How many states have you visited? Believe it or not, I have only been to 38 states. Because I travel to Arizona, Florida, and Nevada frequently, I have missed checking off all 50 states. In this post, I visit Providence, Rhode Island. Can I visit 12 more states in 2022?

The Flights to and from Providence, Rhode Island

I booked my flight at the perfect time because I missed the winter storm. Most flights to and from Rhode Island had a connection except the last flight. However, I feared a flight cancellation or long delay; I wanted some wiggle room. When I booked, I found an airport lounge in the connecting airport. I left early Saturday morning and returned late Sunday evening. It was not until I landed in Providence that I discovered an airport lounge. To my surprise, I also learned the lounge is closed on Sunday.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott at the Airport

Okay, I did it again. I booked my hotel while I was on the flight to Rhode Island. Yes, I realize this has happened on two consecutive flights. What can I say? Free Wi-Fi is a perk for A-List Preferred members with Southwest. I also used a travel hack I read about in a Facebook group. Someone claimed they earned a companion pass on Southwest in three months by booking through an alternate website to collect more Rapid Rewards points. When was the last time you walked from the airport to your hotel? Even though there is a free shuttle, you can walk. If you are looking for accommodations near the airport, you should book here. The staff is professional but friendly.

Iron Works

The bar at Fairfield did not serve food. I took the shuttle to Iron Works. Although I am comfortable traveling solo, this was one of those times I felt uncomfortable for just a moment. Yes, I was the only Black person in the restaurant. My server was polite. She answered my questions and provided service with a smile. I started the meal with their take on a Manhattan, followed by clam chowder, scallop risotto, and toffee cheesecake. Ironworks is known for the pastrami, but I could not leave without trying the seafood. I finished every morsel on my plate. By the way, no one did anything to make me uncomfortable. You can use the shuttle to travel within three miles of the hotel.

How Many States Have you Visited? Did you Find a T.J.Maxx?

Since the Escape Lounge was closed, I enjoyed a complimentary hot breakfast (turkey sausage and scrambled eggs) at the hotel before I walked to the airport. However, I noticed a T.J. Maxx two miles away. My flight was at 1:50 PM. I asked for a late checkout, and the shuttle driver took me to Chapel View. The shopping center offers retail, dining, and office space. The Chapel Grille could be a worthy destination if I am in Rhode Island again. Although I only had a carry-on, I stuffed a few shirts in my bag along with two Kwanza ornaments. Chris is a great shuttle driver.

The Club at BWI

I have never been in the lounge for breakfast, but I enjoyed the oatmeal, egg dish, and blood orange mimosas on the way to Rhode Island. The layover to Chicago was 3.5 hours. I dined on a chicken rice bowl and blueberry cobbler. Even though the lounge is in Terminal D, it is worth the walk from another terminal. Do not forget to allow plenty of time to walk to your terminal because you will need to go through security again. Although I spent over $200.00 on the reservation, I earned 6,000 Rapid Rewards points because I booked through Southwest Hotels. Guess what? For January, I collected 14,523 points toward a Companion Pass. The points are adding up quickly. How many states will you visit this year? If you joined the club, pick up a t-shirt on Amazon.