PROVIDENCE — Just under two hours from New Haven, the capital of Rhode Island is similar to our city yet offers its own distinct and eclectic food scene.

The Federal Hill section is an Italian culinary enclave with family-operated restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and markets, which go back to the early immigrant settlers. East Providence emerged around the diverse population of the universities and international students.

WaterFire, Providence’s signature event, is held a number of times throughout the year. It helped create a renaissance in the city. During this multisensory experience, downtown rivers flicker with firelight from dozens of floating bonfires.

To see the rest of this column click here     To see my food and travel column archives click here.