The areas around the Brown University campus are relatively nice. I went there for a conference some years ago, and took my M3 with. It wasn't like full of opportunities, but I did see some spots that were worth a shot. And people too (street vendors).
I'll look for my photos and will try to get back to you. Again, don't get your hopes too high. There are some picturesque areas but... nothing to write home about. Now, if you're a fan of H.P. Lovecraft or O'Henry, you'll find a couple of things related to both of them in Providence: there's a commemorative plaque about the first (I believe in a house he lived in, near Brown), and the surviving home of the latter, while he lived in Providence.
Have a pleasant stay there! 🙂