As a Providence native, sometimes it's easy to take for granted all of the unique experiences that our historic city has to offer. You become so accustomed to the quirk and creativity in your everyday life that it becomes a part of your standard. Then a fresh set of eyes instantly reminds you of how "different" our culture is and how lucky we are to call this place home. In Architectural Digest's latest roundup post "5 Places Art and Design Lovers Should Visit in June 2019", Providence joins the ranks of world-renowned cities such as Florence and Basel for offering world-class art and design - a recognition that underscores the influential culture we have built and nurtured for so long as loyal Providence residents.
In this roundup, Laura Itzkowitz of Architectural Digest provides a list of top local events and places for all lovers of art and design to enjoy this June. She writes:
The Festival of Historic Houses in Providence, Rhode Island, will attract fans of historic architecture…
Fans of historic homes should consider spending a weekend in Providence from June 15–16, when the Providence Preservation Society’s Festival of Historic Houses will open doors in the Paterson Park neighborhood. Rhode Island’s PrideFest will also be coming through town that Saturday, livening up the city’s streets with block parties, live music, and an illuminated night parade. As home to the Rhode Island School of Design, this small New England city is a hub for contemporary art and design and easy to get to from New York, Boston, and other cities in the Northeast. If you go, stay at the Dean Hotel, the first hotel by AD100 firm ASH NYC.
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/design-travel-destinations-june-2019
Personally, I would say Laura provided a solid start, but let's keep this list running a bit more - why not, right? Here are my top ways to enjoy Providence both year-round and in the next upcoming months:
Year-round: For the architecture buff on the go, visit historic properties at every turn of the road.
If you're visiting Providence, but cannot make it to the Providence Preservation Society’s annual Festival of Historic Houses, there are quite a few other options for historical tours. Some other historic sites in Providence include:
State Capitol of Rhode Island
Credit: Kumar Appaiah RI's State Capitol building was completed in 1904. The building has the fourth largest self-supported dome in the world.
Historic Rhode Island items on display include the original Rhode Island Charter (1663) and a portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, a Rhode Island native. Guided tours are offered year-round, Monday through Friday, by appointment only.
Tour stops include the Bell Room, where Rhode Island's replica of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell is displayed; the State Room, where Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of George Washington hangs.
Source: "Historic sites include mansions, lighthouses, gardens, military museums" VisitRI.com: https://www.visitri.com/state/historic-homes-and-sites/
When: See the website to arrange tours.
Where: 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI
Website: sos.ri.gov/publicinfo/tours/
Governor Stephen Hopkins House
Credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel This is the home of Stephen Hopkins, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, his family, and their slaves, for over 40 years. Hopkins added the Georgian style front in 1743. Twice moved, it was restored and opened as a museum in 1929. Eight rooms are filled with period antiques & Hopkins heirlooms.
Source: "Historic sites include mansions, lighthouses, gardens, military museums" VisitRI.com: https://www.visitri.com/state/historic-homes-and-sites/
Hours: Guided tours are given May through November, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and also year-round by appointment. Donations are requested instead of an admission charge.
Where: 15 Hopkins Street, Providence, RI, 02903
Website: stephenhopkins.org
Providence Athenaeum
The Providence Athenaeum
Credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel The Athenaeum is one of the oldest libraries in the country, founded in 1753. The building itself was constructed in 1838 in granite Greek Revival style and continues to offer a fully functional subscription library. Visitors can enjoy exhibits of rare and historical books which are often found on the site.
Source: "Historic sites include mansions, lighthouses, gardens, military museums" VisitRI.com: https://www.visitri.com/state/historic-homes-and-sites/
Address: 251 Benefit Street, Providence, RI
Website: providenceathenaeum.org
Year-round: Dine at some of our most popular restaurants - they're locally-renowned for a reason!
Johnson & Wales University graduates a new batch of talented chefs every year. To say the least, Providence's creative and energetic culinary scene is a force of nature in its own right. Here are a few tried-and-true spots that Providence locals love to enjoy.
Milk Money
Milk Money provides locally sourced fruits & produce that go hand-in-hand with their seasonally inspired cocktail list.
Who is it for?
Epicureans, refined palates, cocktail enthusiasts.
Website: milkmoneyri.com
Great Northern BBQ Co.
Providence Based BBQ Co. intent on bringing real, low-n-slow barbeque and wood-fired delicacies to Rhode Island.
Who is it for?
Foodies, BBQ Lovers, and great vegetarian options.
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Great food, great ambiance. This BBQ spot is great for date night.
facebook.com/greatnorthernbbqco
instagram.com/greatnorthernbbqco
Oberlin
New American spot with open kitchen & cozy seating serving seasonal small plates like pasta & fish.
Who is it for?
Culinary adventurers, epicureans, and sophisticated palates.
Website: oberlinrestaurant.com
Upcoming 2019: You want arts and culture? You got it!
Here's just a small sampling of the fun and weird Providence is known for in the next coming summer months. There's something for everyone to enjoy, to say the least:
PVDFest Returns to the Creative Capital for 2019
Source:
http://pvdfest.com/pvdfest-returns-to-the-creative-capital-for-2019/ PVDFest 2019 is a free, four day festival in downtown Providence from June 6th through 9th, 2019.
When: Thu, Jun 6 – Sun, Jun 9, 2019
Where: Downtown Providence, RI
Website: PVDFest Returns to the Creative Capital for 2019
Crave RI
When: Thu, Jun 20 – Fri, Jun 21, 2019
Where: Dunkin' Donuts Center, 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI
Website: Crave Rhode Island
Rhode Island BBQ & Blues Festival
When: June 23, 2019
Where: India Point Park, 201 India Street, Providence, Rhode Island
Website: ribbqblues.com/location
Facebook: facebook.com/events/1939010806389568/
44th RI Cape Verdean Independence Day Festival
When: Sun, July 7, 2019, at 12 PM – 7 PM EDT
Where: India Point Park Playground And Mosaic Mural, 201 India St, Providence, RI
Event on Facebook: facebook.com/events/india-point-park/44th-ri-capeverdean-independence-day-festival/
An Evening With Michael Bublé
When: Jul 23rd, 8 PM, 2019
Where: Dunkin' Donuts Center, 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI
Website: An Evening With Michael Bublé
Rhode Island Music & Arts Festival
https://youtu.be/zYxMwDHMgbU
When: Fri, Sep 13 – Sat, Sep 14, 2019
Where: India Point Park Playground And Mosaic Mural, 201 India St
Providence, RI
Website: littlestatebigmusic.com
Now it's your turn.
What do you love about Providence? Let us know in the comments.