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Providence has a handful of small but engaging shopping areas. In Fox Point, Wickenden Street contains many antiques stores and several art galleries. Near Brown University, Thayer Street has a number of boutiques, though there has been an influx of chain stores. With its eclectic collection of specialty stores, Hope Street has branded itself as the East Side's "Main Street." Downtown's Westminster Street has morphed into a strip of independently owned fashion boutiques, galleries, and design stores.
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.
This public gallery at Providence's private Wheeler School exhibits works from Rhode Island's extensive population of local artists, including past and current attendees of the nearby Rhode Island School of Design. Attached to Wheeler's library, the gallery features winners from about a half-dozen juried art shows it sponsors annually, in a variety of media.
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.
Clothing, housewares, fair-trade handicrafts, and novelty items can all be found at this small curiosity shop and gift boutique, which stocks one of the best collections of Rhode Island--made goods in the state. A second location is at 713 Westminster St. downtown.
Drop by HomeStyle for eye-catching objets d'art, stylish housewares, and other innovative, extraordinary, and whimsical decorative items, like popular Jellycat stuffed animals.
Antiquers (and maybe yard-salers, too) could get lost for hours in this three-story shop that offers a collection of "curiosities, oddities, and treasures from another time" for sale. Fed by more than 200 dealers, the shelves here burst with every imaginable kind of antique item, including clothing, furniture, statuary, mid-century appliances, housewares, and vintage swag from local schools.
This gallery stocks folk art from around the world, including carvings, weavings and rugs, clothing, jewelry, masks, and musical instruments.
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.
Whimsy and practicality converge at this shop devoted to goods lovingly conceived and handmade in little Rhody. Each item, whether something useful for your kitchen or baby or a decidedly frivolous indulgence, is curated to make you smile.
This shop associated with RISD's art museum has a selection of inspired toys, totes, gifts, and jewelry, plus accessories by Rhode Island School of Design students and alumni, including designer Andrea Valentini's sustainable-fabric bags.
Gourmet treats and useful, whimsical, and always well-designed utensils, stemware, dishes, and culinary gifts are the specialty of this foodie paradise with an industrial kitchen vibe.
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.
