Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and the most populated city in the small state. It's also one of the oldest cities in the United States, having been founded in 1636 by Roger Williams. The city sits right at the mouth of the Providence River, near the top of Narragansett Bay.
The metropolitan area, which includes Providence and its neighboring cities, is a seaport, industrial, and commercial center. Providence is brimming with hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and so much more. The city also home to seven colleges, including Brown University (the city's second-largest employer), Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Rhode Island College, which is the state's oldest public university.
If you want to hear the music of one of America's largest and most prestigious music schools, seek out a performance by the Rhode Islanders Philharmonic Orchestra. This is a prestigious music school that attracts the "best and brightest" from around the world, and there are plenty of opportunities to see and hear them perform.
If you love history, you should include Stephen Hopkins House on your list of activities during your visit to Providence. A tour of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum will allow you to relive the history of Providence from its foundation to the present day. On the website, you will find further information about the tour and in the museum itself. As part of the Rhode Island School of Design, the museum has a diverse collection dedicated to exposing its students to many artistic styles.
There are several small museums as well, and they all have their own collections of art and history, as well as a variety of exhibits.
There is also the annual art parade, the PVD Fest, which has been held in Providence for the past five years. The Athenaeum, which prides itself on being a haven for the creative of Providence, hosts many readings and events throughout the year.
Some notable buildings in the city include the steeple of America's oldest Baptist church, which was built by the city's founder Roger Williams. Other notable buildings include the Rhode Island State House, Providence Public Library, and Old Town Hall. The streets of Providence have had their share of historical significance in American history.
If you want to explore the city, the Rhode Island Historical Society offers guided walks through the area, showing off many of the colonial houses Providence is known for. There are a number of bike paths in the Providence area for those who prefer to explore on their own.
You could easily spend a week (or more) exploring Providence's many parks and paths, as well as many of the city's historic buildings. Providence is one of Rhode Island's most popular tourist destinations.
If you want to take a day trip from Boston or spend a few days in the smallest state in the country, you should definitely check out what Providence has to offer. The city also has a number of great restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels as well as many parks.
The Providence River that runs through the center makes it seem a bit like a "European" city, and the strong history of the town adds to that experience. The shopping opportunities in the city include the many small locally owned shops scattered throughout several neighborhoods, sitting alongside some of Providence's most popular restaurants and bars. Downtown Providence is home to the Providence Museum of Art, Rhode Island State Museum, and many other historic buildings.