Behind the Stacks at the Providence Athenaeum

Where to Eat

Apsara
Want to slurp down some of the best bee bong in the state? Head to Apsara, an unassuming but flavor-packing restaurant that will have you raving over your noodle bowl. Try the aforementioned bee bong, a dish of rice noodles, coconut milk, bean sprouts and peanuts, or experiment with the Cambodian beef salad. All taste buds are covered, here. 716 Public St., Providence, 785-1490, apsarari.com.

Bayberry Beer Hall
It’s easy to declare that drinking is fun, but Bayberry is a different sort of entertainment. Walk through the door and you’re immediately a member of the family, where everyone sits at communal tables to eat Bavarian pretzels and burgers (and brunch on the weekends) and to study the nuances of American craft beers. 381 West Fountain St., Providence, 383-9487, bayberrybeerhall.com.

Hot Club
The ever-popular night-out destination, Hot Club, also makes for an absolutely beautiful spot during the winter, especially when it snows. Watching snowflakes peacefully drift past the city skyline to meet the water’s edge while munching on a juicy burger in a cozy setting? Sign us up. 25 Bridge St., Providence, 861-9007, hotclubprov.com.

A short drive away
Vanda Cucina
Despite its location on a busy rotary, this new Italian trattoria is surprisingly intimate. Try the deconstructed arancini, lighter than more traditional incarnations with ground beef and rice wrapped in steamed cabbage and served with tomato puree. On the other hand, some say the Bolognese with handmade fettuccini is the best thing on the menu; it’s also the most popular. 1 Centerville Rd., Warwick, 921-3144, vandacucina.com.

GottaQ BBQ
Named by MSN as one of the top fifty barbecue joints in the country, GottaQ cooks up authentic wood smoked pork, tri-tip and beef brisket, baby back ribs and pulled chicken. Don’t skimp on the sides like mac and cheese, barbecue pit beans, brisket chili and more. This is classic barbecue done right, but you’re just going to have to taste it to believe it. 2000 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, 475-1296, gottaq.com.

Sources: Providence Athenaeum and city-data.com.

Where to Explore

Roger Williams Park Zoo
Discover a variety of animals in naturalistic exhibits throughout the forty-acre grounds. Outdoor interactive play areas are available year long and animal feeding opportunities and other special features are offered seasonally. While the winter months might send some animals into hibernation, you’ll still spot some animals that aren’t bothered by a little snow. Discounted winter admission is available through February. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 785-3510, rwpzoo.org.

Providence Children’s Museum
Kiddos can explore, create and play in several exhibits including the water ways water play environment, an Iway with bridge-building challenges, little woods decked out with a treehouse, bear cave and more. Exhibits and programs designed for children ages one through eleven. 100 South St., Providence, 273-5437, childrenmuseum.org.

RISD Museum of Art
If you appreciate art in any form then you’ll most certainly appreciate the RISD Museum of Art. The long-term collection contains more than 100,000 works of art, and its special exhibitions showcase an array of cultures and media. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the cozy cafe, Pearl, makes for an ideal space to sit and reflect with a hot cup of tea. 224 Benefit St., Providence, 454-6500, risdmuseum.org.

A short drive away
R1 Indoor Karting
One of the newest additions to Lincoln’s recreational offerings, R1 Indoor Karting lets customers zoom around a kart track at blistering speeds. Equipped with the latest in go-kart technology, the electric vehicles have the power of a racecar without the fumes. The asphalt track is specifically designed for karting, meaning you’ll have a fast experience all around. Grab a bite at the onsite Fuel Restaurant and Sports Bar. 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, 721-5554, r1indoorkarting.com.

BreakTime Bowl and Bar
Originally built to prevent workers from unionizing in the 1920s, this bowling alley has been revitalized to become a popular hangout spot in the Hope Artiste Village. Grab your friends and enjoy some good pub grub and drinks for a night full of fun. 999 Main St., Pawtucket, 427-7006, breaktimebowlandbar.com.

Where to Shop

Frog and Toad
Gift shops can seem pretty humdrum when stocked with the same generic knick-knacks and bric-a-brac. Not so with Frog and Toad. The store is filled with a quirky assortment of art, apparel, jewelry and more. 795 Hope St.; 713 Westminster St., Providence, 831-3434, frogandtoadstore.com.

Cured Collection
Fresh fashions and throwback treasures are the draw at Cured Collection. The vibrant shop has the latest styles and sportswear from Supreme, Guess and Polo, and an eye-popping selection of vintage T-shirts repping a dizzying spectrum of cultural icons, from Avril Lavigne to Scarface to Winnie the Pooh. You’ll be tempted to collect them all. The Arcade, 65 Weybosset St., Providence, facebook.com/curedcollection.

Campus Fine Wines
Everyone deserves to sit down with a nice glass of cabernet (or whatever your drink may be) after a long, hard day of work. Luckily, Campus Fine Wines is here and more than happy to cultivate your thirst. Peruse the wide selection of small production, organic wines and thoughtfully chosen beers and spirits at your leisure or stop by on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon for a tasting. 127 Brook St., Providence, 621-9650, campusfinewines.com.

A short drive away
Ocean State Apparel
If you’re feeling nostalgic, you might want to take a gander at Ocean State Apparel’s inventory. The store is well-known for its Little Rhody-themed souvenirs and gifts, including T-shirts and signage with funny slogans, various products created by local artisans, and iconic Rhode Island fare including Del’s lemonade packets and Iggy’s doughboy mix. Best of all? The shelves are also stocked with a slew of Benny’s (R.I.P.) memorabilia. 2105 Post Rd., Warwick, 737-0686, oceanstatesouvenirs.com.

4 places to see live music

Columbus Theatre
A one-time vaudeville theater, the Columbus Theatre has been riding a true high since reopening in 2012.But don’t just take their word for it; visit to catch local and nationally known bands and solo acts, independent film screenings and more. 270 Broadway, Providence, columbustheatre.com.

Fete Music Hall
Fete has two performance rooms: a ballroom that can fit 730 people and a lounge that accommodates up to 200. The bands are as diverse as the crowds, with acts ranging from soft indie rock to raging death metal, so no matter when you go you’ll be in for a prime night of entertainment. 103 Dike St., Providence, 383-1112, fetemusic.com.

The Strand
Since opening its doors in 1974, the Strand (formerly known as Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel) has been synonymous with live music in Providence. With a lineup that includes both mainstream and lesser known artists repping everything from punk to hip-hop and blues, it’s no wonder that music lovers across the state and beyond depend on this iconic venue to get their fix. 79 Washington St., Providence, 331-5876, thestrandri.com.

The Met
Located in Hope Artiste Village, the Met is a music club that books everything from rock and punk to folk and blues. While the varied concert schedule pulls in listeners of all types, it’s the atmosphere that sets the venue apart. 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, 729-1005, themetri.com.