November 10, 2008
Hit the Rhode
Providence Road Trip
Short on away time? Swap Massachusetts’s capital city for Rhode Island’s. You can start your mini-vacation in less than an hour.
Make the historic Providence Biltmore, located right in the city center, home base (11 Dorrance Street; 800-294-7709). Step outside to lace up at the Bank of America City Center Ice Skating Rink, opening Friday (2 Kennedy Plaza; 401-331-5544). 
Thaw out at the new Fabric of Africa exhibit at Roger Williams Park Zoo (1000 Elmwood Avenue; 401-785-3510), then hit the recently renovated Providence Children’s Museum (100 South Street; 401-273-5437).
End the day in Federal Hill, the city’s Italian neighborhood. Eat wherever you’d like — just don’t miss Scialo Bros. Bakery (257 Atwells Avenue; 877-421-0986) for irresistible cookies.
You’ll be home before one “Are we there yet?”
Lucky duck.
SEE
Anne of Green Gables
What: An imaginative red-headed orphan finds her place on Prince Edward Island.
Why: Go green.
When: Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: The Center for Arts in Natick, 14 Summer St., Natick (508-647-0097).
SIP
New Parents’ Coffee Hour
What: Moms and pops bring babies and chat with other parents over coffee and muffins.
Why: Refuel with grown-up talk.
When: Every Fri., 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Stellabella Toys, 1360 Cambridge St., Inman Sq., Cambridge (617-491-6290).
MEET
Moms and Sitters Connect Event
What: Meet up with childcare prospects and find a match. Moms receive 25 percent off one item in-store.
Why: Plan a date night.
When: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Mint Julep Boutique, 1302 Beacon St., Brookline. R.S.V.P. to 603-740-0368.
