Prohibition in Providence: A Drinking History Tour

Exploring the Prohibition in Providence: A Drinking History Tour

If you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone curious about how Providence’s past influences its present, this Prohibition in Providence: A Drinking History Tour might just be your next favorite experience. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what travelers say, it’s a well-curated mix of storytelling, tasting, and city strolling that offers a different perspective on Rhode Island’s capital.

What really draws us in are the expert guides who bring Providence’s Prohibition era to life and the chance to sample local beers and spirits made right here. Plus, the tour’s walkable itinerary means you get to see some of the city’s most vibrant spots while learning about its secretive drinking past.

A possible consideration is the duration of just under four hours, which might be a lot for those with limited stamina or kids (though this is predominantly an adult-focused experience). Also, since it’s centered around alcohol, it’s clearly best suited for those 21 and over. If you’re into history, unique local experiences, and enjoy tasting some good drinks and snacks, this tour could be a perfect fit.

This experience is ideal for visitors with a curiosity about American history, lovers of craft alcohol, or anyone wanting to see Providence through a more colorful lens. If you’re looking for a relaxed, engaging way to spend an afternoon, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Educational and fun: Learn about Providence’s unique role during Prohibition while enjoying local tastings.
• Well-paced itinerary: Multiple stops with seated, relaxed intervals make the walk comfortable.
• Local flavors: Sample beers, spirits, and cocktails crafted in Rhode Island, paired with tasty snacks.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides make history engaging and stories memorable.
• Accessible location: Starts at a central Providence hotel and ends near Water Street, easy to reach.
• Small group experience: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate atmosphere.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Overview of What You’ll Get

This 3 hour 45-minute tour offers a blend of history, social culture, and tasting experiences. Costing $100 per person, it’s a fair price considering the number of stops, tastings, and insights packed into the experience. Plus, you get a mobile ticket, making check-in straightforward, and the small group size guarantees a more personalized vibe.

Starting Point & Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Hotel Providence at 2:00 pm, which is a convenient central location in downtown. From there, the group heads out on a walking route to explore Providence’s historic bars and eateries. The tour ends at Plant City on South Water Street, a lively spot perfect for winding down your journey.

What You’ll Do at Each Stop

Stop 1: The Malted Barley

Right at the start, you’ll get to taste some local beers accompanied by a housemade pretzel. This is a great way to ease into the tour—crisp, freshly brewed beers paired with a hearty snack. This first stop lasts about 20 minutes and gives you a solid introduction to Rhode Island’s brewing scene.

Stop 2: Track 15

Next, you’ll sample a delicious Espresso Martini made with locally roasted coffee beans and spirits crafted in the area. This stop is another 20-minute indulgence and showcases Providence’s modern craft spirit scene. The combination of caffeine and spirits makes for a fun, energizing experience.

Stop 3: Moonshine Alley

Here, you’ll taste two types of moonshine—a nod to the secretive, bootlegging past of Providence. Plus, enjoy a hot chicken slider that packs some flavor. It’s a lively stop, giving you a taste of the illicit spirit culture that once thrived during Prohibition.

Stop 4: Plant City

This spot offers a refreshing cocktail of the day—a perfect way to cool down and toast to the tour’s themes. Alongside the drink, you’ll share a vegan pizza with your group, making this a relaxed and social stop.

Stop 5: Providence & Toward the End

The final segment is less about tasting and more about learning. You’ll walk through Providence’s streets, hearing stories about bootleggers, corrupt officials, and other characters that shaped the city’s drinking culture during the Prohibition era. The guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive, and the group’s small size keeps the experience intimate.

The Experience and What Travelers Say

Reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides like Dillon make the history engaging, blending stories with humor and facts seamlessly. One reviewer noted, “Dillon was a fantastic guide! The tour was a lot of fun and it was interesting learning about prohibition and its history.”

Food and drink quality also earns praise—”All the stops were accommodating and friendly,” said a traveler, emphasizing the welcoming venues and tasty offerings. Many appreciate the balance of walking, tasting, and storytelling, making for a well-rounded experience.

Some reviews highlight the comfortable pace—”The walking length was just over a mile, over easy terrain, and there were comfortable stops where we could sit.” This suggests the tour is accessible for most fitness levels, although it does require some standing and walking.

The Value for Money

At $100, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering the multiple tasting stops and expert guide, many find it worth the price. The inclusion of alcoholic beverages, snacks, and guided storytelling makes it an enriching experience rather than just a drinking session.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive on time at the designated meeting point; the tour starts promptly at 2 pm.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Providence’s streets.
• Remember, only travelers 21+ are served alcohol, so bring ID.
• Since the tour involves walking outdoors, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• This experience is best suited for adults interested in history and local culture; not ideal for children or those sensitive to alcohol.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts who want to see Providence through a different lens. If you enjoy local food and craft drinks, you’ll find it especially rewarding. The storytelling about Providence’s underground liquor culture adds a fun, intriguing layer that many travelers find captivating.

It’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed social experience with small groups, avoiding the big, impersonal tours. However, if you’re not into walking or prefer a more structured, indoor experience, this might not be ideal.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, since alcohol is served only to travelers 21 and over, and the focus is on adult beverages and history, it’s best suited for adults.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including walking and tasting stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Hotel Providence on Mathewson Street and ends at Plant City on South Water Street.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. ID is required to enjoy the tastings.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers all the alcoholic beverages, snacks, and the guidance of a knowledgeable guide.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible?
Most travelers can participate, but it involves walking over easy terrain for about a mile, so consider your mobility needs.

What makes this tour different from other Providence experiences?
It uniquely combines Providence’s prohibition history with local tastings and lively storytelling, offering both education and entertainment.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re visiting Providence and have an interest in its hidden tales—particularly about its resistance to Prohibition and its local brewing scene—this tour offers a compelling way to explore. It excels in blending storytelling, tasting, and strolling in a way that’s engaging without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

The small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to sample Rhode Island’s local spirits make it a memorable outing. It’s especially good for those who enjoy learning through stories and like the idea of discovering a city’s secret past while enjoying some excellent drinks and bites.

Just keep in mind, this tour is mainly for adults who are comfortable walking and sampling alcohol. If that sounds like you, it could turn out to be one of your favorite Providence experiences.