Providence, Rhode Island - Big Reasons to Visit the Smallest State

Rhode Island is approximately 35 miles by 49 miles and the total area is 3,144; however, we spent four days appreciating what it offered. One of the highlights of visiting the capital of a state is to explore the capital. We visited several during our trek across the U.S. This is a must to understand the history, priorities, art, and politics of a state. 

Travelers tend to spend a lot of money on sightseeing, but state capitals offer free tours and on the East Coast, they provide a glimpse of the past. When we entered the majestic Rhode Island Capital, we were met by a guard and a metal detector, standard protocol for any government buildings. When I mentioned we simply want to explore, we were welcomed and directed to the visitor's center.

As luck would have it a tour was beginning in 10 minutes. At first we hesitated but were still standing there when the tour guide started talking so we followed the others and were glad we did. She shared a wealth of knowledge and opened doors we wouldn't have known were accessible to the public. I love books so imagine my delight upon walking into the library. Standing in that elegant room surrounded by a massive amount of information sent a chill up my spine. Some of the books dated back to the mid-1700s. 

If we had not joined the tour, we would have missed what was behind the closed door and the stories. On of my favorite bits of information explained why the light bulbs on the chandelier hanging from the dome point down. In an era new to electricity, often candles were use for light. The builders were so proud that the building was wired with electricity that they exposed the bulbs and directed the lights towards the ground to brag - doing the impossible prior to this invention. We also learned about the rigging built into the building to lower and raise the chandelier to clean it and change the bulbs. A grand endeavor for the time period. 

Standing in the two chambers of Congress, the guide explained not only the history of the artifacts but the state's system of governing. Inside the State Reception Room we were told the portrait of George Washington is the original by the artist Gilbert Stuart. Stunning image!

After our tour, we ventured downtown to our scheduled Gondola Tour with La Gondola Providence. If you have been following our travel stories, Randy and I forgot our anniversary a couple weeks ago so this seemed like the perfect way to celebrate our 42 years together. The two of us boarded a gondola with a gondolier who guided us through the city while pointing out important sites. We took our own drinks, but he placed them on ice in an elegant silver ice bucket. When we were ready, crystal wine glasses were provided, in our case to drink our sweet iced tea. 

We stopped under a couple bridges so the acoustics could compliment our gondolier as he sand love songs. We nibbled on complimentary champagne cookies from a local bakery and simply relaxed. 

When I sent pictures to my daughter she responded that though she never really knows were we are, she was surprised to see we visited Venice. Love her sense of humor. 

When I sent pictures to my daughter she responded that though she never really knows were we are, she was surprised to see we visited Venice. Love her sense of humor.

The following day we explored Newport which is were we stayed in an RV park. I was glad that friends on Facebook had suggested taking time to see the mansions and the Cliff Walk. We started by driving past the mansions in the area. There are tours available but we chose to enjoy the architecture from the outside. One yard had several landscaped bushes shaped like animals. The same area had several openings to the Cliff Walk. This path provided an opportunity to see the city from a distance, admire the boats, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

The hardest decision when traveling to new places is to decide where to spend time. We take input form many sources and are thankful to everyone who provided information. We were very surprised at what Rhode Island offered and recommend visitors take time to enjoy this little state.