The middle of September always seems to drag during school. You are far enough into school that the work is hard and the classes are tedious, but also not far enough in that any breaks are in sight. If you are new to Providence it can be hard to know where to go when you want to get off campus. Here are some things to do around Providence, that aren’t too expensive and will help you procrastinate your work while doing something fun off campus:
- Brown Football game
One of the best parts about fall is getting bundled up and going to a football game. Sadly PC doesn’t have a football team, but Brown does! Brown stadium is right in Providence and the tickets start at $10. Plus maybe you can get a brown football player to be your boyfriend.
Photo: http: www.brownbears.com/sports/m-footbl/2017-18/schedule
2. RISD museum
During my first semester I was in an art history class and was assigned a group project in which I had to go to the RISD museum with my group on a Saturday. I dreaded the trip thinking that the museum would take all day and be insanely boring. I was pleasantly surprised to find a genuinely awesome museum with many different types of art and different wings (including one in an old house.) The museum is a great Sunday activity to do alone or with some friends and the best part is with your PC ID you get in for free!
3. Prospect Park
I am a HUGE park person, so I may be a little biased but I think this park is so cool. It is in the Thayer area so it’s up on a hill and it overlooks the city of Providence. It’s not very big but the views are spectacular and make for really cool pictures. Bonus: Providence ghost tours leave out of the park every night, follow this link for more information: https://www.providenceghosttour.com
4. Water Fire
Water Fire is a really fun way to spend a Saturday night with friends. It is pretty self explanatory by the name but for those who don’t know: huge goblets of fire are lit in the middle of the water. There is music, and street performances all at night in the center of Providence. It is a really unique experience that is a must if you live in Providence. The next Water Fire is Saturday, September 23rd.
Photo: https://waterfire.org/schedule/2017-waterfire-providence-event-schedule/
5. State House
This might sound nerdy but history is actually really fun guys! If you want to learn a little bit more about the state you will live in for the next 4 years, the state house gives free guided tours. The building is stunning and although Rhode Island is a small state it has a huge political history to learn about.
Photo: https://www.storyjumper.com/book/index/23746808/Our-Rhode-Island-State-House#page/5
6. Avon Cinema
Avon Cinema is a historic movie theatre on Thayer Street. It opened in 1938 and the style has not been changed since. They usually show foreign and indie films, so be ready for a change of pace from the regular movies you usually go to see.
7. Taco MANIA
This is just as good as it sounds! During October, for $20 you get a passport with coupons for 2 tacos that are good at 15 restaurants in RI. This event takes place in Providence and all around RI so if you feel like adventuring past Providence this event is perfect for exploring and EATING TACOS! Think about how many Ray meals you are avoiding!
Photo: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taco-mania-2017-besttacosri-tickets-29037545079?aff=es2
If none of these sound fun to you then go on some adventures with your friends or by yourself (It can be just as fun to discover stuff on your own). Part of College is exploring a new place, so try to make the most out of your college experience by getting to know Providence. If you go out and find places in Providence that feel like yours, Providence will start to feel more like your home. The RIPTA can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go around Rhode Island so hop on a bus, for free, and take a trip somewhere or catch an UBER (for those of you who are not balling on a budget.) Adventure is out there!
Header photo: https://storycorps.org/stops/mobile-stop-providence-ri/