Exploring Providence, Rhode Island: A City of Culture and Creativity
Providence, Rhode Island, is a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and arts. Home to prestigious institutions such as Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence offers an intellectual and artistic atmosphere. The city's famous WaterFire installation, a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, provides a unique and mesmerizing experience for visitors. The historic neighborhoods of College Hill and Federal Hill offer a glimpse into the past with well-preserved architecture and an array of dining options, including some of the best Italian cuisine in the region. For art lovers, the RISD Museum showcases an impressive collection ranging from ancient to modern art. Additionally, Providence's downtown area features vibrant nightlife, eclectic shopping, and a thriving creative community, supported by various theaters and galleries. With its blend of cultural richness and lively urban energy, Providence offers a multitude of experiences for every visitor.
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Welcome to Providence
Shopping & Things To Do
Just like any city, where you shop for your home essentials, groceries, and other “everyday items” really depends on where you live. Each section of the city and neighborhood has different retail plazas and grocery stores nearby for your convenience. However, if you’re looking for something special or any area to stroll and enjoy a full day of shopping fun, Providence offers plenty of opportunities.
RI’s largest shopping mall located right off I-95 and across the street for the Rhode Island State House. This mall has over 160 retail stores, a movie theater, IMAX theatre, Dave & Busters, and three full-service restaurants. You can do a full-day of shopping here and only visit a fraction of the stores. It’s also right near downtown Providence, so you can park at Providence Place and walk around to nearby restaurants and shops.
Both of these neighborhoods are on the East Side of Providence and offer boutique shopping. Thayer Street is a bustling area right near Brown University’s campus; Wayland Square is a residential neighborhood lined with bookstores, cafes, bakeries, and small shops.
On the west side of Providence, you’ll find Atwells Avenue and Broadway, both main entry points into Federal Hill. The neighborhood is known for its rich Italian American culture, authentic food, specialty groceries, and shopping spots lined down each street. It’s walkable, beautiful, and there’s always somewhere to peek into and see what’s inside.
A 3,000-seat multi-use theater and the one place in town that hosts touring Broadway shows. You can see concerts, plays, films, and more. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Providence’s premier convention center and exhibition space with 130,000 square feet of event space and halls. It’s connected to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Omni Providence Hotel, and Providence Place mall via two sky bridges. This where you can experience all types of events, competitions, trade shows, business expos, and more.
RI’s largest indoor sporting arena that is home to the Providence Bruins and Providence College men’s basketball team. The biggest events and performances in the city happen here every month, including popular returning events like Stars on Ice, WWE events, Monster Jam, and more.
One of Rhode Island’s oldest arts venues and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a 1,931-seat concert hall that showcases many different types of performances throughout the year, from stand up comedy to the RI Philharmonic Orchestra.
Museums & Historic Attractions
Take a stroll along Providence’s East Side and College Hill neighborhoods and you’ll find a vast amount of cool historic attractions and museums. At the RISD Museum, you can see a collection of over 100,000 pieces of art and design dating from ancient civilization to the modern day. Stop by the Providence Athenaeum on Benefit Street for a peek into one of America’s oldest private libraries, with rare collections of books and membership programs so you can use the space at your leisure. And if you’re into learning about Providence’s colonial past and important figures, visit the John Brown House for a walking tour of his East Side mansion and estate (Brown University is named after him).
“Dedicated to the idea that children learn through play and that play is good for children and their families. The Museum’s hands-on learning environments and programs are designed for children ages 1 to 11 and their adult caregivers,” as told on PCM’s website. It’s a cool adventure to bring your kids and have them explore the many activities and programs with the museum.
Located on the ground floor of Manning Hall on Brown University’s Main Green, this museum’s permanent collection includes over 150,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects from all over the world, and forms the basis for research, exhibitions, and community outreach for Brown student and staff.
Located within Roger Williams Park, the museum houses more than 250,000 natural, cultural, and historic objects. The public planetarium shows are daily in July and August. It’s a great place to bring your kids and introduce them to fun, educational programming about the natural world.
Annual Events & Festivals
Take a stroll along Providence’s East Side and College Hill neighborhoods and you’ll find a vast amount of cool historic attractions and museums. At the RISD Museum, you can see a collection of over 100,000 pieces of art and design dating from ancient civilization to the modern day. Stop by the Providence Athenaeum on Benefit Street for a peek into one of America’s oldest private libraries, with rare collections of books and membership programs so you can use the space at your leisure. And if you’re into learning about Providence’s colonial past and important figures, visit the John Brown House for a walking tour of his East Side mansion and estate (Brown University is named after him).
Since 1996, WaterFire Providence has transformed downtown into a living art installation which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and spectators every year. The riverwalk area is lit up with over 100 bonfires on the water and the streets are closed for concessions, artists tents, booths, performances and live music. The lighting schedule changes slightly each year, but the Waterfire season typically goes from May till early November. This festival is non-profit and sponsored by various local businesses, institutions, and local governments. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else, so it’s worth checking out if you’re thinking about moving to the city!
Providence’s new signature arts and culture festival (started in 2014). It’s a five-day celebration in downtown Providence with art installations, music performances, food trucks, a parade, concessions and tents for local restaurants, and more. Downtown Providence is closed for live performances and concessions all day and night. It takes place in June every year.
A social justice parades and live music event that happens every October in Providence. Brass bands from all over the country come to stomp their feet, celebrate music, and reclaim public spaces with free performances and A LOT of dancing.
RI Pride is an LGBTQ organization that produces the annual Pride Fest — New England’s only night-time pride parade which draws over 50,000 people to celebrate their individuality and culture. There are live performances along South Water Street and the parade starts downtown once the sun goes down.
Restaurants & Nightlife
You might be surprised to know this, but Providence’s restaurant scene is widely regarded as one “the best” dining destinations in the U.S. In 2012, Travel & Leisure Magazine rated Providence as the “#1 Food City” in the United States. A few restaurants in particular, such as Oberlin and North, have been recognized by Bon Appetit Magazine and other publications as top-rated across the U.S.
There are too many dining and bar options in Providence to list, but here are a few “hotspot” neighborhoods where you’ll find more than enough food & drink fun.
Recreation & Activities
435 acres of land offering a variety of recreational and educational activities for visitors. There are more than five miles of walking paths throughout the wooded grounds, wrapping around the three ponds inside the park. The park includes public gardens, tennis courts, ball fields, playgrounds, public art installations, and Roger Williams Zoo. Inside you’ll find the Museum of Natural History, the Botanical Center, the Temple to Music, and the Casino. In other words, this is more than just a park — it’s truly a gift to residents of Providence.
18 acres of open space, walking paths, picnic tables, and 3,600 feet of shoreline. It has a unique view of Narragansett Bay and the ports of Providence. India Point is also the starting (or ending) point of the East Bay Bike Path and holds many public-access events in the summertime, including live music, food shows, and more.
1.6 miles of walking path along Blackstone Boulevard in Providence’s East Side neighborhood. Benches line the walkway on either side, along with many different species of trees and perennial and non-perennial flower beds. It’s just a simple and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise without having to leave the city. There’s usually a lot of people strolling along with you!
Hidden along Congdon Street on College Hill, this small park offers a view of downtown Providence you won’t find anywhere else. There is a statue of Roger Williams along the cliff edge of the park (FUN FACT: This is where we got our name), benches to relax on, and open space to lay down a blanket and enjoy the view of Downtown and the State House.
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