tonrob

Stonington (5 minutes' or so drive away) is worth a look. Not much happening but it's a nice historic, atmospheric little town on a small peninsula. Basically park up near the green upon arrival and stroll down the main street to the great water views towards the end. There's a little lighthouse museum and a small beach, and also a couple of places to eat. I prefer Stonington to Mystic, tbh.

It's called Go Fish, been there a few times. Slightly pricey but not eyewateringly so. There's a much more downmarket but serviceable place called Ten Clams in the neighbouring Old Mystick Village development that we tried a few weeks ago that wasn't bad either - a cheap fried seafood place that also does home-made ice cream.

HumphreyC

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=167592

I want to visit at some stage (I've only been through the center very briefly) but whenever I suggest it I usually get exclamations of horror from the rellies. People in the Boston area generally look down on Providence for 2 reasons - firstly the city used to be (and probably still is) seriously corrupt from the politicians to the police; secondly a large chunk of the city is post industrial and run down, in particular the south and the west. It has one of the higher poverty rates on the east coast. Unemployment is stubbornly high.

On the plus side - benefit street on the east side is an architectural showpiece. The 19th century downtown is largely intact and is steadily being revitalized. Apparently the restaurant scene is really good. Yeah - give it 5 years and it'll be a decent city break destination with the jewelry district re-connected to the city and the streetcar system which is going in.

hobbes79

Thank you to both you and Rete for the restaurant tips. Will post photos of the mini vacation when I get back