Rhode Island 2-Day Itinerary | Day 1: Providence

Celebrated the Fourth of July weekend with a taste of old-money summer vibes in Rhode Island ⛵️—perfect for a quick two-day escape! (Newport guide coming next.) 🚗 Transportation Drove from NYC (~3.5 hours; add 0.5 hours for holiday traffic). 🏨 Accommodation Stayed in Providence (much more affordable than Newport, even during holidays!). Plenty of downtown hotel options with wallet-friendly prices 🥺. 🍰 First Stop: Pastiche Fine Desserts Must-order: Their legendary fruit tart (whole pies require online pre-order!). The custard’s creaminess and fresh fruit balanced perfectly—so good it earned the ultimate Chinese compliment: "Not too sweet!" 😍 Size note: A "small" tart easily serves 4... but we (two people) finished it over two days anyway 🤣. NYC price benchmark: Would easily cost $80+ back home. 🏛️ Brown University Campus Tour First impressions: "Wait, isn’t this Serena’s college in Gossip Girl?" 😂 Georgian-style architecture (compact and charming) mixed with modern buildings. Summer campus was peaceful, dotted with kids attending summer camps. Pro tip: Grab a lemon granita (pictured) to beat the heat! 🍋 🛍️ Afternoon: Vintage Shopping & Dinner Explored riverside boutiques (great for vintage/home decor finds). Dinner Option 1: Oberlin (Providence’s "it" spot for New American cuisine): Standout dish: Raw scallops with daikon and lemon—highlighted the sweetness brilliantly. Surprise: The scallop dish was identical to one at Brooklyn’s Fulgurances (right down to the plating!). Must-order: Seafood risotto (unexpectedly delicious). Rating: 4.5/5. Dinner Option 2: Gift Horse (for oyster lovers): Endless fresh oysters—no NYC-style reservation stress! Both places had walk-in availability (even on a holiday). 🌃 Evening Stroll & Nightcap Wandered downtown’s cute shops. Wrapped up with cocktails at a local bar. ✨ Final Thoughts Providence was clean, quiet, and full of friendly locals—a refreshing NYC getaway! Ready for Day 2 in Newport tomorrow. #RhodeIsland #ProvidenceRI #NYCEscape