Providence, Rhode Island: Traveling on the Inside Track

Frank Sinatra wafts across one of Providence, RI’s many brick-lined piazzas as the intoxicating, nutty scent of fresh baked bread from Venda Ravioli fills my nostrils. The spray from the large pine cone-crested iron fountain dances in the sunlight, I look up to wave to Joe DiGulio, long time owner of the Acorn Market on his way to work. The haze is just now burning off of the morning, and, before it’s through, he’ll have created 100LBS of his family’s trademark – homemade Italian sausage. Here on Federal Hill I saunter over to Atwells Avenue, and into Scialo Brother’s Bakery for the best biscotti in town (get it with almonds). 

Browsing one of Providence’s many book shops ebbs away the rest of the morning. The Cellar Stories at 111 Mathewson Street, just a few blocks away, keeps me busy with its selection of rare and used finds. Heading back to the plaza – to Spruce Street – and to Casserta’s for lunch, I meet a few friends. There we opt for the ½-pizza. Served on a rectangular school lunch tray, it features a medium-thick crust, serves four hungry folks, and with cheese the intoxicating treat costs just $14. Making myself comfortable with a Yacht Club soda (a local vintage), and picking up a copy of the daily newspaper – The Providence Journal – we compare weekend music and theater offerings.

I decide to peruse the likes of Almonte’s, an “Old World” clothing and accessories store, and several other curio and specialty shops along the strip to work off my afternoon meal.

I soon find myself in need of respite. There are a multitude of lovely, noncommercially owned, coffee and pastry shops from which to choose here on The Hill. Jesse’s on Atwells Avenue is my favorite. I opt for their mocachino latte. Placed a nice period on the afternoon.