6 Best Places to Shop in Downtown, Providence

Built in 1828, America's oldest indoor shopping mall has a handful of restaurants on its first floor and one signature shop, the Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council, for quirky gifts and books on the supernatural by Providence's own H. P. Lovecraft and other authors. The rest of the former retail space has been converted into microloft apartments. The Greek Revival building has entrances on both Westminster and Weybosset Streets. 

Expect the unusual at this 35-year-old shop, which sells jewelry, gadgets, clocks, and gifts handcrafted by more than 100 artists.

Etsy fans will be delighted by the handmade wares at this colorful shop and gallery: jewelry, notecards, prints, silk-screened T-shirts, fashion accessories, bags, Rhode Island--themed trinkets, and other sparkly handmade objects by local artists are all for sale. You'll save money on every purchase, too, because there's no sales tax on art in Rhode Island.

Drop by HomeStyle for eye-catching objets d'art, stylish housewares, and other innovative, extraordinary, and whimsical decorative items, like popular Jellycat stuffed animals.

Macy's, Boscov's, an Apple Store, and the new Level99 entertainment complex are among the anchor tenants at this large mall with dozens of restaurants that include the Cheesecake Factory and P. F. Chang's. Also here are Dave & Buster's and a 16-screen cinema and IMAX theater. Parking in the garage is free for the first two hours.

This high-ceilinged, multidealer emporium is a standout in a city known for its vintage boutiques. Walk your wardrobe back in time with colorful finds, from mid-century designer dresses to throwback Patriots merch and rock concert tees.