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Providence
Rhode Island
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Visit Providence
Providence, Rhode Island, is a vibrant city that combines the accessible charm of a small town with the cultural and culinary offerings of a big city. As the state capital and one of the oldest cities in the United States, Providence boasts a rich history and a dynamic creative community. The city's compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, and visitors will find a wealth of attractions ranging from historic architecture to contemporary art galleries.
One of the highlights of Providence is its renowned arts scene. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), one of the leading art schools in the country, contributes to the city's energetic atmosphere with galleries and installations that are open to the public. The RISD Museum, with its collections of art ranging from ancient to modern, is a must-visit. Additionally, the city's commitment to the arts can be seen in its vibrant street art and the monthly Gallery Night, when art lovers can enjoy extended hours at galleries and museums around the city.
Providence is also famous for its culinary scene, which is characterized by a blend of old-world traditions and new-world innovations. Federal Hill, known as Little Italy, offers a taste of the city's Italian heritage with its authentic eateries, bakeries, and markets. For a more contemporary flavor, downtown Providence features a variety of chef-owned restaurants that showcase Rhode Island's local seafood and produce. The city's food scene is complemented by numerous festivals throughout the year, including the celebrated WaterFire, an art installation and festival that features over eighty bonfires on the three rivers of downtown Providence, creating a magical atmosphere of flickering firelight that is perfect for an evening stroll.
Whether you're interested in history, art, or dining, Providence offers a charming and enriching getaway. Its blend of cultural attractions and cozy, welcoming vibe makes it a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the unique flavor of New England.
Providence Monthly Weather Conditions
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
22°F
37°F
12
February
23°F
41°F
8
March
31°F
48°F
12
April
43°F
58°F
12
May
50°F
67°F
12
June
60°F
77°F
10
July
69°F
83°F
9
August
66°F
82°F
8
September
55°F
72°F
10
October
46°F
64°F
8
November
37°F
52°F
8
December
30°F
42°F
12
Need to Know Before You Go To Providence
Nickname:
The Creative Capital
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/New_York
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
1.75 million
Primary Export:
Scrap and waste materials
Busiest Travel Months:
August, July, June
Quietest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Find your Next Adventure in Providence
Explore Providence
Iconic Landmarks
Rhode Island State House
This impressive neoclassical building is topped with the world's fourth-largest self-supported marble dome and is visible from various parts of the city. It houses the Rhode Island General Assembly and the offices of the governor and the secretary of state.
Brown University
Founded in 1764, Brown University is an Ivy League institution and a prominent feature in Providence. The university's historic campus is renowned for its beautiful architecture and is a hub of academic and cultural activity.
WaterFire Providence
An award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. This unique art installation involves over eighty bonfires that light up the river as part of a recurring event, accompanied by music and other artistic performances, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Providence Athenaeum
One of the oldest libraries in the United States, founded in 183
This independent, member-supported library is known for its beautiful Greek Revival architecture and a rich collection of books and artifacts. It was frequented by famous personalities like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft.
Benefit Street's "Mile of History"
This street is known for its well-preserved range of colonial and Victorian architecture. Walking along Benefit Street provides a picturesque view of Providence's historical and architectural evolution.
Roger Williams Park
Named after the founder of Rhode Island, this park spans over 435 acres and includes a zoo, botanical center, natural history museum, and a planetarium. It's a beloved green space that offers a variety of recreational and educational activities.
Cultural Experiences
WaterFire Providence
This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence has become a must-see for visitors. Held periodically, WaterFire is an event where over eighty bonfires are set ablaze on the surface of the rivers, accompanied by music and various street performances, creating a magical atmosphere.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum
Home to one of the leading art museums in the region, the RISD Museum offers an impressive collection that spans different cultures and time periods. This museum is particularly known for its American decorative arts, costume and textiles, and contemporary art collections.
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)
For those who enjoy live performances, the PPAC offers a variety of shows including Broadway tours, concerts, and other theatrical performances. The stunning architecture and the rich history of the venue itself are also highlights.
Benefit Street's "Mile of History"
Take a walk along Benefit Street, where you'll find a dense concentration of original Colonial homes. This area, often referred to as the "Mile of History," offers a picturesque stroll through architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries, with beautifully preserved homes and churches lining the street.
Federal Hill
Known as Providence's Little Italy, Federal Hill is a vibrant neighborhood famous for its authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, and markets. Strolling through this area offers a taste of the cultural heritage that Italian-American communities have brought to Providence.
Providence Athenaeum
One of the oldest libraries in the United States, the Providence Athenaeum is an independent, member-supported library that has been a cultural hub since 183
It's known for its beautiful Greek Revival architecture and a rich collection of books and artifacts. The Athenaeum also hosts various cultural events, including readings and discussions.
These experiences provide a glimpse into the diverse cultural fabric of Providence and highlight why the city is celebrated for its unique blend of history, art, and community.
Outdoor Adventures
WaterFire Providence
This unique event is not your typical outdoor adventure, but it's a must-see in Providence. WaterFire is an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. It involves over eighty bonfires that light up the river as music and aromatic wood smoke fills the air. It's a magical experience best enjoyed by walking along the river or by boat.
Roger Williams Park
Spanning over 435 acres, this park offers a variety of activities including walking trails, paddle boating on the lakes, and visiting the Roger Williams Park Zoo. The park's beautifully landscaped gardens and natural green spaces are perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.
Providence River Boat Company Tours
Explore the Providence waterways through guided boat tours that offer a unique perspective of the city’s historical and cultural sites. It’s a relaxing way to learn about the city’s history and enjoy some time on the water.
East Bay Bike Path
For cycling enthusiasts, the East Bay Bike Path offers a scenic 14.5-mile route from Providence to Bristol, RI. The path takes you along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay, providing beautiful water views and a chance to visit parks, shops, and restaurants along the way.
Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy
This hidden gem in Providence offers hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, providing stunning views of the Providence skyline from the hilltop. It’s a great spot for a nature hike within the city limits.
India Point Park
Located at the confluence of the Seekonk and Providence Rivers, this park offers walking paths, playgrounds, and excellent views of the water. It’s a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and watching boats. The park also connects to the East Bay Bike Path, making it a perfect starting point for a longer adventure.
Off the Beaten Path
The Steel Yard
An industrial arts center located in a former steel fabrication facility, The Steel Yard offers workshops and classes in blacksmithing, welding, ceramics, and more. It's a great place to learn a new skill or appreciate the industrial arts. The site also hosts various public events and markets throughout the year.
Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy
This hidden gem offers some of the best hiking and panoramic views in Providence. The hill is the highest point in the city and features trails that pass through wooded areas and historic sites. It's a great spot for nature lovers and those looking to escape the urban environment for a few hours.
Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University
Although currently closed for reimagining, this museum is a unique spot when open, offering a look into the world of culinary arts with its extensive collection of culinary artifacts, including historical cookware and rare cookbooks. Keep an eye out for its reopening if you're interested in food culture and history.
Providence Athenaeum
An independent, member-supported library full of historic charm, the Athenaeum is a quiet retreat right in the city. It's one of the oldest libraries in the United States and offers a peaceful place to read, along with hosting various cultural events and talks.
The Midnight Moment
A lesser-known event where, at midnight on the third Thursday of each month, local artists perform or display their works in unexpected places throughout the city. It's a spontaneous celebration of local art and a fun way to experience the creative pulse of Providence.
Hope Street Farmers Market
While farmers markets are not uncommon, the Hope Street Farmers Market offers a particularly vibrant mix of local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts. Located in the Lippitt Park area, it's a great place to mingle with locals, try local delicacies, and enjoy some live music.
Providence Fun Facts
Providence, Rhode Island, is a city rich in history and culture. Here are ten fun facts about this vibrant city:
- Founded by Roger Williams
Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He named the area in honor of "God's merciful Providence," which he believed was responsible for revealing such a haven for him and his followers to settle.
- Home of the First Baptist Church in America
The First Baptist Church in America was founded by Roger Williams in 1638 in Providence. The current church building, located at 75 North Main Street, was erected in 1775 and is a National Historic Landmark.
- Birthplace of the Diner
Providence claims to be the birthplace of the diner, with the first diner, a horse-drawn lunch wagon, invented by Walter Scott in 1872. These diners were later manufactured in the form of prefabricated buildings that could be shipped anywhere.
- Ivy League Presence
Providence is home to Brown University, an Ivy League institution founded in 1764. Originally called the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, it is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
- Culinary Capital
Providence is often cited as one of the food capitals of the U.S., known for its diverse culinary scene and particularly for its Italian cuisine and seafood. Federal Hill is famously known as the "Little Italy" of Providence.
- WaterFire Art Installation
Providence hosts WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence, created by artist Barnaby Evans. This event typically involves over eighty bonfires on the surface of the rivers and is a major attraction.
- Providence Athenaeum
This independent, member-supported library and cultural center was founded in 1836 and is one of the oldest libraries in the United States. It's known for its beautiful Greek Revival architecture and was frequented by famous personalities like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft.
- Jewelry and Silverware Capital
For much of the 20th century, Providence was known as the "jewelry capital of the world." It was a major hub for the manufacturing of costume jewelry and silverware.
- The Arcade Providence
Built in 1828, the Arcade Providence is the United States' oldest indoor shopping mall. It has been repurposed and now houses micro-lofts and a variety of boutiques and eateries.
- Providence Performing Arts Center
This historic theater, originally opened as Loew’s State Movie Palace in 1928, is a prime example of the opulence of the late 1920s. It now hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances, contributing to Providence's reputation as a cultural hub.
Featured Picture Gallery
The Road Island State House is One of the Largest Self-Supported Marble Domes in the World
Visit the First Baptist Church in America that was Founded in 1638
Explore the Providence River During the Sunset
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