WATERFIRE: Providence, R.I.; http://www.waterfire.org. Several times a year. The event is free, although some splurge on a gondola ride, which costs $79 for two people and can be booked ahead http://www.gondolari.com. Boat rides, which cost $10 per person, can also be booked ahead by calling the Providence River Boat Company, 401-580-2628.

GETTING THERE: Take I-95 to downtown Providence, exit 22A, Memorial Boulevard. WaterFire runs on the rivers to the left of Memorial Boulevard. Parking can be tricky on the street, but there are plenty of parking garages, including a large one at the Providence Place Mall.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Providence: A city of about 175,000, Providence is known throughout the region for its fine restaurants, quaint neighborhoods and robust arts scene.

RISD MUSEUM: 224 Benefit St., Providence. The museum at the Rhode Island School of Design has a collection of nearly 80,000 works, from Greek sculpture to French painting to Colonial decorative arts to modern works. http://www.risd.edu/museum.cfm or 401-454-6500. Open year-round. Tours available.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AMERICA: 75 North Main St., Providence. The church was founded in 1638 by Roger Williams, also the founder of Rhode Island. The current building was built in 1774-1775. http://www.fbcia.org or 401-454-3418. Open for guided tours June through Columbus Day, Monday-Saturday; Open for self-guided tours October through May, Monday-Friday. Services are held every Sunday.

THE PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM: 251 Benefit St., Providence. For those with a love of books, this private library, founded in 1753 and one of the oldest in the nation, is a treasure, with an extensive collection, including first editions from authors including Walt Whitman and Herman Melville. http://www.providenceathenaeum.org or 401-421-6970. Open to the public year-round.

By The Associated Press