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Country Home Style Editor Jennifer Kopf visited Providence for the first time several years ago to drop in on a friend studying at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
However, Jen finds herself returning often to this bustling New England capital to browse one-of-a-kind shops, sample culinary treasures, and be recharged by its historic architecture and contemporary design aesthetic.
An easy car or train ride from Boston and New York City, Providence makes a great last minute vacation. Providence is especially exciting during WaterFire, a May-through-October civic festival highlighted by the lighting of 100 bonfires on the two rivers that flow through downtown. Some of her favorite stops include:
Simple Pleasures
A great Providence store offering clothing, accessories, and gifts from around the world. "A fun and colorful store," says Jen. "I study every inch because I'm afraid I'll miss something."
6 Richmond Square, 401/331-4120; www.simplepleasuresprovidence.com
Runcible Spoon
Jen stocks up on new table linens at this Providence shop specializing in European and American china and kitchen accessories.
195 Wayland Ave., 401/831-6600
Benefit Street Antiques
This is the place to shop for wedding gifts, with antique silver sets, candlesticks, monogrammed linens, and salt-and-peppers at fair prices. Jen adds to her collection of antique blue-and-white transferware here.
140 Wickenden St., 401/751-9109
Mignonette
This sensual New England shop carries a selection of bath and beauty indulgences, luxurious loungewear, and exotic music, gifts, and books.
301 Wickenden St., 401/272-4422
The Gatehouse
This historic gatehouse on the Seekonk River has been reincarnated into an intimate, homey restaurant that gets rave reviews for its seafood and wood-grilled steaks.
4 Richmond Square, 401/521-9229;
www.thegatehouse.com
Olga's Cup and Saucer
RISD grads Olga Bravo and Rebecca Wagner create artistic pastries and artisan breads at this Jewelry District cafe. Start your day around Providence here, or enjoy a panini or salad on the patio for lunch.
103 Point St., 401/831-6666
OTHER NOTABLE STOPS
RISD Works design store and gallery carries only works from school faculty and alumni, including one of Country Home's favorite quilters, Denyse Schmidt.
10 Westminster St., 401/277-4949;
www.risdworks.com
Studio Hop stocks fine art, modern furnishings, gifts, jewelry, and antiques .
810 Hope St., 401/621-2262
Angell Street Curiosities offers flea-market-style and antique finds.
183 Angell St., 401/455-0450
Red Bridge Antiques features 18th- to 20th-century American furniture and art.
416 Wickenden St., 401/453-3377
Wendy Brown carries fine linens and bath/body items.
183 Wayland Ave., 401/455-2337; www.wendybrownlinens.com
This & That Shoppe is an antique co-op specializing in 1940s, '50s, and '60s collectibles.
236 Wickenden St., 401/861-1394
Al Forno is Providence 's most famous restaurant and receives national accolades for its Italian and Provençal fare. Try a wood-oven pizza.
577 S. Main St., 401/273-9760;
www.alforno.com
Pastiche: No trip is complete without a trip to Federal Hill, Providence 's "Little Italy," and to this dessert cafe.
92 Spruce St., 401/861-5190;
www.pastichefinedesserts.com
Wayland Toy & Book Shop
192 Wayland Ave.
401/421-6623
www.wickwaytoys.com
risd!kids
25 Canal Walk
401/454-6460
Seven Stars Bakery
Try the yummy almond croissants.
820 Hope St.
401/521-2200
www.sevenstarsbakery.com
Farmstead
A great artisan cheese shop.
186 Wayland Ave.
401/274-7177
www.farmsteadinc.com
Mill's Tavern
101 N. Main St.
401/272-3331
Providence Biltmore
11 Dorance St.
401/421-0700
www.providencebiltmore.com
The Old Court Bed and Breakfast
144 Benefit St.
401/351-4699
www.oldcourt.com
CC Ledbetter Bed & Breakfast
326 Benefit St.
401/351-4699
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/rhode-island/c-c-ledbetter-bed-breakfast.html
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