Providence, Rhode Island  - Roger Williams, one of the founders of Providence, was an architect who knew what he was doing 300 years ago.

Even today, one can appreciate how he built the city's first houses on a hill, from where one can view the river and the harbour. The East Side remains one of the most attractive parts of the capital of the US state of Rhode Island, with its heritage of outstanding architecture and culture.

Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 US states in terms of area. Still, this New England state can compete with Massachusetts to its north and Connecticut to its south in terms of landscapes, history and economy.

Indeed, after some major improvements in Providence, it can compete fairly well.

It wasn't that long ago that this city of 200,000 at the mouth of the Providence, Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket rivers was jokingly referred to as a suburb of Boston, only 70 kilometres to the north.

The city was in the dumps with countless buildings in disrepair. The only truly impressive structure was the state capital, with one of the largest domes in the United States. There was also College Hill, home of Brown University, a member of the US Ivy League, the club of the most elite private US universities.

Back then, a couple of hours was all you needed to see the sights in Providence. That's all changed now. Providence now has a new nickname - Renaissance City - and its people are proud of it. Residents were ecstatic when a US TV show named Providence hit the airwaves.

Indeed, just recently, a US newspaper named the small town as one of the best places to live on the East Coast.

Industrial quarters have turned trendy. Homes have been remodelled. Promenades snake along the rivers, inviting people to strolls. Many of the changes can be attributed to Vincent A "Buddy" Cianci Jr, the long-time mayor of Providence.

Of course, Cianci isn't entirely without controversy. He spent five years in prison on corruption charges and other less glamorous crimes.

Nonetheless, locals are proud of their city and what it's become. The social calendar is full of events and excellent chefs keep opening restaurants that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their competitors in Boston and New York. College Hill is one of 26 national historic districts and the students attending the city's 12 colleges ensure an active nightlife.

Brown University, which started life as Rhode Island College, isn't the only school dotting the hill. There's also the Rhode Island School of Design. Both are surrounded by 18th and 19th century houses, illuminated at night by gas lanterns.

But there's room for the new on the hill. Right behind the university campuses lies Thayer Street, one of the most off-the-wall shopping strips in the US. (dpa)