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© 2004 Bonita Productions Inc.
Providence, RI, Memorial
by Bonnie Neely, Photos by Bill Neely
In Rhode Island's capital city of Providence, we were walking from Union Station Square to the Water Park and were captivated by the beautiful colored tiles, as we entered the short tunnel. Suddenly, as we read the plaque explaining the ceramic art works, our hearts were moved, and we stood in awe for a long time admiring the meaningful tiles the citizens of Providence have lovingly created as a memorial to the victims of September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. This tunnel is an inspired passageway with thousands of hand-painted tiles, signifying our collective journey from despair to hope and love. 
The tiles were designed and painted by school children, adults, teens, and anyone who wished to do his or her own memorial. The process of expression and creation provided productive therapy for all the artists during the months following the tragedies. The efforts, called Project Hope, were to provide a way for each person to express his or her feelings in a healing way. Over 10,000 of these tiles have been placed here and downtown, erected on the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The Memorial Plaque at Project Hope states that although the memory of loved ones lost will remain, we will not be conquered by fear. More of these tiles are in the Convention Center and downtown, but their permanent placement will be completed in 2005. Visitors take time to look carefully at the expressions of love, grief, and hope, in this healing project and are forever touched by these penetrating statements.
We found Providence, Rhode Island to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the U.S. Her modern buildings in typical red brick are nestled among the mid-twentieth century skyscrapers of stone. Marching up the hill toward Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design are the numerous mid-nineteenth century, brightly colored clapboard homes and monumental gothic and Victorian buildings. 
Rhode Island is the birthplace of religious freedom in America. The dust of Roger Williams, who led the push for this right, has been lovingly placed beneath a giant white marble monument of him holding his hand out in guidance and blessing over the city he founded. From this Congdon Memorial Park at the top of the hill we found great photo-ops and especially good sunset views of Providence. We bought a picnic lunch nearby and found this a good place to rest after our steep climb up the hill. We were thankful we wore our comfortable walking shoes. In most seasons you'll also need a jacket. 
Make your ascent through the two University campuses to see the venerable buildings and beautiful grounds. Plan to stop at several art galleries connected with the famous art schools. On Hampton Street at the corner of Benefit St. you'll want to tour the Hampton's home. He was a member of the Constitutional Congress, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Chancellor of Brown University. Stop at the beautiful lovers' memorial, Carrie Tower on the corner of the Brown front campus and read the touching inscription, "Love is strong as death." There is a similar poignant memorial inscription on the beautiful bronze fountain in square at the foot of the hill in City Hall Park. When Carrie Brown, the daughter of a prominent nineteenth century citizen, died, her husband Paul Bajnotti of Turin, Italy, commissioned these in her memory. (1899) For your descent from Congdon Park go carefully along the buckled sidewalks on South Court Street and walk East on Benefit Street to see the Athenium Library, one of the oldest in the country, and then follow Steeple Street down to see the nine historic churches. The beautiful white clapboard First Baptist Church was founded in 1620's by Roger Williams and is the oldest Baptist church in America. If the building is open, be sure to stop for the fascinating 45-minute tour, which will answer many of your questions about the city's early history. The Unitarian Church nearby was founded in 1720 and built in 1723 as the first Congregational Church. Your tour of the district will take you to all nine of these historical edifices.
Continuing your hike down the hill you'll see many restored mid-nineteenth Century homes of historic figures. During June each year the Providence Preservation Society has guided tours of some of these historic treasures. For tickets and information go to http://www.providenceri.com/
At the bottom of the hill head toward the beautiful River Walk and waterfront parks along the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers. This picturesque focal point of the modern city is the center of many seasonal festivals, with food, fun, and activities for all ages. In summer you MUST see the city from La Gondola, the leisurely rides beneath beautiful Venetian bridges. This is so romantic at night with 100 bonfires flaming in pits mid-stream. La Gondola operates between Memorial and Columbus Days from 4 P.M. until 11 P.M. The rides vary from 20 minutes up, depending on the price, and can be reserved for private parties for several hours. Bring a jacket and camera, and your own bottle if you wish…a romantic way to view this lovely Renaissance City. The “WaterFire”display is the artistic creation of Barnaby Evans, and is set to music for an unforgettable experience. Gondola reservations are advised. Call 401-421-8877 or check at www.gondolaRI.com.
There are many wonderful restaurants, eateries, bistros, pubs, and coffee houses in Union Square, which looks across the grassy hill to the beautiful Capitol building. This prime area, which is popular with locals as well as tourists, has several major hotels. One of the best located with beautiful views, good parking, excellent rooms and service is the Marriott Courtyard, and you are in easy walk to Providence Place, the huge, modern mall with all the shopping you could ever want, from 9-9, except Sundays, noon - 6 P.M.
Another popular restaurant row, with Italian cuisine being predominant, is Atwells Avenue on historic Federal Hill, just across Highway 95 to the west of the Convention Center. Once this heart of a large Italian immigrant neighborhood was the market street. Now you'll find small, unique restaurants for real dining experiences of almost any ethnic food preference. We selected Naissance, a superb Italian Restaurant at 242 Atwell, which features many sumptuous dishes paired with complimentary wines, and the food presentation is photograph-worthy. Proud to have the youngest chef in the state, the restaurant draws heavily from the famous Johnson and Wales School of Culinary Arts nearby, and patrons can taste the greatly trained skills! If you are in this capital city on the third Thursday of the month, hop on the complimentary ARTrollies for the free Gallery Night, featuring more than twenty venues in this city famous for its art and artists.
Many airlines fly into T.F. Green Airport, but for the offbeat fun and laughs provided by the attendants we chose Southwest. Providence is one of Southwest's few destinations in the Northeast. For a wonderful holiday week you could combine this trip with visiting numerous other wonderful places within a little over an hour's drive: Newport, Cape Cod, Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, Boston, Nantucket, or New York City. Or enjoy Providence for itself for a very special weekend get-away, and you'll wish to return often. Real Travel Adventures Web Magazine
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