Rhode Island
Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The First Zen Center In The U.S. Is Hiding Right Here In Rhode Island

The Providence Zen Center in Rhode Island offers various meditation and retreat programs, promoting a harmonious relationship with life.

Published Feb 21, 2018

Written by 

Bonnie Poisson

In 1972, Seung Sahn established the first Zen Center in the United States right here in Rhode Island. This came to be after he was asked to speak at Brown University, and student became interested in his teachings. Now headquartered in Cumberland, it is the Head Temple of the Americas for the Kwan Um School of Zen. The daily schedule includes sitting, walking, chanting, and meditation, with the goal of a more harmonious relationship with all aspects of life.

Hidden on 50-acres of grounds in Cumberland, Rhode Island is the Providence Zen Center.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

It was originally located in Providence, but moved to its current campus in 1979.

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The center offers Meditation Classes, a Meditation Center, Zen teachers and classes, and a residency program.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

Another highlight is the semi-annual Kyol Che retreats.

Anyone is welcome to their daily morning and evening meditations.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

The main meditation room is 1,750 square feet and holds up to 75 people comfortably.

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Providence Zen Center

There is another meditation room upstairs and visiting groups can rent them out. There is also a large, fully equipped kitchen.

There are a variety of retreats offered, like this Mu Sang Sa retreat.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

The Yong Maeng Jong Jin retreats are 2, 3, or 7 days long and held in silence.

The Providence Zen Center also has one day retreats. These consist of walking, sitting, and lunch from 9:00 AM until 3:30 PM.

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Faceboook/ Providence Zen Center

An hour-long session with a Zen teacher is included in the one day retreat.

The Pagoda is an unexpected sight in Rhode Island.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

The landmark Peace Pagoda towers 65 feet in the air.

In addition to the residency program, they have longer duration retreats like this 90 Day Retreat.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

Events include Dharma School, chanting, and weekly public dinners.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

The center celebrates Buddah's birthday in style.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

At PZC, they say Zen is understanding yourself.

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Facebook/ Providence Zen Center

Find the Providence Zen Center at 99 Pound Road, Cumberland, Rhode Island. Check their website for all the latest events. Most programs are free and open to the public!

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At Christmastime, Newport, Rhode Island Has the Most Enchanting Main Street in the Country

Newport, Rhode Island, offers a magical holiday experience with events, decorations, and festive activities throughout December.

Updated Oct 16, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

There's never a bad time to be a Rhode Islander, but the holiday season is an especially magical time to live here -- especially if you happen to live near the charming little city of Newport. Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island lasts all December long, with events and displays all over town. But all you have to do to get into the holiday spirit is take a stroll down Thames Street, otherwise known as Newport's Main Street, and take in the seasonal sights.

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Thames Street is one of the oldest continuously used streets in Rhode Island. It's also Newport's main street filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the historic Bowen's Wharf and Bannister's Wharf.

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Onne van der Wal/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images

It runs parallel to the waterfront, full of inviting shops and restaurants. Thames Street RI is especially enchanting this time of year, so it's the perfect place to enjoy a holiday stroll, do some holiday shopping, and check out Christmas window displays.

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Onne van der Wal/Corbis via Getty Images

The official annual Newport Holiday Stroll tends to kick off the holiday season. This traditional event includes shopping discounts, restaurant specials, a tree lighting, and more. During this event, it's clear that Newport is the top Rhode Island Christmas town.

As a matter of fact, if you live in Newport, you're lucky — the city celebrates Christmas for the entire month of December!

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newport rhode island -Dec 23, 2010 downtown shopping center

A Newport, Rhode Island Christmas is citywide with a host of monthly celebrations, from concerts, caroling, and craft fairs to visits with Santa and Nutcracker performances. Annual guided holiday lantern tours will be available every Friday and Saturday starting in late November through late December.

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Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI decked out at Christmas time, ships docked with lights and wreaths.

Newport truly is the best Christmas town in Rhode Island. And there's nothing quite like shopping on Thames Street during the holiday season — every storefront is decked out in decor. A few of the most popular shops are Thames Glass Glassblowing Studio and Gallery, Rochelles Of Newport, and Sequins of Thames St. Check out the decor at each place and pick out unique holiday gifts for your loved ones

One local tradition you definitely won't want to skip is Christmas at the Newport Mansions. The Marble House, the Elms, and the Breakers are all decorated beautifully for the holidays, with a theme of Gilded Age glamour. I find that touring the mansions during the holidays in Newport, RI is a magical experience.

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The opulence of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas during the Holidays at the Newport Mansions.

When spending the holidays in Newport, RI, you'll find that this city is full of coastal charm. It's easy to see why it's one of the top Christmas towns in New England. Spend as much of your December as you can here and you'll agree that this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

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If it's been a while since you've spent time in Newport, December is the perfect time to go. Have you spent Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island?

While Newport is as charming as can be during the holidays, check out a few other charming Rhode Island Christmas towns.

Are you looking for gifts this holiday season? Check out the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guide for ideas.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Here’s The Story Behind The Potato Head Statues In Rhode Island

Rhode Island's Mr. Potato Head statues are unique public art pieces with a fascinating history, originally created to boost tourism.

Updated Jun 20, 2024

Written by 

Sara Dager

Public art is important to our culture. There are many people who may never be able to go to a gallery or buy art of their own, but due to all of the awesome grants and creators out there, you can find art to admire for free in almost any city or town. Rhode Island has a particularly rich history of public art. The state is absolutely packed with murals, sculptures, and installations of all kinds that will grab your eye in an instant. However, some of our most prevalent public art is also definitely some of our wackiest. The Mr. Potato Head statues in Rhode Island, for example, have to be seen to be believed, and the story behind them is oh so fascinating.

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While driving through the state, there is a good chance you've spotted at least one of these person sized Potato Heads.

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Clements' Marketplace - Portsmouth, RI/Facebook

At six feet tall they're pretty hard to miss.

You may not have thought too much about them, just believing they're a strange anomaly. However, these Potato Heads have been around for over 20 years now. Actually, there used to be a LOT more.

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The Carouselambra Kid/Flickr

In an attempt to up tourism in 2000, Rhode Island decided we needed a state ambassador.

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Cynthia Donovan/Flickr

As luck would have it, the headquarters for Hasbro toys is located in-state, so the Potato Head seemed like a perfect fit!

Most reports say that around 35 six foot Potato Heads were originally erected. However, others claim the number was closer to 45.

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Infrogmation Of New Orleans/Flickr

Each head had a theme related to its location, and they were not exactly met with the warmest reception.

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Sean/Flickr

This Potato Head is a slightly morbid memorial for an elephant who was shot in the area.

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Whilst many loved the potato heads, others saw them as eyesores and campaigned to have them removed!

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Lake Mishnock Fire/Rescue/Facebook

So, despite the original number of Potato Heads seeming massive for such a small state, we are now left with only eight. It's a sad end to a cute story, but we think these few that remain are here to stay!

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alamodestuff/Flickr

This Rhode Island Mr. Potato Head gets brought out every year for the Fourth of July parade in Bristol.

These Mr. Potato Head statues in Rhode Island are incredibly unique! And while they may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's sad that we've lost so many over the years when they are so iconic. The remaining Rhode Island Potato Heads are scattered throughout the state. Do you have a favorite of the potato head statues in Rhode Island? If you're a Potato Head fan, you'll love all the incredible finds available on Etsy!

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