Did you know that Rhode Island never actually ratified the Prohibition amendment?
How about that Providence had hundreds of speakeasies?
Or that the Narragansett Bay was the scene of over 30 different shootouts between rumrunners and the US Coast Guard?
These are the subjects that guests explore on the brand new Providence Prohibition Tour, a new downtown Providence food tour that highlights local beers and spirits, launched in July of this year.
“We are really excited about adding the Prohibition Tour,” says Bradly VanDerStad, Executive Director of the Providence Tour Company. “Food tours are such a great way to try a bunch of different restaurants in one outing. Combined with the rich history of Providence Prohibition, this is just a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.”
The experience brings guests through five popular local food and drink businesses to taste their best libations- each restaurant stop offers a food pairing as well, giving a diverse and delectable tasting experience. The tastings include beer and pretzels at The Malted Barley, cocktails and pizza at Plant City, and sliders and moonshine (of course) at Moonshine Alley, to name a few.
Between stops, guests are entertained by stories of the city in the Prohibition era.
“Providence–and Rhode Island in general–had a very lackadaisical approach to Prohibition enforcement,” said VanDerStad. “This made us a bootlegger’s paradise, and gives us lots of interesting stories to tell: including powerful crime lords, corrupt officials, and shootouts on the Narragansett Bay. Since Rhode Island’s founding, we’ve never wanted to follow the rules: Prohibition was no different.”
The tour builds on the success of the Providence Tour Company’s other food tour, Crime and Cuisine on Federal Hill, a true-crime food tour in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood. “In a way, the Providence Prohibition Tour is like a prequel for Crime and Cuisine,” said VanDerStad. “It was Prohibition that set the culture of criminality in motion, and gave lots of opportunities for future mobsters to gain experience. If you enjoyed Crime and Cuisine, you’ll love the Providence Prohibition Tour.”
VanDerStad explains that the goals of the tours are to activate Providence and to give guests of the city an enjoyable way to connect to the city’s vibrant culture and history.
“Providence is such a wonderful city, but I often hear from folks that there’s a perception that there’s nothing to do downtown. We are aiming to address that,” says VanDerStad.
VanDerStad says that tours have been selling out quickly, and gift card sales have also been steady.
“It makes perfect sense why you’d want to give gift cards for an experience like this,” VanDerStad reflects. “As a trend, our society is moving towards spending their time and money on experiences rather than material things. People love making memories, especially with family and friends- I’m not surprised that gift cards have been a popular option.”
Both Providence Prohibition Tour and Crime and Cuisine on Federal Hill run every weekend from March through December. To learn more about tour schedules, meeting points, and to buy tour tickets, visit pvdtourco.com.
Photo from pvdtourco.com.
