Garden City Shopping
Center in Cranston.
jewelry from Providence Diamond; trendy women’s fashion pieces from
Francesca’s; upscale home decor from Pottery Barn and / or Crate and
Barrel; cheeky clothing and accessories from FatFace; a box of goodies
from Sweenor’s Chocolates; and chic styles from Chico’s.
painted ceramics and Olympic Records for your favorite artists on vinyl.
Feeling famished? Visit Brickway on Wickenden for a falafel wrap, the
Wickenden Pub for a pint, the East End for a pina colada, the Coffee
Exchange for an espresso or the Shop for something sweet. An added
perk: Campus Fine Wines (Brick Street), PVDonuts (Ives Street),
Benefit Juice Bar (Benefit Street) and Whiskey Republic and Hot Club
(Bridge Street) are all within short walking distances of Wickenden.
WESTMINSTER STREET
Right in the heart of downtown Providence, Westminster is a charismatic,
brick-lined metropolitan street bedecked in trees and string lights. It
borders local city-dweller favorites like Small Point Cafe, Kleos,
Providence Coal-Fired Pizza, the Malted Barley, Craftland, Queen of
Hearts, Craftland, the “Superman building” and more. A historic district
in and of itself, Westminster Street also lays claim to the Arcade — the
nation’s oldest indoor shopping mall. Just past the structure’s granite
steps and beautiful Greek Revival columns, you’ll find the center atrium
which is lined with a number of bustling eateries like New Harvest Coffee
and Spirits and Rogue Island Local Kitchen and Bar, as well as shops
like Carmen and Ginger and Franklin Rogers.
Garden City
DINING
TRY: A hummus veggie wrap and an acai berry boost smoothie at
Tropical Smoothie Cafe; a couple of slices of square Margherita pizza
at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza; some antipasto and shrimp scampi at
Avvio; the signature crab cake combo at Legal Sea Bar; a twenty-two-
inch burger with smoked cheddar and applewood bacon at Bistro 22;
some Bayou chicken pasta at Tavern in the Square; or an Awful Awful
at Newport Creamery.
Westerly
Though Westerly is known for its abundance of shoreline, the “beaches
are just the beginning.” Rhode Island’s southernmost town is also home
to a thriving downtown scene brimming with local shops and trendy bars
and restaurants. (Not to mention, a pop star with a certain ‘reputation’
was so enchanted by the area that she now calls it home.)
SHOPPING
GET: A good book and a cup o’ Joe from Savoy Bookshop and Cafe; a
beachy bracelet from the Compass Rose; some wall art from the
Eagle’s Nest Gallery; a box of quality truffles from Hauser Chocolatier;
an adorable t-shirt from Ivory Ella; a pretty sundress from Christina’s
Ltd.; the perfect pair of jeans from Woodmansee’s Gifts and Boutique;
and some all-natural skincare products from Herbwise Naturals.
First established in 1958 by an Italian immigrant who saw an opportunity
to capitalize on the post-World War II housing boom and serve a
generation of proud, young homeowners, the Garden City Center of
today is still a premier outdoor shopping destination for locals and
visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for name brands or independently
owned shops, casual dining or date night fare, this delightfully designed,
Cranston-based area caters to anyone and everyone — here’s just a
taste of what they have to offer. DINING
TRY: Some cream puffs from Vesta Bakery; truffled eggs at the
Cooked Goose; a Hot and Dirty martini at Perks and Corks; a Cabo San
Lucas Taco at Amigos Taqueria y Tequila; a glass of Watch Hill White
Wine at the Tapped Apple Cidery and Winery; cherrystone clams from
the raw bar at Bridge Restaurant; and a scoop (or two) of black
raspberry ice cream at Mel’s Downtown Creamery.
SHOPPING
GET: Novels and novelties from Barrington Books; designer clothing
from Mel & Me; all your parenting needs from Mod Mama; culinary
goods from Williams Sonoma; athleisure outfits from Lululemon; fine ACTIVITIES
DO: See Shakespeare in the Park at Wilcox Park; rock out at the
Knickerbocker Music Center; catch a show at the Granite Theatre; and
tour the Westerly Armory.
YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2020 33