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Visiting Providence for Rhode to NeoCon

Are you coming to Rhode Island for the Rhode to NeoCon? If you’re coming to Providence for this event, I hope you’ll take some extra time and spend the day in Providence. Consider it an inspiration day! Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips from a design-loving local.

Art

The RISD Museum
The RISD Museum is home to a wide range of art and design-focused exhibitions. If you’re a textile lover, be sure to stop into their Donghia Costume and Textiles Study Center for lots of textiles to pore over.

Public Art Tour via The Avenue Concept
If the weather is good, take a walk and experience some of the public art around the city. The Avenue Concept has maps of the installations they’ve helped create around the city. For a beautiful view of the city, be sure to add the new pedestrian bridge to your loop.

Food

Providence is known for being a delicious food town and there are tons of restaurants to choose from, depending on the neighborhood. Near WaterFire Arts Center, there are a few options just across the river at the new Farm Fresh RI building. Tallulah’s Taqueria is perfect for a few tacos or a more substantial torta. Grab a coffee or cocktail when you’re done at New Harvest. Another neighborhood near the event is the West End. This neighborhood is home to one of my favorite spots, Broadway Bistro, as well as super popular spots like Julian’s and Nick’s on Broadway. Seven Stars is the perfect spot for a coffee break.

Venturing into a different neighborhood? Let me know where you’ll be and I’ll send some tips your way.

Shop

If you’re looking to get some shopping in, there are a few shops perfect for the interiors lover.

On Hope Street:
Kreatelier, a fabric concept store and Stock Culinary Goods

Downcity:
Visit Westminster Street for fun shops like Homestyle, Craftland, and Queen of Hearts and Modern Love.

Will you see WaterFire?

Nope, sorry. The WaterFire Arts Center is located in an old factory on the Woonasquatucket River. It’s run by the same people who put on WaterFire throughout the year, but going to an event at the Arts Center does not mean you’ll see the famous installation that takes place downtown on the river. But, you should definitely plan to come back on a WaterFire night. You can find the full schedule here.

Did I miss anything? If you have any specific questions or need a recommendation for something in particular, please reach out by leaving a comment, or DM-ing us through Instagram.

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Author

Kristin Crane

Kristin Crane has designed jacquard designs for the home furnishing and residential jobber market for many years, with mills in the US and in China. Today, she writes about pattern and design trends for Design Pool from her home in Providence, Rhode Island. When not writing about fabric, she can be found weaving in her home studio or hiking along the Rhode Island coast.

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