Bru Takes a Trip to Providence with Breeze

Visit Providence

Planning a trip to the Ocean State? Breeze Airways can take you there! With nonstop flights from across the U.S. to Providence, Rhode Island, getting to the smallest U.S. state has never been more convenient.  

From beaches, boating, art, history, and dining, to hiking, biking, and bouldering, Rhode Island has all that and so much more. You can see it all in just a few days since the whole state is 48 miles north to south, meaning you can get anywhere you want in less than an hour. 

Famous TikTok star and Audacy radio host, Josh Brubaker, or “Bru” as he is more commonly known to his fans, recently took a trip to Little Rhody. Catch his full itinerary below with fun things to do in Rhode Island for all ages.  

Day 1 – History and Famous Foods

Bru was able to keep close to all the Downtown Providence action by staying at the Graduate Providence. Formerly known as the Biltmore, it is an iconic, historic hotel in the heart of the city. It is within walking distance to restaurants, museums, Brown University and the riverwalk, where the iconic WaterFire art installation is held. 

The day kicked off with a visit to Modern Diner in Pawtucket. What better place to get breakfast in Rhode Island, the birthplace of the diner, than a diner itself? This classic Sterling Streamliner was the first diner in the United States to be accepted on the National Register for Historic Places. Their menu features all the diner classics like coffee, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and even their popular custard French toast. Don’t forget to try a Rhode Island classic if you visit there, coffee milk. It features milk with local coffee syrup for flavoring and is so beloved that it is the official state drink of Rhode Island! 

After fueling up on a classic breakfast, Bru headed over to the nearby Slater Mill to see the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. It was here that the first water-powered cotton mill in the nation was invented, revolutionizing the textile industry. The Mill is open to the public for tours from Thursdays to Sundays, but make sure to check their website before your visit for important updates. Just down the road from the mill Bru took a relaxing kayak tour along the historic Blackstone River. Guides from Blackstone River Expeditions Kayak Rentals offered guided kayak, canoe, and canal boat tours. Bru learned more about the river's health and the natural, cultural, and historic aspects of the Blackstone River Valley.  

He then needed to refuel after kayaking and headed up north to a popular spot on the International Food Trail which features cuisines from more than 40 countries. With over 80+ restaurants, breweries, orchards, and more, there is sure to be something for even the pickiest of eaters. A great local spot to stop by is Tuxpan Taqueria, a family owned 2024 James Beard nominee (Best New Restaurant Northeast). Their fresh tacos and local bites are sure to excite.  

Once Bru was full from his international adventure, he headed to the East Side of Providence to check out Brown University. He took a walk by the Ivy League’s famous Van Wickle Gates which only open three times a year. Campus superstition holds that students who pass through the center gate more than twice will not graduate. He continued his walk over to Prospect Park to catch one of the best views of the gorgeous Providence skyline and a statue of state founder Roger WIlliams. His stroll then continued over to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum to catch up on the latest fashion trends and art scene in the state’s Creative Capital. Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane graduated from RISD and, despite the show being set in the town of Quahog, you might be surprised to find that there is no actual Quahog among Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns. 

For dinner, Bru headed over to Federal Hill, Rhode Island’s Little Italy. He grabbed a bite to eat at Massimo restaurant in Providence, which features authentic Italian cuisine from pizza, meatballs, pasta carbonara, and the state appetizer calamari. After dinner, he headed over to Bryant University to catch Rhode Island’s very own professional soccer team, the Rhode Island Football Club. They are the first professional sports team in Rhode Island and their passionate fans are like no other. You will not want to miss the incredible opportunity to watch a match. Once the game ended, it was just a short drive back to the heart of Providence to get some rest at The Graduate.  

Day 2 – Cottages and Railroads

Bru began his next day in grand fashion at the Breakers Mansion, Newport’s grandest summer “cottage”, for a guided tour of where the Vanderbilts used to live. This tour is sure to inspire, taking in the luxurious homes crafted from the 1870s to 1890s. After experiencing a taste of the Gilded Age, he took a scenic walk along the famous 3+ mile Cliff Walk to take in the Atlantic Ocean and the cottages along the cliffs. This one-of-a-kind walk features stunning views and beautiful scenery and is a must see in Newport.  

After treating himself like a king, it was time to eat like one. He headed on over to Castle Hill Inn and enjoyed a decadent lunch on the lawn terrace as he enjoyed the panoramic ocean view. Their menu is full of the freshest seafood and delights from lobster rolls and ceviche to fresh fish. Bru was able to enjoy the Inn’s iconic Adirondack chairs on the rolling lawn overlooking the water. This highly Instagrammable spot is one of the best to enjoy a sunny afternoon with a cold beverage in hand. As you watch the boats go by, you will understand why Newport is known as The Sailing Capital of the World.  

Bru got all his energy out before heading back home by finishing his day in Portsmouth on the Rail Explorer’s Northern Ramble Tour. This six-mile expedition along the coastal railway helps you to get close to the water while taking in the natural beauty of the shoreline, with views you can only experience from this vantage point.  Ride the rails with friends and family, surrounded by nature, in an easy-to-pedal rail bike along old train tracks as you see private waterfront estates, 2 golf courses, coastal woodland, the Newport Preservation Society Topiary Gardens and the Audubon Society Nature Preserve. 

While Bru experienced a lot on his trip, it was definitely not all that the state has to offer. When you take a trip to Rhode Island, consider extending your stay to try other local attractions like sailing lessons, historic walks, natural bike trails and more food than you can imagine at the abundance of chef-owned restaurants. Whether you can just stay for a day or a whole week, Rhode Island has so much to explore. Fall colors abound from September through November and there are so many things to see and do all year round. Start planning your trip today at VisitRhodeIsland.com. Breeze makes travel to the Ocean State easier and more affordable than ever before. Book your next trip today with Breeze.

Want to see more of Bru's trip to Providence? Check out the video below.