"Providence....our Capitol City" a Providence Travel Page by Pawtuxet

Many speak of the renaissance of the City of Providence awakened after years of decline. Creative planners and designers moved rivers and opened vistas which had been hidden over time by asphalt and concrete. The result is glorious. The city has a vast collection of phenomenol architecture, ethnic restaurants, collegiate activities and unique theaters and entertainment venues. If you visit Providence you will be surprised at how much is packed into such a small city.

Yes there are gondolas that drift along the river during the Waterfires evenings. There is no way to describe this event adequately. Everyone says the same thing. When they go there they always say they couldn't have imagine what it would be like...or how it would smell...or how mesmerizing it all is. You simply must come and walk the lower sidewalks beside the river...under the bridges....and down to the basin while listening to the wonderful music that is designed especially for this event. Come and discover what thousands discover each summer.....Providence will capture your heart.

This is the Casino at Roger Williams Park. It was built as an elaborate dance hall where weddings and special events take place throughout the year. It overlooks the lakes and has a beautiful painted ceiling in the ballroom.
The park consists of over 300 acres of rolling hills and beautiful specimen trees all designed by the noted Landscape Architect, Cleveland...an associate of Olmstead (Central Park, NYC) ...similar style. The park also boasts an award winning zoo, the Museum of Natural History, a victorian Bandstand, the Temple to Music, 7 lakes, Betsy Williams Cottage and Lovers Retreat Bridge across from the Rose garden and gazebo. And there is more....
See my Rhode Island page for many more photos and tips...and my latest pics here of the newest addition to the park. They recently opened one of the largest Horticultural Centers in New England. So much to see, do and enjoy.
Horticultural Ctr. tips and pics begin in my OFF THE BEATEN PATH and continue in the TRAVELOGUE

Rhode Island has been blessed with some very prominent preservationists over the years, and several devoted their lives to establishing a significant number of National Historic Register districts and individually listed homes. The collection in Providence is unsurpassed almost anywhere in the country.

The Governor Lippitt house is another treasure which has been preserved and is open to the public for tours as well as available for special events, such as weddings.
Spend some time walking the East Side around Brown University and the RI School of Design and you will be astounded at the architecture...house after house after house.
FOR THE SHOPPERS IN THE CROWD THERE IS PROVIDENCE PLACE MALL...WHICH IS A FABULOUS AND ENORMOUS RECENT ADDITION TO OUR COLLECTION OF SIGNIFICANT ARCHITECTURE. NORDSTROM'S IS THE ANCHOR STORE...BUT MANY OTHER FAVORITES ARE INCLUDED.
FINISH THE DAY IN A WONDERFUL RESTAURANT....TOO MANY TO NAME HERE. WE ARE KNOWN FOR EXCELLENT AND VARIED NEUVO AND ETHNIC RESTAURANTS. AFTER ALL....WE ARE THE HOME OF JOHNSON & WALES CULINARY INSTITUTE AS WELL!