Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state by land area, is renowned for its rich history, colonial architecture, and beautiful coastline. Officially known as "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," it was one of the original 13 colonies and the first to declare independence from British rule on May 4, 1776. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, Rhode Island became a haven for religious freedom and the separation of church and state, distinguishing it from other colonies. Williams established Providence after fleeing religious persecution, and the state quickly gained a reputation for tolerance and free thought. Rhode Island also played a significant role in maritime trade during the 18th century and was central to the American Industrial Revolution with the rise of textile mills.

The state boasts stunning colonial and federal-era architecture, particularly in cities like Newport and Providence. Newport features grand historic mansions along its famous Cliff Walk, including The Breakers and Marble House, reflecting its status as a wealthy port city during the Gilded Age. Providence, the capital, has preserved much of its colonial and industrial heritage, with areas like College Hill showcasing well-maintained 18th and 19th-century buildings.

The Fleur-de-lys Studio is a historic building located at 7 Thomas Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Designed in the Arts and Crafts style by architect Sydney Burleigh in 1885, it features unique architectural elements such as half-timbering, colorful tiles, and intricate carvings that showcase Burleigh's artistic vision.

Originally built as Burleigh's residence and studio, it quickly became a center for the Providence arts community, particularly for the Providence Art Club. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 due to its architectural significance.

Today, the Fleur-de-lys Studio remains an important artistic space, continuing to foster creativity and connect to the nearby Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), contributing to the rich cultural landscape of Providence.

The Carr Haus Café is situated on Benefit Street in Providence, Rhode Island, a historic area known for its colonial architecture. Housed in a building that likely reflects colonial revival or federal architectural styles, the café features symmetrical facades and decorative elements typical of the period. Today, it serves as a popular spot for coffee and casual dining, blending historic charm with contemporary café culture.

Carrie Tower, a Victorian Gothic landmark on the Brown University campus in Providence, Rhode Island, stands at 95 feet tall at the corner of Waterman and Prospect Streets. Built as a memorial to benefactor Carrie Mathilde Brown, the brick tower features ornate details and embodies early 20th-century architectural style.

While it no longer serves as a clock or bell tower, Carrie Tower remains a significant memorial, symbolizing love and legacy within the university’s rich history. It is a popular gathering spot for students and visitors and contributes to the aesthetic of the College Hill area, making it a recognizable symbol of Brown University.

Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is an Ivy League institution founded in 1764, making it one of the oldest universities in the U.S. Initially named the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, it was renamed in 1804 after benefactor Nicholas Brown. Known for its open curriculum, Brown offers students considerable freedom in selecting their courses.

Recognized for its leadership in higher education, Brown emphasizes research, social justice, and community service. The university boasts a notable roster of alumni, including U.S. Supreme Court justices, Nobel laureates, and influential figures across various fields.

Edward Mitchell Bannister (1828–1901) was a notable African American landscape painter in the 19th century. Born in Canada and based mainly in Rhode Island, he was largely self-taught and faced many challenges due to his race. Bannister's art was influenced by the European Old Masters and the Hudson River School, focusing on soft, atmospheric landscapes that showcased nature's beauty.

He gained national fame in 1876 when he won a bronze medal for his painting Under the Oaks at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, a significant achievement for a Black artist during a time of discrimination. Settling in Providence, he became a prominent figure in the local art scene, supported by his wife, Christiana. Today, Bannister is celebrated for his talent and resilience, with his works displayed in major museums, highlighting his important role in American art history.

Market House, located on Market Square, is a Georgian-style building completed in 1775. Originally designed as a public marketplace on the ground floor with a meeting hall above, it has served various purposes throughout its history. Notably, it functioned as a meeting place for Rhode Island's General Assembly and later housed the Providence City Council.

During the American Revolution, Market House became a hub for patriots and was the site of significant protests, including the public burning of tea in 1775 to oppose the British Tea Act. The building played a crucial role in the city's trade and governance. Today, it is part of the Rhode Island School of Design's (RISD) facilities, underscoring its ongoing relevance in Providence's educational and cultural landscape. Market House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, representing an important example of colonial-era architecture in New England.

The Providence County Courthouse, also known as the Frank Licht Judicial Complex, is situated at 250 Benefit Street and serves as the courthouse for Providence County.

Constructed between 1924 and 1933, the building features Beaux-Arts architecture and is recognized as one of the tallest courthouses in the United States. Its historical significance is underscored by its role in important judicial proceedings, symbolizing legal authority in Rhode Island for nearly a century. Located within the College Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse is surrounded by other historic landmarks, highlighting its centrality to Providence's civic and legal history.

Market Square is a historic public space in downtown Providence, positioned along the Providence River at the intersection of College and North Main Streets. This site has served as a key meeting place and commercial center since the colonial era. Its significance is rooted in its role as a vibrant hub of public activity during the 18th and 19th centuries, where it hosted marketplaces, political rallies, speeches, and public demonstrations. Notably, it was a focal point for protests against British rule, including the burning of tea in 1775, aligning it with events like the Boston Tea Party. In the 20th century, Market Square became associated with Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which have utilized the area for art events and gatherings. Today, it continues to be an important cultural and historical site in the city.

Today, Rhode Island serves as a vibrant cultural and economic hub in New England. Its coastal charm and maritime history make it a popular tourist destination for sailing and beach activities. The state’s economy is bolstered by healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with Providence known for its thriving arts scene and academic institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Rhode Island’s small size and dense population contribute to its active political voice, especially in advocating for environmental protection and social justice, continuing its legacy of championing individual rights and progressive values.

Visited the Foxwood Casino in Connecticut to purchase my fridge magnet collection at Hard Rock Café. The shops at Foxwoods Resort Casino were adorned with Halloween decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Spooky elements like a tall mummy wrapped in bandages. These decorations enhance the shopping experience, blending creepy and fun elements for this coming Halloween season.

Upside-down fountain located near the Rainmaker Square, is one of the more visually striking and unique water features at Foxwoods. The design gives the appearance of water flowing in an upside-down direction, defying gravity. Jets of water seem to rise rather than fall, creating a mesmerizing effect that captures visitors’ attention. The illusion of water moving upward makes it feel surreal, offering a modern, interactive display that blends art with engineering. The fountain’s height and the dynamic motion of water make it a popular spot for guests to pause and take photos.

Another iconic fountain at Foxwoods features an archer with a bow and arrow. This fountain likely represents a symbolic connection to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, who own and operate Foxwoods Resort Casino. The bow and arrow have deep cultural significance in many Indigenous traditions, symbolizing hunting, protection, and a connection to ancestral ways of life. The fountain usually features a sculpted figure or scene where water interacts with the archer, either shooting streams of water or flowing in a coordinated design around the figure. This adds a layer of cultural resonance to the aesthetic beauty of the fountain.

The High Street Arch, also known as the Old Campus Arch, is a prominent architectural feature at Yale University, serving as a grand entrance to the historic Old Campus. Designed in the Collegiate Gothic style, it showcases pointed arches and intricate stone carvings, reflecting the craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed from local granite, the arch symbolizes Yale's historical roots and its commitment to academic ideals.

Located at the intersection of High Street and College Street, the arch plays a significant role in university traditions, marking a ceremonial entry point for new students during orientation and for graduates during commencement. It fosters community among students and connects the university to its surroundings, making it a vital cultural landmark on campus that is often photographed and featured in Yale publications.

The buildings at Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, are renowned for their stunning architecture and historical significance. The campus features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Georgian, Victorian, and Modernist, reflecting Yale’s long history and evolution.

Many of Yale University’s iconic buildings, especially the residential colleges, are designed in the Collegiate Gothic style. These buildings, such as Harkness Tower, Sterling Memorial Library, and Branford College, are characterized by pointed arches, large windows, stone facades, and intricate carvings. This style was chosen to evoke the ancient universities of Europe, like Oxford and Cambridge.

Phelps Hall is a prominent building at Yale University, situated on the Old Campus and completed in 1896. Designed in the Collegiate Gothic style, it reflects the architectural aesthetics of medieval European universities like Oxford and Cambridge. A key feature of Phelps Hall is Phelps Gate, a large arched entrance that marks important traditions, as new students enter through it at the beginning of their studies and graduates exit during commencement.

The building is distinguished by classic Gothic elements, including pointed arches, stone carvings, and stained glass windows, contributing to the historical ambiance of the campus. Located at the northwest corner of the Old Campus, Phelps Hall serves as a central hub for students and connects different areas of the university. More than just an architectural landmark, Phelps Hall symbolizes Yale’s traditions and plays a vital role in significant university events, making it one of the most recognizable sites on campus.

We spent the night at the Hampton Inn Princeton, just a short drive from Princeton University, our next destination.

This morning, Colonial, our accommodation, does not include breakfast. My hubby bought to go at McDonald's, very near from Colonial.

Today’s itinerary was packed as we headed to Providence, Rhode Island, before making our way to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. We enjoyed lunch at Panda Express, then drove to Yale University in New Haven.

On our way back to the car, we popped into a store for bottled water, we got so excited, they also offer Korean meals. Although we were still full from lunch, we couldn’t resist trying the Japchae, so we ordered some to go. After an hour on the road, towards New Jersey, we stopped at a rest area along the expressway to enjoy our delicious dinner.

More of the road trips, US tour 2024:


Marina, Monterey-Unexpected Business film site,
Boston, Harvard University,
Princeton University, New Jersey, Atlantic City