If riverside promenades, Italianate architecture + a thriving arts community appeal to you, planning a spring visit to Providence, RI might be just the ticket.

Talk about a vibrant art scene. | Photo by the 6AM City team

Why go?:

GQ named Providence the coolest city you haven't been to in 2015 — calling on its celebrated food scene + high-style Dean Hotel as contributing factors. Plus, aside from the plentiful street art you’ll find around downtown, RISD Museum has six levels of art pieces to peruse.
On certain nights from May to November, WaterFire Providence sets the River Walk aglow amidst mystical music + performances, and the Providence Preservation Society has a whole festival dedicated to its 18th-century houses in June.
A few local guides to reference while you’re there include the Guide to Providence Architecture, an Eater essential restaurants roundup + Travel and Leisure’s weekend getaway guide.

We recommend trying whatever is featured as a special at Maria’s Cucina. | Photo by the 6AM City team

You can find the Athenaeum at 251 Benefit St. | Photo by the 6AM City team

Act like a local:

Food: What’s even better than the repurposed atmosphere of Maria’s Cucina’s old Italo-American home? The Gnocchi Toscana ($28).
Outdoors: Hit the water on a swan boat, kayak, electric boat, or pirate tour at Roger Williams Park.
Learn: Catch the latest literary exhibition + look up at busts of Frederick Douglass and Louisa May Alcott at the Providence Athenaeum.
Listen: Enjoy live music at Providence’s oldest theatre, The Strand.
Explore: Get the best view of the city by climbing up to Prospect Terrace with a picnic.

The Wedding Cake House was owned by the Tirocchi sisters, of A. & L. Tirocchi Gowns. | Photo by the 6AM City team

Where to stay:

Vrbo: The sunny Walter S. Budlong Apartment sleeps four with two bedrooms and one full bathroom. (~$170/night)*
Save hotel: The Wedding Cake House was built in 1867 + recently restored by art collective The Dirt Palace. (~$70/night)
Splurge hotel: The Dean Hotel is a swankier option, complete with a karaoke lounge + bar. (~$110/night)