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Rhode Island Town 26: Providence - 8/2/2020

8/2/2020

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Hi Everyone, this is Heidi.  Today we are visiting Rhode Island’s capital, the great city of Providence. ​
Our first stop in Providence was Neutaconkanut Park.  I’d always heard that the best view of the city was at the top of Neutaconkanut Hill, so we started off our day with a hike.  Upon arriving at the park (at the base of the hill), we saw several skateboarders enjoying the morning.  Not being a very coordinated person myself, I’ve always been in awe of skateboarders.  We watched them for a few minutes, and then started up the trail in search of the view (and a few geocaches along the way).  ​
Information kiosk with trail map
Skate Park
The hike was quick and the trail was pretty easy even though there was an incline, and it was so unusual and fun to be in the woods and also in the city!  Before too long we reached the top and the view was pretty incredible.  ​
Great view of Providence
Heading down the hill
Our next stop in Providence was the Cranston Street Armory and the surrounding Dexter Park Training Grounds.  Built in 1907, the Armory and Dexter Park were home to the National Guard until 1996.  The impressive and castle-like building has been used for a variety of purposes since then and is currently in transition as the state of RI and a committee of community members work together to create a plan to return the armory to active use.  ​
Picture
Cranston Street Armory
A tour of Providence would not be complete without a visit to Roger Williams Park and Zoo.  We have been zoo members since Aemilia was born, but hadn’t visited the zoo at all this year due to COVID.  This morning was the perfect time to correct that problem and go see some animals.  The zoo is requiring timed tickets, so we had reserved them online the night before.  I was a bit nervous being in a place with other people, but all of the zoo employees as well as everyone visiting the zoo were wearing masks and were very conscious of social distancing, and we had a great time visiting one of our favorite Providence places.   
Yawning camel at the zoo
Always take a photo with the dog
Gibbon
River Otter
This tortoise flipped itself over and had to be rescued by the zoo keeper
giraffes
African Elephants
Zebras
Bison
Before we entered the zoo, we stopped at a little historic cemetery next to the casino.  I had never noticed this cemetery before, and it turned out to be the burial ground of the Williams family, with a large monument in honor of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island.  ​
Historic Williams Family Cemetery
Roger Williams Park Casino
While driving through beautiful Roger Williams Park and passing by the Temple of Music, The Swan boats,  the Rose Garden, The Casino, and the Japanese Garden, we debated going to get Latin American takeout at La Gran Parada on Broad Street for lunch, or going to Olneyville for hot wieners at the Olneyville New York System.  We couldn’t go wrong with either choice, but in the end, hot wieners won, and we washed them down with some coffee milk.  
Placing our order
Weiners all the way
Olneyville New York System
Another of our favorite places in Olneyville is La Lupita, so we followed up our hot wieners with steak tacos.  So incredibly delicious.  I could eat these tacos every day!!!
Inside La Lupita
La Lupita
Steak Tacos - So good!
The day was getting really warm, so we decided to conduct our tour of Providence the same way that people do Disney vacations in the summer: Parks in the cool morning hours, take a break in the afternoon, and then head back to the parks.  We decided to return to Smithfield to cool off with a swim at our favorite spot, and continue our tour of Providence in the evening. However, before heading away from the city, we needed to answer an important question: Which frozen lemonade is better - Del’s or Mr. Lemon?
In our family, no one other than me had ever tried the refreshing sweetness that is Mr. Lemon.   Not only does Mr. Lemon have traditional frozen lemonade, but it also has exciting flavors such as root beer float, tutti-fruti, and purple cow!  Also, the service is super friendly with a neighborhood feel.  Although we do love our Del’s, Mr. Lemon brings frozen lemonade to the next level and if they opened a store in Smithfield, we would be their best customers!
Mr. Lemon, Providence
Sign at Mr. Lemon
Feeling refreshed after swimming, we headed back into Providence around 4:30 in the afternoon.  It was at that point that I deviated from our plan of going to the Providence Pedestrian Bridge, because I remembered how interesting and unusual the view is at Collier Point Park.  Again, I was the only member of our family who had been there previously.  Deviating from “the plan” is not something that *some* people in our family deal well with, but it was a worthwhile stop.  We got a great view of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, the boats at India Point Park, the three 321-foot tall smokestacks of the Manchester Street Power Station and we even were able to walk underneath the IWay Bridge.  ​
Picture
Collier Point Park
View of the Iway bridge
Fox Point Hurricane Barrier
Manchester Street Power Station
Under the Iway Bridge
Time to return to the plan….. Next up was the Providence Pedestrian Bridge.  This bridge opened in the summer of 2019 and it is absolutely lovely.  The Pedestrian Bridge connects the East Side with Downtown, and has a wide walking area with benches spaced throughout.  It is perfect for strolling at any time of the day, and is a great spot of musicians. Tonight we heard a duo who played accordian and also used marionettes.  ​
On the pedestrian bridge
Providence Pedestrian Bridge
View of Downtown
We also checked out the garden of 10,000 Suns in the same area, but the sunflower plants were still small and were not yet in bloom.  ​Here are some photos from last year....
10,000 Suns - 2019
10,000 Suns - 2019
Next we drove along South Main Street and stopped near the courthouse to check out the monuments in that area.  We saw the Gun Totem which was created in 2001 with over 1000 reclaimed guns, the World War I Memorial, the Holocaust Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.  We found my grandfather’s name, Arthur J. Schattle, on the wall of the World War II Memorial that honored those Rhode Island soldiers who lost their lives in the war. ​ We left a painted rock at this memorial, and we also walked along the river and saw the Providence Gondola out for a ride.  Today we did not cross over the river to see the Irish Famine Memorial, but if you have time, it is definitely worth a visit. 
Gun Totem
World War I Memorial
Holocaust Memorial
Gondola, mural & kayaks
World War II Memorial
World War II Memorial
World War II Memorial
World War II Memorial
The rock we left at the World War II Memorial
Much to some people’s dismay, I thought of another must-see place which resulted in another deviation from the almighty plan.  Since we were so close to Prospect Terrace Park, we needed to stop there for just a few minutes, even though we had been there a number of times in the past. This stop was met with much groaning by family members of all ages, but the views of the State House and downtown are so spectacular from Prospect Park, and really should not be missed.  Besides, we all need a little spontaneity from time to time, haha.... 
Roger Williams Statue
State House view
OK - back to the plan again.  For years, I have wanted to get a closer look at the Crook Point Bascule Bridge.  There is a new bike path in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence that goes from India Point Park to Waterman Street, and it goes right by the very bridge that I’ve had my sites set on seeing.  Built in 1908, the Crook Point Bridge was a railroad drawbridge that was abandoned in 1976. The girls recognize this bridge because it looks very similar to the drawbridge in the movie “Annie”.  Tonight, we were able to see the bridge from the road level, as well as from underneath.  Check that off the list!!!
Crook Point Bascule Bridge
Crook Point Bascule Bridge
Crook Point Bascule Bridge
One last stop before dinner - India Point Park.  This waterfront park has benches, a playground, and a community boating area, and is connected to the Fox Point neighborhood by a greenery lined pedestrian bridge.  It’s really nice and worth a visit.  ​
By this point everyone was pretty hungry, and few were even hangry.  We made the short drive over to Federal Hill, which is well known for its outstanding Italian restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores.  We were lucky to find a parking spot right on Spruce Street, and got pizza from what is perhaps the most famous pizza place in Rhode Island, Caserta’s.  The girls loved it, with its thick yet crispy crust, flavorful sauce & cheese, and pepperoni slices that curl up into little bowls.  We ate our pizza on the benches by the Federal Hill bocce courts, and then wandered back to our car amidst the array of delicious smells and sounds emanating from the restaurants lining DePasquale Square.  It was another great Rhode Island day.
Entrance to Federal Hill
The legendary Caserta Pizza
Pizza at the Bocce Courts
Other places we've enjoyed in Providence: 
  • Waterplace Park & Riverwalk - Beautiful park with cobblestone walking paths, restaurants, and concerts.  Waterplace Park and Riverwalk are especially lovely during Waterfire events. 
  • Swan Point Cemetery - Known for beautiful landscaping and flowering trees, Swan Point Cemetery is a popular place to walk.  Many prominent Rhode Islanders are buried there, including H.P. Lovecraft
  • AS220 - There is always something going on (music, petry, theatre, gallery shows, etc) at this non-profit community arts organization.  AS220 also has a restaurant with excellent food and drink options.  (Fun fact - Brian and I met at the AS220 Irish jam session back in 1995). 
  • Stone Soup Coffeehouse - Founded in 1980, Stone Soup is one of the oldest folk music venues in New England.  This 100% volunteer-run nonprofit coffeehouse has been in various locations in Providence and Pawtucket over the years, and is currently located at the Music Mansion in Providence. Brian and I are both former board members of Stone Soup Folk Arts Foundation, and have many fond memories of music and friendships at Stone Soup. 
  • Irish Music Jam Session at Patrick's Pub - Friendly pub with great food & drink, this Irish session takes place on Tuesday night.  The session is very welcoming, and musicians are welcome to join in.  Brian and I took part in the sessions weekly until Aemilia was born. 
  • Trinity Repertory Company - Professional theatre in a small venue (there's not a bad seat in the house).  Trinity is most famous for its annual production of "A Christmas Carol", and their recent show, "The Prince of Providence" about Providence's infamous mayor,the late  Buddy Cianci, was absolutely incredible. 
  • Blackstone Boulevard Walking Path - A 1.6 mile tree lined walking path through Providence's most elite neighborhood.  Stop for ice cream at Three Sisters, located at the intersection of Blackstone Boulevard and Hope Street. 
  • Roger Williams Park Botanical Center - 12,000 square feet of indoor gardens in Roger Williams Park.  We especially love the fairy house display that usually happens in April. 
  • RI State House - Completed in 1904, RI's State House is constructed of white marble, and is topped with the fourth-largest self-supporting dome in the world.  Be sure to see the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington and RI's colonial charter, granted in 1663 by King Charles II of England. 
  • Providence Athenaeum - Founded in 1836, this independent member-supported library on historic Benefit Street is open to the public for browsing (closed to the public during COVID).  The building is gorgeous, and you will feel like a scholar as you browse the books. Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft were both frequent visitors to the Providence Athenaeum. 
  • Wickenden Street & Thayer Street - Shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars on Providence's East side - near Brown University.  
  • ​Providence Children's Museum - Lots of hands on exhibits make this a fun place for kids and kids-at-heart.  (8/2020 - currently closed due to COVID)
  • Museum of Natural History and Planetarium 
  • Ladd Observatory - The astronomical observatory of Brown University.  Before COVID, Ladd Observatory was open to the public during scheduled times. 
  • Roger Williams National Memorial - Commemorates Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island.  In the visitor center you can watch a film and view exhibits, and pick up a booklet with the requirements for earning a Junior Ranger Badge.  The park itself is small, but nice, and includes gardens, memorials, and a fresh water spring. 
  • RISD Museum - This museum is a jewel and highlights include an ancient Egyption exhibit with a real mummy, a 10 foot tall 12th-century wooden Buddah, European masterpieces, a furniture gallery, and much more. Look for children's activities and special free admission days. 
  • The Arcade - Built in 1828, the Arcade is the oldest indoor mall in America.  The lower level features shops and restaurants ,while the upper levels now host micro-loft apartments. 
  • Providence Skating Rink - Winter activities include ice skating and bumper cars, while summer activities include roller skating, bumper cars, and bumble soccer ball.  This is a fun place for all ages!
  • Providence St. Patrick's Day Parade - This annual March event on Smith Hill is so fun for the whole family.  There is a 5k walk/run before the kickoff of the parade that we've participated in several times over the years. 
  • Columbus Day Festival on Federal Hill - So much food!!!!  This is one of the many fun festivals held in RI over Columbus Day weekend.  Atwells Avenue becomes a pedestrian zone, and there is also a great parade. 
  • PVD Fest - Creative and fun public arts fest that fills the streets of downtown Providence with vendors, performers, and artists.  PVD Fest is held annually in June. 
2 Comments
Mary Vince Cruz
8/20/2020 07:28:35 am

Mr. Lemon! But, New England Lemonade is my fave😉

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Nancy Riley link
8/22/2020 03:08:52 pm

You continue to amaze me, Blais folks - what a great day in Prov, and what gems you unearthed - I thought I knew The city pretty well, but still learned more from your travels... the girls are such good sports posing for so many pics - and what great photos they all are,! This could def be a book...

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    Welcome!

    We are a family who loves to travel and explore.  Covid-19 has changed our plans for  summer 2020, but we are making the best out of the situation by exploring our beautiful home state of Rhode Island.  During the summer of 2020, we are hoping to visit every town in Rhode Island. Thank you for joining us on our journey! ​  

    NBC 10 WJAR featured us on the news!  Watch the segment here. 

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