A recent $3 billion renovation to the city of Providence converted a tired downtown into a sparkling new community. Today, it is one of the 10 best places to live in America and the country's "most improved" city, according to the MSN broadcasting media.

Shopping here is an upscale experience with many malls, plazas and individual stores with a variety of wares that satisfy every whim. Restaurants, too, have a great diversity of style and ethnic tastes. Dining is a delicious menu of international cuisines, steak houses, oyster bars and bistros in fancy and casual settings.

Providence keeps the night light on for owls. There are a number of clubs that bedazzle the night away. One of the better ones is The Hot Club, voted "one of the top 100 bars in America" by Esquire magazine. .

Whether it's the Children's Museum, Roger William's Park Zoo, or the Jewelry Manufacturing district, there is so much to learn here, and Providence is a great teacher. There are museums of every sort, covering topics such as astronomy, anthropology, history and archeology, to name a few. .

This city has many recreational resources. Biking trails follow the river route as paddleboats, canoes and kayaks drift downstream and pedestrians stroll along the waterway. . Every now and then, The Blackstone Valley Explorer makes its way through the water toting a full-load of passengers. Bird watchers and nature photographers observe the wondrous wildlife along the trails. Such is the scene of the riverside trails in Rhode Island's capital city.

Construction of a 19-mile bike path from Providence to Worcester is currently in the works, the first 9 miles of which have been completed to date and are ready for biking, jogging and in-line skating. The 14.5 mile East Bay Bike Path is also available for outdoor meanderings.

Other activities in Greater Providence and East Bay area include golf, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking, swimming, and ice skating.

Providence, a capital city, is located in the northeastern corner of the Ocean State.