There are many fine theaters in our capitol city. Some of our favorites are Trinity Repertory Company, Providence Performing Arts Center and Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre. The nearby Providence Place Mall features 16 first-run screens and an IMAX theater. For alternate, independent and foreign films, we love the retro-style Avon Cinema and the Cable Car Cinema, both a few miles away.
2. Live Music
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performs regularly at Veterans Memorial Auditorium only minutes away. Chamber and choral music, as well as many other types perform at a variety of nearby venues.
3. Beaches
The Ocean State doesn’t disappoint when it comes to beaches! Some of the East Coast’s finest beaches are less than one hour away — make a day of it and enjoy some fine seafood as well.
4. Restaurants
Providence is a New England dining destination. Within a five minute drive from Laurelmead there are nearly 20 great restaurants to choose from and within 15 miles many more.
5. Museums and Architecture
Historical buildings and museums abound in Providence and the surrounding area. Popular with Laurelmead residents are the RISD Museum, the State House, the John Brown House, the Athenaeum, the Art Club and the First Baptist Church.
6. Universities
Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design are both located on the East Side of Providence, a few minutes from Laurelmead. Lifelong learning programs and various non-credit seminars are also easily available.
7. An Easy Journey to Manhattan or Boston
Boston is only one hour from Laurelmead by car, bus or train. New York City is about four hours, also by bus or train.
8. Art and Music Festivals
Providence is alive year-round with seasonal festivals highlighting food, music, film and dance. Don’t miss Waterfire!
9. Shopping
From the giant Providence Place Mall to smaller shopping areas and unique boutiques around town and “down city” there’s plenty of shopping and browsing opportunities.
10. Recreation
Walk or jog along the Francis Law Olmstead designed Blackstone Boulevard, play tennis at Roger Williams Park, visit the zoo or the Providence Childrens Museum with visitors or ride the Crescent Park Looff Carousel: there’s always activity in the capitol city.