 85 creatively-named sandwiches ($4-7), such as the “Buddy Cianci,” the “Wacko,” and the “Embryonic Journey,” which contains egg salad, bacon, and melted cheddar. The college scene thrives on Thayer Street and Wickenden Street, home to artsy boutiques, university bookshops, and loitering students, who practically live off of the tasty, inexpensive Middle Eastern fare at East Side Pockets, 278 Thayer St. Want the North End experience in Providence? Head over to Federal Hill, Providence’s own Little Italy, on the west side of downtown. Trattorie of every kind line Atwells Ave.
And though Boston is bigger, Providence proves itself an equal in the culture department. The world-renowned RISD occasionally shows the work of its students and professors at the RISD Museum of Art, 224 Benefit St. (401-454-6500; www.risd.edu/museum.cfm).
Bonanza Bus (www.bonanzabus.com) lines runs regular service between Boston and Newport (1¾hr). To drive, take Rte. 24 S from I-93. Follow Rte. 24 S to 114 S, which is Broadway St. in Newport.
In the 19th century, Newport’s spectacular seaside cliffs drew hordes of upper-crust vacationers, rendering it the poshest summer destination in New England. Though famously wealthy names like the Vanderbilts and the Astors have long departed from this picturesque resort town, their 11 opulent “cottages” remain a major attraction for visitors exploring the remnants of the wealth and decadence of America’s Gilded Age. Check out the marbled interior of the Vanderbilts’ 70-room Breakers—the kitchen alone would dwarf an entire suite in Eliot. Contact the Newport County, Convention and Visitors Bureau, 23 America’s Cup Ave. (800-976-5122; www.gonewport.com), for information. Newport takes pride in its many wealth-enabled “firsts”: circus in the country, gas-illuminated street lights, U.S. passenger airline service, and national lawn tennis championships, among others. Eventually, looking at crystal doorknobs, golden chandeliers, and salt-water baths becomes boring. Relax on one of Newport’s beaches, walk the breathtaking Cliffwalk’s 3.5 miles of trails along the Atlantic shore, hop on a yacht, or wander down Thames Street, Newport’s main drag.
Newport offers restaurants for all tastes and budgets. To dine in style, hit up the Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf, where Astor-wannabes linger over New England lobster tails ($28). Lunch is more affordable but equally delicious. (401-846-5264. Open daily 11:30am-3pm; dinner 6-10pm.) Farther off the beaten path lies the eclectic Salvation Cafe, 140 Broadway (401-847-2620), where diners savor tapas al fresco ($6) on the tiki lounge amid funky decor. The cool cocktails ($6), tasty brunch options ($7), and unusual fusion entrees (seared scallops in red curry coconut sauce, $18) make it a memorable choice.
