The Creative Capital, Providence, Rhode Island, combines small town ambiance with big city culture and sophistication. The city’s rich history is ever-present as historical landmarks, museums, and well-preserved residential shrines to American architecture provide a blanket of nostalgic tranquility to an otherwise vibrant and youthful community.

Visitors to Providence will want to time their trip to experience the impressive WaterFire, a string of 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through downtown. The presentation, which takes place twice a month between May and November, includes music and live performances that are back-dropped with the crackle of fire and the scent of burning cedar and pine.

For the year-round visitor, be sure to check out Waterplace Park, the focal point for Providence’s revitalized downtown. A series of Venetian bridges connect downtown Providence to the city’s historic East Side. To continue the Venetian theme, riverboats and gondolas are available to tour residents and visitors alike to many of the city’s popular river-side attractions, all while providing picturesque, post-worthy views.