Bangor to Providence train

Although Bangor is best known as the setting for many of Stephen King's novels, there is far more to the town than just horror. With a vibrant art scene, multiple museums, galleries, and an annual sidewalk art festival, Bangor is a delightful destination for a weekend getaway. In the winter, Bangor is also one of the best destinations for a snowy vacation.

Bangor first grew its economy through the lumber and shipbuilding industries. The city's rich lumber history is evident on almost every street, as wealthy "lumber barons" built decadent brick and wood mansions throughout the city. You can learn more about the industry's impact on Bangor by visiting The Maine Forest and Logging Museum just outside town.

If you're a Stephen King fan, be sure to book a city tour of some of the locations featured in his novels and films, and learn about how the area inspired his work. You can also stroll past Stephen King's own house (don't bother him for autographs, it's a private residence!) and take a stroll through the neighborhood to admire many other magnificent houses.

Getting to Bangor is simple. Bangor International Airport is served by many major airlines and offers nonstop and connecting flights from various U.S. cities. Greyhound Lines and Concord Coach Lines also offer bus services to other Maine destinations and cities throughout New England. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Bangor to the nationwide rail network.

Though some might say that it is overshadowed by nearby Boston, Providence is an interesting destination on its own. A quaint college town with a deep historical value, Providence allows fans of U.S. history to marvel at historic buildings such as the ones on Benefit Street, which boasts the highest concentration of Colonial houses. As you stroll around the streets of Providence at night, don’t forget to take a detour to WaterFire, a sculpture project that features bonfires along the rivers of Providence. Accompanying the bonfires are the sounds of ceremonial gongs and various music programs, which brighten up the night. For those seeking a unique cultural experience, the Federal Hill quarter sits among the most famous Little Italian neighborhoods, and it features some of the best Italian restaurants in town.

The staple dish of Providence is oysters, which are not difficult to find in the city. However, if you can endure a short drive, Matunuck Oyster Bar, an oyster restaurant located 40 miles south of South Kingstown, provides some of the freshest and most delicious oysters around. Some other notable establishments include Birch, Oberlin, and Tallulah’s Taqueria.

The Providence airport is located in nearby Warwick which is only a 6 miles’ drive from the city. The main bus hub for Providence is found at the Rhode Island Convention Center Parking Garage, where travelers could catch a bus from Greyhound or Peter Pan Bus Lines. The main Amtrak train station is located just a 10-minute walk across the Woonasquatucket River.