Why Providence?
Our Take on Rhode Island History
First, here’s a Little History about Little Rhode Island
Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his extreme views on freedom of religion and speech. He traveled southwest to what is now Rhode Island and purchased land from the Narragansett tribe. He founded Providence on the principles of tolerance and peace. We all think this sounds like a good idea.
Brown University, then known as “The College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” was founded in 1764 and was the first university to accept students regardless of the religious affiliation. It is one of 9 universities founded prior to the American Revolution.
RI was the first American British colony to secede from Great Britain in May 4, 1776, two months prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed in the Original RI State House
- You can still go the court room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It is open to the public on weekdays and located at 150 Benefit Street.
- Despite being the first colony to officially secede from Great Britain, Rhode Island was the last of the 13 colonies to become a state.
The French, under General Rochambeau, landed in Newport in 1780, and Newport became the base of the French forces during the American Revolutionary War.
Rhode Island is considered the birth place of religious freedom.
- It is home to the First Baptist Church in America (left), which is located in Providence.
- It is home to the First Synagogue in America, the Touro Synagogue (right), which is located in Newport.
RI is considered the birthplace of Industrial Revolution. In 1790, the English immigrant Samuel Slater founded the first textile mill in Pawtucket, which revolutionized the textile industry in New England. He is now known as the father of the American industrial revolution.
The Rhode Island State House was built in 1895-1904 and became the model for other state houses around the nation.
- The dome of the RI State House is the 4th largest self-supporting marble dome in the world, behind the domes of the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Taj Mahal and the Minnesota State Capitol Building.
At the beginning of the mid-19th centuries, wealthy southern planters began to build their “summer cottages” on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI. By the turn of the 20th century, many of the nations wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts, Astors and Wideners were summering in Newport and had constructed large “cottages,” such as the Breakers and Miramar.
- You can now visit the Newport mansions, which are protected by the Newport Preservation Society. They are open most days, and have audio guided tours.
- Newport has become a popular wedding destination as many of the mansions can be rented for large events. The mansions have also served as sets for many Hollywood films, including “The Great Gastby” and “27 Dresses.”
Providence underwent cultural revival in 1980-1990’s with growth of visual and performing arts (fueled by Rhode Island School of Design), and restaurants (fueled by Johnson & Wales Culinary Art School).
Fun Rhode Island Facts
- Providence was among the 10 best walkable cities for visitors
- Providence also made CNN’s list of America’s Best Towns to Visit 2024
- Rhode Island was ranked first in the nation for safety for LGBTQ+ people by SafeHome.org
- The first polo game in America was played in Newport in 1897
- The first circus in America happened in RI in 1774
- Author H.P. Lovecraft was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He is buried in the scenic Swan Point Cemetery on the East Side of Providence. Lovecraft enthusiasts celebrate his birthday and death yearly both at his gravesite and at the Ladd Observatory. The observatory was frequented by the young author during his lifetime.
- The first National Lawn Tennis Championship (the precursor to the U.S. Open) was held in 1881 in the Newport Casino. Rhode Island is home to the Tennis Hall of Fame.
- Rhode Island shares a state water border with New York.
- Rhode Island Governor Ambrose Burnside made the sideburn popular.
- Cumberland is the only place on earth where cumberlandite has been found. It is high in iron , and titanium, and magnetic and often mistaken with meteorites.
- Rhode Island is home to “Nibbles Woodaway,” the world’s largest bug. It is a giant, two ton, fifty-eight foot long termite that lives on top of the Big Blue Bug Pest Control building. It is often dressed in seasonal costumes, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer during Christmastime.
- America’s first ever jazz festival was held in Newport, Rhode Island in 1954.
Our Favorite Restaurants
Providence and Rhode Island are certainly exceptional in terms of culinary delights. We asked a group of residents and faculty about their favorite places to go eat (or to grab take out). Check it out below!
For more on all Rhode Island has to offer please check out this video from RI Tourism.
What Our Residents Have to Say
Things to do in Providence
- Water Fire: Water Fire is a uniquely Providence event occurring from April through November (lightings once a month in the off-season, with multiple lightings during July/August), featuring a string of bonfires floating in the middle of the river, illuminating about a mile stretch for residents and visitors to stroll along the river, listening to music and watching performances!
- India Point Park: Scenic waterfront park on the Providence River. The East Bay Bike Path begins here
- Pedestrian Bridge: This scenic bridge built in 2019 crosses the Providence River to connect the East Side (Fox Point/College Hill) to Downtown. Grab a beer at the pop up Guild brewery or play a game of chess
- Westminster Street: Local shops, a couple cafes, and some great restaurants
- "Little Italy": Federal Hill is the Italian cultural center of Providence. It was ranked in 2023 by Travel & Leisure among the Top 5 Little Italy neighborhoods in the country. During summer weekends the street closes to allow for fun outdoor dining up and down the street!
- RISD Museum: Incredible collection of artwork, from Winslow Homer's paintings to Rodin's sculptures. Free to all every third Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. Free for Brown faculty
- Thayer Street: The quintessential college street where you'll find the Brown Bookstore. Tons of restaurants along this street
- Roger Williams Park: Pretty park with a large pond in the middle. There's also a small zoo that's only $15 to enjoy! Look out for their events throughout the year including Food Truck Fridays and a massive Halloween jack-o-lantern extravaganza
- Blackstone Boulevard: If you're looking for a nice stroll in the city, this ~1.5 mile tree-lined gravel path is a popular place for runners and dog walkers. During the summer, there is a Saturday farmers' market at the northern end of the path
Our Favorite Restaurants
Renowned Restaurants
- Hemenway's:Seafood, seafood, seafood
- Al Forno: Possibly the best Italian food in Providence but can be pricey for a full meal so to avoid breaking the bank, sit at the bar and grab a cocktail and appetizers. If you are looking for a slightly cheaper Italian meal, head to Federal Hill and you'll find a wide range of Italian restaurants
- Gracie's: Locally sourced food that can be on the pricier side, but for an occasional splurge, this spot is great.
- Persimmon:The most delicious farm to table restaurant in Providence. Comes at a steep price but totally worth it for a splurge
- Los Andes: Amazing Bolivian/Peruvian Foods. Portions are HUGE, so be prepared! Very close to the VA and they do take out!
- Oberlin:Awesome downtown spot serving American Fusion
- Waterman Grille: Delicious food for a romantic riverfront dinner.
Best Ice Cream
- Three Sisters: Great place to grab some ice cream on a hot day and head across the street to the park at the end of Blackstone Boulevard.
- Like No Udder: Vegan ice cream and it's amazing, also have soft serve!
- Tricycle: Delicious ice cream sandwiches and tacos!
- KowKow: Bubble waffles meets ice cream, what's not to love?!?
- Tizzy K's: Is it ice cream cereal or cereal ice cream? Regardless, find this place near the pedestrian bridge
- Big Feeling: Pop-up homemade small-batch ice creams with creative flavors! They sell out quickly each week!
- Wright's Dairy Farm: Farm fresh dairy products, baked goods, and ice cream. You can even meet the cows!
Best Bakery
- Seven Stars: Exceptional baked goods and coffee. Now has locations within walking distance of BOTH RIH and TMH!
- WildFlour: They have vegan and gluten free options which are delicious even for non-vegan omnivores.
- Pastiche: Cozy dessert spot in Federal Hill that serves house-made tarts, cakes, and pastries. Try their lemon squares or the fruit tart!
- Aleppo Sweets: This is the place to go for Baklava in Providence
- Butterbang Crossiants: 1 man operation that will transport you to Paris with one bite!
Best Pizza
- Coal Fired Pizza: Great downtown location with a good beer selection
- Figidini: Smaller wood fire pizza selection but the crust really takes things to the next level
- Pizza Marvin: Delicious crust with by the slice or whole pies
- Pizza J: Cool topping combinations and trivia
- Anna’s Vesuviano: Pop-up pizza truck with incredible wood-fired pizza. Catch them a few times a month at Narragansett Brewery
Best Italian Food
- Pan e Vino: Fancy Italian on Federal Hill for a good price.
- Andinos: Classic family style Italian on Federal hill with homemade pasta.
- Massimo's: Classic Providence spot with delicious food and old world asthetic
- Costantino’s Venda Ravioli: Live music on the weekends, cute Italy-inspired outdoor seating!
- Bacaro: Cozy restaurant with authentic Italian food and excellent cheese boards, right across from the pedestrian bridge
Best Brunch
- Julian's: A favorite brunch spot for post-call residents and interns.
- Nick's on Broadway: Very popular for good reason.
- West Side Diner: Great for a post-night shift breakfast (open early and they serve mimosas)
- Wayland Square Diner: Because we all need a diner breakfast sometimes
Best Burgers
- Chomp: A new spot in Providence with excellent burgers, chicken sandwiches, and a great beer selection
- Harry's Burger Bar: They have happy hour daily.
Best Tapas
- Palo: Near RISD museum, has a great rustic feel
- Aguardente: Portuguese and Mexican/Guatemalan tapas
- Ten Rocks: Specializes in seafood, also has live music
Best Indian
- Not Just Snacks: Modestly priced, delicious Indian Food that is perfect for takeout. Located ¼ mile from Miriam Hospital.
- Godavari: great south Indian food
- India: Offers Indian fusion cuisine with great cocktails
- Rasoi: Great selection of authentic Indian cuisine
Best Seafood
- Matunuck Oyster Bar: Locally grown oysters in a beautiful on-the-water spot (worth the drive!)
- Blount: Great summer seafood spot in Warren (they also have a food truck!)
- Dune Brothers: Street-side stand near RIH with great fresh seafood options
Best Mexican
- Xaco Taco: A favorite of the residency!! Incredibly affordable (and delicious) tacos. Their spicy marg is a must try
- Tallulah's Taqueria: Amazing burritos and fish tacos. They have outdoor seating and are located on the East Side.
- Dolores: Upscale Oaxacan - their moles are absolutely incredible
- Tuxpan Taqueria: for close to authentic Mexican food!
Best East Asian
- Apsara on Public Street: Menu the size of Harrison's but everything is superb, including eclectic vegetarian dishes like pea pod leaves. Best Nime Chow in Providence!
- PVD Noodle bar: try out the tofu appetizer and scallion noodles!
- Pho Horn: for best pho in town
- Wara Wara: for some good ramen
- Den Den: Very popular Korean/Japanese restaurant
- Heng Thai & Rotisserie: Their Thai rotisserie chicken is especially good
- KhaoSan: Affordable Thai option in East Providence
Best Vegetarian
- The Garden Grille: Great for both take out and sit-down dinners
- Plant City: Vegan market with restaurants and even a coffee shop inside
- Foglia: Located in Bristol, upscale vegan restaurant
Best Coffee/Tea
- Bolt: In the Dean Hotel Lobby, not a lot of seating but amazing coffee.
- Coffee Exchange: In addition to serving any brew of coffee you can imagine, they also have an incredible selection of beans so you can brew your coffee
- Tea in Sahara: Awesome little tea shop with cozy seating
- Ceremony Tea: Matcha, Ube, and Yuzu drinks with an amazing esthetic
- Charuma: Best bubble tea
Our Favorite Bars/Clubs
Breweries:
Rhode Island boasts a growing number of great microbreweries that are worth a visit
- Narragansett Brewery:: Our go-to brewery for good beer and outdoor hang out.
- Long Live Beerworks: Great all around beers, especially hoppy ones.
- Revival Brewing: Located in the basement of Brutopia restaurant, has cornhole and other outdoor games too.
Our Favorite Bars
- Marcelino’s: Located beneath one of the apartment buildings downtown; cool ambience, great cocktails!
- Hot Club: A favorite of the Brown IM Residency, this cute outdoor/indoor bar is right on the water with a laid back vibe
- Rooftop at the Providence G: The only rooftop bar in Providence, this place is very popular and has outdoor fire pits, lots of lounge space
- Captain Seaweeds: Definitely worth a visit, outdoor seating, incredibly friendly bartender (especially if you have a puppy).
- The Eddy: Cute and cozy vibes
- Hot Club: Lots of outdoor deck space with a great view of Providence and the harbor. Good for big or small groups of people
- Ogies Trailer Park: Comfort food (Great tots!), outdoor patio and tiki bar
- Cortland Club: Live jazz
- The Boombox: Great Karaoke! Located in the basement of the Dean
Our Favorite Clubs/Live Music
- Salon: DJ and dancing downstairs on the weekends
- Ego: a queer club with outdoor summer parties
- Courtland Club:Live Jazz music
- Royal Bobcat: Live Jazz music
Outdoor Activities
Biking- East Bay Bike Path:Hop on your bike for a ride along the east side of the Providence bay on this beautiful 14 mile paved bike path. The trail winds along the water's edge with beautiful views of the bay, sailboats, estuaries and marsh lands with native birds and through the quaint towns of Barrington, Warren and Bristol. Bring some cash and make a stop at The Daily Scoop for ice cream in Barrington, The Beehive Cafe for lunch in Bristol, or pack a picnic for lunch at Colt State Park near the end of the trail.
- Road Biking: Take a scenic ride through the farmland of southern Rhode Island, taking in the 17th century stone walls, farm fields and ocean views
- Mountain Biking: Bring your bike to Arcadia Land Management 30 minutes south of Providence and enjoy miles of trails in this 14,000 acre
Beaches
- RISD Beach: A private and quite beach a 20 minute drive from Providence (or 10 mile bike ride via the East Bay Bike path) open to RISD and Brown students and faculty (including residents!). A great place to head for a quick swim after work.
- Newport Beaches: Drive down to Newport (45 minutes away) and take your pick from any of their gorgeous, broad sandy beaches. Perfect for a lazy weekend, or get adventurous with a windsurfing or kayaking lesson.
- Narragansett Beach: Rent surf boards and even take a lesson!
- Matunuck Beach: A hot spot for local surf. Grab your board and catch some waves on your day off.
Sailing - Whether you are a seasoned sailor or looking to learn the ropes, Rhode Island has it all when it comes to sailing.
- Providence Community Boating Center: Take lessons, rent sail boats or get a year-long membership in Providence's Indiapoint park. Less than 2 miles from downtown and Rhode Island Hospital, your hospital-to-sail time will consistently be less than 30 minutes.
- Sail Newport: Located in Newport, this sailing club offers similar amenities to Providence's local scene, or stop by to watch a sailing regatta.
Kayaking - Rhode Island offers numerous places to rent or put-in your own boat.
- Providence Community Boating Center: Offers rentals to explore the Providence bay and Providence River. Or put your own boat in and paddle up-river to enjoy a free summer concert at Water Place.
- Narrow River: Paddle down this scenic lazy river in southern Rhode Island which opens onto the beautiful coast line
Hiking and State Parks - Though Rhode Island may not have much elevation to offer, there is no shortage of places to get your nature-fix.
- Lincoln Woods State Park: A small lake with a network of trails. Come here for mountain biking, walking, kayaking, or take a dip in the lake.This is a superior place for bouldering and picnicking in the grill areas.
- Arcadia Land Management Area: A 30 minute drive south of Providence, this 14,000 acre region is the largest recreational area in Rhode Island and offers mountain biking, horse trails, kayaking and canoing, as well as cross country skiing in the winter.
- Beavertail State Park: Located on the coast, this park offers scenic coastal views, short hiking trails and great fishing.
- Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge: Free parking, easy walking trails, rocky beaches and tital pools overlooking the ocean.
- North-South Trail: Longest contiguous hiking trail in Rhode Island.
- Newport Cliff Walk: Famous walk along the ocean cliffs and beside gilded age mansions.
Block Island- Rhode Island's beautiful and iconic coastal retreat, Block Island, is an hour's ferry-ride from Southern Rhode Island. Bring your bike and sunscreen! Whatever you are searching for, Block Island has it: art galleries, beaches, sailing, hiking, fishing, bars, food and shopping are all available within arm’s reach, and you’ll be no farther than a 20-minute bike ride from the southern and northernmost points of the Island.
What Others are Saying
"… enjoy a stroll along the river and snap a photo by the pedestrian bridge, shop along the city's cobblestone streets, and check out all the murals and public art.."
"Providence is No. 2 on the list thanks to vibrant art, design and architecture and serious culinary credentials."
"Providence is the lively urban travel experience - without the constant crush of crowds - we've been craving after a prolonged shutdown."
"The smart and urbane college town in Rhode Island is wonderfully weird in a variety of ways."
(fun note, the woman pictured at Al Forno is the founding Program Director for our primary care residency and current Senior Associate Dean)- "The largest city in the smallest state is certainly not something to overlook for a weekend getaway."
- "Providence, Rhode Island, is the biggest city in America's smallest state, and it often gets lost between two of its neighbors, bustling Boston and elegant Newport. But coming to New England and skipping this city is a major travel mistake."
-CNN Travel
[ Read Article ]
- “The country's smallest state has a big secret. Providence is a city bursting with history, art, and culinary treasures. Creativity takes many forms in Providence, but what will stand out the most to you is the food. From James Beard Award-winning hot dogs (or hot wieners) to world-class brunch spots and restaurants that aren't afraid to flex their gastronomy muscles, there are tons of great places to eat in Providence and new restaurants are always opening up.”
[ Read Article ]
- Home to an Ivy League college, one of the best design schools in the country and a major culinary institute, Providence, unsurprisingly, has exceptional food, compelling art and architecture, a thriving gay scene and an inordinate number of very smart people. Yet the city remains unpretentious and affordable, a place where even the best restaurants rarely demand reservations.
[ Read Article ]
- Home to Ivy League Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island makes a solid spot to raise a family. It has lots of big city amenities, but with a small town feel. Along with many historic attractions that celebrate the nation’s colonial past, Providence boasts many safe neighborhoods, excellent primary and secondary schools, and beautiful scenery. Seasonal events, museums, and a fun zoo add to the city’s family-friendly appeal.
[ Read Article ]
- The capital of Rhode Island has always punched above its weight in terms of smarts and creativity. But lately Providence has added a few new bullet points to its résumé—like a celebrated food scene and a high-style party hotel—that cement its rep as the coolest city you haven't been to. Yet.
[ Read Article ]
- What the city lacks in scale and profile, it certainly makes up for in style and spirit, with rich architectural interest, top-notch restaurants, charming waterfront parks, and a creative community whose influence extends far beyond the region. Today the metropolis, its downtown revitalized, is a destination well worth exploring in depth.
[ Read Article ]