Mt Hope - Providence, RI

Providence was founded in 1636, making it one of the nation's oldest cities. The city's founder, Roger Williams, believed strongly in religious freedom -- something his fellow Puritans weren't too happy about. When Williams wrote a paper condemning the King's charters and questioning the right of Plymouth to settle on land without purchasing it from Native Americans, he was promptly booted out of the colony. Some of his followers went with him, and they started a new settlement near present-day College Hill. As a result, Mount Hope is one of the oldest sections of this historic city. Be sure to visit the Roger Williams National Memorial, located on the south end of the neighborhood, to learn more about the city's fascinating history.

The Rhode Island School of Design, a five-minute drive south of Mount Hope, has five buildings of artwork from ancient to modern periods. This area features many independent galleries such as the Cate Charles Gallery on South Main Street with fine art, sculpture, and photography for purchase. On Wickenden Street, Gallery Belleau not only showcases craftwork but will create something unique and special for you.

Part of the original 13 colonies, Providence has transformed over the years into a diverse community with a variety of dining options, from cafes, gastropubs, and New American to pizza joints and Mexican take-out.

For a taste of Americana with modern flair, Cook & Brown Public House on Hope Street serves farm-fresh dishes on a changing menu. Inspired by European gastropubs, Cook & Brown's menu always delivers a new taste experience. Dishes such as charred Brussels sprouts with pomegranate, quince, and butternut squash blend multiple flavors to create innovative delicacies from local crops. The inside decor provides a warm atmosphere with hardwood floors, wood drop ceilings, and white table-cloth service. In line with a New England gastropub's farm-to-table philosophy, Cook & Brown supports local commerce and produce.

Red Stripe may be a 10-minute drive from Mount Hope, but this American brasserie continues in the vein of Providence restaurants inspired by European dining, focusing on French aesthetic and dining. Everyday favorites such as the croquet madame with Havarti cheese and topped with a fried egg makes great brunch options. Lesser-known traditional French dishes on the menu create a truly French cafe experience including bouillabaisse -- a mixture of shrimp, mussels, littlenecks, cod, salmon, and potatoes in a spicy tomato broth originating from Marseilles. Locals like the Piemonte Pizza & Grill for fresh neighborhood pies. The casual spot makes pizzas from scratch with homemade red sauce and a wide array of toppings such as fresh spinach, pesto, shaved steak, or apples. Salads also have a place on the menu alongside pasta dishes and a variety of sandwiches and wraps, including less-common pizza joint options, including steak tips, Greek chicken, and falafel. Regulars recommend the Fenway, a red-sauce pie topped with Italian sausage, peppers, and onions. The pizzeria stays open late on weekends and seats families and large parties.

After sunset, Colosseum on Pine Street attracts large crowds from Brown University in its multilevel dance space featuring Greek and Roman themed rooms. For adventure, saddle up on Colosseum's mechanical bull and hold on tight for seven seconds -- if you can. Drinks in this popular club rival upscale restaurants in the area with higher-than-average prices. Downstairs in the Ruins room, DJs and live performances provide a variety of entertainment options for every partier in Providence and beyond.

For casual nights with friends, check out Snookers Sports Billiards Bar & Grill. The sports bar takes its title seriously, providing patrons with pool tables and several large TVs to catch the game from any seat. A full bar with both a solid draft selection and wine keeps all patrons happy, and the menu dishes up comforting favorites such as chili, stuffed clams, taco salad and, of course, many varieties of nachos and loaded fries.

Residents of Mount Hope drive or use public transportation to surrounding areas to meet their needs; fortunately, this typically means commute times of 10 minutes or less. Rhode Island Public Transportation provides buses and trolleys along Rochambeau Avenue and Hope Avenue with $6 all-day rates for commutes throughout Providence. An Amtrak rail station south of Mount Hope on Gaspee Street has express trains to Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, New Haven, and Washington, D.C. A regional train brings travelers as far south as Virginia.

Mount Hope is largely residential and does not see many cabs running through the area. Taxi and Uber services are widely available within Providence at any hour for pick up. Residents in Providence must have a parking permit for overnight parking and metered spaces are available on all main roads. Though there aren't bike lanes in Mount Hope, cyclists can safely navigate quiet suburban roads until they meet bike lanes throughout greater Providence, providing accessibility to most city destinations. Route 1 runs by Mount Hope, with destinations throughout Rhode Island. I-95, minutes away on Route 126, connects travelers to Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The parks surrounding Mount Hope have activities for all seasons. The local Billy Taylor Park on Camp Street has tennis courts and a splash park for summer cool-downs. Ten minutes from the neighborhood, Blackstone Park's 45 acres of natural views and trails provide a great resource for runners, walkers, hikers, and nature lovers. Two ponds in the park create the perfect backdrop for romantic evening strolls or morning runs.

Just outside of Mount Hope, Brown Street Park on College Hill has playgrounds, a community garden, open fields, ball fields, and it hosts "Celebrate Providence " summer concerts and annual Halloween activities and parades. All local parks are free to use privately, requiring a permit for league play.

Mount Hope has a lower cost of living compared to other Providence neighborhoods because of its local commerce and proximity to retail and shopping districts. Trips on Rhode Island Public Transportation trolleys and buses to commercial destinations cost $6 for all-day rides. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Mount Hope costs eight percent more than other Providence neighborhoods. During happy hour, local bars typically sell beer and cocktails at $5, while pricier locations closer to Brown University may have prices beginning at $6 for a beer. Gas in Mount Hope costs 12 percent more than national average.

Hope Street is lined with boutiques carrying local-inspired, trendy styles. Kreatelier, a locally made line of quilts, clothing, headbands, gift wraps, and interior accents blend community passion and current trends to create interesting designs and patterns to wear or showcase in your home. Kreatelier also services the community with sewing workshops for children and adults available throughout the year.

J Marcel, walking distance from Kreatelier, designs trendy styles and accessories for women. Vibrant, natural colored sweaters, scarves, and accessories use natural fibers for comfortable wear without sacrificing style. With sundresses, Eastern-inspired shirts, and warm cable-knit sweaters, J Marcel has fashionable clothing for all seasons and styles.

Providence Place Mall is a six-minute drive along North Main Street for a luxury shopping experience with retailers including Macy's, LUSH, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co. and over 75 stores as well as a movie theater with IMAX screens. There are two Whole Foods Markets on North Main Street and Waterman Street for natural and organic foods, homeopathic remedies, and fair-trade apparel and products. A budget-friendly Super Stop & Shop on West River Street fulfills all items on weekly grocery lists with help from weekly deals. On Hope Street, Olive Del Mondo features an olive oil and vinegar tasting bar where favorites are bottled on the spot. Seasonal imported olive oils, vinegar, and spreads cater to the Providence's home and professional chefs. Five minutes along I-95, Wintertime Farmers Market in Pawtucket carries local produce used in many area restaurants at low prices.