In January, Rhode Island got a little more traversable for car-free folks with the opening of the Pawtucket/Central Falls (P/CF) train station. Along with providing a new option for commuters, the new line can also be a fun way to travel the state by rail with Wickford Junction, PVD station, and P/CF all just a few stops away! Whether walking, biking, or busing, here’s a couple of itineraries for fun outings, sans gas station stops, all accessible along the Rhody corridor.
Bikes & Brews Itinerary
Pick a Friday with sunny skies in the forecast to enjoy a beer crawl by train – and bike! If you’re starting in South County, cycle over to Tilted Barn Brewery when they open at noon for a farmhouse ale or hoppy IPA and maybe a bite to eat from a food truck pop-up before catching the train at Wickford Junction to Providence for your next stop.
In the city, your beer options are almost endless. Union Station Brewery, celebrating 30 years, is Providence’s oldest brewery, and it’s a quick trek from the station (five minutes by bike), or there’s Trinity Brewhouse just under a mile away. Stay and explore city breweries a while, or pedal back in time to catch the train to Pawtucket/Central Falls.
Next stop: Rhode Island’s smallest brewery. Crooked Current Brewery, is just over a mile away (eight minutes ride time) and is thankfully surrounded by foodie options nestled in Lorraine Mills like Ming’s, Miss Lorraine Diner, and A Guy & His Pie (be sure to order ahead). Close to the station on Main Street, The Guild offers craft brews and live music, like local singer/songwriter Beth Killian on March 3.
ROUND TRIP: Close out, helmet up, and head home. You’ll likely want to be on the 8:21pm train back to Wickford Junction if you’re heading back south.
TRAIN TIP: If you’re starting from the north, map out this itinerary in reverse, starting with the 1:21pm from Pawtucket/Central Falls or 1:34pm train from Providence, keeping in mind that not every line stops at the Wickford Junction, which is also out of service on Saturdays and Sundays.
Arts & Culture Itinerary
Whether you’re up for spending a warm day walking around Providence or finding a spot to park before exploring, start your arts and culture trail early with a bento box from Den Den Cafe Asiana on Benefit Street or Spanish tapas from Palo on Steeple Street. Both are just minutes walking distance from Providence Art Club and the RISD Museum, two city staples in the art scene that happen to be a short (less than 10 minutes by foot, even with hills) hike away from the Providence MBTA Station. Leave yourself enough time to take in old favorite galleries and new rotating exhibits, and if you’re still early for the train to Pawtucket, linger around for a peek inside the Providence Athenæum to gawk at historic architecture and their collection of rare books.
Visit Machines with Magnets’ gallery space to see All the Wild in Me by Hallie Driscoll, through March 23. Take in the childhood-inspired, nature-themed works and be inspired before creating your own masterpiece. Grab dinner from West African eatery Village Restaurant on Main Street before heading to nearby Paint and Vino for a 7pm art class over sips of wine (pro-tip: sign up online before you go).
ROUND TRIP: Pack up your paints and head for the station, less than a mile away and just under 15 minutes walking, to catch the 9:21pm train back to Providence.
TRAIN Tip: Tired of walking? Take a bus around Pawtucket – the Roosevelt before Main (Visitors Center) stop on the R-Line will drop you close to attractions in this itinerary, and through July 2023, riders with MBTA monthly passes can board RIPTA buses for free. Visit RIPTA.com for a full schedule.
Exact schedules are subject to change. Always check MBTA.com/schedules/CR-Providence/timetable to chart your course before heading out. For more Pawtucket fun, find a directory
at TourBlackstone.com/thethread/
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