5 Ways to Celebrate Fall in Downtown Providence
Although we can barely believe it, October has arrived here in downtown Providence, RI. The crisp breezes, pumpkins on cafe countertops, and the changing of the leaves signal a shift from summer sunshine to spooky season. In honor of autumn, we’ve rounded up five ways we enjoy celebrating fall in Providence. From where to find flavorful Pumpkin Spice Lattes, to a haunted list of book recommendations, read on to find out how you can make the most out of the season (while supporting local small businesses downtown)!
1. COZY UP IN A COFFEE SHOP
An Apple Tart, a Ginger Apple Cranberry Oat Scone, a slice of Pumpkin Walnut Bread, and a Pumpkin Macaron (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
If you are anything like us then you’ve been waiting all year for the glitter of pumpkin spice in the air! When we heard that Pumpkin Chai (and the Apple Pie Latte, too) was on Small Point Cafe’s menu, we couldn’t walk fast enough. Small Point has been a fixture of Westminster Street for the past thirteen years. Browse their menu for seasonal specials, including Apple Cider Doughnuts and Cinnamon Rolls.
Just a few doors down, Ellie’s menu is also reflecting the season. (ICYMI, Ellie’s relocated and opened on Westminster Street in the summer of 2024.) We feasted on Pumpkin Walnut Bread, an Apple Tart, a Ginger Apple Cranberry Oat Scone, and Pumpkin Macarons. Don’t miss their seasonal lattes, too!
At Little City Coffee & Kitchen, bite into Pumpkin Pecan Blondies (for sure one of our top pastries at Little City every fall), Gluten-Free Ginger Pumpkin Muffins, Vegan Chai Donuts, and so much more. Thirsty? Choose either an Apple Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice Caramel flavored coffee.
Ready to wander a few streets over? Bolt Coffee Co’s Washington Street location offers a classic, delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte. We are big fans of their other seasonal specials, too: try the Pistachio Latte for a nutty, silky drink. Looking to avoid caffeine? The Apple Cider Mule is gorgeous! It’s a zazzy drink made from apple cider, ginger beer, and lime cordial. Don’t miss their bakery case full of pastries, too!
2. SET UP SPOOKY AND SEASONAL DECORATIONS
Pumpkin string lights from Homestyle (Photo courtesy of Homestyle)
Whether you live for Halloween or simply are passionate about seasonal decorations, it’s finally time to get spooky! From pumpkin string lights, to crow pot holders, to skull and roses coasters, browse a variety of Halloween decorations at Homestyle.
Leaning more into autumn itself as opposed to Halloween? We’re also making sure our homes smell delicious this season, thanks to this Pomegranate Cider scented candle from Craftland. And these sweet apple tea towels are eye catching.
3. SIP A FALL BEVERAGE
Fall beers at Trinity Brewhouse (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
Along with PSLs and hot ciders, autumnal beers are all the rage when foliage season rolls around. If you’re looking for a pint of something delicious, might we recommend heading over to Trinity Brewhouse and/or The Malted Barley? Trinity is one of the oldest “brewpubs” in New England and they have a stunning selection of lagers and ales to live up to such a reputation. Both Oktoberfest and the Noel’s Pumpkin Ale are currently on draft.
After you finish up your drinks at Trinity, take a seat at The Malted Barley. The Malted Barley pours a colorful array of beers. If you’re in the mood for flavors only available during the fall, two especially tasty drinks on the menu at the moment are UFO Beer’s “Pumpkin,” Grey Sail Brewing’s “Headless Oarsmen,” Two Road’s Brewing Company’s “Roadsmary’s Spawn,” and more. Order a pint or a flight and pair with mouthwatering housemade pretzels.
Looking for something other than beer? We’ve got you. Eno Fine Wines stocks a robust collection of fall wines, meads, ciders, and more. Pick up a few cans of Artifact Cider Project’s “Feels Like Home” cider. If you’re shopping in-person at Eno, ask about Superstition Brewery’s “Blueberry Hex” mead or Kah Tequila Anejo (the bottle is so spooky).
4. READ SOMETHING CHILLING
Where Sleeping Girls Lie, The Portable Edgar Allan Poe, and The Astrology House (Graphic courtesy of InDowncity)
While Christmas classic literature and Valentine’s Day love poems are great, there’s something to be said about the creepy, thrilling books that pop-up as Halloween approaches. Head to Symposium Books on Westminster Street to find the right read for you. If you’re looking for a classic with ties to Providence, check out The Portable Edgar Allan Poe. Poe briefly visited Providence, including the Providence Athenaeum, in the fall of 1848. His short stories and poems are notoriously chilling and strange.
If you’re seeking something a bit more contemporary, The Astrology House is Carinn Jade’s debut thriller. Follow a burnt out lawyer and her friends as they head to a gothic retreat center, expecting relaxation but getting much more than they bargained for instead. For a foray into young adult fiction, read Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. This boarding school murder mystery is sure to give you goosebumps.
5. TRICK OR TREAT YOURSELF
Flannels at The Vault Collective in Providence (Photo courtesy of InDowncity)
With a new season comes another opportunity to freshen up your wardrobe. Personally, fall is one of our favorite times of year because we are huge fans of layering. Sweaters! Jackets! Leggings! Boots! Conveniently, there are a ton of fantastic shops all along Westminster Street in downtown Providence that curate creative, modern, and classic fashion items.
If thrift shopping and sorting through carefully selected vintage pieces gives you a thrill, The Vault Collective is a great first stop. After admiring Stuart Weitzman booties and plaid blouses from the 80s at The Vault, visit chic boutique Queen of Hearts and Modern Love on that same block. We can’t take our eyes off of this ruffled turquoise sweater or these bright yellow corduroy pants.
Looking for something a bit more sporty? Civil is our go-to! We want to just hug anyone wearing this soft, thick Stussy sherpa jacket. (Or maybe we’ll just wrap ourselves in it and be content.) We’re also keeping our heads warm in this Civil beanie in maroon.
We hope you now feel equipped to tackle all sorts of fun activities this fall in downtown Providence. Love this article? Want to stay in the loop for all things downtown Providence? For regular foodie content, event updates, business openings, and pretty pictures of the city, subscribe to our newsletter and/or follow us at @indowncitypvd on Instagram.