To channel your inner “Basic” and get that awesome Instagram
As the semester starts to finally pick up and exams come into closer reality, the need to enjoy our time off on the weekends becomes more important. Rhode Island comes with a pretty lame reputation of being boring, but here are a few hidden gems to spice up your free time with your girlfriends or, if you’re lucky enough, date night with your significant other.
1. Pastiche Bakery, Federal Hill, Providence, RI
http://pastichefinedesserts.com/
This little bakery is only fifteen minutes away and is a magical oasis to escape and study quietly. It is also open until eleven on most nights, so it’s perfect for a cute date night. Also, a great option for our gluten and dairy free friends.
2. Umbrella Factory
Contrary to popular belief, they actually do not make umbrella’s here at this mysterious factory. The Umbrella Factory located in Charlestown Rhode Island is great for a Saturday afternoon get away. It is a cool collection of earthy indie stores with a wide range of products. You can also get a quick bite at the small axe café
3. Powder Mill Creamery
Powder Mill creamery is only ten minutes away from campus and a great study distraction. They hand-make there ice cream with great seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice. They prefer to be paid in cash so do not forget to stop at the ATM before you go.
4. Watch Hill Abandoned WWII Forts
Watch Hill has some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast but are ruined during the summer by swarms of thousands of tourist each day. In the quiet for the fall, this is the perfect place for you and suitemates to walk down Napatree Point and go exploring in the abandoned WWII forts. The graffiti makes for the perfect back drop to that awesome,
5. Allies doughnuts
Allie’s doughnuts is the perfect breakfast after a long night out with your friends. It is a locally owned and all doughnuts are handmade. It is extremely economical, and keep this in mind for your favorite suitemate’s birthday because the best thing to get here is an extremely adorable doughnut cake!
6. Woodees
Woodes Boutique is a locally owned and operated boutique in Westerly, Rhode Island. It is run by 21 year old Anna Lennahan. The fashion is chic and you can always find that unique piece perfect to help you stand out from all the other girls wearing the same dresses from Forever 21. Their inventory varies from both night and day pieces. Totally worth the day trip if you are into high quality and fashionable clothing. Make sure to follow them on Instagram to become a Woodee’s girl!
7. Wickenden Street
Wickenden Street is a quiet hidden area of Providence, Rhode Island filled with all locally owned and operated business. The dynamic varies from antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and many cafes to escape and study by yourself for the afternoon. One of our favorites on the strip is the Duck and Bunny Snuggery- the perfect place for brunch or just to pick up a quick cupcake on the go. Round Again Records is heaven for all the basic girls who own record players. Our favorite find: the sound track to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The last stop we suggest is Mister Sister, an rrotica store that always guarantees a good laugh with friends.