Attractions Near Providence Rhode Island – Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is a wonderful city to visit. With a population of less than 200,000, a unique history, stunning architecture and a picturesque location, it oozes old-world charm. The best way to get there is along historic Benefit Street or Roger Williams Park. Another way to see the city is to take a gondola ride on the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers. When you’re ready for a break, try the city’s wonderful gastronomy, heavily influenced by culinary faculty alumni. That is, the younger generation has a significant impact on the development of art, science and culture in the region. Students from Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Providence College are contributing to the city’s revitalization. Sounds interesting? Here are the best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Attractions Near Providence Rhode Island
Despite my fascination with the New England states, I must admit that Providence was not on my must-see list. That was before my trip to wonderful Newport, Rhode Island. When I realized that the journey to the city only takes 40 minutes, I decided to give it a try. The beautiful October weather certainly contributed to the town’s appeal. The irresistible charm of this area left an unforgettable impression on me.
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Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a rebel preacher forced to flee Massachusetts due to religious persecution. Williams purchased land from the Narragansett Indians and founded a new settlement with a policy of religious and political freedom. He named his new home “Provid” – thank God. (read more)
Built in 1885, the building was designed by Providence architect Edmund R. Designed by Sidney Richmond Burleigh with Wilson. With its half-timbered Norman facade, the building gives Thomas Street a 16th-century feel. In 1992, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other historic houses on the street include the Deacon Edward Taylor House, the Cyril Dodge House and the Club House. Good to see the street.
The First Baptist Church of America is the oldest Baptist church in the United States, founded by Roger Williams in 1638. From the beginning, the Baptist Church has focused on the freedom of the soul and the civil rights of religious freedom and separation of church and state.
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A few steps from Thomas Street you will find Benefit Street. This most charming street in Providence is filled with residential, institutional and religious architecture from the colonial and Victorian eras.
Stretching for 1.2 miles on the east side of Providence, it serves as an open-air museum of grand buildings and simple homes. Benefit Street is an architectural wonder with well-preserved houses from the 1700s and 1800s.
Walking past these old houses makes you feel like you are traveling back in time. The Rhode Island Historical Society offers tours of this part of Providence.
A must-see on the block is the Nightingale Brown House, built in 1792 by merchant Joseph Nightingale. In 1814, Nicholas Brown, for whom the famous university was named, purchased the house from the Nightingale heirs, becoming the first of five generations of the Brown family to live there.
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Don’t forget to walk around the Brown University campus while exploring Bennetife Street. This private Ivy League research university was founded in 1764. It is the seventh oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and one of nine colonial colleges founded before the American Revolution. Brown was the first college in the United States to admit students regardless of their religious affiliation.
Originally located in Warren, Rhode Island and named Rhode Island College, it moved to its present location on College Hill overlooking Providence in 1770. In 1804, a $5,000 gift from Nicholas Brown, a prominent Providence businessman and alumnus, named it Brown University.
One of the largest states in the United States is home to the smallest American state, Rhode Island. Designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, this magnificent white Georgia marble dome was built during Rhode Island’s industrial boom (1895-1904). Learn more about the Rhode Island State House.
Inside, the new museum displays the Colonial Charter issued in 1663 by King Charles II of England. The King first signed the Charter to guarantee freedom of religion. On the dome of the State House stands the Statue of Independence of Rhode Island, which embodies the spirit of freedom of thought and action. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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If you are looking for something unusual, see the city from a different perspective – in an authentic Venetian gondola. From a romantic river cruise for two to a fun family adventure, a gondola ride with La Gondola is a wonderful way to see and experience Providence.
Another unique holiday in Provide is the water fire. Inspired by artist Barnaby Evans, who created the first fire sculpture in 1994 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Providence’s first night, it has evolved into an ongoing celebration.
Waterfire is a non-profit arts organization that celebrates Providence by gathering people to light a fire along the river. See events here.
Established in 1871, the park was designed as a “ground for public enjoyment”. Today it covers 435 beautiful hectares and offers a wide range of opportunities for recreation and education. Over 1.5 million visitors visit each year to enjoy the sights and activities that generations before them did.
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Today, the park features extensive landscaped grounds, recreational ponds, gardens, tennis courts, ball fields, playgrounds, public art, and the Roger Williams Zoo. It houses several historic buildings used by the public, including an amphitheater, a natural history museum, a botanical center, a music hall and a casino.
Looking for vintage charm, great shopping and great food? Providence’s historic Federal Hill in downtown Providence has you covered. Primarily settled by Italian-American immigrants in the early 1900s, Federal Hill creates a sense of warmth and community that welcomes visitors and locals alike.
Providence has a vibrant food scene thanks to Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts, which has been training chefs since 1973. New culinary arts graduates with a passion for the culinary arts are helping make Providence a foodie mecca.
Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel – Ideally located in the city’s Capitol District, this hotel is minutes away from many popular attractions, including Roger Williams Park and Zoo and historic government buildings. Originally built in 1929, the Renaissance Providence Hotel offers modern amenities in a historic setting.
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Hotel Providence – Located in the heart of arts and entertainment, this 4-star boutique hotel offers bright, contemporary rooms, a restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor dining.
Bristol Harbor Inn – Located 12 miles from Providence in Bristol, OR, this hotel impresses with its harbor location and views. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the waterfront restaurant and pub.
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