Hiking and Biking

Most Providence residents tend to head outside the city for their exercise, thanks to the multitude of parks within an easy drive or bus ride. Even so, runners find plenty to enjoy in jogs along the riverfront or down the very pretty and well-kept Blackstone Boulevard—also a favorite of bikers. You can rent bikes nearby at Esta’s (257 Thayer St., 401/831-2651, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.).

Skating

Summer inline skaters and winter ice skaters alike flock to the outdoor Fleet Skating Center (Kennedy Plaza, 401/331-5544, Oct.–Mar.). On some summer nights, the rink is turned into a giant stage for salsa dancing.

Boating

Boaters who find themselves peering longingly at Narragansett Bay should head to Baer’s River Workshop (222 S. Water St., 401/453-1633, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) for canoe and kayak rentals.

Spas

If you could use a little decompression after all your shopping, head to the serene Spadyssy (75 Dorrance St., 401/273-9777, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.; 12–6 p.m. Sun.) for a Swedish massage, a little yoga, or a facial employing the gogi berry. Or book an appointment at Chestnut Salon (10 Davol Sq., 401/351-5250, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Tues.–Thurs.; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri.; 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.), where you can grab a Hungarian herbal mud body treatment as easily as you can microdermabrasion or a hot-oil manicure.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition