The Providence River and a city’s renaissance are celebrated at WaterFire.

Providence’s renaissance, which began in the 1980s, transformed an industry-dominated city into a metropolitan hot spot in just a few short years. That movement has continued, and if you haven’t checked out the capital of the smallest state in the union lately, you’re missing out!

While Providence is home to several fine hotels and brimming with shops, galleries, cultural venues, and world-class restaurants, facilities for visiting boaters are lacking. Also, the aquatic approach to the city from Narragansett Bay is, well, less than inspiring. The west bank of the upper Providence River is flanked by LNG tanks and large mounds of sand, coal and rusting metal, along with hulking tankers and barges. On the opposite shore, in East Providence, the mostly barren shoreline is also less than inspiring.

But keep your eyes on the prize ahead—or, more specifically, the graceful Rte. 195 “I-Way” bridge that marks the gateway to Providence. As you approach the aqua arches spanning the upper Providence River, the historic Fox Point neighborhood comes into view. Here, European settlers arrived in the 1600s and developed a thriving seaport, with ships bringing goods from the West Indies. The neighborhood features different architectural styles of the 18th and 19th centuries.

A unique and special way to see the city is on a gondola.

Just east of Fox Point is India Point Park, which received a facelift as part of the state’s highway-relocation project. The park now includes a launch ramp at Gano Park, on the Seekonk River, that can accommodate trailered boats.

For transient boaters, Providence Marina is currently the only marine facility in downtown Providence. Located just inside the hurricane barrier, it has transient slips for boats up to 40 feet. The marina also has showers, electric, water, and a dog-friendly dock for those traveling with pets.

Numerous restaurants, shops, and galleries can be found within easy walking distance of the marina, both inside the Fox Point neighborhood and farther afield. While Providence is an imminently walkable city, it’s more fun to explore the downtown by water. Boaters in skiffs, dinghies, kayaks, and on paddleboards can access the upper Providence River as it winds through the heart of the city.

As  you explore the upper river, consider that the waters which now serve as the city’s centerpiece were once covered by freight yards and blocked by a wide bridge built in the 1970s. By the 1990s, an initiative to beautify the area led to the creation of cobblestone walkways, Venetian-style bridges, landscaping and parks along the now re-exposed river, making it more accessible to foot traffic. The city even purchased gondolas from Italy to take visitors on unique rides through the urban river.

Free access to the water at Bold Point Park across from India Point Park.

Then came WaterFire, an outdoor art “experience” created by Barnaby Evans that’s celebrating its 20th anniversary. WaterFire events are held monthly from spring through fall, and involve bonfires lit in braziers placed along the middle of the river as ethereal music echoes through hidden speakers. Dark-cloaked attendants in small boats cruise along the river, periodically stoking the fires as gondolas ghost past. Along the shore, throngs of spectators enjoy the night air, food stands, art displays, and costumed street performers. WaterFire has been a boon for tourism, and is now featured in cities around the world.

While recreational boaters are prevented from using the river during WaterFire events, it’s open to small vessels most other times. You can literally paddle through downtown Providence, seated low to the water while gazing up at the skyscrapers.

As you would expect of a capital city, Providence offers fun for all ages. There are museums for all different tastes, such as the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, the Heritage Harbor Museum, and the Providence Children’s Museum. You might even catch a Gallery Night Providence, a free sampling of the region’s art scene that runs monthly, April through November. Meanwhile, performing-arts aficionados will find Trinity Repertory Company, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, or the Festival Ballet ready to meet their cultural needs.

Of course, shopping in Providence rivals that of many larger cities, with everything from high-end chain retailers at Providence Place Mall to small boutiques to independent shops.

So, if you are looking for a unique urban boating destination, Providence fills the bill. It may be more New York than Newport, but it’ll provide an aquatic experience you won’t soon forget!