36 Hours In Providence

I love, Love, LOVE Providence. Having gone to Johnson & Wales from 2001 to 2005, then living there until 2010, it definitely has a special place in my heart and spirit. One of my “hit the lotto” dreams includes buying a beach house in Narragansett that I head up to on weekends from NYC. It’s a delight anytime I get to come back. 

Recently, Beyonce and Jay-Z were doing another tour, and I knew I wanted to see them in a place that wasn’t home, but close to home. Why not Gillette?! I considered staying in Boston, but both the hotel and AirBNB charges were outrageous. Hotel 200+ a night. AirBNB 150+ a night. Outrageous, especially for a quick stay. Due to work we would have to come into town Saturday evening and leave early Monday morning.

My husband likes Providence but doesn’t love it. But he’s also never really seen Providence. We’ve come into town twice. Once en route to Boston and the other for a beach weekend downstate. This wasn’t the trip to show him the Providence I know and love, but it was a chance to give him a glimpse of how good things can be in the Ocean State.

Saturday Evening

We came in after a quick 2 ½ hour drive and found our amazing AirBNB on the West Side. Check out this picture.

The chic but homey details are so on point. Design envy all day.

First Stop? Red Stripe!

This place is local favorite for good reason. French Bistro that sells Red Stripe beer? Perfectly upscale and casual at the same time.

Mussels? 10 varieties, served with skinny hot frites. Deviled Eggs, Roasted Chicken, Meatballs, Creme Brulee and the best, crisp rosé. The place was jumping even at 9:30pm.

Sunday AM

It’s the day of the concert, so we want to relax, yet eat! Right across the street is the revamped Hudson Street Deli. (Fun fact, I worked there for a summer in 2006. It was the most amazing experience of my life.) I had a yummy chicken salad sandwich and hubs had a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll. The coffee is so good they were completely sold out at 1pm! We ate in the cute street long park and had an impromptu photo session.

We walked along Westminster, and saw fruit stands, a meat market, people selling fresh crabs and fish, and vendors with earrings & traditional African garments. I left with 2 pairs of earrings for $3 each.

Sunday Afternoon

All that walking left us hungry and since Pastiche is closed on Monday, we needed to make sure to pop in. Surprisingly 2 other couples were also there getting pre-Beyonce desserts. We shared 2 slices of cake - the lightest coconut cake ever made and the purest vanilla cake I’ve ever tried - with a freshly made Italian soda.

For a real meal we could eat while stuck in traffic, East Side Pockets is undefeated. After eating a chicken wrap with almost all the fixings (hummus, peppers, tabbouleh, tahini, lettuce, tomato, onion and extra cucumber yogurt sauce),

Sunday evening we went to the concert and it was everything!

Monday AM - we checked out and wanted to grab something yummy and delish before leaving. Seven Stars Bakery to the rescue! Sharing a lemon cake with 2 iced lattes was just what we needed before hitting the road.

Providence was an amazing stop to pop in and pop out...The homes on the West Side, the beauty of Brown University, the affordable and still amazingly delicious food!!

More About LaToya

Hi! My name is LaToya Lewis but close friends call me Lale. 

I’m a thirty-something girl living in New York who loves cupcakes, coffee table fashion books, and everything black & gold.

I cook 90% of my meals. While I'm eating, I'm thinking of what I'm going to eat next. Saying I love food is an understatement. 

4-6 times a year I get away from NY and (I) really believe getting lost is how you find yourself. 

My day job is on the business side of a fast fashion retailer.  

I started my blog to inspire me to get upclose with myself and start living the most epic life possible.

• Site: www.upcloseandepic.com 
• Instagram + Twitter: @lalecox