Don’t let our little state or the cold temperatures fool you, there’s lots to do in the winter here in Rhode Island.
Here are some of our favorites for the Providence area…
Photo by Igor Stepanov on Unsplash
Whether you like to go downhill on two skis, a board, or in a tube, Yawgoo Valley is the place for you! Located just 30 minutes from Providence, they are Rhode Island’s only ski area and snow tubing park. With the help of man-made snow, this place is open from December through March- weather permitting. They offer 13 trails, 4 lifts- 2 double chairs and 2 surfaces, and 2 snow tubing tows. Didn’t bring any equipment with you? They have rentals for $25 a day. They also have lessons and special events.
Looking for farm-fresh food in a neat setting? Head on over to the Winter Farmers Market at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket- just 10 minutes from Providence. This indoor farmers market is the largest in New England. They’re open Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm from November 2 through April 25 and offer over 80 vendors. Here you will find locally grown products, meats, eggs, baked goods, lotions, candles, just to name a few. While you’re here, you can also enjoy some of the local flavors at one of the many food trucks on site.
The RISD Museum is the perfect spot to warm up especially if you visit their Café Pearl for hot cocoa. Their art collection contains more than 100,000 pieces dating from ancient times to the current day, of which 3,100 of them are on display. They include costumes, decorative art, furniture, paintings, sculpture, and textile from all over the world. The museum is open Tuesdays – Sundays 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free on Sundays until 5 pm and the 3rd Thursday evening remains open until 9 pm.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is running its annual Winter Wonder Days. Enjoy 1/2 off daily admission now through February 29. The zoo is located on 40 acres of woodlands. While there, you will find it hard to believe it’s located in Providence. It’s home to more than 160 species of animals. You can even feed the giraffes! If you need to warm up during your visit, step inside their newly opened Faces of the Rainforest exhibit. Here you will meet river otters, howler monkeys, flamingoes, and much more. Roger Williams Park Zoo is the 3rd oldest zoo in the country, having opened in 1872. Check out the rest of Roger Williams Park- the Providence Police Mounted Command facility is housed here.
If you want to spin out of control, skate on over to the Bank Newport City Center {Formerly known as the Alex & Ani Center} in downtown Providence. Here not only will you find ice skating, but the first outdoor rink to host ice bumper cars! These super cool ice bumper cars can move forward, backward, and sideways with a full 360 turn radius. Just bump anyone that gets in your way! The skating center is open daily from November through mid-March. Not a great skater? They offer skate aids for kids and adults! Yes, please!!
There are only 4 days left to enjoy the January Providence Restaurant Weeks. With nearly 100 participating restaurants including 5 newcomers, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy three-course lunches for $16.95 and three-course dinners for $29.95, $34.95, or $49.95, as well as two-for-one specials. Come “take a bite out of winter”!
Did we miss any of your favorites? Tell us in the comments.
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