Providence

Founded in 1636 and steeped in history, gay Providence is the largest city in Rhode Island, with the important distinction of being the first city in the United States to industrialize. Today, it is a mecca of higher learning, with institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design leading a renaissance of arts and culture, including the annual WaterFire installation and festival. Gay Providence boasts many diverse neighborhoods like Federal Hill, West End, and Fox Point, and has one of the largest LGBT populations in the U.S. Don’t miss it’s thriving nightlife led by staples MiraBar and Dark Lady.