Business Trip to Providence
 

I will be in Providence, RI for five days in August to attend a conference. I will be staying downtown and won't have a rental car. Any suggestions for restaurants or sightseeing in the evenings?

Waterfire, check their schedule: http://www.waterfire.org/

yk: Looks interesting, but unfortunately I'll be in Providence between the scheduled lightings in August.

How about Gallery Night? Not sure if the date in August coincides your visit. http://www.gallerynight.info/index.html

yk: No luck on Gallery Night either. It's the week after I'll be there. Thanks for the suggestions.

Not sure how possible it is without a car but the Red Sox AAA team plays in Pawtucket which isn't too far.

You have a huge mall right there. Providence Place. There is an IMax Movie theater. Check what is going on at the Dunkin donuts Center (old Providence Civic Center).

A visit to Federal Hill for pastries and/or dinner would be fun esp if you like to cook and want to pick up some ingredients. We usually have a casual meal at Union Station Brewery. Joe's American Bar and Grill adjacent to the Providence Place Mall is decent for a chain. Expect restaurants to be very busy on Fri and Sat nights esp if there's a game going on. Also casual within walking distance of the convention center is Murphy's, good place for sandwiches. McCormick and Schmick's is in the Biltmore, pricier chain but good. There's a Melting Pot nearby which can be fun with a small group but it's pretty expensive. The chocolate fondue is really good, though.

Well, a fun thing to do would be to take the ferry to Newport. If you have enough time on any given day, this would be enjoyable, especially in August. Takes about an hour. There is one that leaves about 2 PM if you can get away at that hour.

My favorite restaurant is Al Forno 577 S. Main 401-273-9760. They are not inexpensive, but so delicious. They don't take reservations, but even eating at the bar is fine. They will probably have their outdoor seating open then too. If you go alone, try one of their pizzas. That and another app will be enough. If you go with others, then share apps and order a main. Be sure to order dessert when you order your food. Everything is baked to order. Their fruit tarts are just great. Another restaurant that we ate in a few weeks ago and loved was Loie Fuller. It's a bistro and absolutely delicious with moderate prices. No reservations here too. www.loiefullers.com You can get to both restaurants by cab. Your hotel will give you phone #s to call. Cabs are not expensive.

The RISD art museum is very nice if you're interested and if they have a late night. Check Brown University's website for any interesting performances, exhibits, etc.