Prospect ParkCongdon and Cushing streetsProvidence
Tucked away at the corner of Congdon and Cushing streets, where College Hill begins its steep descent into downtown, is Prospect Park. Despite its name, Prospect Park actually isn't much of a park at all. Sure it has a few quaint benches, well-maintained grass and scattered lamp posts, but when it comes down to it, it's not much bigger than your backyard. Nonetheless, the tiny terrace has one major selling point - its view of the city.
From the edge of the park you can experience a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline, including the State House, the Biltmore and the oh-so-beautiful Providence Place Mall. (Hint: The view is best enjoyed while leaning dangerously far over the fence that encloses the park). The view is perfect for romantic (read: cheap) dates, as long as you don't mind the company of the giant statue of Roger Williams that looks down on the city from the park's edge ... or the fact that dust from the grave of the Rhode Island founder is actually buried there as well. But other than that, yeah, totally romantic.
Even if you don't have a hot date but are looking for some wild bedroom fun, Prospect Park may still be the place for you: It's served as the starting point for the Rhode Island School of Design's annual pillow fight for years.
Whatever your excuse, make sure get to Prospect Park at least once, because no matter how long you've lived in Rhode Island, you've never seen Providence look as beautiful as it does at sunset when you're leaning just a little too far over the small park's wrought iron fence.
