Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been yearning for a day trip outside of Boston. However, I didn’t have a car or the means to book an expensive Amtrak train to a nearby destination. Fortunately, that’s when I discovered the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Commuter Rail: a cheap and easy option to take a break from my college town.
Alongside three of my friends, we decided to travel to Providence, RI: an elusive coastal city that none of us had been to before or really knew anything about. Now that I’ve experienced it, I can definitely say it is a hidden gem to add to your travel bucket list!
We began our journey at 7 a.m., departing from Fenway Campus and traveling to Back Bay Station. Our tickets, the Commuter Rail weekend passes, were only $10 for a round-trip, and the train ride was about an hour. All of this was very unimposing on our already busy weekly schedules and took little time to plan, so I highly recommend taking advantage of the Commuter Rail! Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Boston, Providence is the perfect weekend getaway for budget-conscious and busy travelers. Â
Below are a few activities and sights that will elevate your trip to Providence!
- A must for art-lovers: The RISD Museum
-
Just along the Providence River lies the Rhode Island School of Design’s Museum: a collection of ancient artifacts and modern masterpieces. College students with a valid ID only pay $12, and those 18 and under get in for free! I totally recommend this spot if you’re an art enthusiast, because they have some seriously cool pieces I haven’t seen anywhere else.Â
- A spectacular opening sight: The Rhode Island Statehouse
-
Immediately upon exiting the train station, we were met with the awe-inspiring sight of the Rhode Island Statehouse, an architectural wonder set against a perfectly clear blue sky. Unfortunately, the Statehouse was closed to visitors on the weekends, but during the weekdays, they are open to the public for self-guided tours.Â
- Want a bite to eat?: Brickway On Wickenden
-
As the hours passed by, we grew hungrier and hungrier, so we ventured down Wickenden Street to find a bite to eat. The street was packed with students and young people, but we eventually settled on Brickway On Wickenden. The breakfast and brunch restaurant was totally worth the walk because of the absolutely delicious food. I highly recommend the banana pancakes, but any pancake will do.
- Got money to spend? Shop on Wickenden Street
-
Speaking of Wickenden Street, there were plenty of places to shop as well! Lined with boutiques, antique shops, and vintage stores, Wickenden Street is perfect for the non-mainstream shopper.
- Bored?: Act like a Brown University Student
-
Lastly, what could be better than playing a bit of pretend? As we stumbled across Brown’s lush campus, my friends and I thought it would be entertaining to act like Brown students for a bit as we traversed the historical property.
Thanks for exploring with me!
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!