8 A.M. Start your morning at Amy’s Place, a spot that’s been ranked for having the best breakfast sandwiches in the state. The main attraction of their sandwiches is the bolo levedo — a slightly sweet and crispy Portuguese muffin. Take one to go and explore the independent shops and art galleries along Wickenden Street.
10 A.M. Head down Thayer Street and get in the fall spirit with a cup of Chaider — a sweet and spicy seasonal drink from Blue State Coffee Company that combines fresh apple cider with chai tea concentrate. Take a stroll through Brown University’s picturesque New England campus, where you’ll be surrounded by peak fall foliage and historic buildings.
11 A.M.— Choose your own adventure. For the history buff, take a historic walking tour of Providence. Those looking to embrace the city’s history of horror can take a DIY H.P. Lovecraft walking tour and visit the Providence Athenaeum, a beautiful library that’s said to be haunted by the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe. Art enthusiasts can visit the Rhode Island School of Design museum, or wander the Arts District, which boasts several performing arts venues, shops, and street murals. Romantics can choose a ride an authentic Venetian gondola down the Providence River.
1 P.M. Grab lunch downtown at the Malted Barley, known for baked-to-order pretzel sandwiches, local beer and cider flights. Try the Downeast Pumpkin Cider, made in Massachusetts and served in a glass rimmed with brown sugar.
3 P.M. It’s leaf peeping time! Located about 15 minutes outside downtown Providence is Roger Williams Park, famed for the fall foliage along its scenic trails. Another local favorite is Prospect Terrace, which offers dramatic panoramic views of the city.
5 P.M. For dinner, step into a fairytale at The Tree House Tavern & Bistro in Warwick. The converted 1860s farmhouse is known for its eclectic decor, which changes with the seasons. In the fall, visitors are likely to find an abundance of pumpkins, over the top floral arrangements and fairy lights draped from the building’s wooden frame. The views — and the food — are well-worth the 20-minute drive from downtown Providence.
7 P.M. Those brave enough to embrace the spooky side of Providence history can take a ghost tour of the city’s East Side led by lantern light. Kid-friendly option: Walk down a path lit by 5,000 artistically carved pumpkins at the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
9 P.M. Head to Federal Hill, Providence’s Little Italy, for dessert. Indulge yourself with Pastiche Fine Desserts’ classic Torta di Cioccolata — a deliciously smooth flourless dark chocolate cake topped with chocolate shavings and fresh raspberries.
Staying Over? The Christopher Dodge House is a cozy, charming B&B built in 1858. The three-story Italianate house offers a complimentary hot breakfast as well as homemade pastries and locally roasted coffee from Borealis Coffee Company
