WaterFire Lights Up Providence Rhode Island
Fires Glow Along River Walk in Providence RI in Northeastern U.S.
Sep 8, 2008
A magical evening awaits those who stroll along the cobblestone walks that border the river canal meandering through downtown Providence Rhode Island. Restaurants that bound the area are bustling with patrons, and food vendors are set up on the small stone bridges that arch the river canal.
Art Installation by Barnaby Evans - WaterFire
More than 100 caldrons are ablaze with wood fires lighting up the night and appearing to float on the surface of the river. Carefully compilated music…sometimes classical, sometimes new age, sometimes operatic…echoes through the fire-lit riverwalk as people stop to chat with friends, or embrace for a kiss. This bi-monthly event, WaterFire, was begun as an art installation by Barnaby Evans in 1997, is scheduled from May into October and one of many things to do in Providence.
The evening begins just before dusk when WaterFire's volunteer fire stokers cruise the canalway in a small motor boat, fill the caldrons full of wood, and begin lighting the fires. This well-orchestrated fire tending continues throughout the evening and keeps the fires burning until after midnight.
This annual event occurs from May to October. Check the WaterFire website for parking and directions and a list of the dates for the lightings.
Hotels in Providence RI Near WaterFire
As a delightful weekend in New England or a fall foliage tour of the northeastern United States, cars can be left behind since the Amtrak Station is located in the heart of Providence. Hotels are within several blocks of the train station and WaterFire, and once arrived, everything can be done on foot – unless, of course, a jaunt to Newport RI is part of the plan.
There are six or seven hotels within walking distance, but for a truly unique experience consider two of the newest hotels in landmark downtown buildings:
- Hotel Providence at 311 Westminster Street - a boutique hotel that houses the well regarded and baroquely romantic Aspire Restaurant and A Bar. The location is near small shops and the historically significant Arcade, one of the first "indoor shopping malls" built in the early 1800's.
- Renaissance Providence at 5 Avenue of the Arts - was originally built as a Masonic Temple in 1940, but was never completed and stood vacant until its recent transformation into a hotel. Much of the history and grand architecture of the building is retained and evident. Its location across from the state capital building is prime.
Restaurants in Providence RI Near River Walk
Providence is known for its culinary prowess. Much of it due to the excellent culinary program at Johnson & Wales University from which many Providence restauranteurs have sprung. These restaurants along the waterway and within the downtown business district offer a sampling of what is uniquely Providence:
- Café Nuovo - 1 Citizen's Plaza - floor to ceiling windows and patio overlooking riverwalk
- Hemenways Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar - 121 South Main Street - seafood restaurant along riverwalk with contemporary ambiance
- New Rivers - 7 Steeple Street - very small space (seats about 30) with wonderfully inventive menu - reservations usually required
- Parkside Rotisserie & Bar - 76 South Main Street - casually upscale dining with open kitchen
WaterFire – primal, ethereal, civilized – always a delight.
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