Atwells Avenue at Federal
Hill
Amos Maine Atwells is the man
behind the illustrious Atwells Avenue. In
1778, Atwells, in partnership with other
businessmen, started the development of real
estate. This ultimately shaped the face of
Providence’s center, Federal Hill, which
used to separate the two Indian tribes of
Narragansett and Wampanoag.
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During the 1900s, there was an influx of Italian immigrants in the area, and as
result, Federal Hill was dubbed “Little Italy”. One of the major thoroughfares of Federal Hill is the Atwells Avenue. With its over twenty restaurants, the Atwells
Avenue is definitely the place to be for food fans. The wide variety of
offerings from Asian to Italian to eclectic contemporary cooking is sure to
leave even the pickiest food connoisseur well-satisfied. Chef Ho’s Chinese
Restaurant, the New Garden Restaurant and the Thailand Restaurant brings the
flavors of Asia to Federal Hill.
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| Fine Italian cuisine is available in
Andino’s, Blue Grotto, Toscano Antico Ristorante, Joe
Marzilli’s Old Canteen, L’epicureo, Angelo’s Civita Farnese,
La Campagniola and the popular Cassarino’s restaurant.
Other restaurants include Leon’s on the West Side, Merola’s
Omelets, Smith’s Restaurant, Shula’s 347 Grill, Siena Restaurant, Walter’s La Locanda
Del Coccio and Don Jose Tequillas Restaurant.The wealth of restaurants along Atwells Avenue is partly due
to its proximity to the Johnson and Wales University. Known
for it extensive culinary program, the university is able to
attract talented chefs who often also work for the many
restaurants nearby.
In addition to the abundance of food, residents and visitors
of Federal Hill may also enjoy the picturesque parks along
Atwells Avenue of which there are three. They are the
Garibaldi Square, the DePasquale Plaza and St. John’s Park,
which marks the former location of St. John’s Church.
The Garibaldi Square is a tribute to Federal Hill’s large
American-Italian community. The square’s main feature is a
monumental bust of one of the popular heroes of the Italian
Unification, Giuseppe Garibaldi. Because of his feats of
courage and patriotic dedication, Garibaldi has been awarded
the title the “Hero of Two Worlds”.
The DePasquale Plaza is right at the heart of Federal Hill.
The Plaza has alfresco coffee shops and bistros under the
comfortable shade of trees. The landscaping and the
delightful water features also contribute to the relaxing,
almost soothing, atmosphere. The DePasquale Plaza is
probably the best place in Providence to spend a slow, lazy
afternoon while sipping a steaming cup of espresso.
After taking in the sights, scents, sounds and, especially,
tastes Atwells Avenue has to offer, visitors may retreat to
a number of hotels in Federal Hill. Most of which exude a
feel and unique charm of the old country. These hotels
include the Federal Hill Bed and Breakfast and the
Scarborough Fare Bed and Breakfast.
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