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Road Trip: Providence, Rhode Island

Providence skyline
(credit: AP)

Imagine sitting in a quaint bistro or café drinking an espresso and watching people walk by. Then you look across the street to find a traditional Italian restaurant with comfort foods and old world flavor. No, this is not a place somewhere across the ocean; it's not even across the country. It is right here in New England. You are in Providence, Rhode Island.

This beautiful city has a unique mixture of modern art and old world flare. Providence is brimming with gourmet restaurants, museums, shops and culture for visitors to enjoy.

Getting There

Miles (roundtrip from Boston): About 100
Travel Time: About 2 hours

Waterfire Providence
(credit: waterfire.org)

WaterFire

Visitors can witness the beauty of one of Providence's most beautiful works of art. WaterFire is comprised of 100 bonfires that light up the surface of three rivers that pass through Providence.

Spectators can gather along the river (at no charge) to watch the crackling flames, smell the aroma of cedar and pine and listen to beautiful music from around the world. Performers float along the river in boats keep the fires ablaze through the midnight hour.

WaterFire is a non-profit arts organization that stays alight by contributions and donations. The spectacle does not happen every week, but their Web site provides all the dates for the season.

rogerWilliamsZoo
credit: www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Did you know that you can see a bit of wildlife while in Providence? Roger Williams Park Zoo houses over 1,000 animals and has 139 different species on display at their facility.

Visitors to Roger Williams Zoo will see animals such as giraffes, elephants and polar bears in their natural settings.

With admission only costing $15 for adults, $10 for children and $13 for seniors, this zoo makes a great stop for families, or even couples during their Providence, Rhode Island vacation.

RISD Museum
(credit: risdmuseum.org)

The RISD Museum

Head to the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design to see beautiful works of art that span the centuries. The museum connoisseur will be able to see nearly 80,000 works of art in all different types of media.

Visitors can view art from ancient Greece and Rome, masterpieces from the Egyptians – including an actual coffin and mummy of the priest Nesmin, 19th Century French art and even modern pieces during their visit.

The museum is also home to the Pendleton House, an area of the museum that features some of the finest American furniture collections in the country, paintings and decorative arts.

The museum also offers tours, lectures, concerts and special exhibitions to visitors.

federalHill
credit: www.providencefederalhill.com

Federal Hill

Federal Hill offers add European flavor to Providence. This area is flooded with Italian culture, tasty bakeries, shops and some of the best restaurants Providence has to offer.

This beautiful community is located on Federal Street between Atwells and Broadway Avenues.

mcCoyStadium
credit: www.minorleaguebaseball.com

Baseball

Do you love baseball, but find Fenway ticket prices too expensive? There is an alternative to Fenway Park only 10 minutes away from Providence. Visitors can head to McCoy Stadium, home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, to catch a great baseball game while on vacation. For only a few bucks per person (Adults $7, Kids, 12 and under $5, seniors $5,) and free parking, an entire family can watch a ballgame for the price of a regular Red Sox ticket at Fenway Park!

While in Providence, also check out:John Brown House Museum websiteGovernor Henry Lippitt House Musuem website

Providence Children's Museum website

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