Providence, Rhode Island: Beyond the Rink
Dive into the heart of Providence, Rhode Island with me! An unexpected gem nestled in New England, this city promises an enchanting blend of rich history, vibrant arts, and a culinary scene to satiate every palate. Join me, an Ice Hockey Mom, as we explore this delightful city, discovering stories, savoring flavors, and embracing the warmth and camaraderie that is so quintessentially Providence.
Providence, Rhode Island: More than just a neighbor to Massachusetts
Last weekend, while attending our latest AAA Ice Hockey Showcase, I had the golden opportunity to truly immerse myself in the wonders of Providence, Rhode Island.
Now, I’ve whisked past this gem of a state numerous times, due to its proximity to Massachusetts – making it almost a blink-and-you-miss-it scenario for me.
But this past showcase was delightfully different!
Providence, Rhode Island beckoned with the allure of a thriving arts community. Providence has echoes of the slapshot rhythms of an Ice Hockey match but on the canvas of stage, academia, and street corners that will warm this Philadelphian’s heart.
Each turn through its diverse neighborhoods, and let me tell you, coming from the Philadelphia area, I felt a rush of nostalgia! Armed with a good ‘ol map of neighborhoods (some habits die hard), I felt that distinct charm that makes you feel homey in a city.
It’s as if Providence combined the friendliness of a small town with the sophistication of a big city – an ice rink where grit meets grace.
Providence: A Warm feeling
Have you ever been somewhere new and yet felt echoes of home calling out to you from every corner? I could feel a mix of South Philly, Port Richmond and Fishtown neighborhoods from Philadelphia as I traveled through Providence. As heartwarming as a South Philly serenade sung off of Broad Street!
Staying in Capitol Hill, I was instantly enveloped by its comforting cadence, reminiscent of those familiar streets in the City of Brotherly Love. Its whispers of history and whispers of modern urban life blended in a dance that felt both fresh and age-old.
Next door, College Hill, with its academic vigor and old-world charm, felt like a skate back in time, while the vibrant vibes of the West Side playfully nudged memories of Philly’s own eclectic districts. Providence with its water, landscape, and architecture just welcomed this Yankee’s heart.
Providence’s Academic Allure
Just as the ice reflects the gleam of stadium lights during a nail-biting match, so does the city radiate with the brilliance of its intellectual hubs.
Brown University
Think of Brown University, a venerable bastion of knowledge, standing tall and proud, its legacy mirrored by the innovative energies of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where creativity knows no bounds.
Now, imagine the fervor with which we cheer for our young athletes every game night, and you’ll grasp the electric enthusiasm this academic sphere injects into Providence. It’s a dance of minds, an intellectual showdown, where every student, every professor, brings a fire and passion to the table. It’s a city where cerebral plays meet physical goals, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences just waiting to be explored. So, here’s to the cerebral slapshots and the goals of knowledge!
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Just as the swift, precise movements of a hockey player leave an indelible mark on the ice, RISD has carved its niche in the world of art and design. Nestled in the heart of Providence, right next to Brown University. RISD is a renowned institution that is a bubbling cauldron of creativity. With each brush stroke, RISD is a testament to innovation, where art isn’t just created but lived. This global powerhouse not only molds the next generation of artists but also shapes the very fabric of the city’s vibrant arts scene. Every corridor, every classroom at RISD, hums with kinetic energy. Take a ride through Brown and RISD and expose your kiddo to the beautiful campus before their next game. College Hill is akin to the exhilaration and palpable tension in a rink just before the puck drops.
Providence College
Much like the unifying spirit of a hockey team, Providence College epitomizes the essence of community.
Founded by the Dominican Friars, its lush campus is a confluence of faith, tradition, and academic excellence. The institution, with its gothic architecture and verdant quads, brings to mind the hallowed halls of ancient academia but is firmly rooted in the contemporary world. Think of it as a rink where philosophical discussions glide seamlessly with cutting-edge research, where the passion for learning matches the fervor of a power play in the last decisive minutes of a game.
Johnson & Wales University
If RISD is the deft winger and Providence College the solid defenseman, then Johnson & Wales is the versatile center, orchestrating plays across diverse fields. From its world-class culinary program, which has produced some of the finest chefs, to its top-notch business and hospitality courses, JWU is a melting pot of talent. Picture a bustling campus kitchen where the sizzle of pans resonates with the buzz of business ideas, and where the aroma of freshly baked pastries mingles with the spirit of entrepreneurship. It’s the kind of place where dreams are kneaded, shaped, and baked to perfection, not unlike a team strategizing for that perfect goal.
Providence’s academic tapestry invites us to marvel at a different, yet equally enthralling, kind of mastery. It’s a hat-trick of education, passion, and innovation! Definitely worth a drive and walk around the campuses!
A Delicious Breakfast a the West Side Diner
Amidst the sunrise over Providence was the familiar growl made its presence known – the unmistakable rumble of a teenager’s stomach. My 16-year-old, in his post-match exuberance and running around the hotel the night before had a specific craving in mind.
I quickly googled food near me and came up with the West Side Diner. Armed with Waze, we made our way through some more neighborhoods from the hotel. We were welcomed by the epitome of the train line shape of the diner.
The West End Diner emerged from the Providence cityscape like a beacon of culinary delight. Greeted by warm smiles at the entrance felt like a hearty slap on the back. We were seated immediately and settled into the cozy back of the diner.
My son’s eyes lit up at the sight of fluffy chocolate chip pancakes, generously peppered with molten morsels, I couldn’t help but chuckle. He ordered a side of the most crispy, golden-brown home fries and a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, it was a breakfast of champions.
While I relished the classic combination of eggs and ham, those home fries were the siren song I couldn’t resist – a delicious temptation crisped to perfection. I was set through the rest of the day until dinner! This serendipitous connection, a shared passion for hockey amidst a feast of flavors, embodied the essence of travel with my son for both of us. Thank you, West Side Diner for providing us the spiritual and nutritional nourishment during our travels through your hometown. It’s these moments that make it special and memorable.
The Hotel
The Marriott Downtown Providence
In the whirlwind of preparations and the excitement of the upcoming match, I committed the cardinal sin of Hockey parent travel – I forgot to book our room! Panic coursed through my veins as I dialed the Marriott customer service, expecting the worst. But as the universe would have it, the voice on the other end was a soothing calm. With the patience and professionalism a crazy hockey parent can only dream of – but seldom encounters, they navigated me through my oversight, assuring me every step of the way. The Providence Marriott Downtown didn’t just stop there. The staff in their polished attire and even more impeccable demeanor, made certain we had a room at the group rate and, cherry on top, close to my son’s friends.
Upon arrival, the hotel, majestic in size, exuded an aura of warmth and intimacy. Its vastness was never daunting but rather an embrace of airy comfort. Each corner was spotlessly clean. And the staff? Their attire might have whispered sophistication, but their helpful and never-hesitating approach to every request screamed dedication. It felt as though we weren’t just guests but part of a larger Marriott family, a sentiment every traveler yearns for but rarely finds.
As we wandered the spacious hall, my little eyes spotted the entrance to the M Club. Through the glimpses I stole, it seemed like a country club oasis. The tantalizing promise of a private breakfast and all-day snacks in such a plush setting had me hooked. The serene ambiance beckoned, promising a blend of exclusivity. Next time, dear readers, that M Club will not elude my grasp. Because if there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s that the Providence Marriott Downtown isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience to be savored.
Wink, wink…ask about joining the M Club…even it is just for your stay. You will not be disappointed.
A Call to Action Beyond the Rink: Providence Gems We Missed & What You Absolutely Shouldn’t!
Let me take you on a brisk skate through the city’s vibrant lanes that I wish I’d delved deeper into during our last visit.
The thriving arts community in Providence isn’t just a scene; it’s a movement, a pulsating heartbeat that reverberates through the city streets. Please take advantage of your time in Providence with creativity, performances that move the soul, and sculptures that tell tales of epochs gone by.
And oh, the gastronomic delights that await! Providence’s restaurant scene is a symphony of flavors, where every dish dances a waltz of culinary magic. But perhaps the pièce de résistance, the one that eluded us this time, is the Waterfire Experience. The word around town is that it’s an ethereal journey, where fire dances on water, illuminating the night and casting a mesmerizing spell. Sadly, the stars didn’t align for us that weekend, but they might be for you!
So, when you hang up those skates post-match, venture out and immerse yourself in the cultural treasure trove that is Providence. Dive in headfirst, and I promise, it’ll be a power play of memories!
