With 400 miles of Atlantic shoreline, Rhode Island is a coastal destination that packs extraordinary beauty within its tiny borders. Known as “The Ocean State,” it boasts hard-working harbor towns, fresh seafood, stunning beaches, and quintessential New England allure. Founded as a haven for independent thought, Rhode Island’s statehood was initially met with significant resistance, largely due to Roger Williams’s advocacy for separating the colony from Massachusetts and Connecticut and pushing for religious freedom. This history of defiance perhaps explains why Rhode Islanders have always prided themselves on having a fierce independent streak—a fact that is particularly evident in the capital city, Providence.
Yet if you scratch the surface of Providence’s brusque New England persona, you’ll find an intensely creative town that welcomes dreamers, creatives, young families, students, and diverse communities from around the world. Often overshadowed by northeastern hubs like Boston and New York, Providence has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last few decades, with efforts aimed at cleaning up the riverfront, creating more pedestrian pathways, and revitalizing the downtown area. With an impressive roster of colleges and universities, including Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence College, and Brown University, the city, though impressive, remains unpretentious. I’ve called this city home for 15 years, and its unique blend of blue-collar charm and refined Ivy League sophistication, where historical elegance meets a quirky creative spirit, captivates me more with each passing year.
Here, find Vogue’s guide to this under-the-radar creative capital—and why now is the time to visit.
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Photo: Courtesy of GoProvidence