Providence, Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a renegade preacher exiled from Massachusetts. Originally a haven for political dissenters, Providence has gone through many eras, including prosperous times of maritime leadership and manufacturing, to times of destruction following massive hurricanes and the Great Depression. In the past few decades, Providence has undergone significant revitalization and has been branded the "Creative Capital" to emphasize the thriving artistic community and creative culture in the city.

 

Providence offers residents and visitors a fabulous array of things to do and see -- all ages will enjoy what Providence has to offer! 

Trinity Repertory Company: Tony-award winning theater company located just across the street from 38 Studios' headquarters.
Providence Performing Arts Center: Newly renovated center that hosts everything from Broadway plays to contemporary acts to concerts.
Rhode Island Philharmonic: The only fully integrated professional orchestra and music school in the U.S., the RI Philharmonic's goal is to encourage lifelong involvement with music.
Opera Providence: Opera company that aims to make opera accessible to all, and strives to engage and inspire young and old audiences alike.

 

Rhode Island Gamers Group: A MeetUp Group for gamers in the Providence area.
The Camarilla of Providence: A Live Action Role Play (LARP) group set in White Wolf's World of Darkness.
King Richard's Faire and The Connecticut Renaissance Faire: If thou twouldst desireth to visit yon festival of Renaissance era heraldry, take on knightly challenges and verily partaketh of a mutton leg or two, then foresooth and hearken unto the beckoning of the Faire!

 

Thanks to the Johnson & Wales University Providence campus, the city has a deliciously diverse and delectable restaurant scene. Scan the dining lists at Rhode Island Monthly and Go Providence to help pick out the eating experience you desire.

 

Providence Bruins: American Hockey League team that calls Providence home.
Pawtucket Red Sox: AAA baseball team based out of nearby Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island: Providence is the location for this well-known, grueling triathlon competition.
Providence Roller Derby: PRD was established in 2004 by a Brown University alumna. It is the first all-female flat-track roller derby in New England.
Golf: Rhode Island has some of the best golf courses in New England. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the myriad courses in the Providence area, many of which have spectacular ocean views. In particular, check out Triggs Memorial Golf Course designed by Donald Ross in the early 1930s.
New England professional sports: From Providence, it is an easy drive or train ride to see the New England Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins play at their home venues in Boston and Foxborough, MA.

 

WaterPlace Park: This park is a revitalized Venetian-style river walk area that hosts pedestrian walkways, an amphitheater for summer concerts, and is the starting point for the WaterFire installation.
Roger Williams Park: Covering nearly 430 acres, this beautifully landscaped park contains seven lakes, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, a botanical garden, and the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
Prospect Terrace: This park gives visitors a beautiful view of the city and is also the burial place for Providence founder Roger Williams.
First Baptist Church: The oldest Baptist church in the Americas, founded by Roger Williams in 1638.
Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design: The museum attached to RISD houses a collection of 84,000 objects and is southeastern New England's only comprehensive art museum.

 

Providence is home to eight hospitals, including Rhode Island Hospital, the largest hospital in the state, and The Miriam Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with Brown University's medical school.

 

Rhode Island School of Design: A leader in art and design education, RISD was one of the first colleges of its kind in the country. It is ranked No. 1 for "Best Fine Art Schools" by US News & World Report.
Johnson and Wales University: A top culinary institute whose Providence campus is home to more than 10,000 students.
Brown University: Founded in 1764, Brown is the seventh-oldest college in the U.S. and is an Ivy League institution known for its research and undergraduate studies.

 

Gallery Night: On the third Thursday of each month (March-November), a free bus service runs through the city, giving visitors and residents easy access to more than 20 local galleries and museums.
WaterFire Providence: An award-winning art installation by Barnaby Evans of more than 100 bonfires located along the three rivers in downtown Providence. The bonfires are lit several times a month (March-November).
Festival of Historic Houses: An annual tour of private homes of historic or architectural interest within the city. Hosted by the Providence Preservation Society.