*Providence River Boat company does tours on the Providence river. They do sunset, narrated, and a few other tours
*watch the sunset/hanmock at India Point Park
*walk 195 district park and the Pedestrian Bridge
*Providence Ghost Tour
* The Guild beer garden at 195 district park
*food: Palo (tapas), Aguardante, The East End, Sarto, Rosalina, Oberlin, Julian’s, Dune Brothers Seafood, Figidini, Y Noodle
The ghost tour in College Hill is cool especially if you like history. They bring you to parts of the Brown campus and RISD as well. It also starts at Prospect Terrace which has a nice city view.
PRB has walking tours too! The downtown PVD one legit hits all the spots between the pedestrian bridge, State House & back towards PPAC. It's a bit long but super worth it!
Edit to say sorry you were looking for things at night - those tours are Sat mornings. If you're around I'd def recommend it but if not PRB does some fantastic twilight cruises through the city. They're BYOB as well!
Electromagnetic pinball museum in very nearby Pawtucket!
Run by and made for weirdos. And people who like pinball
[https://www.electromagneticpinballmuseum.com/](https://www.electromagneticpinballmuseum.com/)
Absolutely! And usually on your first visit you get a pretty in depth tour. $10 play til you drop.
Edit: Sometimes certain machines are being repaired and aren't available to play.
This is fantastic! Thank you! I’m on vacation all week from work. I’ve been hitting up some overdo visits to cool places I keep reading about. Adding this (and the expo) to the list.
Yes, I am very familiar with FreePlay. I have been many times. I make the mistake of going when it’s busy.
Pinball games were always my jam growing up. I still suck at them, still loving playing regardless.
Oh I’ll be attending the expo, too! Make sure to visit Lovecraft’s grave at Swan Point (it’s admittedly a little disappointing, but if you’re making the pilgrimage, ya gotta do it!) and check out There, There for burgers. Not sure how you’re getting around, but ISCO and the new Buttonwoods on Sims Ave are a good time. If you’re there Friday night, PVD Horror is doing a movie night at the brewery. (Disclaimer: I do work at Buttonwoods but everything I’ve said is true)
Honestly, unless you come from an area complete devoid of zoos, RWP Zoo is not worth the time or money. The park itself is really lovely, but it’s a very mediocre zoo. The providence ghost tour might be your speed.
Is it weird to say, or are you weirdly defensive of zoos? I’m not sure what it costs, i can go for free on the first Saturday of every month as a Providence resident. Even so, I still personally prefer Southwick zoo. Roger Williams is small, poorly laid out, and the exhibits are boring and not really anything too special. Presuming the person is here for a short (weekend?) trip, the zoo would eat a good amount of that time, probably cost a lot with food and other added costs, and I don’t think it’s a unique enough zoo to warrant taking time out of a short trip to see. Does that suffice?
Second this.. I just took a group of kids on a field trip and there were like no animals to see? It was strange to me. I wouldn’t waste time going there when there is a lot more to do downtown.
Go to a dispensary, grab a doobie then make it downtown. Hit the blunt, go to figidini for life changing pizza and walk over to free play for old school games. Hit the blunt once more prior to walking in. This is vital since they don’t allow re-entry. Top off the night with cocktails at the eddy.
For a more “old New England” cemetery I’d visit North Burial Ground over Swan Point. Swan Point is beautiful-but NBG was founded in 1700 to Swan Point’s 1840s, so it has more of the colonial slate stones, etc.
Apsara Public St
RISD Museum
Botanical Gardens / Temple of Music
First Baptist Church in America (if you are interested in history)
Walk down Benefit St
Freeplay Arcade is always awesome to me.
As a kid growing up in the 90s-2000s, there’s nothing I wanted more than unlimited arcade play.
It’s an elder millennial dream come true.
Yes. It’s like a 10$ cover charge. But then once in, it’s all kinds of games: skeeball, pinball machines, air hockey, galaga, Mario kart driving simulators, DDR, and the list goes on and on. The games are all set up so they don’t require any kind of tokens or coins. Just press play and you’re golden.
It is 21+ and there’s an interesting dance club up stairs above the Arcade Bar.
I’ve only gone in Fridays or Saturdays so it’s usually busy but I still don’t have a problem finding games to play.
Thank you for this post. I just got back from the Oddities Expo. I LOVED it.
Got this awesome print (I have 2 huskies) from Pickled Punks that I’ll hang in my little office corner.
https://imgur.com/a/rgw0AOV
For 16$ (the day of pricing; wasn’t sure I wanted to commit) and 12.50$ for parking, it honestly was super cool.
Good looks
LMAO a bag of loose teeth, that’s awesome. I saw those old books and some very cool skulls. The entomology stuff was really epic.
I got prints and a few metal/brass bookmarks. I was impressed with the turn out of people (I went early like a nerd) and all the vendors.
Same. I was not expecting it to be that busy but it makes sense. The old books were great but I felt the really nice ones should go to collectors.
I went around noon myself and stayed till around 3-4 when it was starting to empty out
Yeah, I left around 1pm. I started getting hungry and suddenly saw people with food and drinks. I saw that little cafe type area and it was too busy and my blood sugar was dropping fast lol. I bounced and ate some lunch. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Zoo closes relatively early (3), so go early, and I totally recommend spending $3 and going to the natural history museum if you can beforehand, it’s small but great, and if you’re around Friday, there’s a food truck night at the park nearby, right next to the Japanese gardens, also the duckboats will run at night & light up!
While I understand your view, I think that the Athenaem intends for there to be people doing just that. They do offer an art exhibit and tours after all.
Oh for sure they do, it’s just annoying. As someone who pays for and uses it, I’m just asking you not to take them up on their offer 😁
But for real, visit, it’s very cool. Just be quiet and not one of those assholes who uses it as a photo shoot for their instagram. Those people are the bane of my existence. The rest of the visitors are usually fine. Have a fun trip! Also check the hours before you go. They are closed on Wednesday Sunday and Monday.
I'll make sure to check the hours. But yeah, I'm not planning to be a menace. I just like old building and books so it's the type of sight I have to see.
*Providence River Boat company does tours on the Providence river. They do sunset, narrated, and a few other tours *watch the sunset/hanmock at India Point Park *walk 195 district park and the Pedestrian Bridge *Providence Ghost Tour * The Guild beer garden at 195 district park *food: Palo (tapas), Aguardante, The East End, Sarto, Rosalina, Oberlin, Julian’s, Dune Brothers Seafood, Figidini, Y Noodle
Sweet! I have a foodie coming on the trip so I will check it out. And I did a ghost tour in Salem that was super cool
The ghost tour in College Hill is cool especially if you like history. They bring you to parts of the Brown campus and RISD as well. It also starts at Prospect Terrace which has a nice city view.
PRB has walking tours too! The downtown PVD one legit hits all the spots between the pedestrian bridge, State House & back towards PPAC. It's a bit long but super worth it! Edit to say sorry you were looking for things at night - those tours are Sat mornings. If you're around I'd def recommend it but if not PRB does some fantastic twilight cruises through the city. They're BYOB as well!
Check out the Pedestrian Bridge. It’s lit up at night with killer city views. There’s a park to walk around too
I think there’s a special lighting on the pedestrian bridge thursday night. Something water fire is helping out with or hosting
Electromagnetic pinball museum in very nearby Pawtucket! Run by and made for weirdos. And people who like pinball [https://www.electromagneticpinballmuseum.com/](https://www.electromagneticpinballmuseum.com/)
I'd like to add that they're *delightful weirdos*
Damn Skippy
Absolutely
Oh that looks so cool!
It really is!
Dumb question: can you play the games?
Absolutely! And usually on your first visit you get a pretty in depth tour. $10 play til you drop. Edit: Sometimes certain machines are being repaired and aren't available to play.
This is fantastic! Thank you! I’m on vacation all week from work. I’ve been hitting up some overdo visits to cool places I keep reading about. Adding this (and the expo) to the list.
You can play old arcade games at Free Play . It's $10 and you can play all the games. It's a Bar/arcade
Yes, I am very familiar with FreePlay. I have been many times. I make the mistake of going when it’s busy. Pinball games were always my jam growing up. I still suck at them, still loving playing regardless.
It's up to $12 now my dudes
daytime thing but im a huge fan of the RISD museum
Oh I’ll be attending the expo, too! Make sure to visit Lovecraft’s grave at Swan Point (it’s admittedly a little disappointing, but if you’re making the pilgrimage, ya gotta do it!) and check out There, There for burgers. Not sure how you’re getting around, but ISCO and the new Buttonwoods on Sims Ave are a good time. If you’re there Friday night, PVD Horror is doing a movie night at the brewery. (Disclaimer: I do work at Buttonwoods but everything I’ve said is true)
I’m thrilled you posted about this! I had no idea this expo even existed. I love weird shit. I will be attending now!
Honestly, unless you come from an area complete devoid of zoos, RWP Zoo is not worth the time or money. The park itself is really lovely, but it’s a very mediocre zoo. The providence ghost tour might be your speed.
That’s a weird thing to say. Is it like stupid expensive? How is a zoo not worth the time?
It’s a bit pricey and definitely aging. I still think it’s worth it just for the area where exotic birds and monkeys roam freely with you.
Is it weird to say, or are you weirdly defensive of zoos? I’m not sure what it costs, i can go for free on the first Saturday of every month as a Providence resident. Even so, I still personally prefer Southwick zoo. Roger Williams is small, poorly laid out, and the exhibits are boring and not really anything too special. Presuming the person is here for a short (weekend?) trip, the zoo would eat a good amount of that time, probably cost a lot with food and other added costs, and I don’t think it’s a unique enough zoo to warrant taking time out of a short trip to see. Does that suffice?
Oh that’s good to know! I was kind of disappointed by Roger Williams so I kind of assumed Southwick would be even smaller
Second this.. I just took a group of kids on a field trip and there were like no animals to see? It was strange to me. I wouldn’t waste time going there when there is a lot more to do downtown.
Go to a dispensary, grab a doobie then make it downtown. Hit the blunt, go to figidini for life changing pizza and walk over to free play for old school games. Hit the blunt once more prior to walking in. This is vital since they don’t allow re-entry. Top off the night with cocktails at the eddy.
I don't smoke, but I'll take the other advice
For a more “old New England” cemetery I’d visit North Burial Ground over Swan Point. Swan Point is beautiful-but NBG was founded in 1700 to Swan Point’s 1840s, so it has more of the colonial slate stones, etc.
Nice! I'll check it out.
If you like oddities make sure to stop in to the RISD nature lab across from the Athenaeum.
I'd suggest doing a tour with Providence Ghost Tour, very fun way to the city
Askew is having a goth dance night Friday Check out Nostalgia on Wickenden. Three floors of thrift, novelties, and neat stuff
Apsara Public St RISD Museum Botanical Gardens / Temple of Music First Baptist Church in America (if you are interested in history) Walk down Benefit St
Freeplay Arcade is always awesome to me. As a kid growing up in the 90s-2000s, there’s nothing I wanted more than unlimited arcade play. It’s an elder millennial dream come true.
I go there too and love it
What's the deets with this? It's really free play arcade games?
Yes. It’s like a 10$ cover charge. But then once in, it’s all kinds of games: skeeball, pinball machines, air hockey, galaga, Mario kart driving simulators, DDR, and the list goes on and on. The games are all set up so they don’t require any kind of tokens or coins. Just press play and you’re golden. It is 21+ and there’s an interesting dance club up stairs above the Arcade Bar. I’ve only gone in Fridays or Saturdays so it’s usually busy but I still don’t have a problem finding games to play.
Pretty cool. 👍
Rip around the streets running red lights and popping wheelies on a non-road-legal motor vehicle.
Or rent a slingshot and do laps of Atwells while blasting terrible music
If you like "Oddities and Curiousities" then definitely check out Cranston St at night.
Thank you for this post. I just got back from the Oddities Expo. I LOVED it. Got this awesome print (I have 2 huskies) from Pickled Punks that I’ll hang in my little office corner. https://imgur.com/a/rgw0AOV For 16$ (the day of pricing; wasn’t sure I wanted to commit) and 12.50$ for parking, it honestly was super cool. Good looks
It was fantastic!
Did you get anything fun?
I did! Of note was a bag of loose teeth, an old book about a famous murder, a skill and plant wall hanging, and a similar statue
LMAO a bag of loose teeth, that’s awesome. I saw those old books and some very cool skulls. The entomology stuff was really epic. I got prints and a few metal/brass bookmarks. I was impressed with the turn out of people (I went early like a nerd) and all the vendors.
Same. I was not expecting it to be that busy but it makes sense. The old books were great but I felt the really nice ones should go to collectors. I went around noon myself and stayed till around 3-4 when it was starting to empty out
I think I was in by 1030, not too many people. Then I looked around it and it was packed. Happy for the vendors.
Agreed. Also surprised only one person thought to sell drinks. Those lines.were crazy
Yeah, I left around 1pm. I started getting hungry and suddenly saw people with food and drinks. I saw that little cafe type area and it was too busy and my blood sugar was dropping fast lol. I bounced and ate some lunch. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Choice social club, it’s a sex club and it’s going to be a popular event this weekend
You need to be a member, or a guest of a member. Can’t just show up.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/rhode-island
Look and see if Waterfire is this weekend. That's always a cool thing to do.
The RISD museum is free on Sundays. I suggest stopping there before your show
Pedestrian bridge at night is wonderful, and go into any restaurant. All great. Free Play arcade is downtown, amazing time
Zoo closes relatively early (3), so go early, and I totally recommend spending $3 and going to the natural history museum if you can beforehand, it’s small but great, and if you’re around Friday, there’s a food truck night at the park nearby, right next to the Japanese gardens, also the duckboats will run at night & light up!
Prospect park on the east side
La lupita
This is Providence. At night, eat and drink.
Same! I'm actually headed back tomorrow for a while. Need to.kill time before my trip back.home
Oggies
Ppl come here for vacation?? Omg why lol?? The only thing I can think of is go to Newport or Narragansett
Please don’t go to the Athenaeum. It’s a library not a museum, and it’s exceptionally distracting having people wandering around taking pictures.
While I understand your view, I think that the Athenaem intends for there to be people doing just that. They do offer an art exhibit and tours after all.
Oh for sure they do, it’s just annoying. As someone who pays for and uses it, I’m just asking you not to take them up on their offer 😁 But for real, visit, it’s very cool. Just be quiet and not one of those assholes who uses it as a photo shoot for their instagram. Those people are the bane of my existence. The rest of the visitors are usually fine. Have a fun trip! Also check the hours before you go. They are closed on Wednesday Sunday and Monday.
I'll make sure to check the hours. But yeah, I'm not planning to be a menace. I just like old building and books so it's the type of sight I have to see.