This small book shop is located inside The Arcade. It's focus is on 'the weird', aka books related…read moreto sci-fi, horror stories, tarot, witchcraft, and more. They have a few t-shirts for sale too. Books include local authors, famous authors, fiction, the history of witch trials such as in Salem, MA and several other non-fiction topics. I picked up a book I have been hoping to find for years now; the original stories by the Brothers Grimm. None of this tinkerbell fairytale stuff. This is raw, gorey, brutal stuff. The woman who assisted me was such fun to chat with and made some recommendations based on my interests. Definitely more books here I plan to return for. They even have a small area out the door (in the center of the building) to sit and read if you have time, or can't wait to begin your new book. Seriously, I have passed this shop half a dozen times and didn't realize what I was missing until I read their write up in Rhode Island Monthly magazine. Very glad I did!

I love this bookstore! (Now called "Weird Providence.") Great staff; great selection; I make an…read moreeffort to visit every time I'm in New England.

The RISD Museum in Providence is one of those places that catches you off guard with how much it…read morehas to offer, especially if you are not already familiar with it going in. I found the building spanning six floors, and the spaces were well organized throughout, giving each piece enough room to be appreciated properly without the galleries ever feeling sparse or rushed. It is the kind of museum where I could spend a couple of hours moving through it and still feel like I left things unexplored. The collection is the main reason to visit, and it covers a genuinely impressive range, from ancient artifacts and historical portraits all the way through to modern and contemporary works. The curation does a good job of making those transitions between periods feel intentional rather than disjointed, and the rotating exhibits add a reason to come back beyond what is already on permanent display. The Liz Collins exhibit drew a lot of attention during its run and was a strong example of how well the museum handles contemporary work alongside its more classical holdings. Staff were present and approachable throughout the floors, and coat lockers near the entrance were available, a small but appreciated detail on a longer visit. The building was easy to navigate even on a first trip, and the overall experience felt well managed without being overly structured. One thing worth knowing before planning a trip is that Sundays offer free admission to all visitors, which makes it an easy addition to a Providence weekend without having to think twice. Weekday visits run quieter if you prefer more space and a slower pace through the galleries. For a museum connected to an art school, it holds up as one of the stronger art museums in the region and is well worth the time.

The RISD Museum is worth a visit. I'm sharing photos of the pieces that stood out to me most. I…read morestarted in the RISD student galleries, which were full of impressive work. my favorite was a floor installation that looks like a woven rug but is actually made entirely of salt. So many pieces made you stop and think, "How did they do that?!" I visited the whole museum, but my favorites were the Costume & Textile galleries, the exhibit on kingfishers in art and poetry, the European Grand Gallery with its oil paintings and the 18th/19th‑century American rooms in Pendleton House. I also loved how the museum's architecture fits together like a puzzle across several older buildings and street entrances. That was a surprising add-on to the visit. Extra tip: street parking is nearly impossible. Check their website for the free weekend parking lots (within walking distance) they make the visit much easier.

Everyone was fabulous from Julia at the front desk entrance to Jennifer and our public safety…read moreofficer and staff

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a private art and design school in Providence. Our…read morecity is lucky to have such a top notch liberal arts school within city limits, which allows for diversity, youth, and innovation to thrive in the area. The school was founded as a coeducational institution in 1877 by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf, who sought to increase the accessibility of design education to women. Today, RISD offers bachelor's and master's degree programs across 19 majors and enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students. The Rhode Island School of Design Museum--which houses the school's art and design collections--is one of the largest college art museums in the United States. The Rhode Island School of Design is affiliated with Brown University, whose campus sits immediately adjacent to RISD's on Providence's College Hill. The two institutions share social and community resources and since 1900 have permitted cross-registration. Together, RISD and Brown offer dual degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. As of 2022, RISD alumni have received 10 MacArthur Genius fellowships, five Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Academy Awards. A 2016 analysis of the most successful American artists at auction found that the vast plurality held undergraduate degrees from RISD.

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States; but it has a unique and diverse culture,…read moreespecially its capital city, Providence. Downtown Providence is my favorite City; maybe I'm biased because I was born there. As a teenager, I loved taking the city bus to the Providence Place Mall, then hanging out at the Waterplace Park. Once I was in college, I would frequent Thayer St., the East side, and Wickenden St. often. I was always hanging out with my friends, at one of my favorite dive bar/club, Club Hell; they had 80s nights on Tuesdays, goth nights on Wednesdays, and Rock & Roll nights on Fridays. Providence is definitely a foodie city with tons of good eats. On a warm day, just take a walk around; lots of history and beautiful architecture. The new pedestrian bridge is also a lovely addition. There are many events that goes on, Waterfire is a popular one. It is home to some notable colleges such as Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Rhode Island College (my alma mater!) If you go to Federal Hill, there are some good restaurants and bars; home to the best Italian food. If you want to be one with nature, go to Roger Williams Park and Zoo. Overall, definitely a fun little city and gem in my eyes.

Overnight Parking fines. Received a $40 dollar fine for parking on the street in front of our…read moredaughters dorm. Not a single sign up and down any street about on campus concerning No overnight parking without a permit. Although there are signs every 10 feet about 3 hour limit they couldn't be troubled to post about that so they can fine visitors. When you call the city you are told that has been a law for 70 years that I should have known about even thought I have been living in a different state my entire life. Also was they actually have it posted at the entrances to town, but I couldn't be giving an example of where to find one.

Perhaps considered the most iconic mural in the current Downtown portfolio, Gaia's Still Here is a…read moreportrait of a contemporary Narragansett woman named Lynsea Montanari holding a portrait of her tribal elder, Wampanoag and Narangansett leader Princess Red Wing. The location of the 32 Custom House building (and the parking lot that was the former Daniels building) provides a sweeping view of the wall from the Weybosset bridge and river. According to the City Department of Art, Culture & Tourism, "Weybosset Street was a site where three important Indian trails met, one coming down from the north, the second up from the southeast Mount Hope region called the Wampanoag Trail, and the third up from Connecticut in the southwest called the Pequot Trail." Gaia's opening idea for the mural was to consider erasure, considering the landscape that existed before colonial settlement, asking the question of whose history gets recorded and whose doesn't. As he captures in his artist interview (viewable above), through partnership and permission seeking with the Tomaquag Museum, the work evolved into a narrative that captures a living person holding legacy and tradition, advocating for human rights and environmental justice, a people still here across time that continues today. As I volunteer at the Visitor Center, this is one of the public art pieces that most people ask about and it's part of the self guided public arts tour established by the Avenue Concept group.

This is a review of their newer Pawtucket studio. I'm so thankful to have Jala and a yoga community…read moreclose to home. Bristol is brilliant - she's the owner and also teaches several classes. I've also taken classes with other teachers - all strong in their own ways. The studio is warm and inviting, and classes are friendly for all levels as the teachers provide modifications throughout. I was intimidated to return to yoga, but I needn't be.

Excellent experience!! When I talked over the phone for the first time with Bristol (owner) I knew…read morethis was the right place that I needed to go for what I was seeking.

A great spot. $2 for general admission, $5 if you want to see the planetarium show too. Even with…read moreits small size you can't go wrong with those prices. As I said it is on the small side, in a hurry you could do the musuem in 15 minutes, and even taking your time it could be done in half an hour. There are plenty of displays, but not much in terms of factual information compared to other musuems. Check this place out, even if its not your thing for the price you can't go wrong.

Only 2 handicap parking spots and the entrance had steps where the door opens towards you are you…read moreare trying to come in. $2 admission is not bad and staff are friendly. So if you need an ADA parking spot, show up early and there's one in each of the parking lots adjacent to the building.

The Bajnotti Fountain was unveiled on June 26, 1901, the gift of Paul Bajnotti to the city of…read moreProvidence in memory of his wife, Caroline Mathilde Brown. It is officially known as The Carrie Brown Memorial Fountain. The bronze central group of figures was cast at Gorham and represents the Struggle of Life. The commission was a result of a competition in 1899 in which eighteen designs were submitted. The winner was Enid Yandell, a young woman who had studied with Rodin and the successful American sculptor Fredrick MacMonnies. Yandell worked on the design in Paris. A plaster-cast of this fountain was displayed at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. It is located in Burnside Park, just across from Kennedy Plaza. Most of the time, the powerful jets of water provide a dynamic view of the park, the city and downtown. At night, lights brighten up this work of art, for many to admire.

Enjoyed looking around this store. They have some unique art and glass pieces. They carry…read moreeverything your typical head shop carries plus all types of cool art/artwork. It fits right in on Thayer Street! With Brown University so close - I'm sure they sell a lot to college students. They were a bit on the pricier side (in terms of the art anyway). Although I'm not sure how much "Art" (such a vague term) goes for- so I could be incorrect. The owner/sales associate was extremely friendly and helpful! He was on a call when we first walked in and asked to call them back- which was surprisingly polite- most sales associates would have just taken the call & ignored the customers!!! So was really happy to check this place out and if you're in the market for a unique glass piece- give this spot a try!

After ordering online and sending multiple emails inquiring when my order would be shipped or…read moreupdated they still have not responded in any way shape or form. It has been over a week with still no update or progress. They clearly don't give a damn about online customers. For a delivery going in the same city the business is located it's a bit ridiculous. Update: they have now refunded my order without saying a word to me as to why, or what the issue was. Never wasting my time or money on this business again.

The house is beautiful and full of original furniture. Our guide Elizabeth was very professional,…read moreknowledgeable and friendly. She loves history and answered all our questions. Enjoyed the tour immensely! I would recommend this tour as a DONT MISS!

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of touring the historic Lippitt House in Providence--and it was…read moreabsolutely amazing! What made the experience truly unforgettable was our guide, Elizabeth Gilbert (not the author of Eat, Pray, Love, but THE Elizabeth Gilbert who brings history to life). Her tour was informative, engaging, and full of fascinating details that transported us straight into the elegance of Victorian times. If you're visiting magical Providence, don't miss this gem. It's a beautiful step back in time, guided by someone who clearly loves what she does.