A cool gloomy day has dawned with a top of 14 degrees forecast..... a perfect day for an exploratory walk around Providence. Once away from the bus terminal where many dodgy people hang out, we notice that the battle against obesity here seems to be winning here with the majority of children & young adults being very slim. Australia is always about 10 or more years behind the US so we have hope yet.

We quickly pick up a green line painted on the footpath. This is the self-guided city historical walk so we follow it and learn about Providence's early history along the way from the various informative posters. We are taken to the famous Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and its Museum of Art & Design where we decide to visit for $10 each. Very interesting especially the designs and art works done by the students. There are also sections depicting early American furniture design, American painters and also some internationally acclaimed artists.

After a shared combo wrap for lunch, Brad attempts another cappuccino but I have given up the search for a good coffee and opt for a decadent hot chocolate instead. That they do very well.

Back to the green line we wander up up up the hill to the green lawns and imposing buildings of Brown University, Maybe the hills explain why the young people are so slim. The green line snakes beside Roger Williams Memorial Park and up another hill to Rhode Isand State House which proudly stands looking over the city. It is a very imposing white building with the 4th largest suspended marble dome in the world modelled in part of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. After undergoing security screening we are allowed in to wander around the hallowed halls. RI is only a small state so it makes me wonder how imposing some of the other State Houses must be.

Tonight is our last night in Providence so we decide to go back to the Red Bridge Tavern around the corner for drinks and dinner. While at the bar we chat with other customers and on their recommendation, we decide to try a Stuffie as an entree. This Rhode Island delicacy is a clam shell stuffed with minced clam, shrimp, spices & breadcrumbs etc and baked. Then we share a 200g beef burger mushrooms and salad, not a fry in sight. Excellent!