If you are coming to Rho- Di-land, any time soon, you are in for a treat. Most locals only go to Providence if they really have to, because the twenty -minute drive, from the beach communities is too far to go, for most people. If you find yourself in Providence, you will want to check out Federal Hill for your Italian cuisine. Slightly to the right of town, you will find Brown University and the Famous Rhode Island School of Design. Roger Williams Zoo is a must -see, if you brought the kids. You can park your car in a commuter lot in Providence and take a bus from downtown, for under two dollars, all the way to New Port and back. The ride takes about an hour, but you will get a great view of the plantations along the way.

The hotel accommodations in Providence are pricey. You can stay in Warwick, near T F Green Airport a lot cheaper, and take the bus into Providence. Rhode Islanders have their own special foods, and if you want to eat like a local you must go to Iggy's, in Oakland Beach ,for your chowda and clamcakes. Iggy's is a take-out shack located on the beach that serves chowda in a paper cup and fried clam fritters that will drive you crazy. You can also get fried doughboys, ( fried dough), if you don't like clams.

Forget about hamburgers when in Rhode Island. You will find your Weiners with toppings that Rhode Islanders love, at the New York System Diner. They must be washed down with coffee milk or Del's Lemonade. For dessert, New Port Creamery has the best ice cream. For Pizza, East Side Marios is great if you want New York Style, but there are some awe - some Portuguese pizzerias. The best food can be found in the small local restaurants. If you simply have to have steak, try Buckaboo Creek Restaurant, for a Canadian Lodge Style feast, complete with talking trees and moose that will delight the kids.

Whether you come to Providence for a business trip or a vacation, the best tourist sites are free. That is the beautiful shoreline that can be seen from just about anywhere. Each beach has it's own distinct personality, and you can spend the day just looking at light-houses or sail boats. Rhode Islanders love to talk about base- ball and dogs. Especially the Red Sox and Patriots. Rhode Islanders are friendly folk and will be happy to give you directions, However, they may use land- marks that no longer exist such as the coat factory or the big red barn. At any rate, you will be leaving Rhode Island with a full tummy and feeling more refreshed than you have in years.

Learn more about this author, Diana Claude.
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