providence – Page 6 – The historic Cole Farmhouse

Did you know?
Rhode Island celebrates Victory Day today, 9 August 2021 (observed on the second Monday in August.)

Rhode Island is the only state that marks the end of World War II with this state holiday.

President Harry S. Truman declared 14th August as Victory Day in 1946

RI Residents many residents refer to it as V-J Day (Victory in Japan Day)

What is the history?
It commemorates the end of second world war when Japan’s surrender was announced on August 14th 1945.

“Rhode Island’s continuation of this holiday is said to have been reinforced due to the high number of veterans who retired to the state. Indeed, residents of the state suffered a higher proportion of war deaths than nearly any other state. It is also a state with strong union representation, so once a holiday made it onto the state list it is difficult to drop it. In 1990, the state General Assembly sought to clarify the meaning of the holiday and passed a resolution affirming that, though the holiday would continue, it was “not a day to express satisfaction in the destruction and death caused by nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

While Rhode Island may be the only US state to observe the end of the war, in Europe, a holiday to mark the end of World War II is commonplace. The war in Europe ended late in the evening of May 8th 1945. This means countries like France and the Czech Republic observe Victory Day on 8th May, while countries further east, particularly those who were part of the Soviet Union celebrate Victory day on May 9th.

(source: https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/usa/rhode-island/usa-victory-day)

Planning for your visit

Victory Day is a state holiday — not a federal holiday. State and local government offices are closed while Federal offices, including U.S. Postal Mail Service, remain open. Public transport may operate on a different schedule.

Providence Flea Market

August 8, 2021

Don’t miss Providence outdoor community market. Held every Sunday, June through September, 10am-3pm. Held in a beautiful location across from 345 South Water St, Providence. The lineup of 50+ local vendors includes vintage shops, artisans, food trucks, bakeshops, live music and community nonprofits. FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING

Best beaches in Rhode Island

July 18, 2021

Rhode Island has some of the best beaches in the USA. The smallest state has 40 miles of coastline — which is why we call it the Ocean State.

The best beaches are in South Country, about 45 minutes from Providence — see list at: https://www.southcountyri.com/beaches-and-towns/beaches/

RI State beaches are free to the public, however you’ll have to pay for parking — see list here: https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/things-to-do/beaches-water-sports/beaches/state-beaches/

Our favorite best is Misquamicut Beach in Westerly

Misquamicut State Beach is perfect for families. A beautiful wide sandy beach stretching for seven miles. You’ll find here bathrooms, changing areas, food stands, a big beach pavilion and many shaded areas.

Check out details at: https://riparks.com/beach/misquamicut.php

Best beach for adventurers: Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island

“Any ocean lovers with a wild side, those who may appreciate a bit more of a rugged vibe, this one’s for you. Mohegan Bluffs is a patch of sea cliffs that sits on the southern tip of Block Island, which is only accessible by ferry (visitors depart from either Point Judith, RI or New London, CT). At about 150 feet tall, the tall clay cliffs are just past the Southeast Lighthouse and are reminiscent of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. The view from the top is stunning — you can even see Long Island (specifically, Montauk in the Hamptons) across the Atlantic.” (source: Lonely Planet)

Looking for beaches closer to Providence? (not on the ocean)

Governor Notte Park

Lincoln Woods State Park

Goddard memorial state park (my favorite)

Cole Farmhouse – Vacation Gateway of New England

July 18, 2021

Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, is one of the oldest cities in the United States with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1636 by Roger Williams — see our post: Providence

The historic Cole Farmhouse in Providence is a perfect location to explore southern New England awesome travel destinations — only one hour drive to: Newport, Mystic CT, Cape Cod, Boston, Westerly, Block Island, and many attractions in between.

Here are some tips for making the most of your stay at the Farmhouse
– Explore the Surrounding Nature: Take the time to go for long walks, hikes, or bike rides to appreciate the scenery and breathe in the fresh air.
– Try Local Delicacies: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the delicious local cuisine. Visit nearby restaurants, coffee shops, farms, or markets to savor fresh produce, delicious pastries,
top-of-the-catch seafood, and rustic dishes made with traditional recipes.
– Relax and Unwind: The Farmhouse provides a serene environment for relaxation. Embrace the peacefulness of the surroundings and reconnect with the natural world.
– Connect with Nature: Immerse yourself in nature by spotting the bunnies around, feeding our chickens, and harvesting fresh eggs.
– Explore the city: If you’re interested in city life, Providence has a lot to offer! Cool music, public art, great museums, award-winning theater, local events, and festivals. Providence is easy to get to and still affordable.
– Disconnect from Technology: Use the opportunity to disconnect from your devices and enjoy quality time away from screens.
– Embrace the simpler pleasures like board games, puzzles, or gathering around the fireplace for conversation and storytelling.
– Capture the Memories: Don’t forget to capture your beautiful moments at the Farmhouse. Take plenty of photographs, create a journal, or even try your hand at painting or sketching to preserve the memories of your stay.
Remember, your time at the Farmhouse is a chance to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in the joys of farm living mingled with city life minutes away. Enjoy the tranquility and make lasting
memories!

Providence – Vacation Gateway of New England

June 29, 2021

Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, is one of the oldest cities in the United States with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1636 by Roger Williams — see our post: Providence

The historic Cole Farmhouse in Providence is a perfect location to explore southern New England — only one hour drive to: Newport, Mystic CT, Cape Cod, Boston, Westerly, Block Island, and many attractions in between.

Providence is an ideal vacation spot for exploring the attractions of southern New England. You can reach Newport, Mystic CT, Cape Cod, Boston, Westerly, Block Island, and many other attractions within an hour’s drive.

Walking Tours: Providence East Side & Downtown

June 27, 2021

Courtesy of goprovidence.com

Providence East Side

The self-guided walking tour covers 17 points of interest in the East Side.

Rhode Island State House One Capitol Hill, Providence | (401) 222-3983
Roger Williams National Memorial 282 North Main St., Providence | (401) 521-7266
The Changing City: View From the Roger Williams National Memorial Approx. 185 North Main St., Providence
The Old Brick School House (ca. 1769) and the Providence Preservation Society21 Meeting St.,
Commercial North Main Street
Early Industry and Wood-Fired Pizza Approx. 4 Steeple St., Providence
Providence Art Club 11 Thomas St., Providence | (401) 331-1114
First Baptist Church 75 North Main St., Providence | (401) 454-3418
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Waterman St., Providence | (401) 454-6100
Market Square and the Market House Approx. 8 North Main St., Providence
RISD Museum 20 North Main St., Providence | (401) 454-6100
The Providence Athenaeum (1838) 251 Benefit St., Providence | (401) 421-6970
Brown University Quadrangle College St./Prospect St., Providence | (401) 863-1000
Stephen Hopkins House 15 Hopkins St., Providence | (401) 524-3012
First Unitarian Church (ca. 1818) 1 Benevolent St., Providence | (401) 421-7970
John Brown House Museum (1788) 52 Power St., Providence | (401) 273-7507
Governor Henry Lippitt House (1865) 199 Hope St., Providence | (401) 453-0688

Click here to download the tour for Providence East Side (PDF)

Cole Farmhouse is located within a short distance to many attractions. The list below provides details to our favorite spots.

Blackstone Boulevard – Almost two miles of tree-coddled trails. Run, stroll or bike. Only steps away from the Farmhouse.

Lippitt Memorial Park – Located at the tip of Blackstone Boulevard near the Providence/Pawtucket line.
Farmers Market every Saturday, May through October from 9am to 1pm
http://www.hopestreetmarket.com/

Brown University – Founded in 1764, Brown is a world-renowned university.
President George Washington has also visited Brown in 1790. Brown’s rich history is chronicled at: https://www.brown.edu/about/history/timeline/
The Brown University Quadrangle is a beautiful place to explore any day of the year — see: https://rhodetour.org/items/show/189?tour=21&index=16
Brown hosts a wide variety of public events featuring scholars, speakers and performers from around the globe – https://www.brown.edu/news/featured-events

Blackstone Park Conservation District – This 45-acre natural woodland contains two ponds: York Pond and Hockey Pond, and some open meadow. The Blackstone Parks Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of historic Blackstone Park Conservation District and Blackstone Boulevard. This beautiful area is a short 15 minutes walk from Cole Farmhouse.

Rhode Island State House – Rhode Island was per capita the wealthiest state in the country when built, between 1895 and 1904. The beautiful marble dome is the fourth largest structural-stone dome in the world. The inside, beautifully preserved in its original condition, is a marvelous spatial experience.
Tours are available Monday-Friday at 10 am and 1 pm.

RISD Museum – The RISD museum is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am – 5pm. And on Thursday 12noon – 8pm.
The museum is closed on June 19th, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Admission is free on Sundays 10am – 5pm and Thursday evenings from 5 – 8pm.

Prospect Terrace Park – Located in College Hill (near Brown University), the statue of Roger Williams (Providence’s founder) looms over the city. Stunning view of Providence downtown.

Waterplace Park – On WaterFire evenings, downtown Providence is transformed by eighty-six anchored burning braziers that float just above the surface of the rivers that flow through Waterplace Park at the middle of downtown Providence. The public is invited to come and walk the riverfront and enjoy the beauty of the flickering firelight, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, and the music from around the world.See schedule and details at: https://usa1731.com/waterfire/

The Providence Athenæum – An independent, member-supported subscription library. The Athenæum opened the doors of its completed Benefit Street home on July 11, 1838, accompanied by the Franklin Society, a scientific and philosophic club, which occupied what is now the Reading Room. Over its nearly 200 years of existence, the library has welcomed illustrious writers, spirited thinkers, and energetic community members through its doors to engage in reading, conversation, and debate. At its heart, the Athenæum encourages a love of reading and learning to all. The building is open to the public, but only members can check out items from the collection

John Brown House Museum – The first mansion built in Providence located at 52 Power Street on College Hill . The house is named after the original owner, a benefactor of Brown University, merchant, statesman, and slave trader John Brown. John Quincy Adams considered it “the most magnificent and elegant private mansion that I have ever seen on this continent.”

Old Slater Mill – A National Historical Landmark signifying the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Originally constructed in 1793, in this mill Samuel Slater first successfully implemented the first water-powered cotton spinning technology in America. Slater Mill is the beginning of everything from machine made goods and hourly wages, to planned communities and labor unions. Park schedule changes by season — see: https://www.nps.gov/places/slater-mill.htm

Roger Williams Park Zoo – One of the oldest zoos in the country. Located amid 40 acres of beautiful woodlands, the Roger Williams Park Zoo provides visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the globe – some more than a million years old. Don’t miss the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo in October.

More attractions (Curated by Elyssa Tardif and Rhode Tour Team)
Roger Williams National Memorial
Fleur-de-Lys Studio; Providence Art Club
The Stephen Hopkins House
RI Film & Television Locations

-Click here to download a walking tour map for Providence East Side (PDF Courtesy of goprovidence.com)
-Click here to download a walking tour map for Providence Downtown (PDF Courtesy of goprovidence.com)
–For hiking recommendations around Cole Farm visit our page: https://usa1731.com/hike/

Providence Downtown

Click here to download the self-guided walking tour for Downtown (PDF)

Providence Centre of Industry

May 7, 2021

The book Lost Providence by David Brussat tells the story of the renewal of Providence and its architectural change. The author writes “Providence has one of the nation’s most intact historic downtowns and is one of America’s most beautiful cities.”

Page 25 in the Prologue shows an historic map showing Providence as the center of Northern Industries, a rival to Boston, New York and Philadelphia (see credits in the image below).

You can read this book and many other books about Providence at the Cole Farmhouse #USA1731