Happy Family Weekend! Whether you have family coming to visit you from home, a fun weekend planned with the friends and family you’ve found here on campus, or a study date with yourself at a library to lock in, this weekend has a bunch of fun events and activities in store! Trying to cram everything into just a few days can be a bit stressful, though, so let me take one thing off your plate and help you plan out your ideal itinerary for the weekend!
First things first: How about kicking off the weekend with a true Brown Dining experience? Would you prefer to treat your guests with:
A. The best we have to offer, a true gourmet meal
B. The hustle and bustle of the lunchtime rush
C. The late-night grub that keeps you alive during finals season
If you chose: A) Go to the Blue Room to grab a sandwich (with fig jam if you’re feeling fancy!) and a pastry. B) Go to the Ratty and try not to lose your guests in the crowd! C) Go to Jo’s for some comfort food.
Next, it might be time to go study for a bit—the perfect chance to show off where you spend all those long hours that you’re not in your dorm. Do you want your family to see:
A. A classic library with a stunning sunset backdrop
B. A grand reading room with a true Ivy League aesthetic
C. An award-winning building with the best views of Providence
If you chose: A) Take them to the Rock! B) Take them to the Hay! C) Take them to the SciLi! I didn’t lie when I said it’s award winning—the SciLi has won ‘Ugliest Building in Rhode Island’ several times!
Family Weekend brings the perfect opportunity to venture off campus for a mini adventure… Would you rather:
A. Go admire some amazing art
B. Go for a picturesque picnic
C. Go for a walk and see a silly statue
If you chose: A) Go to the RISD Museum—admission is free on Sundays! B) Go enjoy the views at Prospect Terrace. C) Go bike or walk along the East Bay Bike Path, and say hi to Mrs. Skipper the troll!
It’s about that time in the semester when you could use a break from the dining halls. Consider trying a new restaurant in one of these neighborhoods!
A. Would you prefer to stay within a close walking distance to campus?
B. Would you like to venture just off of College Hill?
C. Any chance you’re craving Italian food and have access to a car (or are willing to grab a rideshare)?
If you chose: A) Take a look at some of the restaurants in Fox Point. B) Go explore the restaurant scene in Downtown Providence. C) Take a short drive to check out Federal Hill.
At some point in the weekend, you’ll definitely want to stop for a sweet treat.
A. Want something to cool you down after all the exploring?
B. Do you like to enjoy something sweet with your morning coffee?
C. Is your favorite dessert a classic, good ol’ cookie?
If you chose: A) Get some ice cream at Tizzy K’s or Kow Kow. B) Try PVDonuts or Zinneken’s. C) Go to Feed the Cheeks or Insomnia Cookies.
Alas, the weekend is coming to a close, and it’s time to pick your final breakfast spot. Would you like to:
A. Stay on campus and have a true dining hall staple
B. Listen to the soothing sounds of Thayer Street while you sip your morning coffee
C. Take a walk down Wickenden Street while you enjoy your breakfast sandwich
If you chose: A) Go to Andrews for a burrito bowl. B) Try Caffè Nero or Sydney. C) Go to Amy’s—my personal favorite is the ‘Hash It Out’ sandwich!
Finally, what event is the ultimate “can’t-miss” for you and your family?
A. Are you a sports fan or do you possess a lot of team spirit?
B. Do live performances just make your heart sing?
C. Want to sit back and relax for a peaceful evening outside?
If you chose: A) Make sure to go to the football game on October 18 — it’s Brown v. Princeton, and it’s a pink out! B) Don’t miss the a cappella performances! Lots of groups will be sharing their amazing talents throughout the weekend. C) Catch a movie under the stars on the College Green.
Well, there you have it: the perfect itinerary of both on- and off-campus activities to dive into this weekend. I hope this guide has been helpful in inspiring some of your plans, but no matter where you go or what you do, the most important thing is to enjoy the time with your loved ones.
If you have family coming to visit for the weekend, enjoy getting to show them your favorite stomping grounds and introducing them to your friends, and make sure to hug them extra tight before they leave. And if you don’t have people coming to visit and it’s just another weekend for you, take this guide as a reminder to go out and explore our lovely college town (and the surrounding areas) and consider trying something new!
The family you make here on College Hill is equally as important as your family back home, so whoever you get to spend the weekend with, cherish the time you have together.
