Rhode Island holds the title of smallest state in the U.S., measuring just 1,214 square miles. Packed into that space is a wealth of history, natural beauty, visual and theatrical art, great dining, and cultural phenomenon known only to the tiny Ocean State. The capital city of Providence lies along the great Metropolitan strip of the East Coast, less than a one-hour drive to Boston and less than four to New York City.

 

Like most of New England, the state transforms into a riot of color and beauty in the fall. Rhode Island is full of wildlife parks, campsites, and trails for mountain biking and hiking. The Ocean State contains 400 miles of coastline along the Narragansett Bay, beloved by surfers, sailors, and sun-worshipers alike. During the colder months of winter, the snow-covered Appalachian mountains of northern New England can be reached in just a few hours.

 

The renaissance city of Providence has grown out of a multicultural history of Italian, Irish, and Portuguese immigrants, recently enriched by a population of young professionals, artists, and college students. Providence boasts more degreed chefs per capita than any other city in the country, resulting in dozens of locally sourced restaurants, ethnic home-cooking, fresh seafood right from the coast, and uniquely Rhode Island fare such as clam cakes, quahogs, stuffies, and coffee milk.

 

In the summer months, visitors from all over southern New England travel to see the entrancing citywide event, Water fire. Nightlife shines with a cocktail of artsy eclectic bars, upscale martini bars, hip-hop clubs, and plenty of low-key pubs and brew houses. Museums, live music, theaters, vintage shopping, and a continually growing list of year-round events round out the rest of the city, earning its place as the heartbeat of Rhode Island.