Providence, Rhode Island

Providence has experienced a bit of a renaissance over the past two decades. Once known for the high concentration of mafia groups working within city limits, it is now a pleasant New England city with plenty of history and a vibrant restaurant and museum scene.

It is hard to fly directly into Providence. However, that doesn’t mean it is hard to get there. It is easy to fly into Boston’s Logan airport. Providence is only an hour away by car and one-and-a-half hours by bus or train. Many of the city’s famed historical sights are located in or near downtown, which can be traversed on foot quite easily.

Architecture is the star in Providence. The Rhode Island State House (Smith Street) boasts one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world. The building itself is impressive both from the inside and from the outside. However, the structure is not the only element of the State House. Exhibits inside the halls include a collection of regimental flags from the Revolutionary War and original paintings of famous American leaders.

Nearby Brown University (Prospect Street) boasts 18th century architecture and a decidedly Ivy League atmosphere. Another plus for architecture lovers is the plethora of examples of art deco buildings. Rhode Island’s tallest building, Industrial Trust Tower in Kennedy Plaza, is a prime example of this school of design.

The aged but distinguished neighborhood of Federal Hill is home to a large Italian community. It is filled with boutiques and restaurants. It is located just west of downtown and can be easily walked.

There is a huge open-air market located downtown on Westminster Street. It is open on Saturdays from May through October and is a fun place to walk through even if you don’t plan to make a purchase. Thayer Street has a younger vibe. It boasts thrift stores, the Brown University Bookstore, and several popular budget boutiques.