The Providence Athenaeum is one of America's oldest subscription libraries and cultural centers. According to 19th-century legend, the poet Edgar Allen Poe courted Sarah Whitman in the stacks of this granite Greek Revival structure. Since the original 18th-century construction, additional rooms have been added. In the Rare Book Library exhibitions of local artists and rare books are on display. The Athenaeum, located near Brown University, is open year-round except weekends during summer.

Destroyed once by fire and rebuilt in the 19th century, this striking pale stone and wood edifice attracts visitors strolling historic Benefit Street. The Gothic-looking spire rises tall above this corner of College Hill, with its handsome black-faced clock, and the church bells can be heard tolling through a portion of the East Side. The services at the First Unitarian Church start on Sundays from 10.30am.

Attend services at this English decorated style church. Built in 1862 in open fields, the stone building is now in the center of Brown University located on the East Side of Providence. A peaceful country church feeling pervades the atmosphere of this gothic Middle Age structure. Music of the liturgy drifts into the high alcoves of Our Lady's Chapel. The Chapel affords east and west views, a reminder of parish diversity at St. Stephens. Daily Services, small weddings and funerals are held in the Chapel.

Swan Point is a popular spot to visit. The winding roads make a lovely bicycle ride on a cloudy day, leading to a misty view of the river that borders the grounds. In the center of the cemetery find a charming small pond with large goldfish. Lush plants surround the pond. Swan point is home to historic statuary and the final resting place of H.P. Lovecraft, 20th century master of weird fiction.

Prospect Park offers one of the best views available of downtown Providence from its lofty perch atop College Hill on Providence's East Side. From here you can see downtown hotels and other skyscrapers, the State House, and the splendid renovations and river relocation that have made downtown so attractive now. There is also a statue of religious freedom advocate Roger Williams in the park, who essentially founded Rhode Island for white Europeans more than 300 years ago. This is a worthwhile stop, very close to shopping and eateries on Thayer Street.

Brown University is not only one of the world's leading universities; it is a very attractive landmark to tour on top of College Hill on Providence's East Side. With a mixture of architectures in its older buildings, from Federalist to Gothic, and pleasant greens, flowering bushes (spring and summer), libraries and snack bars, the campus is a must-see if you are touring Providence. A call ahead via Brown's information number might get you onto one of the guided tours conducted throughout the year.

The Bell Gallery is located in the List Art Center, on the Brown University campus and is open to the public. You will find all manner of modern art in this sparse white space. In one month you could see an exhibit by three artists working with photography and texts, an installation about a vanished Russian cosmonaut and photographs depicting a futuristic society of bog-dwellers. All events at the Bell Gallery are free. Include this gallery in a walking tour of the campus.

This very handsome and elegant Victorian mansion is a National Historic Landmark. There is beautifully maintained carved woodwork to see inside, along with colorful stenciling and finishes. People like to hold wedding receptions and other special events in the highly styled, grand and yet intimate rooms. The striking brick mansion sits on one of the East Side's busiest corners, so is very easy to find. There is also attractive statuary on the small grounds, including a spouting fountain. Admission is USD5 adults and USD4 for seniors, students/children.

This commanding three-floor mansion sits almost atop College Hill adjacent to Brown University. The house was built in 1786 for the premier Providence merchant of his day, John Brown. Now, under the purview of the Rhode Island Historical Society, this mansion retains some of the original furniture and decorations including a nine-shell desk and bookcase that are thought to be among the greatest remnants of American Colonial furniture.

Expect a host of creative activities behind the nondescript walls of the storefront and office space situated on 186 Carpenter Street. This flexible event space has a number of concerts by local as well as touring artists, and contemporary and visual art exhibits lined up throughout the year. Formerly a deli, its transformation into an events space has added a unique dimension to the cultural life of Providence.