Providence isn't just for guidos anymore, people

And I can testify for that firsthand. After spending a night treading away from my usual Providence haunts such as Karta Bar, Monet, and just about anything on Federal Hill, I tried some new spots with some of my closest girlfriends tonight and noticed that all of the Pauly D lookalikes where nowhere to be found in any of them. It was truly refreshing to be in an atmosphere in which my leopard print pumps were an oddity and my sinuses weren't being clogged with expired Aqua Di Gio on just about every man in sight. But in reflecting further, the light bulb went off and I came to a truly astonishing revelation- not everything in Rhode Island epitomizes the guido lifestyle. Sure, things like Capriccio's, Mineral Spring Ave, and pretty much everything in Johnston will be characterized by the gelled back style, so to speak, but so many things to do in Rhode Island just don't look like they're a carbon copy of Jersey Shore anymore. Looking to expand your cultural lens next time you're in the Ocean State and not really in the mood to fist pump? Here are some nice rarities when you feel like mixing things up a little bit:

• The Black Pearl- This delicious eatery off of Thames Street in Newport has some of the best clamcakes in all of RI. Plus, its preppiness and old school style is the epitome of Newport's waspy culture.
• Feminine Fancies- Owned by a former high school classmate's mother, you won't be finding Ed Hardy or Sky in this adorable Barrington boutique. While it's not entirely my style, I've definitely found something, and there's great designer sales and a little something for everything.
• The Avery- Make sure you have your skinny jeans and high tops ready to go, because this Providence bar will have you feeling like a hipster in no time! If you fist pump here, rest assured that you WILL get dirty looks. 
• The Hope Club- This club for old men on the East Side that my grandfather use to be a part of during his life. I don't really understand it but know that it's totally not guido and something along the lines of The University Club. Great networking opportunities, if you will.
• The Wheeler School- Not looking to raise your kids in an atmosphere that doesn't have pimped out cars, kids with blow outs, or crazy school dances? Send them to The Wheeler School, a prep school in the heart of Providence that is complete with Lacoste and Volvos galore (and completely the opposite of everything I stand for as a human being).
• Oakland Beach- Because not everything on the non-guido list had to be classy. This Warwick beach by all means is not, but is in the heart of Warwick and definitely not comparable to Chair 2 (aka The Johnston Chair) at Scarbarough Beach.
• Cuban Revolution- Because what the frig kind of food to they honestly serve there?

There you have it. And while this list definitely took a little bit of extra effort, it definitely goes to show you that Providence really isn't just for guidos anymore. So whether you're a prepster, hipster, or skater, come together in the melting pot of a city that Providence is- and know that just because you don't have a tanning membership, doesn't necessarily mean that you'll forever be ostracized.