The providence of Providence.

We managed to have a great  summer getaway this past weekend using just about 1/2 a tank of gas. Chris has signed up for 1/2 Ironman in Providence. The race would meander it's way through this little city. When we think of great cities of the east coast, Providence would probably not be in the top 5 on most people's radar. But what a pleasant surprise it was.  It has so many nooks and crannies, that Thomas's would be envious. We have been to Providence once every year or so for various events over the past 10 years. When you enter its city limits, you maybe surprised at how the city seems to be experiencing a rebirth of sorts. If you were there every day, this may not be so noticeable. Somehow this city seems to be defying the economic downturn. As I dropped Chris off at the beautiful convention center, Kate and I drove down Broadway. You could only have imagined it's grandeur during it's heyday with spectacular painted lady victorian homes and equally beautiful lace clad ladies pushing their prams up and down the Boulevard. The neighborhood has struggled through the mid 20th century trying desperately to keep the lifestyle up with its beautiful facades. But something special seems to be happening here in Providence. It seems that it's people realize just how special a place it is. You can smell the fresh paint on the grand victorians and you find yourself routing for the dilapidated ones adjacent to them, just waiting to regain their own spotlight. Street cafes help you take the pace down as you sit and appreciate the views while enjoying a delicious scone from Seven Star Bakery. Providence is home to one of America's oldest malls. With its massive columns, it like no mall you have ever seen.  It too is a building just waiting for it's own renaissance of sorts. For the modern mall aficionado, the massive Providence Mall seen upon entrance to the city has everything and more. Our favorite store by far was a homemade cosmetic store called Lush where even Chris was sucked in by its enticing products.  The state capital sits high on a hill rivaling the statehouse beauties of Connecticut, Wisconsin and even Washington DC. The curved and cobbled streets of the Financial District feel much like those of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. Walking up the steep hill to Brown University, one is taken back into Colonial time. But first, you must cross one of the beautiful adorned pedestrian bridges. These bridges cross over flower ensconced cauldrons that run the length of the river leading to Providence harbor.  A pedestrian holds the keys to this city  where you can cover the entire place on foot. No need for tricky subway maps or negotiating for yellow cabs. The beauty in this city comes in the architectural details canvasing from Colonial times, through the Industrial revolution, into the Victorian Era and up to the era of modernism. As I walked up the giant hill, you first see RISD.  The school grounds then seamlessly blend in with Brown University looking high over the city. One can't help but feel like this area may contain the same colonial importance to its counterparts in Boston and Philadelphia. Returning down the hill, you look over the river and see a Venetian style gondola making its way down the river. Now I guess I don't have to go to Venice. This underdog city seems to be getting the miracle it needs. Beyond the stately facades a whole new generation seems to emerging. It's seems to have the endurance to stand the test of time, regardless of the faults and victories of it's dwellers. I have no idea of the inside politics of this town, but from this perspective, I can at least tell they really do care. In 48 hours, we came home feeling like we had had a real vacation and best yet, was that the distance home was covered so quickly that we still had some of the day left to enjoy. 
Lots more photos from this series can be seen at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2057706876476.2120142.1058743819