A weekend in ... Providence, R.I.

During frequent sale periods, rates to Providence start at $208 round-trip; nonstop Delta. Nonsale rates start at $350 with a 21-day advance purchase.

Stay

The downtown Hampton Inn & Suites was known as the Old Colony House when it was built in 1920. Today the hotel blends classic style with modern conveniences (and stays are 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed). Rates start at $110-$135 during September and October. 58 Weybosset St., 401-608-3500, www.providencedowntownsuites.hamptoninn.com.

Eat

Pastries, cakes, bread, cookies and biscotti are made from scratch and baked in the original 1920s-era brick ovens at the family-owned Scialo Bros. Expect long lines on weekends at this charming bakery. 257 Atwells Ave., 1-877-421-0986, www.scialobakery.com.

Experience

The 40-acre Roger Williams Park Zoo is considered New England's best zoo and one of the nation's oldest. Adults, $12; $6 ages 3-12. 1000 Elmwood Ave., 401-785-3510, www.rwpzoo.org. The Roger Williams Park is also home to a natural history museum and planetarium. Adult tickets to both are $3; $2 for ages 4-7. www.providenceri.com/museum.

Moderate

Getting there

Boston is 50 miles northeast of Providence. Although rates to Boston are cheaper than those to Providence, a rental car can wipe out the savings. Frequent sale rates to Boston start at $79. Nonsale rates start at $150 with a 21-day advance purchase; nonstop AirTran or Delta.

Stay

Through Dec. 31, a Stay for Breakfast weekend package is offered at the Renaissance Providence, the city's newest luxury hotel. Originally built in 1929 as a Masonic temple, its neoclassical architecture has been meticulously restored. Rates start at $219-$239 and include breakfast for two each day at the hotel's Temple Downtown Restaurant. 5 Avenue of the Arts, 401-919-5000, www.marriott.com.

Eat

Nicks on Broadway, open from breakfast through dinner, serves local, carefully sourced vegetables, dairy, meats and seafood and all natural, hand-picked eggs and poultry. Breakfast items start at $7; pastas are $7-$10; sandwiches $9-$11; and the cost is $45 for a three-course dinner tasting menu. 500 Broadway, 401-421-0286, www.nicksonbroadway.com.

Experience

Enjoy a 90-minute walking tour, Benefit Street: A Mile of History, at 11 a.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, starting at the John Brown House Museum. Adults $12; $6 ages 12 and under. Conducted through Oct. 15. 110 Benevolent St., 401-331-8575, www.rihs.org. WaterFire, created in 1994 by artist Barnaby Evans, is a sunset event of fire sculpture set to music along Providence's three rivers. The lighting of 100 bonfires on the water inspires personal dedications ($5 to purchase a ribbon of light from various locations) and is a symbol of the city's renaissance. Remaining viewing dates are Sept. 11 and Oct. 9 and 20. 101 Regent Ave., 401-273-1155, www.waterfire.org.

Splurge

Getting there

One-way, walk-up Business Class rates to Providence start at $616 with Delta; from $451 to Boston with AirTran.

Stay

A King Suite at the elegant AAA 4-Diamond Hotel Providence has both European flair and New England charm. Suites are $299 in September, $269 in October. For $1 more, add either continental breakfast or a cocktail in the Aspire Restaurant. 139 Mathewson St., 1-800-861-8990, www.hotelprovidence.com.

Eat

Often chosen best in town is Siena, located in the heart of historic Federal Hill (and Little Italy). The menu features simple and fresh antipasti ($7-$16), pizza ($13), pasta ($14-$19) and main dishes $14-$29. 238 Atwells Ave., 401-521-3311, www.sienari.com.

Experience

On weekends through October (weather permitting), enjoy a relaxing 40-minute Venetian gondola ride. A gondolier will follow the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers past historic landmarks, through public parks, and under picturesque bridges. A price of $79 includes the ride for up to four passengers, Italian tunes played softly, a basket of cheese and crackers, an ice bucket, and wine and champagne glasses (bring your own, if desired). Tip not included. Citizens Plaza, 401-421-8877, www.gondolari.com.