What You’ll Love About Rhode Island’s Smartest City

At 37 miles wide, and about 48 miles long, you could easily spend a day exploring the entire state and be home in time for dinner. From the outside, it seems like Rhode Island would fit on a postage stamp, but with all of its New England allure, gorgeous beaches, and collegiate brain power, the only way to experience the bigger picture is to see it from the inside. Home to an Ivy League crowd and incredible waterfront views, the capital city of Providence boasts more history, recreation, and entertainment than most cities twice its size.

Established in 1636, Providence is one of America’s oldest cities and filled with historic buildings and landmarks from the iconic grounds of Brown University to the colonial mansions of Benefits Street. Combining intellectual aptitude with classic New England beauty, this college town has a “cool” youthful vibe that perfectly compliments its centuries-old history and the stately architecture that surrounds it. Located 45 minutes from Boston, Providence is an intimate, and inviting city who’s 20.5 square mile stature gives visitors easy access to must-see destinations like the picturesque city of Newport, and is just an hour from the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast.

Providence is diverse, culturally rich, and has some of the most enchanting waterfront parks in the country. Named after the city’s founder, Roger Williams Park is a tranquil spot to enjoy a picnic, stroll along the shore, and offers a haven for cyclists. For imagery that postcards are made of, Providence’s downtown jewel is Water Place Park and Riverwalk. From the Venetian bridges that overlook the river, and music performances at the amphitheater, to the dramatic WaterFire light show, this stunning park is urban romance at its best.

To say Providence has good taste is an understatement. Featured by Bon Appetit, and The Boston Globe, this foodie city caters to everyone from vegans to carnivores with an impressive menu of global fare, swanky steakhouses, and award-winning craft beers. Voted one of the nation’s most walkable cities by the Huffington Post, working off that amazing food to enjoy some retail therapy is easy to do with hotspots like the Providence Place Mall, Federal Hill, and popular Thayer and Wickenden Streets flaunting fashion-forward boutiques, and unique shops. While it may be a pint-sized city of about 200,000 neighborly New Englanders, Providence has a dynamic personality that’s anything but modest.