Best of Providence, Rhode Island | 2014 Editors’ Choice Awards

BEST OF PROVIDENCE, RI | Attractions

BEST GIFTS FOR THE GOURMAND:
STOCK CULINARY GOODS, Providence

Beloved by home cooks and chefs alike, Stock is a treasure trove of kitchen tools, gadgets, and gifts for food lovers. Shopkeep Jan Dane’s passion for all things culinary shows in her careful sourcing: nestled alongside well-known brands, expect small-batch, artisanal wares, many of which are foraged from New England makers. 756 Hope St. 401-521-0101; stockpvd.com

BEST ART-HOUSE CINEMA:
CABLE CAR CINEMA & CAFÉ, Providence

Comfy leather couches and access to adult beverages would be enough to catapult the Cable Car into the winner’s circle. Throw in an unparalleled lineup of indie and foreign films, and you’ve got a real blockbuster. 204 South Main St. 401-272-3970; cablecarcinema.com

BEST VIEW OF THE PROVIDENCE SKYLINE:
PROSPECT TERRACE PARK, Providence

Sit back, relax, think (oh, and maybe snap a quick pic with your iPhone). This is one of the best vantages of the capital city. There’s a statue of Roger Williams to keep you company and a grassy knoll where you can spread out a picnic. 184 Pratt St.

BEST OF PROVIDENCE, RI | Lodging

BEST HOTEL FOR POOL LOVERS:
Providence Marriott Downtown (AQUA), Providence

Swimmers—and those who just like to soak (and imbibe)—will fall for the scene at the Providence Marriott’s AQUA. The city’s only poolside lounge, Aqua boasts cabanas, firepits, cocktail service, and a modern snacks menu. Guests may request poolside accommodations, and the hotel also offers an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Rates: from $199. 1 Orms St. 401-272-2400; marriottprovidence.com

BEST CLASSIC CITY STAY:
THE PROVIDENCE BILTMORE, Providence

The grande dame of the Providence hotel scene, the Biltmore packs a historic and visual punch. (It was designed by the architects behind Grand Central Terminal, and the views from the upper floors are some of the best in the city.) Not to mention some handy amenities: a spa, Starbucks, and a complimentary in-city car service. Rates: from $149. 11 Dorrance St. 401-421-0700; providencebiltmore.com

BEST OF PROVIDENCE, RI | Dining

BEST GASTROPUB:
COOK & BROWN PUBLIC HOUSE, Providence

If your idea of a gastropub is a place that serves imaginative comfort food that goes really well with craft beer—like grilled-and-roasted pork with pickled peaches and preserved lemon—then seek no farther. Entrées: from $13. 959 Hope St. 401-273-7275; cookandbrown.com

BEST BISTRO:
THE DORRANCE, Providence

An elegant Beaux-Arts room with a soaring ceiling brings an air of majesty to the Providence comfort-food scene. Don’t be intimidated by the posh surroundings; you can enjoy perfectly fried Rhode Island calamari or roasted dry-aged duck at down-to-earth prices. Entrées: from $18. 60 Dorrance St. 401-521-6000; thedorrance.com

BEST LOCAL FOOD:
FARMSTEAD, Providence (CLOSED)

Farmstead shares quarters (and owners) with a great cheese shop, so it’s no wonder that the menu features one of Rhode Island’s most decadent versions of mac ’n’ cheese. Local meats, fish, and produce are also transformed into inventive dishes, such as monkfish served with apple butter and Brussels sprouts.

What are your picks for the best of Providence, Rhode Island?