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Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, the capital of Rhode Island,
most populated city in the state and one of the first cities of the United
States. Estimated to be the third biggest city in New England, sitting at
the mouth of the Providence River and at the head of the Narragansett Bay.
Originally founded in 1635, by Roger Williams, the religious exile from the
Massachusetts Bay Colony, the city was one of the first to industrialize;
being known for its jewelry and silverware businesses. Today, the city
boasts of 8 hospitals, and 7 institutions of higher learning, including;
University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Brown University, Rhode
Island School of Design, Providence College, Johnson & Wales University and
the Community College of Rhode Island. At one time known as the beehive of
industry, it is now more commonly thought of as the Renaissance City.
While the first blood of the Revolutionary War was shed
in Rhode Island, much of the fighting was outside of it. After the war, the
economy turned to manufacturing of tools, jewelry, textiles and silverware.
It had many of the biggest industries in the new nation at one time, with
Brown and Sharpe, Nicholson File and Gorham Silverware. With the influx of
immigrants from Italy, Germany, England, French Canada, Ireland, Cape Verde,
Sweden and Portugal, it wasn't long before the race riots began. A city
charter was created in 1831 to quell the unrest and the city continued to
grow until the Civil War began. While the city was split over the slave
question, the war went on and the manufacturing aspects of the city helped
the north, as well as itself; and more immigrants came into the area. From
1865 to 1900, the population almost tripled, until the 1920s as many of the
manufacturing plants began to shut down. The depression hit the city very
badly and the New England hurricane of 1938 flooded the downtown area. When
the second World War arrived, the city was helped, but when it ended, so did
a lot of the industry, and over the next three decades, the population
dropped by almost 40%. During the next three decades, from the fifties
until the eighties, organized crime under the leadership of Raymond
Patriarca held the city in terror.
In the 1990s, Mayor Vincent Cianci touted the cities
arts and wanted more revitalization to happen. Soon the city's natural
waterways were uncovered, they had previously been paved, moving the
underground railroad sections, starting Waterplace Park and walks along the
river banks. A huge skating rink was built, as well as the Providence Place
Mall. With an influx of money, the city began a number of condo projects
and high-rise office buildings, but the latest downturn in the economy has
set the city back again. There are some Fortune 500 companies making
Providence their home, including; Textron, Nortek, GTECH and Citizen's
Bank. The city is a great lover of coffee, and has the most coffee and
donut shops per capita in the nation. It has a 1200 acre park system and
many historical buildings. With numerous museums, gardens and special
interest sites, the city does cater to the visiting tourist. Its sports
venues are well represented and it has a roller derby league. It is very
easily accessible by auto and is part of the Amtrak system. Buses run all
over the country and a small rail system is in place.
Visiting Providence
is made easier by renting a car to see all the sights in the city. Many
people save time and money by doing this and it does add some flexibility to
your travels. Most people pick their vehicle up at or near the Providence
Airport since they have a bigger selection. The car rental company can also
pick you up at or near the Providence Airport making the whole process a lot
easier for you. Whatever needs you have, compact, mid-size, full-size,
luxury car, minivan or SUV, we can help you choose the best vehicle for your
traveling needs. Let us help you with your rental needs the next time you
are in Providence.
Dollar Rental Car Specials
Dollar Rental Car - Providence
Airport
 Roger
Williams Park is thought to be one of the best urban parks in the nation,
with a zoo, children's carousel, music amphitheater, botanical garden,
playground, museum, boat rides and plenty of room to walk, jog or run.
As you can see from the picture to the left, this is a beautiful area to
enjoy the natural surroundings just inside Providence. It is a great
place to take the family, friends or to meet that someone special to enjoy a
Saturday afternoon by the serene waters, or just to walk along the many
trails that will envelop you in nature. It is a fantastic park that is
loved by all who visit and the locals fill the park to capacity on lovely
days.
Thrifty Rental
Car Specials
Thrifty Car Rental - Providence Airport
Thrifty Rental Car -
East Providence
Thrifty
Car
Rental - Newport Middletown
If you are looking for a unique experience, and for free,
this is the event that draws many people to the city and the locals have
enjoyed for over 15 years. Waterfire is a mesmerizing work of art that
includes; 100 bonfires lit around the river area in downtown Providence,
with the lights shimmering off the waters, classical music flowing from the
many speakers, or on occasion, live performances, with the thousands of
people adding to the incredible horizon scenes that evolve during the
night. Usually 45,000 people attend this wonderful event, but it is
estimated that between 10,000 to 100,000 people have attended. Running
biweekly from April until October, this is an experience worth joining. The
fact that it won't cost you anything is a bonus. Street vendors and many
shops and restaurants are open to serve, but many bring their own food and
drink.
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