I found Leigh Torbin's characterization of Providence as a gang-infested
city, allegedly shunned by fearful Rhode Islanders, not only outlandish,
but quite irresponsible.
 
Like any city in the United States, Providence does have crime and bad
neighborhoods, particularly in the south end. Nevertheless the city
has actually experienced a renaissance over the past decade. An
extensive renovation project has completely changed the face of downtown
Providence. There's a new convention center (next door to the Civic
Center, where the NCAA tournament will be held), in addition to new
roads, a new park (Waterplace), and new restaurants, such as the
upscale Capital Grille and the Union Street Brewery.
 
Up the hill from downtown Providence is the East Side, the nicest
section of Providence, where Brown University is located. Historic
Benefit Street has arguably the best preserved assortment of
houses from the Federal period of any city in the United States.
On Benefit Street, between College and Waterman Streets, is the
museum of the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the finest small
museums in the country. The Thayer Street area (near the Brown
campus) has sort of a funky atmosphere. The Wickenden Street/South
Maine Street area offers a variety of coffee houses, fine restaurants
(including award-winning Al Forno), some really good bars (such as
the Wickenden Pub), and many interesting stores.
 
Within walking distance from the Civic Center, on the other side of
route 95, lies Federal Hill, Providence's Little Italy. Along Atwells
avenue there are many excellent restaurants, cafes, and food stores.
 
Hockey-L subscribers who will be attending the NCAA tournament in late
March have little to fear as long as, like visitors to any city, they
exercise good judgement.
 
Within the next couple of weeks I'll try to post some suggestions for
sightseeing, restaurants, bars, etc., for the benefit of those attending
the NCAA Hockey Tournament.
 
Luiz F. Valente