'''College Hill''' is a district in Providence, Rhode Island. It is bounded by North Main Street to the west, Governor Street and Arlington Avenue to the East, North Main Street to the west, and Olney Street to the north. The main center for shopping, food, and drink can be found on Thayer Street, located just off of the Brown campus. Another area to visit in the College Hill is Wickenden Street. The street is located in the Providence College District and is parallel to Thayer Street, the infamous college hot spot. This area is nice break from the hustle of Providence itself and it is also a more relaxing and residential area than Thayer Street. Wickenden Street in general can be described as eclectic, featuring twists on original and classic foods and coffee. Although there are a few original and small shops located on the street, Wickenden is mostly renowned for a few relaxing hot spots. The artwork gracing the telephone poles is the first sign that Wickenden Street is big on personality. This stretch of Providence is a funky mix of galleries, antique shops, junk shops, restaurants and cafes. Also a formerly working-class Portuguese neighborhood that's seen a steady gentrification, Wickenden Street has antiques stores, galleries, and trendy cafes. Professors, artists, and students are among the newer residents here. Many of the houses along Wickenden, Transit, Gano, and nearby streets are still painted the pastel colors of Portuguese homes. Wickenden Street is right off Route 195, leading you into Providence's East Side.
The district gets its name from two college campuses found within its borders: Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. It is an eclectic district swarming with college students, hipsters and wanna-be breakout musicians, but is also filled with a plethora of unique things to do and see.
Get in
'''By Bus:'''
From Kennedy Plaza in Downcity Providence:
Aside from providing in the entertainment in the form of people interaction, you can catch a multitude of buses from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority_fs (RIPTA) bus station, Kennedy Plaza. The 51, 52, 53, 54, 58, 72 and 99 lines will place you within walking distance of the district. The 35, 40, 42, 49, 78 and 92 will take you right to the heart and soul of College Hill, Thayer Street.
'''By Train:'''
The Amtrak Station in Providence is within walking distance of College Hill. Walk north on Gaspee Street until you reach Smith Street and take a left. Walk until you reach North Main Street, which is the western border of College Hill.
'''By Car:'''
From South: Take the exit onto I-95 N toward Providence entering Rhode Island. Slight right at I-195 E/US-6 E (signs for I-195/E Providence/US-6 E). Take exit 3 toward Gano St. Turn left at Wickenden St. Turn right at Hope St. and follow until you pass Power Street.
From Thayer Street to get to Wickenden: If you_fre coming from Thayer street, take a left on Watermen street towards Brook street, then take a right on Hope street, then a right onto Wickenden, the street will be on your left.
From North: Take the exit onto I-95 S entering Rhode Island. Take exit 24 for Branch Ave. Slight left at Branch Ave. Turn right at N Main St/US-1 and continue to follow N Main St. Turn left at Olney St.
From West: Take the ramp to US-6 E. Take exit 5 to merge onto US-6 E toward Providence. Exit onto Memorial Blvd. Slight right at Dyer St/US-44. Turn left at Washington St. Turn left at N Main St/US-44. Slight right at N Main St. Turn right at Olney St.
From East: Head west on US-44. Turn left at Pawtucket Ave/RI-114/US-1. Turn right at US-6/Warren Ave. Turn left at Lyon Ave. Turn left at Mauran Ave. Turn right at Arlington St.
The city of Providence and the surrounding roads are often under construction. Also, during the afternoon there can be a lot of traffic at the exit for I-195; if either of these things seem to be the case for you, consider taking exit 22A off of 95. Take a right at the light at the end of the exit ramp and follow the signs to College Hill.
'''Parking'''
There is parking at a reasonable rate at the Providence Place Mall, which is found right off of exit 22C off of 95. The mall is within easy walking distance of College Hill if you feel like leaving your car in a more secure location.
Other than that, there is plenty of on-street and on-location parking throughout the College Hill area. Beware, though, if you're coming in for an evening on the town, you might not be able to find parking directly on Thayer Street, but there are plenty of neighboring streets that should serve your purpose.
DO NOT try to park in the area during Brown's move-in or move-out weekend (these weekends change each year, but are in early September and late May). There will be nowhere for you to park, and if you do find a spot, your car could end up as a temporary loading bay for college knickknacks.
If you are parking on Wickenden, park along the street however if you continue along and take a right at the Z Bar, your first major intersection, then you will see a large parking lot in front of you that is usually for free during the afternoon and at night. The only time that they charge is if there is a special event featured on the street. Bring your walking shoes.
See
Cathedral of Saint John. 71 North Main Street. 1 401 331-4622. ttp://www.visitrhodeisland.com/what-to-see/museums/252/cathedral-of-saint-john-episcopal/. One of the four original colonial parishes in Rhode Island, established in 1722. Church constructed in 1810.
First Baptist Church in America. 5 North Main Street. 1 401 454-3418. ttp://www.fbcia.org/. This historic landmark is currently being renovated, but it is also one of the oldest churches in the country. It has been on College Hill since 1638.
John Brown House. 2 Power Street. 1 401 331-8575. ttp://providence.citysearch.com/profile/11323391/providence_ri/john_brown_house.html. uesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Historic house of John Brown, a member of the Orient trade.
Prospect Terrace Park. ongdon Street (next to 48 Congdon Street). This park is the burial site of Roger Williams and contains a monument of him. It offers one of the most spectacular views of the city of Providence.
Providence Art Club. 1 Thomas Street . 1 401 331-1114. ttp://www.providenceartclub.org/. eekdays 12 to 5, weekends 2 to 4. If you appreciate art, this is probably a place you should stop by. It was founded in 1880 to increase the appreciation of art in the local community. It is home to studios, galleries, and a clubhouse, and is a popular hangout for local artists. Maxwell Mays Gallery and Dodge House Gallery are free to the public.
The Providence Athenaeum. 51 Benefit Street. 1 401 421-6970. ttp://www.providenceathenaeum.org/. ept. through may: M-Th 9AM-7PM, Fr to Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. This library was founded in 1753 and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It is a member-supported library, and is free to the public regardless of whether or not you're a member. This is more than just a library: it holds many historical and cultural artifacts from the surrounding area, and is a great way to discover some of the city's history.
Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art. he RISD Museum. 24 Benefit Street. 1 401 545-6500. ttp://www.risdmuseum.org/. to Su 10AM-5PM; open 'til 9pm the third thursday of every month. dults are $10 (there are student discounts) children 5-18 are $2, children under 5 are free. If you like art, this museum has a variety of different styles. While it does showcase some local talent, exhibits showcasing international artists are often a big part of the museum experience. The works of modern artist Dale Chihuly can be seen until January 2009. Tours are available and the museum has special activities that are meant to entertain families.
Shakespeare_fs Head. 1 Meeting Street. 1 401 831-7440. This building was built in 1722 by John Carter and is one of the most aged structures in Providence. It was implemented for printing the Providence Gazette. Contains a popular garden relative to the area.
First Unitarian Church. Benevolent Street Providence 02906. 1 401 421-7970 . ttp://www.firstunitarianprov.org/. ervice begins at the Meeting House on Sundays at 10:30AM from the Sunday after Labor Day through mid-June and at 10AM during the Summer. . This is a historic church, it was built in 1816.
Congdon Street Baptist Church. 7 Congdon Street. 1 401 421-4032 (info@csbchurch.org, fax: 401-861-8990). ttp://csbchurch.org/. egins at 11AM on Sundays. This is a historic church built in 1874.
Do
There is something to be said for the simple act of cruising the sidewalks of Thayer street. There's always bound to be street musicians and vendors, as well as the broad variety of individuals ranging in population from artists to intellectuals; extreme to traditional, who make for some exciting people watching to say the least.
Beyond that, there are a few theaters to check out, but mostly, the area is dedicated to eating, shopping, and going out for some drinks.
Avon Cinema. 60 Thayer St.. 1 401 421-0020. ttp://www.avoncinema.com/. This 2-show theater gives a little to the artsy crowd with their Indy films and saves the other theater for their more every-day movie goers with whatever more mainstream film they are showing at the time. Admission is $9.25, although their matinees are $7.
Cable Car Cinema and Cafe. 04 South Main St.. 1 401 272-3970. ttp://www.cablecarcinema.com/. This quirky and quaint little theater takes you on a cinematic adventure that is original to say the least. They show Indy films and have really comfortable seating since all of the chairs previously there have been replaced with couches. Shows are $9, though they knock off a couple if you show a student ID. There is also a concession to buy food at inside.
Picture This Gallery. 58 Wickenden Street. This gallery sells original artwork and prints from artists like photographer Richard Benjamin.
Tip: If you continue up Wickenden Street, where Hope Street is on your left, you will notice there are often many street vendors selling interesting and affordable art pieces and jewelry.
Buy
'''Berk_fs Shoes & Clothing''', 272 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 831-0174?. Definitely works for the ladies with their selection of flats, heels, boots and everything in between. They have a small section for the gentleman; guys, if your girlfriend is walking in here, get your official pocketbook holder jersey on. You_fll need it.
'''Shades Plus ''',281 Thayer St # 4, ''+1 401'' 861-9309?. Definitely sticks out in spite of its beneath-the-surface placement on Thayer St. If you need tools for your latest master prank, goofy costume add-ons for Halloween and, of course, shades, check this one out.
'''Only In R.I.''', 297 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 276-0600. This is a store that (you guessed it) provides trinkets, souveneirs and the like that are unique to the smallest state in all the land.
'''Brown University Bookstore''', 244 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 863-3168?. If you ever happen to be cavorting around Brown University and you think to yourself, _gHey, I really wish there was place around here I could grab a book and a drink, throw on my Brown sweater and contemplate the world and it_fs ills,_h stop in at the University Bookstore. There_fs sure to be plenty of rich students doing the same.
'''BeadWorks''', 290 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 861-4540?. This is a great place for you if you_fre missing that one piece from your ensemble. With a great selection of beads and books on jewelry bead making, as well as classes on beading, you can definitely rack up a collection for everything in your closet.
'''Marc Allen Clothiers''', 200 S Main St, ''+1 401'' 453-0025?. This is for the men who want to walk into an office and have people say, _gI thought he was just the intern, but he must have gotten a promotion._h Yeah, those guys.
'''Mod Mama''', 16 South Angell Street, ''+1 401'' 273-7800. If those Wal-Mart strollers don_ft suit your way of life, walk that bundle of joy in here and get them situated in a fly carriage that all the kids in the playground are sure to be jealous of.
'''Bedlam''', 183 Angell St, ''+1 401'' 351-4731?. Your one stop shop for goth, fetish, punk, industrial and renaissance clothing_cif you_fre into that sort of thing.
'''Some other economy boosters worth mentioning:'''
'''Parla Di Amore''' (297 Thayer Street, Floor 2, ''+1 401'' 331-1029?)
'''College Hill Bookstore''' (144 Waterman St, ''+1 401'' 751-7446?) if the Brown bookstore just isn't for you.
'''Red Carpet Smoke Shop''' (108 1/2 Waterman St, ''+1 401'' 421-4499?)
'''Tibet Gift Shop''' (112 Waterman St, ''+1 401'' 331-2005?)
'''Urban Outfitters''' (285 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 351-4080?) This is technically a chain, but if you're looking for some more popular (or, as it may be, generic) threads or quirky gifts, check this place out.
'''Army & Navy Thayer Street''' (279 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 272-8217?) A great place to find cheap t-shirts, bags, coats, you name it. Some rare finds are to be had as well.
'''City Sports''' (271 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 521-6555?)
'''La Femme Boutique''' (112 Waterman St # 1, ''+1 401'' 270-7016?)
Eat
With the great diversity of college students roaming the area, College Hill is bound to be filled with some great restaurants, the best of which can be found on the infamous '''Thayer Street'''.
La Creperie. 2 Fons Aly. 401) 751-5536. ttp://www.providencenightlife.net/restaurants/creperie/. Awesome little hole in the wall, where you can get tasty dinner and dessert crepes as well as smoothies for fairly cheap. Also, their late night hours are a big plus.
Geoff's on Thayer. 35 Thayer St. #1. 401) 751-9214. ttp://www.providencenightlife.net/restaurants/geoffs/. AM-9PM daily. A family owned sandwich shop where you will find the food a tad on the expensive side, but worth it for the quality of their products and the non-commercial atmosphere.
Kabob-N-Curry. 61 Thayer St. 401) 273-8844. ttp://www.kabobandcurry.com/. etween 11AM and 11PM weekly (check website for exact daily hours). Many would say that this is by far the best Indian food in the state and their prices are very fair for the quality of the cuisine.
Antonio's Pizza. 58 Thayer St.. 401) 455-3600. ttp://www.providencenightlife.net/restaurants/antonios/. un-Tues: 11AM-12AM, Wed-Sat: 11AM-2AM. Antonio's is easily the best pizza around; they serve funky pizza creations as well as the original classics for cheap.
East Side Pocket. 78 Thayer St.. 401) 453-1100. ttp://www.eastsidepocket.com/. 0 AM - 1AM and 2AM depending, except for Sun (10PM). A Middle Eastern and Vegetarian food joint where you can order up some gyro, falafel, and kabobs, or keep it real with some fries and wings if you want. Nothing on the menu is over $8.
Kartabar. 84 Thayer St.. 401) 331-8111. ttp://www.kartabar.com/html/k.htm. 1AM-1AM and 2AM on Fri and Sat. A fancier upscale restaurant and lounge for the more sophisticated crowd. Mostly Mediterranean food is offered, which includes some special late-night deals, however on the whole the food is a little on the expensive side.
Shanghai. 72 Thayer St. . 401) 331-0007. Decent Chinese food with a half take-out and half sit down set-up.
Sushi Express. 83 Thayer St. . 401) 831-1919. Fresh sushi to go and bubble tea too!
Au Bon Pain. 23 Thayer St. #1. 401) 751-0472. ttp://www.aubonpain.com/. The typical french-chain cafe is like a bakery and a sandwich shop in one. The food is good and the prices are decent.
Johnny Rockets. 69 Thayer St.. 401) 270-1063. ttp://www.johnnyrockets.com/index2.php. The mock on the classic 50s style dinner where you can go for burger, fries, and shake while pretending to be out of a scene of Grease. Who can resist that?
Cold Stone Creamery. 16 Thayer St.. 401) 273-2637. ttp://www.coldstonecreamery.com/. A really fun way to get dessert- if you've never been to a cold stone before, it's definitely a place to check out. You pick your ice cream flavor and what you want in it and they fold it all up together right in front of you on the cold stone counter. Although, try getting a small the first time you go because a little big goes a long way with this sweet creation.
Z Bar. If you are looking for a more sophisticated evening check out Z Bar, on the corner of the first major intersection. The menu features a mix of small appetizers perfect for a happy hour drinks, to dinners of roasted chicken, filet and spicy pastas. The meals range from anywhere to eight dollars to around thirty five dollars. This is also a great place for drinks. You can sit inside at the bar which features cool dimmed lighting and indie music or outside on the lighted patio.
Pizza Pie-er. 74 Wickenden Street. ttp://www.pizzapieer.com/order/ . After a night out or when you_fre in need of something quick check out Pizza Pie-er. The name is self explanatory, but it doesn_ft say how amazing their pizza is, ranging by whole pizza or by the slice. You can even create your own pizza with their eclectic and delicious toppings, ranging from conventional cheese or pepperoni to meat, turkey, baked potato, bacon, vegetables, peppers, ham, pineapple and even a wide variety of cheeses. There are ten different sauces to choose from and five types of crust. The possibilities are not only delicious, but virtually endless. You can even order online!
The Blue Elephant. 12 Wickenden Street. 01-383-8149. Known for its incredible breakfast, The Blue Elephant serves up anything from the basic eggs, toast, homefries and coffee, to different fried egg sandwiches like the caprese (tomato, basil and mozzarella) or a spicy omelet like El Greco (tomato, spinach, olive tapenade and feta). The prices are reasonable, all of them being around six to eight dollars. Also items on the breakfast menu are served all day long!
Drink
Tealuxe. 31 Thayer Street. 1 401 453-4832. ttp://www.tealuxe.com. 0AM-10PM. A tea bar and cafe boasting over 100 types of loose-leaf tea, bagged as you order: they have a big enough selection that there's something for everyone, even those who traditionally don't like tea. Plenty of cosy seating including stools at the window where you can sip your iced or hot tea and watch people walk by.
Blue State Coffee. 00 Thayer Street. 1 401 383-8393. ttp://www.bluestatecoffee.com/stores/bsc-thayer-street. AM to 11PM weekdays and 8AM to 11PM weekends. A politically driven cafe that supports (and sells) fair trade coffee with quirky names, hosts open mic nights, and also donates 10% of their charities and causes that support the Democratic ideal, and even lets customers vote on where the money should go. Definitely not the place to go to voice your support for Republicans.
Providence Byblos. 235 Meeting Street. 1 401 453-9727. ttp://providencebyblos.com/lounge.htm. -Th 7PM-1AM, F-Sa 7PM-2AM. Located above a great middle eastern restaurant, at night Providence Byblos opens its lounge and hookah bar to the public. With over 20 different flavors of hookah available, comfortable seating, as well as traditional Lebanese snacks, it's a great place to spend some time if you don't mind the fact that it can be a little loud (due to the Lebanese music and general chatter) and crowded.
Starbucks. 18 Thayer St. 1 401 421-1677. Want to embrace your inner hipster and enjoy a nice cup o' joe but find some of the other selections in the area a bit too hip for your tastes? Not to worry, there's a Starbucks to be found as well. Pour your mochacchino into a Tealuxe cup and no one will doubt your street cred.
Spats Restaurant and Pub. 82 Angell Street. 1 401 437-8300. While not the best place to grab a meal, Spats is definitely a place to check out if you're looking to have a couple of drinks, watch a game on one of the big-screen TVs, or just to party with the locals: you_fll find a mix of college students, twenty-somethings, and full-fledged adults here. It's a clean and friendly place, and a great place to hang out into the wee hours of the morning! The fun really starts in the late night.
Liquid Lounge. 65 Angell St . 1 401 454-3434. Definitely a college hang out. Located in the basement of a building on Angell street, it's a dark, gritty, and overall fun place to party all night long. Drinks are really cheap, the music is the best (and sometimes obscure; they take requests) hits of the last two decades (and people almost always sing along). You can play pool for a buck, get six beers for $10, and have a rowdy good time.
Fish Company. 15 South Water Street. Fish Company Providence on Water Street, a side street of Wickenden. The best nights for a good time at Fish Company are Thursdays and Saturdays. One dollar Coronas on Thursdays as well as Saturdays and live music and/or dj on these nights as well. Fish Co. overlooks the Providence bay and has outside seating as well as a bar. Inside there are three bars, pool table, dark lighting, dance floor and stage, as well as comfortable couches and seating throughout. Park on the street in front of the Hot Club. Do not park underneath the bridge!
The Coffee Exchange. 07 Wickenden Street. 1 401 273-1198. Twenty five years and still serving art in a ceramic mug! All coffee purchases support environmental sustainability and all decafs are water pressed, no chemicals. It is the founder of Coffee Kids, international non profit organization to help coffee-farming families in Mexico, Central America and South Africa to improve the quality of their lives. Their coffees range from African, Latin American, and interesting blends such as Sante Fe, Cochabamba, and Mel_fs Private Stock. The Coffee Exchange is also a great place to relax and break up your day as you can sit outdoors on the patio overlooking the street or sit inside in the warm, cozy artistic setting adorned with graffiti and art on the walls.
Sleep
While there are no major hotels to be found in College Hill, there are many places to sleep that are within easy walking or busing distance from the district.
Courtyard By Marriott Providence Downtown. 3 Exchange Terrace. -888-887-7955. ttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvddt-courtyard-providence-downtown/. 159-$239. Diverse meeting space with all natural light. Decent location in Providence for restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and historical sites.
The Hotel Providence. 11 Westminster Street. -800-861-8990. ttp://www.hotelprovidence.com/. 205-$359. Within easy walking distance to both College Hill and the Downcity arts district; this hotel has kept a turn-of-the-century New England feel and is currently on the National Register of Historic Places. If you're looking for a place to stay that embodies the historic feel of Providence, this is your place.
Renaissance Providence Hotel. Avenue of the Arts . -800-468-3571. ttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdbr-renaissance-providence-hotel/. 179-$309. Claims to be a hotel that celebrates the arts and inspires people to reveal the artist within. Has a sense of refined elegance and includes a great restaurant: Temple Downtown. Definitely a great place to stay, and it isn't too full of itself, considering the location and theme.
Contact
'''Brown Unversity Library''' There are nine libraries spread throughout the Brown campus: for individual hours and locations call ''+1 401'' 863-BOOK. While the wireless internet is only free for Brown students, many of the libraries have computers hooked up to the internet that anyone can use.
'''Au Bon Pain''', 223 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 751-0472. Free wireless in the building, though they request you don't take up a table just for using the internet during lunch hours (a neat trick is to keep refilling your coffee or beverage, as long as you're eating or drinking ''something'' they don't care). Plenty of snacks and healthy fare to munch on while you're surfing the net.
'''Starbucks Coffee''', 218 Thayer St, ''+1 401'' 421-1677. Wireless internet is free if you're a T-mobile customer. If not, there are a couple of options: if you are a 'Bucks junkie and have the Starbucks card and use it at least once a month, wireless is free. If you don't, they offer paid internet at a rate of $3.99 an hour.
'''Tealuxe''' 231 Thayer Street, ''+1 401'' 453-4832. The wireless is free, but if you go during finals expect the bandwidth to be sucked up by Brown, RISD, PC, and JWU students cramming with a bubble tea.