When we think of college towns a la Dead Poet’s, we often think of Providence, the capital city of the state of Rhode Island. Home to Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University and Providence College, college students and suburban families alike dwell in the18th- and 19th-century homes that line the leafy avenues of College Hill.
Despite a similar look and feel to New England favorites such as Boston and New Haven, Providence is more affordable and also features a thriving arts community, lively and diverse neighborhoods, first-class hotels, a celebrated restaurant scene, and a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities for year-round activities and entertainment.
Providence has 25 official neighborhoods, 15 city council wards, 19 separate neighborhood associations and a wide variety of community events and annual festivals year round. Celebrate the city’s local LGBTQ community during Rhode Island Pride with parades, concerts, and more.
Little Italy, also known as Federal Hill, is located in the heart of Providence and offers a traditional Italian-American experience dating back to the early 1900s. Stroll along Atwells Avenue to discover bakeries, cafes and some of the city’s best Italian restaurants, but don’t walk too fast or you’ll miss Scialo Bros Bakery’s succulent treats that includes biscotti, macaroons, and fruit cake.