In 1636, city founder Roger Williams, a Reformed Baptist theologian and religious exile, brought followers with him to a new place he named Providence a reference to "God's merciful Providence that he said brought them there.

That act made Providence one of the oldest cities in America, and it became capital of one of the original 13 colonies. It was also one of the first American cities to industrialize, when it became heavily involved in the textile manufacturing, machinery, jewelry and silverware industries.

Today, Providence boasts an estimated population of approximately 800,000. The city houses eight hospitals and seven higher education institutions, which has shifted the local economy into mainly service industries, though some manufacturing activity remains.

The town is characteristic of eastern seaboard cities that developed before the invention of the automobile. But its compact and irregular layout isn't a bug; it's a feature. Providence has the eighth-highest percentage of pedestrian commuters. The city features four dedicated bicycle paths, including the Washington Secondary Rail Trail, the Woonasquatuck Greenway Bike Path, the East Bay Bike Path, and the Blackstone River Greenway.

The downtown area boasts numerous 19th-century mercantile buildings in the Victorian and Federal architectural styles, along with several modernist and post-modern buildings spread throughout. The newer area, sometimes referred to as the "Capitol Center," features Providence Place Mall, the largest shopping mall in Rhode Island, the Omni Providence Hotel, an exquisite Neo-Traditionalist skyscraper, and Waterplace Park, a beautiful urban park situated along the Woonasquatucket River.

Johnson & Wales University, world-renowned for its distinguished culinary program, is headquartered in Providence. Many of their alumni drive Providence's top restaurants and culinary scene. Some of these include James Beard nominee, Derek Wagner, who owns Nick's On Broadway, an imaginative seasonal New American bistro, fellow James Beard nominee, Champe Speidel, who runs Persimmon, a fusion of modern American fare and global influence, and Top Chef competitor James Mark, the genius behind North Restaurant, a hip eatery and cocktail bar located inside The Dean Hotel.

Not feeling upscale today? Coffee and doughnut lovers can rejoice in the city of Providence. The area features the most coffee and doughnut shops per capita of any city in the country. Some of the most popular being PVDonuts, Knead Doughnuts, and Silver Star Bakery. Not surprisingly, this doughnut mecca of a town features a Dunkin' Donuts every square mile, with the downtown area's sports complex even named Dunkin' Donuts Center, where one can watch the AHL's Providence Bruins do battle.

The city is also home to the fourth-oldest library in the U.S., the Providence Public Library, where Edgar Allen Poe met and courted Sarah Whitman and where H.P. Lovecraft, another legendary writer, liked to frequent.

Art lovers should check out WaterFire, a public art installation featuring 86 anchored bonfires that float just above the surface of the rivers that flow through Waterplace Park. Multiple Waterfire events take place during the summer, including various classical and world music performances. A short walk over, The RISD Museum houses the works of iconic, world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Monet, Manet, Paul Revere, Chanel, Andy Warhol, and Kara Walker.

Brimming with remarkable history, diverse culture, and culinary proclivity, Providence is undoubtedly, a city beckoning exploration. With all that the area has to offer, who has time to spend on lawn care? Why not let LawnStarter check that box off your list? Just download their app, type in your ZIP code, and within moments you'll be matched with the area's top landscape professionals. LawnStarter will also coordinate all the scheduling and communication. So go ahead and put on those comfy walking shoes, inflate the air in those bike tires, and tour the city that celebrates diversity and welcomes new beginnings.