Providence

Providence is the capital and most populous city in Rhode Island. Its was also one of the first cities established in the USA so Matt Guiry and I decided to take a little day trip and see some of the finest urban strolling this side of the Connecticut River.

Wall of hope - 9/11 Memorial

According to reviews Providence is one of the 'yuppie' headquarters for people commuting by train to Boston and I can see why it would be such an appealing spot to settle in. Particularly during summer, much of downtown Providence transforms into a carnivalesque festival thanks to an exceedingly popular public art installation called WaterFire. At this event, 100 flaming braziers anchored into the city's rivers illuminate the water, viewed by thousands of pedestrians strolling on bridges and finely landscaped riverside parks.

 

Despite the dreary weather we managed to see some of the sites and soaked up the Providence charm.

 

 

Our day started at Providence Place Mall which was very cosmopolitan and fresh with the typical 21st century glass windows and open spaces, contrasting Federal Hill were we headed next. This section of the city is home to petite art galleries, bakeries and dinky restaurants. 

La Pigna sculpture, a traditional symbol of welcome, abundance and quality, hangs at the entrance to Federal Hill.


Rick's Roadhouse for Lunch! This restaurant duplicated the great regional meals served by family owned restaurants to hungry travelers along route 66 from Chicago to California. It was tasty grub.

Dave and Buster's Arcade was just like you see in the movies!