Visitors to Providence, Rhode Island can follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter star Emma Watson on a new self-guided walking tour which takes in Brown University, the Ivy League institution from which the British actress graduated this summer.
The tour ‘Providence Walks: The East Side’ – which can be downloaded as a free PDF – brings together 17 of the New England city’s historic institutions, celebrating a rich cultural and creative heritage which dates back to Providence’s founding in 1636. A key location on the route is the Brown University Main Green, where the 24 year-old star joined 2,000 fellow graduates for her ‘commencement’ (graduation) ceremony on 25 May this year.
Visiting some of Providence’s oldest neighbourhoods, the tour also includes the Rhode Island State House – one of America’s grandest state houses despite Rhode Island being the smallest state – and the First Baptist Church, home to the country’s oldest Baptist congregation. The stately mansions along the incongruously-named Benefit Street are another highlight for visitors to enjoy, while the Rhode Island School of Design Museum offers one of America’s finest collections of art originating from many different cultures and time periods.
Despite its well-preserved historic atmosphere and architecture, the East Side is also cool and modern, offering galleries, restaurants and shops that reflect the edgier, hipster vibe of the Rhode Island School of Design.
Located just 50 miles from Boston and boasting a thriving arts scene, outstanding hotels and vibrant, diverse neighbourhoods, Providence is fast becoming a must-see city for travellers touring New England.
The city’s dining scene is particularly impressive. Home to one of the top culinary schools in the US, Johnson and Wales University, Providence is where you can find many of the country’s best young chefs at work. The Federal Hill area, traditionally Providence’s Little Italy, is renowned for excellent dining, with Italian favourites now competing with an increasingly diverse range of culinary influences.
A free map and directions for the ‘Providence Walks: The East Side’ tour can be downloaded at: http://www.goprovidence.com/things-to-do/history/east-side-walk/, while more information on the city is available at www.goprovidence.com.
For more information on New England, visit www.discovernewengland.co.uk.