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Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) is the most popular holiday region in the south of France. It covers a large area from the Mediterranean Sea in the south up to the French Alps in the north and extends west to east along the coast from the river Rhône all the way to the Italian border. Its identity as a geographical region being a legacy of the Roman Empire, the Provence includes the French Riviera and is famous for its sunny weather, colourful countryside, long-standing traditions and local language (Provençal). The region's favourable climate makes the variety of available local produce second to none. Flowers, fruits and vegetables all grow in abundance, the sea's fish and shellfish stocks are rich and all this without forgetting those two most Provençal of industries: wine-making and perfumery.

Perhaps best known for the many fashionable resorts along the Côte d'Azur, the Provence's other main attractions include the Old Port of Marseille, the ancient cities of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, as well as a plethora of sun-baked villages and mountaintop towns. So why not follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh and see for yourself why Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is such a special and inspirational destination?

Cities

 * — the second largest city in France has around one million inhabitants and a major port
 * — the city of water and art, Paul Cézanne's hometown and a source of inspiration for many of his landscapes
 * — an inspiration for Vincent van Gogh, as well as the site of numerous Roman remains
 * — known for its Palace of the Popes, where several popes and antipopes lived between the 14th and 15th centuries, and for its folk song-spawning bridge.
 * — a glamorous and expensive seaside town that hosts the annual Film Festival
 * — a wealthy city-state on the Mediterranean Sea with entertainment for those with money to burn
 * — a major beach resort along the French Riviera with its famous Victorian waterfront, the Promenade des Anglais
 * — this medium-sized naval city has an old town and links to Operation Dragoon, aka the Mediterranean D-Day

Other destinations

 * — one of Europe's largest river deltas and wetlands, a great place to spot flamingos and French cowboys
 * — snow-capped mountains ideal for thrilling snowsports and après-ski elegance
 * — super beaches, superyachts and the super-wealthy
 * — a semblance of the Caribbean in the azure waters of the Var
 * — the stereotypical rural Provence of sleepy villages, joie de vivre and wine (these last two not necessarily being linked)
 * — seven mountain valleys with hiking trails, this is where the Provence shows its wild side. Lucky travellers may catch glimpses of chamois, ibex, golden eagles and even wolves.
 * — the largest mountain in the region has been nicknamed the "Giant of Provence" or "The Bald Mountain"
 * — beautiful turquoise river canyon, great for kayaking, hiking, rock-climbing or just driving around the limestone cliffs

Understand
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur covers all the original territory of Provence, together with what used to be the Italian-controlled County of Nice. The term "Provence" comes from the fact that this area - "Transalpine Gaul" - was the first part of what is now France to become a Roman province; it was from here that Julius Caesar launched his famous conquest of Gaul. The region's identity is associated closely with its history and culture. Although a bit stereotyped now (those lavender fields and hill villages that plaster postcards and guidebooks), contemporary Provençal life is rooted in a long heritage of lively regional culture and language.

This is a vast and beautiful region, and merits a long trip, not just a few days or a week. To truly appreciate this region, you must be the type of traveller who likes food, wine and local crafts. It is recommended that you plan your own itinerary, and make it flexible enough so you can linger at an outdoor café or appreciate a historic sight when the moment takes you. There is a joie de vivre attitude throughout the region which is contagious, especially after a picnic of cheese and sausage bought direct from local farmers, and two glasses of a good rosé.

Climate
The low-lying parts of this region have a Mediterranean climate, so are generally dry and warm for most of the year, with more rain and wind over the usually brief winters. Summers here are hot and long, and the number of sunshine hours is very high all year round. The higher zones stretching up into the Alps have a mountain climate which, though still dry in summer, can be quite cool. This southernmost part of the Alps is the sunniest in the range, though winter snow is still common.

Read
Those interested in literary interpretations of Provençal life should look up the works of Marcel Pagnol and Peter Mayle, the latter only if wealthy British expats are your cup of tea. Specifically, Mayle's French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew also gives a bunch of practical tips and recommendations for every district of the Provence, as well as which areas to visit for their gastronomy.

Talk
French is of course the official language of this region, but you'll find that many locals have a regional accent. The e at the end of words is often pronounced softly in Provence, whereas in standard French, it is not pronounced at all. For example, the word "Provence" in standard French ends with an "s" sound, as "proh-VAHNSS", whereas in Provence itself, it will often end with a sound resembling a short English "eh", as "proh-VEN-seh". Many vowels are changed as well, so that they are pronounced in a manner somewhat closer to the English pronunciation of the written vowels. However, standard French is understood by the locals.

This accent is largely due to the fact that several generations ago a different language - Occitan or la langue d'Oc - was the dominant local tongue such that most locals only learnt French at school. The dialect of Occitan spoken in Avignon is Provençal, and was the subject of strong preservation attempts in the early 1900s on the part of a group of writers and artists known as the Félibrige. The most famous of these was Frédéric Mistral, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1908. Despite the efforts of the Félibrige, the language has now largely disappeared, though it is still spoken by a minority of the local population. It is also taught in some regional universities and courses run by non-profit groups. In certain areas, road signs are bilingual, with place-names and some local information being printed in both standard French and Occitan.

Travellers interested in speaking some French or Occitan can check out Wikivoyage's French and Provençal phrasebooks.

By plane
The two major airports for the region are Nice-Côte d'Azur and Marseille-Provence. Most transatlantic flights to France land at Paris Charles de Gaulle, from where it is possible to travel to the Provence either by catching a connecting flight, using a high speed train, or hiring a car and driving.

By train
Rail connections are excellent. The TGV (train à grande vitesse, high-speed train) gets you down to the Mediterranean sun in about three hours from Paris, and just over an hour from Lyon. There are also high-speed connections from Spain jointly operated by the SNCF and Spanish company Renfe; this allows you to reach Marseille from Barcelona Sants in 4 hrs 41 mins, and from Madrid Atocha in 8 hrs. Rail connections from the east (i.e. Italy) and west (i.e. Occitan cities such as Montpellier and Toulouse) are somewhat slower, but regular connections are provided by SNCF Intercités (within France) and Thello, from Milan and Genoa to Nice and Marseille.

From northern Europe, too, there are many possible routes. The TGV has connections as far afield as Brussels Midi/Zuid and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, while Eurostar operates direct services from London Saint Pancras to Avignon TGV (5 hrs 49 mins) and Marseille Saint Charles (6 hrs 27 mins), via Lyon. In July and August, trains run five times a week from the British capital; from April to June and September to October, the service operates three times a week, and from November to March it runs once weekly (on Saturdays). At other times, travellers coming from the UK may catch the Eurostar to Lille or Paris and make the connection onto the domestic TGV network.

Typical rail gateways include Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille and Nice. You can easily use one of these cities as a base for exploring the region.

By car
France has an extensive and comprehensive motorway network that is well-maintained and often free of congestion. Enter PACA from Lyon and the north via the A7, from Liguria and the rest of Italy via the A8, and from the west (Montpellier, Toulouse, Spain) via the A9.

If you're travelling from elsewhere in the country, or from nearby Italy or Spain, driving may be the way to go. However, because of the price of petrol and most of the motorways being toll roads, visitors coming from the UK and northern Europe may think twice before getting behind the wheel. At any rate, with typical (non-stop) driving times from the Eurotunnel terminal and the English Channel ports being around 10 hours, the journey is long but doable. Some northerners who plan to tour the region by car or by campervan choose to make the initial journey part of their trip, making stops on the way down.

By car and bicycle
The region can be easily explored by car or bicycle, using the easily-navigated and dense network of country roads and highways. With a village every ten minutes by car, and something interesting around every corner, Provence is one of those places where getting lost can work in your favour.

Still, for longer journeys, you will want to know where you're going. The main autoroutes (motorways) of the region are:

 * A7: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, from Lyon, Orange (A9), Avignon, Alpilles / Luberon, Salon-de-Provence (A54), A8 for Aix-en-Provence, A51, Marseille (A50, A55)
 * A8: A7, Aix-en-Provence (A51), A52, Brignoles, A57, Draguignan, Fréjus, Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Menton, Italy, towards Imperia and Genoa
 * A9: Orange (A7), Occitanie, towards Nîmes and Montpellier
 * A50: Marseille (A7, A55), Aubagne (A52), La Ciotat, Toulon (A57)
 * A51: A7 from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence (A8), Manosque for Luberon / Verdon, Gap, the Hautes-Alpes, continues as N85 into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, towards Grenoble
 * A52: A8 near Aix, Aubagne, A50 towards La Ciotat
 * A54: A7 / Salon-de-Provence, Arles, Occitanie, towards Nîmes
 * A55: Marseille (A7, A50), Martigues, Camargue
 * A57: Toulon (A50), A570 to Hyères, inland Var, A8

By train
The main lines operated by the national company SNCF are:
 * Along the coast between Marseille and the Italian border, with both local and TGV trains, though all the trains runs at normal speed.
 * From Marseille and Aix into the Alps: Digne-les-Bains, Gap.
 * From Marseille west to Avignon and on towards the south-west of France and along the Rhône river.

A full map of services in the region can be downloaded from the SNCF website.

Local trains are prone to delays, so plan some margin if you have to change for a TGV or a flight. This region is one of the most impacted in the country by rail strikes when they happen. Usually long-distance trains are not impacted, and strikes rarely last longer than one day, but the few trains that do run are packed with commuters.

There is also a "small" line (meter gauge), the Chemins de Fer de Provence that links Nice with Dinge-les-Bains.

See

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a region of artists, and many of the greats have been inspired by the vibrant colours and excellent light quality that the landscape offers. Nice has museums dedicated to Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, while Vence has Matisse's stunning Rosary Chapel. Tragically, there are no paintings by Vincent van Gogh left anywhere in Provence, but the town where he was most productive - Arles - pulls in the crowds because it still has many of the sights the great artist pictured like no-one else ever had. For something a little different, you can't go wrong with Le Corbusier's monument to brutalism, the Unité d'Habitation tower block in Marseille. Avignon has a large contemporary art museum, the Collection Lambert, with a range of works all produced since the 1960s. The city also has an unmissable summer theatre festival for three-and-a-half weeks every July.

The region is known on the world stage for its glitz and glamour, none more so than in the Riviera. Whether you're drawn to see millionaires' yachts at Saint-Tropez, rub shoulders with film stars at Cannes, go to the pools in Monaco, or just soak up the atmosphere of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, there are many ways to get a taste of the celebrity lifestyle. The Riviera is also known for its luxury homes, and some of the most famous open their doors to tourists. For instance, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has the insanely opulent graecian Villa Kérylos, and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, which is surrounded by nine spectacular themed gardens.

Lovers of historical buildings can't go wrong in PACA, and there are examples from all eras to see. The Romans more than left their mark here, and Arles is the most blessed, with sights including a very well-preserved amphitheatre which is still used for festivities, the subterranean cryptoporticus and Roman baths. For a slice of living Roman history, the UNESCO-listed Théâtre Antique d'Orange is a stunning 1st century outdoor theatre - if you visit in summer (end of June to beginning of August), you can go and see the opera there! A more low-key, but still impressive, offering from antiquity is the Roman bridge in Vaison-la-Romaine. The 14th century brought crisis to the Roman Catholic Church, and the western Popes upped sticks and built themselves an enormous Gothic palace - the largest building of its style - in Avignon. The building is still standing in all its majesty, though the interior is now quite sparse due to a spot of bother in the French Revolution. Provence is also known for its medieval hill towns; one of the best known is Gordes - all golden stone and cypress trees - while the much rockier Les Baux-de-Provence is overlooked by the ruins of its château.

Do

What's the most Provençal sport you can think of? Go to any town square or public park in the region and chances are you'll see groups of older men playing pétanque. The aim of this southern French variation of boules is to roll one's own metal balls as close to the cochonnet (a little wooden ball known in English as a "jack", although cochonnet actually means "piglet"!) as possible, knocking out other players' ball in the process; the player whose ball is closest to the cochonnet at the end wins the game. Visitors wishing to try it out can usually find a cheap set on sale in supermarkets and larger towns even have their own pétanque courts. More adventurous travellers may even volunteer to join a locals' game. If you are friendly and polite, the other players will most likely jump at the chance to share their sport with a foreigner and this can be a great way to try out your French on the locals. But be warnedː despite the game's relaxed reputation, competition can get quite fierce among more seasoned playersǃ

Buy
Visit the production centres of some of Provence's most famous exports. Vineyards (vignobles), olive groves (oliveraies) and lavender fields (champs de lavande) can be found all over the region, and many offer you the chance to "try before you buy". The Visites Gourmandes website is useful for locating such places. Each of these products is grown by season, so the best time to visit the producers varies: lavender fields bloom from June to August, particularly around the Drôme, Luberon and Vaucluse; vines come to fruition between September and November; olive trees are harvested in November and December. In addition to edible produce, Provence is one of the world's leading centres of perfume. The most prestigious perfumeries (parfumeries) are concentrated around the town of Grasse. All sell to the general public, and three prestigious maisons (Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard) are also open to visitors.

Don't miss out on the marchés hebdomadaires (or weekly markets), laden with an enormous array of produce. Expect to see everything from wonderfully local breads to meats and cheeses, fresh seafood as well as herbs, citrus fruits, olives and figs, not to mention artisan crafts and the ubiquitous lavender. As in much of France, locals are fiercely proud of their region's produce, and with such a diverse repertoire, you can hardly blame themǃ

Eat
Centuries of intense study of the culinary arts has produced a country where the food is almost invariably excellent. It is difficult to have a bad meal because French standards are so high. Nonetheless, in tourist traps there are places where standards slip, but to avoid this the classic tip is to choose restaurants that are busy with locals.

Each village in the region has a market day. You can buy local fare such as breads, cheeses, sausage, olives and preserves straight from the farmers and take them (the food that is, not the farmersǃ) for a picnic while exploring the countryside.

If you are going out for a sit-down meal, there are three main types of dining experiences to choose from. Restaurants are more formal in France, serving full dinner menus and at a pace that is slower than in, say, North America. You are expected to enjoy the food and it should be the main reason for going out. It is considered inappropriate to request that a dish be prepared in a different way than is stated on the menu. Restaurants usually have a selection of set menus, each with a different price range. You can also choose from a list of à la carte items. A bistrot is more casual and has more individual items, while a café is more casual still, serving press coffee, drinks, sandwiches (such as the ubiquitous croque monsieur) or pizzas.

Provence has a unique cuisine that reflects its Mediterranean history and frequent exchange of cultures. This is an olive-growing region, and there are many varieties, ranging from the tiny peanut size Niçois olives to the large Bouteillan or Aups olives. Other than oil, olives are also enjoyed as spreads either alone (Olivade) or mixed with capers (Tapenade). Many producers offer guided visits of their groves; these can be smallholding-sized plots but some are set in the grounds of real châteaux.

While many products are found all over the region, some are best sampled in certain areas. Let it be known that despite the region's bounty of native fare, the Provence has a highly popular pizzeria culture. OK, now that that announcement is out of the way, let's move on to some real Provençal cuisineǃ

On the coast, most of the cooking is fish-based, with sardines and anchovies being the most popular. For English speakers, the region's two best-known plats are of course bouillabaisse, a fish stew rich in herbs and spices, and the famous salade niçoise, a tunafish salad made with eggs, anchovies, tomatoes, green beans and black olives. While sampling both of these is a must, other lesser-known but equally tasty dishes include anchoiade, which is an anchovy-based apéritif spread, garlicky aioli and a Marseille specialityː grilled sardines. Another wonderful Provençal speciality is the savoury soupe de poissons, which is made with a base of tomatoes, onion, garlic and herbs and often served with croutons, grated gruyère cheese and a very spicy aioli.

In the hills, easily the most famous and best-loved dish is ratatouille, which in real life is even better than a certain Pixar film shows it to be. Though it be but a simple vegetable stew, and a peasant dish to boot, ratatouille is a very special mix of fresh courgette (USː zucchini), mushrooms, aubergine (USː eggplant), bell peppers, tomatoes and onion as well as garlic and Provençal herbs. In season, one can also enjoy stuffed vegetables (farcis) that are typical of rustic cooking. If the thought of all those vegetables is making you queasy, here's one for the carnivores. Daube is a scrumptious beef stew that is often mixed with olives.

For dessert, the tropézienne cake is not to be missed. This fluffy sponge-cake will cool you down nicely in the summer inferno. At the other end of the year, you may experience a unique Christmas ritual that will have pudding lovers salivatingː at the end of the Christmas meal, no fewer than thirteen desserts are servedǃ Which particular thirteen is a hotly-debated question (debate being one of the Provençal people's favourite activities). Despite the disagreement, an official list has been drawn up which encompasses: pompe à huile, the so-called "four beggars" (nuts, dried figs, almonds and raisins), dates, apples, pears, water melon, grapes, both black and white nougat and sorbet.

Drink
Most of the wine in this region is of very high quality and must be tastedǃ If this seems like a ludicrous and impractical task for the average holidaymaker, then why not try the locals' favouriteː a good rosé. Totally unlike the sweet, cheap crap many of us remember from the 1970s, traditional Provençal rosé is dry, light and acts as a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon picnic of bread and cheese.

Viticulture aside, the drink most endeared to the Provençal psyche is pastis, an apéritif liqueur made from anise. The many brands may be indistinguishable to outsiders but each one has a devoted local following, similar to sports teams and their fans. With an average alcohol content of 40-45%, this is strong stuff and will likely lead to some memorable nights (or not, depending on how much you indulge inǃ)

Fancy yourself a super spy at heart? Sipping a Martini ("shaken, not stirred" or however you like) while on a night out in the Riviera? When you order a Martini in France, you must be very specific. Don't just say "Martini", as for many French barmen, this means sweet vermouth apéritif on the rocks, as in a red or white Martini and Rossi. Better ask for a 'gin Martini', 'vodka Martini' or 'American Martini', and specify your preferred style like stirred, lemon zest, dry, etc.

If alcohol isn't your thing, or if you just fancy a break from all that Pastis, the region's excellent range of fruit trees yield a healthy fruit juice crop, and French coffee culture is ubiquitous.

Stay safe
In an emergency, dial 112.

If you decide that the Provence is your place to stay, you might as well stay safe. The last 10 years have seen a sharp rise in the crime rate on Côte d'Azur, with many houses burgled. Help and information for victims of burglary and those who want to check or improve the security of their property is best done with the assistance of the local police chief. If you decide to make the Provence your base and you are looking to buy a property, you should be just as cautious as in anywhere else. Don't just buy your property without doing the necessary research. Make sure you buy your property through a listed agent who is in possession of a "permit".

In addition to that, many cities in the region like Marseille, Nice, and Toulon have their share of pickpocketing and muggings.

Go next

 * Catch a ferry from Nice, Toulon or Marseille to Corsica, known in French as "L'île de Beauté" (the "Island of Beauty").
 * Go north to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and explore landscapes as diverse as the upper Rhone valley and the high French Alps.
 * Go west to Occitanie, a region which curves along the coast until it collides with the Pyrenees and Spanish Catalonia.
 * Go east into Italy, where the wealthy regions of Liguria and Piedmont await you.

title: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur


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Providence

Providence is the state capital and largest city in Rhode Island, as well as the third largest city in New England. It used to be an industrial bastion of organized crime, but Providence's Renaissance has created new parks and attractions and brought emphasis back to its historic roots. Downcity events, historic vistas, eclectic districts such as College Hill and Federal Hill, and a great nightlife make Providence a worthwhile tourist destination. Today, it is perhaps best known as the home of Brown University.

History
Puritan refugee and Massachusetts exile Roger Williams settled Providence, Rhode Island, in June of 1636. It soon became one of the thirteen original colonies of the United States. The Narragansett Native Americans previously occupied Rhode Island's land.

British taxation held back the city’s economic growth in its fishing, farming, and nautical enterprises. Providence joined other critics of the British Crown and opposed the Sugar Act, a tax that adversely affected Providence’s international rum trade. The Gaspee Affair of 1772 involved the residents of Providence leading the first violent attack of the American Revolution.

After the Revolutionary War, Providence’s economic industry changed from maritime activities to manufacturing, especially in jewelry and textiles. Such industries drew many immigrants from overseas lands such as Italy, Ireland, England, Portugal and Cape Verde, whose descendants compose a high proportion of the population of the state today.

The jewelry industry boomed in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the local economy hard, leading to population decreases. Organized crime rose to the forefront in Providence in the 1950s through the 1980s, primarily situated in Providence's Federal Hill neighborhood. Providence became a notorious mob scene led by mafia boss Raymond L.S. Patriarca.

The “Renaissance City” got its nickname in the 1990s when Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci Jr came into his second term. After millions in local and national funds were spent throughout the city in the 1970s, the city's previously falling population was stabilized. Cianci pushed for an emphasis on the city’s strength in the arts and entertainment and revitalized the city’s natural landscape. He brought Rhode Island the Providence Bruins hockey team, uncovered Providence’s rivers, relocated a large section of the railroad underground, created the now famous Waterplace Park and river walks, and sanctioned the construction of the Bank of America Skating Rink and the gigantic Providence Place Mall.

Providence has a long history of political corruption that some feel to be part of the local charm. In keeping with this tradition; Mayor Cianci was indicted not once but twice from local office. When running for office for his second term, he actually ran partly from jail. It wasn't until a 2001 racketeering case was brought against Cianci that the notorious Mayor's reign ended.

Once dominated by the Italian-American political establishment, Providence had five mayors of Italian descent, including Cianci's two non-consecutive terms, between 1975 and 2011. Demographic shifts contributed to the election of the city's first Hispanic mayor, Angel Taveras, in 2011. The Mayor of Providence as of March 2020 Jorge Elorza, who did what many in Providence once thought was impossible and defeated Cianci in his final comeback attempt in 2015. Cianci died of colon cancer at 74 little more than a year after the election.

Climate
Providence's climate is humid continental/subtropical. This means high humidity year-round, with hot, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Unlike other inland states in New England, Rhode Island's position along the Atlantic coast keeps Providence's temperatures relatively warm. Precipitation is a mainstay in Providence's climate. Spring and summer months often have bouts of rainfall and winter months are regularly hit with snowfall and blizzards. Providence's position on the coast of the Narragansett Bay leaves the city susceptible to hurricanes, but such occurrences are rare.

By plane
T.F. Green Airport, in nearby Warwick south of Providence, offers many low cost and regular flights to cities in the United States.
 * By car: take I-95 North. Approximately 20 minutes.
 * By bus: the #14 and #20 buses connect the airport to Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence. #14 is an express bus taking 15-25 minutes. #20 has more stops and takes 40 minutes. See RIPTA for schedules.
 * By commuter rail: MBTA runs 10 trains per weekday from the airport to downtown Providence.

Boston Logan International Airport is much larger than T.F. Green Airport, and is generally used for most international flights.
 * By car: take I-95 South. Approx. 1 hour (potentially much longer in traffic).
 * Public transit: take the MBTA Silver Line bus (it's a BRT line) to South Station and take an MBTA commuter train to downtown Providence. Approx. 1hr 30 mins in travel time. Add waiting time of 1-2 hours if you haven't planned which commuter train to catch. The commuter rail leaves you in downtown Providence.

By train

 * Routes stopping in Providence:
 * Acela travels multiple times daily between Boston and Washington, D.C. with stops in Westwood, Providence, New Haven, Stamford, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore. This is the only route in the U.S. which resembles a high-speed rail line, with a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), though it can only go this fast on a few short segments. Stops at Union Station, but not State Street. Travel time to Providence from Boston is 35 minutes, from New Haven is 1.5 hours, from New York City is 3 hours, from Philadephia is 4.75 hours, and fro Washington, D.C. is 6.5 hours.
 * Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest regional service, connecting Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and the many towns and cities in-between. Some services also continue south into Virginia towards Newport News, Roanoke and Norfolk on three separate branch routes from Alexandria. This is also Amtrak's most frequent service, with multiple daily departures.
 * Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest regional service, connecting Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and the many towns and cities in-between. Some services also continue south into Virginia towards Newport News, Roanoke and Norfolk on three separate branch routes from Alexandria. This is also Amtrak's most frequent service, with multiple daily departures.

By car
For those driving, I-95 will serve you well from Boston or New York areas, Rt. 146 is better when coming from Worcester or western Massachusetts area. I-195 connects to Cape Cod and eastern Massachusetts. Driving from TF Green Airport (PVD), head north on I-95. Driving to the airport exit 13 on I-95.

By bus

 * Bonanza Bus Lines. Bonanza travels to many states on the East Coast. Tickets can be purchased at Kennedy Plaza or online. Trips depart from Kennedy Plaza at any given time throughout the day.
 * Greyhound Bus
 * Greyhound Bus

Get around
Downtown Providence is very compact and can easily be covered walking. There is some parking available throughout the city, but RIPTA's public transport network is extensive and an alternative to driving. Although public transit in Providence is almost entirely comprised of buses, the buses are on-time, reliable, and much of RIPTA's bus fleet is new. Kennedy Plaza, RIPTA's downtown bus station, is well laid out with digital displays at each terminal that tell when the next bus will be coming.

Two of the downtown lines are run completely on natural gas trackless trolleys (called the Providence LINK Trolley) and cover most of historic Providence. Base fare is $2.00, though e-riptiks or ride passes may be purchased either on-board or at local Shaw's and Stop and Shop supermarkets. Seniors or disabled persons ride for half price during non-peak hours with the presentation of an id. Students from some local colleges can buy discounted bus passes or use their school id cards (policy varies depending on the school).

See
Providence is a city rich in unique architecture, beautiful streetscapes and stimulating intellectual pursuits. One of America's older cities, Providence features many historic buildings like the Rhode Island State House and Trinity Repertory Theater. These locations, among others, exemplify some of the country's best 19th and 20th-century architecture. The RISD museum and Roger Williams Park Zoo offer days of fun sightseeing for adults and children alike.

Architecture
The monumental Rhode Island State House, finished in 1901, is a wonder that has the world's fourth largest self-supported marble dome. Downtown Providence also includes a number of beautiful 19th century buildings in a variety of styles.

Brown University's Ivy League campus, dating back to the 1700s, features buildings from nearly every American architectural movement. Best to visit in May-September when school is largely out of session and weather is amenable to walking.

Though professional tours of the city are not offered, a book featuring 12 self-guided walking tours of the city's architecture is available for purchase at the Providence Preservation Society, 21 Meeting Street,.

Streetscapes

 * Benefit Street and College Hill - The tree-lined Benefit Street contains an outstanding collection of 18th and 19th-century houses and mansions. Additionally, a popular overlook of the Downtown Providence skyline and Rhode Island State House is available at Prospect Park on Prospect Street. Popular with visitors to the city, Benefit Street is also host to the seasonal Providence Ghost Walk (below under "do"), where one may see the ghost of poet Edgar Allan Poe, who was said to spend extended amounts of time in the city, strolling down Benefit.
 * Prospect Park on Congdon Street: This is great park to just go and chill out. It overlooks the entire city, in a relaxed way. It is very easy to waste hours there just laying on the lawn or hanging on the benches. It is very common to see weddings taking place here because it is an ideal Providence Park for such a thing. It is a great spot for having a picnic, playing frisbee with your friends, or simply spending some time alone to sort out your thoughts.
 * Federal Hill: This famous Providence area is located just west of downtown, and is quickly and easily accessible from downtown by walking, biking, or trolley ride. This area is known for its Italian heritage and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Some have even compared it to Little Italy in NYC. In 1994, the movie Federal Hill was filmed here. Showtime filmed its second season of their critically-acclaimed series Brotherhood in and around the Federal Hill area in 2007; a neighborhood referred to in the series as "The Hill", a fictitious Providence neighborhood representative of Federal Hill. There is plenty to do in Federal Hill, including shopping, dining, and nightlife. There are many nationally renowned Italian restaurants here, including Andino's, Old Canteen, and Cassarino's. There are also a number of retailers whose specialty is “Authentic Italian Food,” such as Venda Ravioli, Via Roma, and Tony's Colonial. Gasbarro's Wines is also located on Atwells and carries an extensive variety of wines, both local and international. Impressive bakeries and pastry/confection shops also in the Federal Hill area are Scialo Bakery, Pastiche, and Ocean State Chocolates. Running roughly parallel to Atwells Avenue is Broadway. Broadway has been referred to as the "Bellevue Avenue" of Providence due to the number of large Victorian mansions lining both sides of the street, in reference to the famous mansion-lined Bellevue Avenue of nearby Newport, Rhode Island.
 * The East Side- The East Side (not to be confused with East Providence) starts on the east side of Waterplace Park, encompassing College Hill and beyond. Within the East Side, lies the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University. One of the oldest parts of the city, the East Side is home to historical houses and buildings and a plethora of unique areas including, the Blackstone District, College Hill District, and the India Point district. The East Side is great for walking around, visiting eclectic shops along famous Thayer Street, and viewing other parts of Providence from the East Side's Prospect Park, located on Congdon Street (between Benefit and Prospect).
 * Thomas Street - Between Benefit (to the east) and North Main (to the west).
 * Westminster Street - Between Memorial Boulevard (to the east) and Empire Street (to the west).
 * North & South Main Street - Between Planet Street (to the south) and Meeting Street (to the north)
 * Weybosset Street - Between Westminster (to the east) and Dorrance Street (to the west).

Parks

Roger Williams Park, in the southern part of the city, is an elaborately landscaped 427-acre park contains seven lakes and numerous museums and other attractions.

Waterplace Park, finished in 1994, is probably the most accepted recent addition to the city owing to its historic and unassuming look. Featuring cobblestone paths and unobtrusively shaped concrete form, the park follows Providence's downtown rivers quietly below the level of automobile traffic. You'll usually find a few people enjoying the park quietly. Come here during Waterfire (below under "do") to see the park at its best.

Do
Waterfire is an event where 100 fires are set alight on the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. The string of fires illuminates nearly two-thirds of a mile and residents and visitors gather to stroll along the river. The fires are burned from sunset to past midnight on select evenings (typically on weekends) from April or May through October.

Festivals

 * “The Stroll” is a twice a year event, in June and October, where you can walk Federal Hill and sample 22 restaurants and 11 boutiques and shops. For hours and exact dates call the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau at extension 230 or 231, or register online. Included in the $20 price for sampling, are coupons for two free beverages.
 * Columbus Day is celebrated on Columbus Day Weekend on Federal Hill. It consists of a parade on Sunday, outdoor vendors, and a who’s who of Italian “hierarchy”.
 * Rhode Island Pride Occurs in the summer, usually in June. There are events in the daytime and then a parade at night. The parade lasts for about half an hour filled with dancing men, drag queens, old people driving in old cars, and people celebrating life. The streets of Downtown Providence are lined with some people in crazy outfits and others just there to watch and see what it's all about. It is a very popular event, and people tend to be intoxicated, so some pushing and bumping into people can occur. The floats are usually very well decorated and the people dancing upon them are very skilled at hyping up the crowd. When the parade finishes the gay bars downtown open up for special events complete with more drag queens, lots of dancing, and drink specials.

Arts and theater
In Downtown, Providence Performing Arts Center is Rhode Island’s home for Broadway productions, children's shows, and popular entertainment. AS220 is a community art center hosting musical performances, poetry slams, and other events. Trinity Repertory Company produces numerous premiere plays.

Entertainment arenas
Amica Mutual Pavilion is the site of many music venues and the home of the Providence Bruins and Stars on Ice. The Rhode Island Convention Center hosts many functions such as the Rhode Island Home Show. The Strand Ballroom specializes in live music performances. All these are centralized in the downtown area.

Nightlife
Many nightclubs are located in Downtown, particularly along Richmond St.

 * Water Place Park, is connected to 3/4 mile of cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkways along the waterfront known as Riverwalk host to Providence's popular summertime Waterfire events, a series of bonfires lit on the river accompanied by Classical and World music. The Friday night concert series kicks off at Waterplace Park in June for free. This is a summer concert series for all Rhode Islanders featuring an eclectic array of performers ranging from jazz and folk to hip-hop and rock.

Learn
Providence is home to many schools. The city is also home to a few notable colleges.

Buy
Westminster Street in downtown boasts much of the newest and most diverse local shopping in the city.

Thayer Street in College Hill is the place to go if looking for a pleasurable and eclectic shopping experience. You will almost always see an eclectic mix of people here. Many of the stores sell quirky trinkets which make good gifts. Located near two colleges, it attracts many young adults. It could be called an “artsy” street with stores that sell, imported clothing, handmade crafts, clothes, art, housewares, and books.

Providence Place Mall This landmark just north of the downtown sector can be witnessed as RI's most anticipated establishment since the building of the historic downtown Arcade; Providence may well be the only city in America where plunking down an enormous mall smack in the middle of downtown proved to be a great idea. The massive and well accommodating mall houses 3+ main floors of various shops, including a wide array of specialty items, clothing, shoes, books, and one IMAX and Showcase Cinemas theater each on the fourth floor. There are a handful of lower level restaurants to dine in as well as a food court on the third floor, and a Dave & Busters Restaurant on the fourth floor.

Shop the city Rhode Islanders can be quite secretive about the city's hidden treasures. Outside of the state's most frequented shop spots lie many other great opportunities to find that special item or to simply discover something new and exciting.

Eat
Providence has an abundance of ethnic cuisines, from Spanish to Moroccan to down home New England chowder.

Nightlife
Although Providence may be small compared to other states' capitals, it has quite a bustling nightlife. There are a variety of bars and clubs to suit any taste and price range - from hip eclectic bars in the artsy college area, to upscale martini bars downtown, techno and hip-hop clubs for the younger crowd, and casual pubs and brewhouses scattered throughout the city, there is certainly something for everybody. RI Law prohibits Happy Hour drink specials.

Sleep
Most hotels are in Downtown.

Cope
Smoking in bars, restaurants, and other businesses is prohibited.

Stay safe
Providence is not known for scams or pick-pocketing so the biggest issues are drug and gang violence. If you do not use drugs then you should not have any issues. It is best to stay East of the highway 95 North with the exception of Federal Hill and a few other notable places, most of the poverty lies on the West end of the City.

Providence is a relatively safe city for its size, though proper caution and common sense should not be abandoned. The downtown area can be dodgy at night, especially around Kennedy Plaza and Washington Street. The club areas on the outskirts of downtown have also been known to draw some issues, though most are gang related. Another area to avoid at night is the Camp Street area of the East Side. There is some known gang activity and there has been some violent behavior in the past. Also, late nights on Federal Hill are a great place for drunken misbehavior, so exercise caution whilst in the bar and club area of this historic neighborhood.

As far as violent crime goes, it is best to avoid South Providence and the Olneyville neighborhoods of the city. There is little reason for most tourists to go to these locations, though the city's three main hospitals are relegated to the South Side. Olneyville's New York System was featured on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate series, and while there are two other locations within driving distance of Providence (Rhode Island is the smallest state, after all), a quick visit here to get a few hot dogs will not result in a problem unless you decide to walk around the neighborhood a bit and it's 1:00 in the morning.

Consular services

 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇵🇹 Portugal

Go next
Visit Newport, RI, Boston or New York.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Providence


text:
Providence/College Hill

College Hill is a district in Providence, Rhode Island. It is approximately bounded by North Main Street to the west, Williams Street to the south, Governor Street and Arlington Avenue to the east, and Olney Street to the north.

Understand
The main center for shopping, food, and drink is, just off of the Brown campus.

The district gets its name from two college campuses found within its borders: Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. It is an eclectic district swarming with college students, hipsters and wanna-be breakout musicians, but is also filled with a plethora of unique things to do and see.

By bus
From Kennedy Plaza in Downcity Providence: Aside from providing in the entertainment in the form of people interaction, you can catch a multitude of buses from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) bus station, Kennedy Plaza. The 51, 52, 53, 54, 58, 72 and 99 lines will place you within walking distance of the district. The 35, 40, 42, 49, 78 and 92 will take you right to the heart and soul of College Hill, Thayer Street.

By train
The Amtrak Station in Providence is within walking distance of College Hill. Walk north on Gaspee Street until you reach Smith Street and take a left. Walk until you reach North Main Street, which is the western border of College Hill.

By car
From the south: take I-95 North toward Providence entering Rhode Island. Exit right onto I-195 E/US-6 E (signs for I-195/E Providence/US-6 E). Take exit 3 toward Gano St. Turn left at Wickenden St. Turn right at Hope St. and follow until you pass Power Street.

From the north: take I-95 South entering Rhode Island. Take exit 24 for Branch Ave. Turn left at Branch Ave. Turn right at N Main St/US-1 and continue to follow N Main St. Turn left at Olney St.

From the west: take US-6 East to downtown Providence. Exit onto Memorial Blvd. Turn left at Washington St. Continue onto Waterman Street.

From the east: Take I-195/US-6 west. Exit at Main Street. Right on Waterman Street.

The city of Providence and the surrounding roads are often under construction. Also, during the afternoon there can be a lot of traffic at the exit for I-195; if either of these things seem to be the case for you, consider taking exit 22A off of 95. Take a right at the light at the end of the exit ramp and follow the signs to College Hill.

Parking
There is parking at a reasonable rate at the, which is found right off of exit 22C off of 95. The mall is within easy walking distance of College Hill if you feel like leaving your car in a more secure location.

Other than that, there is plenty of on-street and on-location parking throughout the College Hill area. If you're coming in for an evening on the town, you might not be able to find parking directly on Thayer Street, but there are plenty of neighboring streets that should serve your purpose.

Do not try to park in the area during Brown's move-in or move-out weekend (these weekends change each year, but are in early September and late May). There will be nowhere for you to park, and if you do find a spot, your car could end up as a temporary loading bay for college knickknacks.

Do
There is something to be said for the simple act of cruising the sidewalks of Thayer street. There's always bound to be street musicians and vendors, as well as the broad variety of individuals ranging in population from artists to intellectuals; extreme to traditional, who make for some exciting people watching to say the least. Beyond that, there are a few theaters to check out, but mostly, the area is dedicated to eating, shopping, and going out for some drinks.

If you continue up Wickenden Street, where Hope Street is on your left, you will notice there are often many street vendors selling interesting and affordable art pieces and jewelry.

Thayer Street
Thayer Street is the place to go if looking for a pleasurable and eclectic shopping experience. It is good for those who enjoy walking outside from store to store. It is also a good place to buy gifts because many of the stores sell quirky trinkets. Located near two colleges, it attracts many young adults. It could be called an “artsy” street with stores that sell, imported clothing, handmade crafts, clothes, art, housewares, and books. It has changed dramatically as years have passed, it has become much more about the restaurants than the shops, but it is still great for both. It is filled with locals and visitors.

Eat
With the great diversity of college students roaming the area, College Hill is bound to be filled with some great restaurants, the best of which can be found on the infamous Thayer Street.

Sleep
While there are no major hotels to be found in College Hill, there are many places to sleep that are within easy walking or busing distance from the district.

Connect

 * Brown University Library - There are nine libraries spread throughout the Brown campus: for individual hours and locations call +1 401 863-BOOK. While the wireless internet is only free for Brown students, many of the libraries have computers hooked up to the internet that anyone can use.

 * Also, there is Starbucks, as mentioned above.

title: Providence/College Hill


text:
Providence/Downtown

Downtown Providence (also known as Downcity Providence) includes the core of the downtown area as well as Waterplace Park, the Providence Place Mall, and Capitol Hill.

Understand
A number of Providence's historic buildings are downcity, as are many businesses, as well as Rhode Island's main public transportation station, Kennedy Plaza (KP). Parking is hard to find, with meters and lots scattered throughout the city. Downcity Providence is home to a growing number of interesting restaurants, nightclubs, and shops.

Get in
See Providence for details on how to reach the city Providence.

Within Providence, driving or RIPTA buses will take you to Downtown.

Get around
Downtown Providence is very compact and can easily be covered walking. There is some parking available throughout the city, but RIPTA's public transport network is extensive and an alternative to driving.

By bus
Although public transit in Providence is almost entirely comprised of buses, the buses are on-time, reliable, and much of RIPTA's bus fleet is new. Kennedy Plaza, RIPTA's downtown bus station is well laid out with digital displays at each terminal that tell when the next bus will be coming.

Two of the downtown lines are run completely on natural gas trackless trolleys (called the Providence LINK Trolley), and cover most of historic Providence. Base fare is $2.00, though e-riptiks or ride passes may be purchased either on-board or at local Shaw's and Stop and Shop supermarkets. Seniors or disabled persons ride for half-price during non-peak hours with the presentation of an ID. Students from some local colleges can buy discounted bus passes or use their school id cards (policy varies depending on the school).

By car
Driving is another way to get around Downtown Providence. Once you are in the downtown area, everything is about a 5-minute drive from one location to the next. Parking on Federal Hill is available but fills up fast. There is also valet at almost every restaurant there. Parking on Thayer Street is available but you may be going up and down the streets around it a few times before you actually find a spot.

By taxi
If walking and/or bus trips don't suit your fancy, cab rides are also an option. Taxis are constantly idling in the area of Kennedy Plaza, just outside of the 7-Eleven, and also just a couple of blocks away at the Providence Westin (One West Exchange Street).

 * USA Taxi, +1 401-516-3177
 * City Express Cab. Providence, +1 401-286-9277

Arts and culture

 * Fools Ball. AS220's signature gala event. This yearly party spans five days and countless exhibits. Every year brings a new theme. Major events usually include live music, art exhibits, dinners and film screenings.
 * Providence Poetry Slam. Held on the first and fourth Thursday of every month. This eclectic event, one of the venue's most popular, features both local and national poets and musicians. All artists (novice and professional) and spectators are welcome; the Providence Slam team has had great success in the National Poetry Slam over the past decade.
 * Geek Dinners. Held on the last Wednesday of every month. These dinners allow those involved in Rhode Island's technology industry to communicate and collaborate. Geek Dinners always have a featured presentation or discussion. Topics vary greatly, from startups to web services to hardware.
 * Fools Ball. AS220's signature gala event. This yearly party spans five days and countless exhibits. Every year brings a new theme. Major events usually include live music, art exhibits, dinners and film screenings.
 * Providence Poetry Slam. Held on the first and fourth Thursday of every month. This eclectic event, one of the venue's most popular, features both local and national poets and musicians. All artists (novice and professional) and spectators are welcome; the Providence Slam team has had great success in the National Poetry Slam over the past decade.
 * Geek Dinners. Held on the last Wednesday of every month. These dinners allow those involved in Rhode Island's technology industry to communicate and collaborate. Geek Dinners always have a featured presentation or discussion. Topics vary greatly, from startups to web services to hardware.

 * Rhode Island Convention Center Providence. A multipurpose facility available for almost any event, from dog shows to dinner banquets. Special Events at the Rhode Island Convention Center:
 * Northeast International Auto Show - Automobile extravaganza featuring hundreds of new model cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles from more than twenty import and domestic manufacturers.
 * Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show - More than twenty-eight gardens, lectures and demonstration, children’s activities, bookstore and more than 200 garden-related vendor booths.
 * The Home Show - Largest and most informative consumer home show in southern New England. Features hundreds of exhibitors and displays of the latest products and services for building, remodeling and decorating homes. A variety of seminars and demonstrations.
 * Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show - More than twenty-eight gardens, lectures and demonstration, children’s activities, bookstore and more than 200 garden-related vendor booths.
 * The Home Show - Largest and most informative consumer home show in southern New England. Features hundreds of exhibitors and displays of the latest products and services for building, remodeling and decorating homes. A variety of seminars and demonstrations.

Buy
Downcity is the new place to grab a cappuccino or snag a great pair of jeans. You can drool over must-have furnishings or stop for a bistro lunch. Browse art books. Then toast a day well spent. You can do it all in Downcity Providence, home to a collection of fine design, fashion, and dining opportunities.

 * Westminster Street boasts much of the newest and most diverse local shopping in the city. Parking along this one-way street is nearly impossible; walk there if you can, or park in one of the nearby lots. A selection of the shops along Westminster include:
 * Westminster Street boasts much of the newest and most diverse local shopping in the city. Parking along this one-way street is nearly impossible; walk there if you can, or park in one of the nearby lots. A selection of the shops along Westminster include:
 * Westminster Street boasts much of the newest and most diverse local shopping in the city. Parking along this one-way street is nearly impossible; walk there if you can, or park in one of the nearby lots. A selection of the shops along Westminster include:

title: Providence/Downtown


text:
East Providence

East Providence is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, it is known as the Gateway to the East Bay. The area is predominantly residential, with elegant waterfront property and numerous apartment complexes.

Understand
East Providence is not the eastern portion of the city of Providence. The eastern portion of Providence is known as "The East Side."

This city began as community of settlers comprised of Puritans from Boston and Pilgrims from Plymouth as part of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. The western portion became the town of Seekonk on February 26, 1812. In 1862, part of Seekonk was annexed to Rhode Island and the residents renamed the town East Providence. Several houses built before the Revolution are still standing today.

East Providence is located between the urban center of Rhode Island and rural southern Massachusetts. Demographically, there is a high percentage of Portuguese heritage. This community is still growing because of its central location on an available waterway, its modern highway and railroad routes, and the suburban outgrowth from the city of Providence.

East Providence is made up of three parts: Rumford, Riverside, and East Providence. Riverside was known as "the Coney Island of New England" because of a major amusement park called Crescent Park. Crescent park was built in 1886 by Charles Boyden. The park contained ballrooms, a carousel, many amusement rides, hotels, and restaurants. There was a steamship that traveled to many other parks in the area. In 1979 Crescent Park was torn down. The only thing that was left was the Carousel. Now Riverside is a suburban area, located on the Narragansett Bay.

By car
From points south and T.F. Green Airport, take I-95 North to I-195 East (exit 19) and from points north take 1-95 South to I-195 East (exit 20). In both cases, cross over Washington Bridge and take exit 4. At the end of the exit ramp you have the option to bear left or right. The left exit leads to Taunton Avenue where many shops and eateries are located. The right exit leads to Riverside with many more options for things to see and do. It is easy to travel between both areas of East Providence. There is also the Henderson Bridge which connects East Providence to the historic East Side of Providence.

By bus
RIPTA provides transit across all of Rhode Island with the central hub located in Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence. The contact number for RIPTA is.

 * The RIPTA fleet is almost entirely comprised of charter buses; they are on time, reliable, and fairly new with some newer models utilizing hybrid technology. Most riders keep to themselves - many read, listen to media players, or do homework (RIPTA makes stops at many college campuses). The base fare is $2.00, transfers are only $0.50, senior citizens/disabled individuals ride for $1.00 with ID (unless off peak: no fare), and children under 5 ride free when accompanied by an adult. RIPTA also provides free transportation on "Air Quality Alert" days during the warmer, hazy weather.

By bicycle
The East Bay Bike Path can be accessed by taking exit 4 off 195 east, known as Veteran’s Memorial Parkway. The path travels for approximately 4 miles until it reaches Riverside Square, then it continues into Barrington.

By boat
The town of East Providence is surrounded by a body of water which allows boaters to travel in and out and around the town. The main boat lunching point can be found in John Lewis Park across from India Point and parallel to the East Providence Yacht Club. Another common loading area can be found in Sabin Point Park in Riverside.

Get around
East Providence is easily accessed by car or bus transportation. Because the city is mostly residential, RIPTA's public transport network provides an extensive alternative to driving. The area is conducive to walking.

Car rental options include:
 * Enterprise Rent-A-Car - 365 Waterman Ave, +1 401-438-8550
 * Thrifty Car Rental - 2312 Pawtucket Ave, +1-800-847-4389

Taxi services in East Providence including:
 * East Providence Cab Service - 2723 Pawtucket Ave, +1 401-434-2000
 * Lions Taxi - 86 Lyon Ave, +1 401-434-9600
 * Fox Point Cab / Wayland Square Cab - 71 Dey St, +1 401-434-8181
 * Hillside Cab Incorporated - 35 North Spruce St, +1 401-944-200

Do

 * - located in East Providence

Eat

 * 1-Robust curries- this concept represents all food that is cooked with curry, it has different range of taste from mild to very hot; all curries are served with Indian Basmati rice.
 * 2-Biryanie- this food concept represents all sorts of Indian food, it is prepared by steaming rice and meat with vegetable together in addition to pineapple, raisin and aromatic spices. The final touch Is almonds, cashews, fresh cilantro or topped with delicious pistachios over cream.
 * 1-Robust curries- this concept represents all food that is cooked with curry, it has different range of taste from mild to very hot; all curries are served with Indian Basmati rice.
 * 2-Biryanie- this food concept represents all sorts of Indian food, it is prepared by steaming rice and meat with vegetable together in addition to pineapple, raisin and aromatic spices. The final touch Is almonds, cashews, fresh cilantro or topped with delicious pistachios over cream.
 * 1-Robust curries- this concept represents all food that is cooked with curry, it has different range of taste from mild to very hot; all curries are served with Indian Basmati rice.
 * 2-Biryanie- this food concept represents all sorts of Indian food, it is prepared by steaming rice and meat with vegetable together in addition to pineapple, raisin and aromatic spices. The final touch Is almonds, cashews, fresh cilantro or topped with delicious pistachios over cream.
 * 1-Robust curries- this concept represents all food that is cooked with curry, it has different range of taste from mild to very hot; all curries are served with Indian Basmati rice.
 * 2-Biryanie- this food concept represents all sorts of Indian food, it is prepared by steaming rice and meat with vegetable together in addition to pineapple, raisin and aromatic spices. The final touch Is almonds, cashews, fresh cilantro or topped with delicious pistachios over cream.
 * 1-Robust curries- this concept represents all food that is cooked with curry, it has different range of taste from mild to very hot; all curries are served with Indian Basmati rice.
 * 2-Biryanie- this food concept represents all sorts of Indian food, it is prepared by steaming rice and meat with vegetable together in addition to pineapple, raisin and aromatic spices. The final touch Is almonds, cashews, fresh cilantro or topped with delicious pistachios over cream.
 * 1-Robust curries- this concept represents all food that is cooked with curry, it has different range of taste from mild to very hot; all curries are served with Indian Basmati rice.
 * 2-Biryanie- this food concept represents all sorts of Indian food, it is prepared by steaming rice and meat with vegetable together in addition to pineapple, raisin and aromatic spices. The final touch Is almonds, cashews, fresh cilantro or topped with delicious pistachios over cream.

Sleep
There are other hotel options less than 3 miles away in nearby Seekonk.

Go next

 * Providence, RI
 * Newport, RI
 * Boston, MA
 * New York, NY
 * Bristol, RI
 * Warren, RI

title: East Providence


text:
Providence/Federal Hill

Federal Hill is a district in Providence, located just west of the downtown area of the city. Federal Hill (familiarly The Hill or Fed Hill) is one of the finest areas in Providence during the day, but really shines at night. Limitless restaurants and shops line Atwells Ave., the heart of the area, as customers and patrons wander up and down enjoying the scenery and each other's company. Federal Hill is also known as the "Little Italy" of Rhode Island and its shops and restaurants reflect the background and soul of the area.

Understand
The area begins at Westminster Street, the southern limit, and is enclosed by Routes 6 and 10 to the north and west and Route 95 on the east. Besides all of the great shops and restaurants, Federal Hill hosts many events throughout the year like the Italian Festival, and parades around the holidays. Live music is also held is DePasqual Square on the weekends and the sounds of the streets transport one to a different place and time. No matter what the occasion, Federal Hill is a great place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the streets and the delicious smells in the air.

The Armory District of Providence begins south of Atwells Avenue, West of 95 South while North of Elmwood Avenue. The district is defined by the 1907 Cranston St. Armory and the 19th century Victorian houses that make up most of the architecture. The district is the most quickly evolving area of the city while still containing the "old world charm" of the more posh East Side/College Hill area. While largely developed in recent decades, the Armory still maintains it unique roots in quirky restaurants and holistic medicine shops. The Armory is known for it's hipster scene with exceptional hang-outs and funky eateries localized around Broadway and Cranston St.

Get in
With the Hill being right next to downtown Providence, you can easily walk, ride a bike, drive, take a taxi or a bus to visit Federal Hill.

See Providence for details on how to reach the city Providence.

By car:

 * From the south: Take Route 95 North to Exit 21, take a left on Broadway and you are right in the heart of Federal Hill
 * From the north: Take Route 95 South to Exit 22 for Atwells Ave, then take a right

Do
Federal Hill is a very nice place to go for an excellent night, but is best enjoyed with company. The heart and soul of the area is the closeness of all the restaurants and bars that really inspires visitors to move about to different places and meet new people all while enjoying the fine sights outside. Though the area is often frequented by higher-class individuals, they are more often than not very friendly and welcoming as opposed to snobby or rude. The Hill itself does not have any nightclubs, aside from dance floors in some bars or restaurants, but the very popular clubs downtown and concerts at the Amica Mutual Pavilion are but a short cab ride or walk away. Federal Hill is a perfect place to eat at one of the finest restaurants in the area before a night out on the town; whether with friends, family or a romantic night with that someone special.

Buy
A diverse array of shops adorns the streets of Federal Hill, all very close to each other, which makes for a great afternoon of walking and shopping before dining later on.

Eat
Federal Hill has a large variety of restaurants, including contemporary cafe, tavern or diner setting for some Asian, Cuban, Mediterranean, Southwestern or, of course, Italian cooking.

Drink
There are no establishments that are solely "bars" in Federal Hill, but nearby downtown Providence has plenty within a short walk or cab ride's time. However, many Hill restaurants offers a full drink menu, and some like Camille's and Providence Oyster Bar have bars that are open separate from the restaurant portion.

title: Providence/Federal Hill


text:
Providence/Fox Point

Fox Point is a neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island. It is centered around Wickenden Street, which runs the length of the neighborhood, and is its commercial center.

Understand
Close in proximity to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, visitors to these schools – as well as business travelers – often choose to stay in Fox Point, rather than pay the exorbitant price of a downtown Providence hotel room. Business travelers who prefer not to be stuck in their hotel rooms for the duration of their trips give Wickenden Street high marks on Yelp.com.

Traditionally a Portuguese neighborhood, Fox Point has held onto its roots; although Wickenden Street offers a hodge-podge of various ethnicities and cultural traditions.

Wickenden Street is a nice break from the hustle of Providence. Wickenden Street in general can be described as eclectic, featuring twists on original and classic foods and coffee. Although there are a few original and small shops on the street, Wickenden is mostly renowned for a few relaxing hot spots. The artwork gracing the telephone poles is the first sign that Wickenden Street is big on personality. This stretch of Providence is a funky mix of galleries, antique shops, junk shops, restaurants and cafes. Also a formerly working-class Portuguese neighborhood that's been steadily gentrified, Wickenden Street has antiques stores, galleries, and trendy cafés. Professors, artists, and students are among the newer residents here. Many of the houses along Wickenden, Transit, Gano, and nearby streets are still painted the pastel colors of Portuguese homes.

By car
Wickenden Street is directly off of Exit 2 on I-195 East or West. If you are parking on Wickenden, park along the street. If you continue along and take a right at the Z Bar, your first major intersection, then you will see a large parking lot in front of you that is usually for free during the afternoon and at night. The only time that they charge is if there is a special event featured on the street. Bring your walking shoes.

By transit
By public transportation, you can board a replica trolley car at either end of Wickenden Street's hills. These trolleys route through the entire city of Providence before reaching the depot of Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence, which also offers transport to Wickenden Street for the price of $2.00/ride. An all-day pass costs $6.00.

Get around
Wickenden Street runs approximately two miles up and down the hills that mark Providence's East Side. It begins at the intersection of Gano Street (approximately 1/4 of a mile from the Radisson Hotel on the waterfront at India Point Park), and ends at the traffic light where Benefit Street intersects Point Street. From either starting point, you can move on up the hill that is Wickenden Street (Yes, it really is uphill, both ways, joined by the flat that is George M.Cohan Square, named after the father of the American Musical Comedy, who also happens to be a native son of Wickenden Street).

Do
If people watching is your thing, you can make your way down the block to The Coffee Exchange, an environmentally friendly, sustainable coffee serving coffee shop with tasty wares and a lovely, elevated view from the front porch or side and back decks. Inside, you will meet people from all walks of life; from college students to their professors and other non-academic types, with collars of every color. All are welcome, so long as they keep an open and respectful mind for the views of others. Often times, the conversations turn to spirited debate, making for interesting listening, too.

After visiting, you may find yourself a regular patron of Wickenden Street’s offerings – so feel free to inquire about the rest of what Fox Point and the East Side has to offer, including:

 * Walking tours. Guided tours take place often throughout the year (check local listings for times and dates); and Brown University has set up signs at several locations of locally historical significance as a part of the  “Speaking of Wickenden” cell-phone tour.  Use your mobile phone to call (401) 415-0206 wherever you see a “Speaking of Wickenden” sign to hear a pre-recorded history of the site.
 * Locally owned organic grocery stores; especially the East Side Marketplace (another Best of Rhode Island winner) which is just a short drive away in Richmond Square (the line of demarcation between Fox Point and the East Side). In addition to offering organic groceries, East Side Marketplace's Café offers a great, casual dining experience at reasonable prices.  Every month the Café holds various social events, with a different food theme.  Plus, there have been many celebrity sightings there – from the late George Harrison and John F Kennedy, Jr. to actress Natalie Portman (all connected to Brown University).
 * Saturday Sidewalk Sales along Wickenden Street occur every week, as merchants line the sidewalks with wares for sale and residents join in by hosting tables of their own unwanted treasures. It can be a lot of fun to peruse the one-of-a-kind items on display and for sale. If you plan to shop, be sure to bring cash because most residents do not accept checks or credit/debit cards, although the merchants of Wickenden Street do accept plastic.

Buy
Wickenden Street is about much more than just food and drink. In addition to the pubs and cafés – and the one “snuggery”– there are several antique stores and art galleries; as well as public art found in the murals displayed on many storefronts, all done by local artists. Unique places to shop include:

Eat
You will find a criss-crossing of coffee shops and cafes offering breakfast and lunch, juxtaposed by their restaurant counterparts offering lunch and dinner.

Sleep
In addition to hotels, longer-term rentals are available in store-front apartments right along Wickenden Street and duplex-style apartments off of the many side-streets that make up the Fox Point region. These apartments are especially welcoming of college students seeking off-campus housing.

title: Providence/Fox Point


text:
North Providence

North Providence is a town in the Providence County area of Rhode Island. There are seven villages that make up the town of North Providence; Allendale, Centerdale, Fruit Hill, Greystone, Lymansville, Marieville, and Woodville/Geneva. North Providence is the second smallest town in the smallest state of the country. It has an area of nearly six square miles and has nine schools; six elementary, two middle schools, and one high school. North Providence was established in the late 1700s by farmers, who were originally from Providence, and wanted to form a separate town because government officials in Providence favored merchants over farmers. The town has everything you need in one place; markets, banks, gas stations, several gyms, convenience stores, and small shops. There are two main roads that run through the whole town; Mineral Spring Avenue and Smith St. North Providence is the eighth most populated community in Rhode Island with a population of approximately 33,000. The current mayor is Charles A. Lombardi.

Understand
Surrounding towns include Smithfield, Lincoln, Providence, and Pawtucket. The town itself has a unique blend of urban and suburban areas. Mineral Spring and Smith St. are very busy urban-like roads. There are also countless dozens of condo and apartment complexes scattered throughout the small town. Overall North Providence is a great town with a lot to offer, but most of the main attractions are in neighboring Providence.

Get in
See Providence for details on how to reach the city Providence.

North Providence is accessible by car from I-95. 295 (exit 7a) and 146 also take you there.

Get around
North Providence is a pretty small town, area-wise, but it's densely packed and populated. Some locals will walk to the market or to other errands, but a visitor's best bet would be to rent a car. Odds are you will travel to neighboring towns as well, so a car is best, but you could bike also.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) also runs several bus lines through the area. Buses 51, 52, 55, 58, and 73 all run through North Providence, but you'll have to check the website for details that pertain to your trip.

Do
Parks and Recreation There are a few parks scattered throughout North Providence. Stephen Olney Park is a good one. It features a skatepark, tennis courts, basketball court, and many baseball fields. Plenty of field space for all sports and activities.

Providence With North Providence being located only a few minutes away from the capital city of RI, there is a lot to do around North Providence.

Buy
You can get everything from groceries, at Stop and Shop and Shaws to jewelry at Anthony's Jewelers. All of these businesses are located on Mineral Spring Avenue. If you can't find what you need here, like I said above, Providence is only minutes away and will have what your looking for.

Eat
There are many places to eat, with numerous fast food chains and take out places. All you have to do is stay on Mineral Spring Ave and you will not starve. If you're looking for even more good eats, just head over to Federal Hill in Providence, the infamous hub of RI's best restaurants.

 * Betty's A great place to enjoy breakfast at any time of the day. Great for the college student crowd after coming from a night of clubbing in Providence.
 * Betty's A great place to enjoy breakfast at any time of the day. Great for the college student crowd after coming from a night of clubbing in Providence.

Drink
Where you can eat, you can drink. North Providence has a colorful array of bars and pubs, mostly on Mineral Spring Ave and Smith St.

title: North Providence


text:
Providence/Smith Hill

Smith Hill is a district in the northern area in Providence. Only a couple minutes from Federal Hill, Smith Hill provides a sense of entertainment and places to visit. Smith Hill is probably best known for its St Patrick's Parade and Bolivian Festival. Smith Hill has two main streets which are Chalkstone Ave and Smith St.

By bicycle
If you have a bike, you can go up and down Smith Hill with no problem. Everything is close by in Smith Hill, that a bike is perfect if you do not want to use a car.

Cope

title: Providence/Smith Hill


text:
Providence/South Providence

South Providence is in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a largely African-American and Hispanic community and the population of people is very culturally diverse. It contains the largest park in Providence, Roger Williams Park. South Providence is well known in the area for its dining and night life.

Southern Providence has a reputation for poverty and crime; the nightclubs on Broad Street have been known for their brawls. However, there are also nice neighborhoods here.

By car
When driving, I-95 is the most useful highway coming from the Boston or New York areas. I-95 Exit 18 will get you right into the heart of South Providence.

See

 * Enjoy half-priced admission throughout January and February. There are many heated exhibit buildings throughout the Zoo, such as the Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion, the Tropical America building, and the Australasia building.
 * Zoobilee! Feast with Beasts is the Zoo’s largest annual fundraiser. Enjoy live music, dancing, food and drink from the area’s best restaurants, caterers and bars, and more.
 * Thanksgiving for the Animals - Celebrate Thanksgiving in a wild way by helping to make enriching treats for zoo residents. From paper mache prey filled with edible treats to stimulating scents hidden in an exhibit area, enriching activities help the mentally and physically challenged our animals.
 * Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - Running through the month of October is the evening event of the Jack-O-Lantern trail. Open 6-11pm this event showcases many talented pumpkin carver's creations. These carvings vary between traditional Jack-O-Lantern faces to highly detailed carvings of historic figures, endangered species, and celebrities. While waiting in line there are costumed characters that stroll along, and quiet jazz to help set the relaxed, but entertaining atmosphere. From Oct 7- Oct 31, the zoo is surrounded by on hundreds of artfully carved jack-o-lanterns depicting people, places, and scenes from popular culture to old-time favorites and everything in between. Prices for admission are $12 adults, $10 seniors (62+), $9 children ages 3 – 12 (under 3 are free). This event is open from 6-10PM.
 * Spooky Zoo - for the last 2 weekends in October, the zoo is turned into "Spooky Zoo" which is full of activities for kids and families. Events include trick or treating, fairytale characters, and a Marco Polo maze. There are tons of games, prizes, treats, and a costume contest. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, and $4.95 for toddlers.
 * Spooky Zoo - for the last 2 weekends in October, the zoo is turned into "Spooky Zoo" which is full of activities for kids and families. Events include trick or treating, fairytale characters, and a Marco Polo maze. There are tons of games, prizes, treats, and a costume contest. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, and $4.95 for toddlers.

 * Tennis Courts/Baseball Field - The park has 8 tennis courts and a huge baseball field open to the public except when baseball league games are being played. Great place for children to run around and have fun.
 * Horse riding - During the spring and summer time, there is a small course where children under 70 lb can ride a pony around. It is at the entrance of the carousel. Costs $5 for a 5-minute ride.
 * Horse riding - During the spring and summer time, there is a small course where children under 70 lb can ride a pony around. It is at the entrance of the carousel. Costs $5 for a 5-minute ride.

title: Providence/South Providence


text:
Providence County

Providence County is in the northernmost region of Rhode Island.

Cities

 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.
 * - The capital of Rhode Island and largest city.

Other destinations

 * The southern portion of the Blackstone Valley National Corridor is encompassed by Providence County.

Understand
Blackstone Valley Canal District has a long story that you will be curious to know when you travel along the valley canal. You will see old mills along the Blackstone River, a standing witness to history. The yellow building with the white-topped cupola along the Blackstone River is one of the most historical structures in the United States.It is Slater Mill, America's first factories and the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.

Talk
The Blackstone Valley becomes a place where history and culture are embraced in each city. The resources of the valley are sufficient enough to provide a high level quality of life for residents all over the it's cities. It is inspiring to know how communities had built around the valley between the 18th and 19th century. So take advantage of being in New England and grasp the history and culture by visiting Blackstone valley.You can discover the beauty of its nature by visiting the Blackstone Valley Scenic Railway Tours or Samuel Slater Canal Boat.Think about preparing your family for fun day at Slater Park in Pawtucket. It has all kinds of different activities.

Get in
It all depends on what city you're going to start visiting. If you are using train transportation, you are going to start from Providence, or you may use the south Attleboro station because it is closer to Pawtucket. If you choose to use the airplane, you will start from Warwick. Remember, you will need to rent a car.

Get around
For many people, driving is the best way to experience the beauty and culture of Rhode Island. Most major car rental companies have offices at Rhode Island's TF Green Airport. They are also all over Rhode Island's cities and towns.

See

 * Willard House and clock Museum. Discover where time began in the black stone valley in the small workshop of the clock maker.  In the city of Grafton, Massachusetts, the year 1766, the museum's collections includes over 80 Willard clocks at largest in the world of its original kind.  http://www.willardhouse.org
 * Providence Children museum. It is the place for children; it has a very wide range of educational activities that strengthen their ability to learn and play at the same time http://www.childrenmuseum.org/
 * Blackstone Valley Scenic Railway Tours. From Cumberland, RI to Putnam, Ct. enjoy fall Foliage and Shopping Excursion to Putnam, CT. A full 3 1/2 hours in Putnam for antique shopping, dining, and Putnam Fall Festival.
 * Samuel Slater Canal Boat and B&B. Launched in May, 2000 as a millennium project, the 40-foot canal boat is the only one of its kind plying American waters. Docked at its permanent docking area at Central Falls Landing, The boat can seat up to 12 for river tours and can be chartered for up to 4 as an overnight bed and breakfast.

Do
Discover opportunities for walking through mill villages, exploring canal towpaths, canoeing and visiting historic sites.

Enjoy bird watching while you're hiking out in the beautiful nature.

Eat
When you are in Woonsocket, make sure you don't miss the English style Fish and Chips from Ye Old English. your choices are Fish and Chips or French style apple pie at the French Farmer Market. There are plenty of farms all over the valley providing excellent quality food products besides the regular food markets like Stop and Shop and Shows

Stay safe
Standard precautions should be taken.

Go next

 * Newport, RI
 * Boston, MA
 * New York, NY
 * Bristol, RI
 * Warren, RI

title: Providence County


text:
Providencia

Providencia is a Caribbean island, and a part of the San Andres and Providencia Archipelago. It is politically a part of Colombia, but is geographically closer to Nicaragua. It is attached by footbridge to a smaller island, Santa Catalina.

It is a very scenic island, with lovely empty beaches, a typical Caribbean climate, laid back atmosphere and friendly people. While the island depends quite heavily on tourism, it is not at all 'touristy' and only small hotels are present. The hotels on the island resemble more "guest lodges" than 5 star hotels, and everything is very low key. The restaurants and bars are relatively basic, and Providencia does not have any clubs or discos.

Providencia is heavily protected by Colombian legislation - no non-native of the island is allowed to own property there, or operate a business. Thus, while many developers may want to "build up" Providencia, it seems unlikely that this will happen in the near future. It is quite unique in its status as an undeveloped and unexploited Caribbean island.

Get around
The island has one principle coastal road (which goes around the circumference of the island), and a few other smaller roads. There is no public transport to speak of, although there are collectivos (around COP$2000 for a ride of any length) which run every hours or so as well as (relatively expensive) taxis. Hitch-hiking is quite easy. Another option for tourists is to rent a motorbike (COP$70,000 per 24 hr) or motor-golf buggies ("Mule", COP$130,000 per 8hrs). Posada del Mar in Aguadulce has two relatively good mountain bikes for rent (COP$30,000 per 8 hr). Providencia is a small island - it takes just 40 minutes to drive in a loop around the whole island in a golf buggy. Santa Catalina does not have any roads, there is only one footpath.

See & do
Providencia's appeal lies in its beautiful unspoilt volcanic scenery, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing.

Bahia Aguadulce is the main tourist area of Providencia, there are 5-6 small hotels, a few restaurants and a supermarket - all of which are walking distance to the beach.

Isabel Village is the main town in Providencia, it has an internet cafe, a cafe, a few supermarkets and a few miscellaneous shops. There is also a footbridge to Santa Catalina.

Santa Catalina is a smaller island connected to Providencia, and is considerably less developed. It has one shop, a few beautiful beaches and a couple of restaurants. On Santa Catalina, Morgans Head is a large rock formation that resembles a head. It is named after the pirate Henry Morgan, who used Providencia and Santa Catalina as a base for raiding the Spanish colonial empire many centuries ago. There are also the remains of an unexcavated fort that dates from the days of piracy on the island.

Bahia Suroeste has a long calm beach with a handful of simple restaurants and bars.

Bahia Manzanillo is a beautiful beach with the "Roland Roots Reggae Bar", featuring beach-parties and live acoustic music on the weekends.

Crab Caye is a beautiful small island off the East coast of the island. The snorkelling here is excellent, and the sea an amazing shade of turquoise. Along with the other small, beautiful islands named the Three Brothers Cayes, Crab Caye forms part of the McBean Lagoon National Park.

"The Peak" is the highest point on the island - and offers beautiful panoramic views towards the distant barrier reef, which runs along the East coast of the island. Excursions can be arranged by most hotels.

Scuba diving around Providencia is excellent - here one finds the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world.

15 km to the north of Providencia, at the top of the barrier reef, lies the remote little island called Low Caye, which can be visited on fishing trips. Even further north and east lie other even more remote islands such as Roncador, and idyllic atolls such as Serrana and Serranilla. Such remote islands aren't marked on most maps and are almost never visited by tourists.

One gets a better grasp of the island by seeing it from the sea. As such, boat tours are highly recommended.

Buy
Bush Rum is the local type of Colombian Aguardiente (firewater), a distilled spirit.

Eat
The vast majority of the food on offer is sea-food - lobsters, squid, fish, crab, and prawns.

Try their corn flavour ice cream, made locally

For a massive bowl of seafood soup visit El Nino on SouthWest beach. All the seafood is fresh and delicious.

Drink
Alcoholic drinks are normally limited to beer, rum and aguardiente.

Normally there is live (acoustic) music every night in one of the beach bars on the island - word spreads of which bar it is by way of posters and word of mouth.

Sleep
Many of the hotels have their bookings arranged by the all inclusive hotel chain Decameron. In addition it is possible to stay at the luxury hotel Deep Blue, Pirata Morgan Hotel, Hotel Sirius, and Sol Caribe hotel, all of whom take independent bookings.

There are a handful of other small, locally run guesthouses in addition, called "Posadas Nativas" or Native Inns, run by the local Raizal people. These are bed and breakfast style including a homemade traditional island breakfast, and hosts speak English and Creole, which is great for international speakers who speak English and not Spanish.

title: Providencia


text:
Providencia (Costa Rica)

Providencia is a small town on the border of the Central Valley and South Costa Rica.

Understand
The village is settled into two valleys and tourists are not really common here even in high season.

Get in
At Ojo de Agua (Km 75) you have got to leave the Panamerican Highway coming from San José direction South Costa Rica. From the highway, it is 14 km dirt road. 4WD recommended. It is also a walkable (4 hr).

Get around
A car or motorbike is a nice thing to have but with a good will most of the destination are in walking distance.

See

 * Quetzals

Eat & drink
There is a bar/restaurant which offers dinner and lunch.

Sleep
There are two cabins (₡5,000 per person) and they've got a space for camping (₡500 per person).

title: Providencia (Costa Rica)


text:
Providencia (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Providencia:

Chile

 * Providencia — a district just east of downtown Santiago de Chile.

Colombia

 * Providencia — A Colombian island in the Caribbean Sea.

Costa Rica

 * Providencia (Costa Rica) — A town in the Central Valley.

title: Providencia (disambiguation)


text:
Providenciales

Providenciales is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the Caribbean.

Get in

If you don't pre-arrange a taxi, you may have to pay as much as $33 for a car. Some drivers may try to scam you for more.

 * Air Canada offers non-stop service from Toronto-Pearson and seasonal service from Halifax, Montreal-Trudeau, and Ottawa.
 * American Airlines offers non-stop service from Boston, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, and Philadelphia.
 * Bahamas Air offers service from Nassau.
 * British Airways offers service from London via Nassau.
 * Delta offers non-stop service from Atlanta.
 * InterCaribbean Airways
 * jetBlue offers non-stop service from New York-JFK, and seasonal service from Boston.
 * United offers non-stop service from Newark.
 * WestJet offers non-stop service from Toronto-Pearson and seasonal service from Montreal-Trudeau.
 * Local airlines offer service from nearby islands.

Get around
Since there are no public buses, families or those wishing to travel to dinner and other attractions should rent a vehicle. In the Grace Bay area, there are many shops are within walking distance. If you are residing at resorts along the Grace Bay strip, a free shuttle will most likely be offered to take you to certain areas along Leeward Highway. Some of these places include: Yoshi's, Calico Jack's, Jimmy's Dive Bar, local boutiques, and the Graceway Supermarket.

Taxis can get expensive if you are traveling from the heart of Grace Bay to areas surrounding the Turtle Cove Marina. The charge is approximately $6-8 per person. If you are staying along the strip of resorts (Seven Stars, Club Med Turkoise, Grace Bay Club, Point Grace, etc.) you are in great walking distance to a handful of restaurants, pubs, boutiques, and island entertainment (i.e. scuba diving, sailing, kiteboarding).

Do

Drink
Try these tasty colorful alcoholic beverages

Nightlife
Providenciales is very residential with only one casino and nightclub on the island. Enjoy your night life at a bar with the locals or listening to the soothing sounds of the island during various live music nights. At music venues, listen to island beats of reggae, rock, and blues performed by local groups. Performances usually take place every week, but Friday is traditionally the biggest night for music on the island. Speak to a concierge member to find out which hotels and local restaurants are having live music on specific nights.}}

Sleep

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title: Providenciales