Providence Guide
Providence may be the capital of the smallest state in the country, but it has plenty of things to do for urban adventurers. Any Providence guide will list the many shops, eateries, and museums in the downtown area, but it's often the lesser known attractions that are the most interesting.
The performing arts are a big part of Providence's culture. The city is home to the Tony Award-winning Trinity Repertory Company, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and Opera Providence. The Festival Ballet Providence's 20-plus dancers come from six different countries and perform for the Providence public roughly 30 times each year. From early spring through early fall, residents can participate in the outdoor multisensory event Waterfire Providence or view artwork from the city's local artists at Gallery Night.
There are often special Providence deals to be found at Providence Place, the city's largest mall with over 170 dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. There are more things to do than just shopping. The mall has a both a movie theater and an IMAX theater. For a more intimate shopping experience, take a stroll down Thayer or Wickeden Street.
Since Providence is home to Johnson & Wales University's College of Culinary Arts, foodies have plenty of options around the city. Chez Pascal, Gracie's, and Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar are local favorites, but there are plenty of multicultural options as well. Los Andes on Chalkstone Avenue excels at Peruvian cuisine. No guide to Providence would be complete without mentioning the Portuguese influence found in the Cape Verdean community or the top Italian eateries located in the Federal Hill neighborhood.
Despite its metro feel, there are a few outdoor things to do in Providence. Trivia buffs will enjoy a stroll around the city to seek out the places that movies such as "There's Something About Mary," "Dumb and Dumber," and "Federal Hill" were filmed. The Woonasquatucket River Bikeway offers scenic biking trails, while the Providence River Walk is well suited for an afternoon jog.