Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Providence, RI
Year Listed: 2007
The capital of one of the nation’s 13 original colonies, Providence, R.I., has a colorful four-century history proudly and prominently displayed for 21st century visitors. Once a major New World seaport, Providence became an industrial center during the 19th century, but later fell on hard times. Thanks to a sustained preservation and rebuilding effort, the waterfront city has undergone a renaissance with its Venetian-style waterways and landmark structures impeccably preserved.
Historic Riverfront in Providence, Rhode Island.
Credit: Hal Barth
A dozen years ago, the city reinvented itself with the annual WaterFire celebration, a meandering file of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the downtown. The fires are tended from sunset to past midnight by black-clad performers in boats who pass quietly before the flames while classical music serves as a melodic accompaniment. Providence is also home to Brown University, which has overlooked the city from its perch on College Hill since 1770, and the Rhode Island School of Design; both schools offer a lively mix of cultural offerings and public art. On the edge of the city is the Victorian-era Roger Williams Park, with its zoo, carousel, vintage casino building, lakes, and Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. Visitors also enjoy strolling along the brick sidewalks of Benefit Street, lined with a stunning collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings.
Home to a vibrant Italian-American community and also to Johnson and Wales University, a world-renowned culinary school, Providence is a veritable paradise for gourmands. For discriminating travelers, the city’s grande dame awaits the superbly restored Providence Biltmore Hotel, opened in 1922 and a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America.
For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, has named Providence, R.I., to its 2007 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. Providence was selected from 63 destinations in 27 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities. From historic colleges and beautifully preserved architecture to a vibrant restaurant scene, there is something for every age and interest to experience.
