Providence is famous for its beautifully preserved historic architecture, having more buildings on the National Historic Register than any other American city. Historic sites, wonderful museums, and theaters compliment the current Renaissance Providence is experiencing, which has brought a new mall, Riverwalk, outdoor skating center, convention center, hotels, and more.

The Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket rivers, two narrow but significant waterways that snake through Providence, are edged by cobblestone walkways and flanked by park benches, trees, flowering plants, and a series of graceful Venetian bridges connecting downtown Providence to the city’s East Side. At the hub is Waterplace Park, a gathering place in the foreground of Rhode Island’s State House with a stone stepped amphitheater for summer concerts and several overlooking restaurants, as well as the world-renowned WaterFire, an installation of 100 dancing bonfires along the river.

The city is home to renowned universities, including Ivy League Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, and Johnson & Wales University, whose academic programs, theaters, museums, and people contribute significantly to the quality of life in the city.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.