Whether you just finished a midterm, want to hang out with a friend, or simply need to clear your mind, going on a walk can be the perfect remedy for your struggles. However, it’s not always easy to find a route with the right distance, scenery, and crowd to match your needs. People end up walking around campus seeing the same sights as always and running into people they shouldn’t, which unfortunately results not only in an unpleasant walk but also sometimes worsens the mental dilemma you might be going through. That’s where I come in. As an experienced Providence walker, I can tell you the best walks for every kind of situation life presents you with.
Providence River
Although it’s not a secret spot, the path around the Providence River makes for an excellent walk. Starting along College Street and Water Street and walking south, you get a beautiful view of the river water flowing while the sight of the downtown cityscape captivates the background. The path has two turning points. One is the Providence City Bridge, which gets lit blue at night and sometimes features incredible live music. The other is the Point Street Bridge, which grants you a wide-lens view of the city but does make you walk next to a noisy intersection. If you’re feeling hungry, this path also features several food trucks and the famous Tizzy K’s Ice Cream Cereal. The loop takes about 20 or 30 minutes, depending on which bridge you turn at. I believe this path is perfect for soaking up vitamin D on a sunny day, using spare time between work and classes that needs to be detached from, or enjoying a Sunday stroll when you have some extra cash on hand and want to buy something from the flea market that sets up that day.
Benefit Street
What many think is just the route to Trader Joe’s is actually, in my opinion, one of the most scenic routes in Providence. From its intersection with Main Street all the way to its end on Wickenden, this street is filled with gorgeous, dimly lit lamp posts and brick-paved sidewalks that pass along beautiful houses and historic architecture. As you walk by, you get the sight of important buildings like the Old State House, the Stephen Hopkins House, and the Providence Athenaeum. If it is a particularly cold day, you’re in luck, as the street features the cozy Brown Bee Coffee Shop. The best thing about this path is that there is no set time. Walking the entire street takes about 30 minutes, but since it runs parallel to campus as one long path, you can choose however long you need to walk. That, combined with the scenery, makes this walk perfect for a conversation with a close friend, a date with someone you really like, or if you’re just in the mood for something visually pleasing.
Blackstone Park
One route I don’t think receives enough love is the walk to Blackstone Park. Yes, the park itself is lovely, but to me it’s the walk there that makes it so special. Walking through the suburban streets, including George, Benevolent, and Ives, rather than the populated Waterman, grants you a pleasant stroll through a variety of residential neighborhoods and scattered shops. Then, turning onto River Drive, you get a beautiful view of the Seekonk River. The path is usually quite empty and filled with greenery and silence, a place that feels completely isolated from campus in the best way possible. The park also features a number of benches for you to sit and simply gaze out at the water before making your way back through different residential streets. Given the distance, this walk is definitely going to take more time; I would say around 1 hour or more. That makes this walk one I would highly recommend doing alone. It’s perfect for when you have a free day or really need some time away. I also think it works great for journaling or simply reconnecting with nature after major events.
Final Thoughts on The walk
We are surrounded by streets, and yet it can be very challenging to know where to go when you need that time to be alone, think things out, or bond with another person. Knowing exactly what paths to walk is not only beneficial but also important for keeping a healthy state of mind, creating balance with your hectic schedule, and ensuring the appropriate setting for whatever needs you have. Keep these routes (and some others) in mind next time you’re deciding where you’re going to spend your time outdoors. These are only some of the myriad paths there are, so don’t limit yourself if none of these call to you. Find what works best for you and, regardless of anything, keep on walking.