Though it might be hard to pry yourself away from the hotel, there's much to see in the city. Here are Heckman's go-to suggestions:

"Exploring the Downcity neighborhood and the adjacent historic neighborhoods is a safe bet. Providence is a small, compact city and very walkable. The hotel has bikes for loan too. The architecture changes dramatically block to block and the neighborhood feel can differ dramatically by crossing the street."

"Al Forno is the go-to for their famous grilled pizza. North has creative, casual Asian fare. The Shop is a gorgeous little coffee shop in Fox Point and a favorite of design groupies. Justine’s is a speakeasy in rough and tumble Olneyville. Birch is a serious restaurant with twelve seats and a tasting menu. Downtown has so many new additions that have opened recently and are really stellar—Ken’s Ramen, Bodega Malasana, Rosalina’s, the Eddy, etc. And of course our own bars (The Boombox and The Magdalenae Room) and Bolt Coffee."  Photo 15 of 15 in The Dean Hotel in Providence by Diana Budds

The Dean Hotel in Providence

15 of 15

Though it might be hard to pry yourself away from the hotel, there's much to see in the city. Here are Heckman's go-to suggestions:

"Exploring the Downcity neighborhood and the adjacent historic neighborhoods is a safe bet. Providence is a small, compact city and very walkable. The hotel has bikes for loan too. The architecture changes dramatically block to block and the neighborhood feel can differ dramatically by crossing the street."

"Al Forno is the go-to for their famous grilled pizza. North has creative, casual Asian fare. The Shop is a gorgeous little coffee shop in Fox Point and a favorite of design groupies. Justine’s is a speakeasy in rough and tumble Olneyville. Birch is a serious restaurant with twelve seats and a tasting menu. Downtown has so many new additions that have opened recently and are really stellar—Ken’s Ramen, Bodega Malasana, Rosalina’s, the Eddy, etc. And of course our own bars (The Boombox and The Magdalenae Room) and Bolt Coffee."