5 Ways to Celebrate Fall in Providence
Although we can barely believe it, October has finally 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
Cinnamon Cider Scones, Apple Cinnamon Latte, and Pumpkin Pecan Blondies at Little City Coffee & Kitchen (Photo courtesy of 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 Spice Lattes were back on Small Point Cafe’s menu, we couldn’t walk fast enough. Small Point has been a fixture of Westminster Street for the past eleven years. Browse their menu for seasonal specials, including the sweet Pumpkin Tea Cake. At Little City Coffee & Kitchen, bite into Pumpkin Pecan Blondies, Cinnamon Cider Scones, Applebutter Snickerdoodles, Apple Sage Cheddar Scones, and so much more. Thirsty? Choose either an Apple Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee.
Ready to wander a few streets over? Bolt Coffee Co’s Washington Street location offers a classic, delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte and a selection of fresh made doughnuts (straight from Knead Doughnuts). The last time we were in, we feasted on both a Cider and a Maple Latte Old Fashioned doughnut.
2. SET UP SPOOKY DECORATIONS
Skull Cachepot Planter 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 skeleton shot glasses, to crow figurines, to trick or treat cards, browse a variety of Halloween decorations at Homestyle. If you want to be a little more hands on, Rory’s Market + Kitchen has just the thing: gorgeous organic carving pumpkins! Rory’s, located at 113 Washington Street, opened its third location in downtown Providence in late September 2022.
3. SIP A FALL BEVERAGE
Oktoberfest and Haunted Pumpkin Ale at Trinity Brewhouse (Photo courtesy of 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 Haunted 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 All Hallow’s Treat and Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro (this beer was especially unique and worth the try)! Order a pint or a flight and pair with mouthwatering housemade pretzels.
Leaning more towards a fall wine? We’ve got you. Eno Fine Wines stocks both red and white wines that pair well with the flavors of fall. Pick up a bottle of Fondo Bozzole Giano Lambrusco (available online), Vin de Savoie La Nuit Nous Appartient, or the M.L. Fioretti P.V.D. Rosso Toscana the next time you’re in Eno.
4. 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 Franco Sarto brogues and Y2K suede skirts at The Vault, visit chic boutique Queen of Hearts and Modern Love for your fill of sweater weather appropriate clothing. (We’re loving this vibrant peaches sweater!) Need autumnal accessories? Find earrings, necklaces, and more handcrafted jewelry at Craftland.
5. READ SOMETHING CHILLING
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart from Symposium Books (Photo 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 local lore (specifically H.P. Lovecraft references) mixed with fiction, check out Providence by Caroline Kepnes. Follow Jon, a boy with no memories and mysterious powers, and Chloe, a girl with an uncanny artistic ability, as they trek through Providence and New England on the hunt for answers.
Is young adult fiction more your speed? In local author Riss Neilson’s debut, Deep in Providence, read about three best friends as they grapple with the tragic death of their friend, Jasmine, and try to tether her to this world. A little magic, a few rides on RIPTA buses… What could possibly go wrong? For those who love a mystery, check out We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Cadence summers every year on her family’s island off Martha’s Vineyard. But this summer is different. For one, she can’t remember what happened last year. For another, there is something very off about how everyone is behaving.
We hope you now feel equipped to tackle all sorts of fun activities this fall in 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.