Maybe I'm a bit biased, because I went to college there, Providence is quite the fun city if you allow it to be. Located in the smallest state of Rhode Island, Providence is proof that size really doesn't matter when it comes to having fun and enjoying yourself. It's a great gay alternative for people living in Boston and New York City, for it only takes about 3 hours from NYC and just one from Bean Town to get to, experience some fabulous gay nightlife along with some great shopping, eating, and so much more.
Let's start with the nightlife. Because downtown Providence is such a college town, it not only has a younger quality and feel to it, but the city also balances itself out with some sophisticated clubs and bars where any crowd can truly fit in.
There are so many bars in Providence that it's hard to choose just one to enjoy for its own merits. If dancing the night away is your thing, then Mirabar, Alley Cat, and EGO Providence are three fantastic choices that play some amazing music throughout the night with super hot go-go boys who are there for the delicious eye candy and whatnot. For my fellow bear aficionados, you can't go wrong with a classic like The Eagle. And for those who enjoy a lovely cocktail bar after work, then The Stable will work for you (rated #1 in Providence for gay bars).
Outside of the gay bars, shopping is always on our list when we're traveling. Providence Place Mall is one of the largest malls in Southern New England, with its three epic floors of the best shops you can possibly imagine all under one roof. They also have a stellar food court and some great and familiar restaurants attached to its property, including The Cheesecake Factory and The Melting Pot to name a few.
Right across the way you will find one of Providence's amazing treasures called Waterfire, which is very popular particularly during this season. It's an event worth seeing as eighty bonfires line the three rivers in downtown Providence, making it an intimate and truly wonderful experience.
Need a place to stay? The Biltmore Providence is the perfect spot as it is right in the heart of downtown. No need for a cab in this situation, this gorgeous space is elegance at its finest with top of the line guest rooms, amenities, and customer service that will make you want to book again and again. What's even better is that it is within walking distance from all the top restaurants, nightclubs, and Providence Place Mall.
Three great eateries in Providence are a bit all over the map but get it done in terms of the quality of food they put out. Want a good mixture of land & sea? Ten Prime Steak & Sushi is your answer, with their incredible line of both items as well as some delicious chicken options and so much more. Hemenway's, which has a beautiful water overview inside its massive location, is steps away from all the major universities, and provides some amazing dishes including classics like Lobster Mac n Cheese and Bacon Wrapped Scallops to name a few. If you had a little too many in terms of drinks and need some pizza to absorb it all, Saki's in downtown Providence is your answer and they are open late.
There is so much to love about this city and what it can offer you. Definitely one to put on your map for the upcoming winter season or any season for that matter.
I am sure that it is gonna be perfect trying stuff like this one out.
If you have a car (not really
If you have a car (not really necessary – the train station is steps away from everything above) and love theater eschew Trinity Rep and instead head up I-95 to Pawtucket and The Gamm instead
Filene’s has been Macy’s for
Filene’s has been Macy’s for years. Really old picture.
Yet still one of the better
Yet still one of the better pictures out there that show the fires on the river. That's why we used it.