This is a full round through Providence, covering 18 holes and a par of 57. The map is the real city and the ball rolls along its actual streets, using local attractions like Waterplace Park to build the holes. Two portals help bridge the gaps across the 7.7 mi walk. Skip is a local guide who knows these sidewalks well, including the exact spots where the best crumbs land. This long stroll takes the ball from the riverfront to the corners of the city.
You will notice a large indoor arena standing in downtown Providence. This is the Amica Mutual Pavilion, a venue designed by architect Ellerbe Becket. It serves as a home for several local sports teams, including the Providence College Friars men's basketball team and the Providence Bruins ice hockey team. It was built in 1972 and is currently operated by the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority. I've seen plenty of excited fans crowding these streets on game nights, which always makes the neighborhood feel more energetic. It is a central hub for sports and entertainment in the heart of the city.
You will first notice the Venice-styled pedestrian bridges crossing the water here. This is Waterplace Park, an urban park situated along the Woonasquatucket River in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Finished in 1994, the park is a key part of the city's layout and is connected to 3/4 mile of cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkways known as Riverwalk. Together, the park and Riverwalk host WaterFire events. I've seen plenty of folks stop just to watch the river flow through the center of the city.
Located at 15 Hopkins Street in Providence, Rhode Island, the Governor Stephen Hopkins House is a museum. This house was the home of Stephen Hopkins, who was a governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. He is also known as a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The site is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I find the street layout around here quite handy for a quick flight.
Let me show you the John Brown House Museum, located at 52 Power Street on College Hill. This historic house museum was started and completed in 1788, making it the first mansion to be built in Providence. You can pick out the distinct Federal architecture style of the building. Over time, the site has gained significant recognition and is now a National Historic Landmark as well as a National Register of Historic Places listed place. I've noticed the street views here are some of the best in the city.
You can find the Lindemann Performing Arts Center at 144 Angell Street on the main campus of Brown University. Situated in the city's College Hill neighborhood, the building comprises part of the university's Perelman Arts District. Designed by the architect REX, this performing and visual arts facility opened in October 2023. It works alongside the adjacent Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts to support the Brown Arts Institute. I've noticed the area is a great spot for a stroll between shows.
Located at 75 North Main Street in the College Hill neighborhood, the First Baptist Church in America is a Protestant church building. It is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Roger Williams established the church in 1638. While the congregation is old, the present building was erected between 1774 and 1775 and features Georgian architecture. The building held its first meetings in May 1775. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
You might mistake the surrounding streets for a purely business district, but this is Grace Episcopal Church. Located at 300 Westminster Street at Mathewson Street, this church building was built in 1845–1846. It is a National Register of Historic Places listed place designed in the Gothic Revival style. The site is significant for the work of its architects, Richard Upjohn and Ralph Adams Cram. It continues to function as a church congregation in the heart of downtown Providence.
Located in the Cathedral Square neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is a Catholic cathedral. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Providence and was designed in 1873 by Patrick Charles Keely. You can pick out the specific details of the Romanesque Revival architecture style used throughout the building. Because of its architectural and community importance, the cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It remains a central point of the neighborhood and a primary site for the local diocese.
Look for the marquee and the classic facade of the Uptown Theater. This movie theater is a place where you can step away from the street and settle in for a film. It is a dedicated space for cinema that provides a traditional moviegoing experience for visitors and locals alike. I think you will enjoy the atmosphere once you get inside.
You will first notice the Greek Revival architecture style of the Beneficent Congregational Church. This church building is located at 300 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Started in 1809, it is a United Church of Christ Congregationalist church. Because of its historical and architectural importance, it is a National Register of Historic Places listed place. Visitors can see how this specific style of design defines the presence of the building within the downtown area of the city.
Let me show you Davol Square, a historic area located within the Jewelry District of Providence. You can find this spot at the intersection of Point Street and Eddy Street. It is a piece of the city's past that remains as you navigate the district today, offering a glimpse into the older side of the neighborhood. I've noticed the traffic here can be a bit hectic for those of us on the wing, but it is a great place to pause and look around before you move on to your next destination.
Located at 86 Hope Street in Providence, Rhode Island, St. Joseph's is a Catholic church building. This historic church was designed by the architect Patrick Charles Keely. It is a site recognized for its significance as a National Register of Historic Places listed place. Additionally, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church is within the Diocese of Providence. Visitors to the neighborhood can see the building as a prominent example of the city's religious architecture.
Let me show you India Point Park, a protected area located in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence. It sits right at the confluence of the Seekonk River and Providence River, making it a great spot to orient yourself with the local waterways. This park is a part of the Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route and takes its name from the maritime activity that once connected the city with the East and West Indies. If you are looking to explore further, the East Bay Bike Path begins at the eastern end of the park. I find it a peaceful place to watch the currents merge.
Let me show you Gardner Jackson Park. It is a park designed for people to visit and enjoy the outdoors. You can pick out the green spaces that make this spot a relaxing part of the neighborhood. I've noticed it is a nice place to pause during a long walk.
You will find Burnside Park in Downtown Providence, situated right next to Kennedy Plaza. This protected area is a great spot to pause and look at the equestrian statue of Ambrose Burnside that sits in the center of the park. The park takes its name from this man, who was a general in the American Civil War from Rhode Island. I've noticed the statue is quite a landmark for those of us navigating the city skies, and it provides a nice bit of open space amidst the surrounding buildings of the downtown area.
You will first notice the imposing scale of the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, Rhode Island. This performing arts theater is a National Register of Historic Places contributing property, making it a key piece of the city's architectural history. It is a massive space designed to host a variety of shows and events. I always find the sheer size of the place impressive compared to the surrounding streets, as it dominates the block with its heavy presence. It is a great example of how the city has preserved its larger venues for the public to enjoy.
You will first notice a landscaped urban park bounded by North Main, Canal, and Smith Streets, and Park Row. This is the Roger Williams National Monument, a National Memorial of the United States. It is located on a common lot of the original settlement of Providence, Rhode Island. That settlement was established by minister Roger Williams in 1636. The monument was established in 1966 and was designed by architect Norman Isham. It is also a National Register of Historic Places listed place.
Let me show you this spot in Providence. You will find Still Here, a mural that had its inception in 2023. It is a great example of the city's public art and adds a splash of color to the neighborhood. I usually see a few people stopping to take photos of the colors here while they walk through the area. It is a simple but effective landmark that helps you get your bearings as you move through the city.
This isn't a bustling intersection or a shopping district; it is Franklin Square. As a park, it provides a spot for visitors to step away from the urban noise. I've found it's a nice place to watch the world go by while resting your feet.