Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour

Overview

Join us for this elegant stroll through time!

Allow our historically costumed, local guides to lead you down the most beautifully preserved street in all of Providence, RI- Benefit Street!

Guests will learn the history of some of Providence's most prominent residents and families, including the Dorr family, Roger Williams, and the Hoppin family. See architectural icons including the John Brown House, the First Baptist Church, the Fleur de Lys Building, and the original State House. Learn about the events that shaped our state and nation, including the suffrage movements (yes, there were two!) and the Civil War. This tour will leave you feeling more connected to the city's past and with a greater appreciation for Providence.

Benefit Street is a mostly flat street and is suitable for people of most levels of health and fitness.

City: Providence

Sat 12 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Sat 12 Apr

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

A Historically Costumed Guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Flat terrain, suitable for most levels of health.

What To Expect

Benefit Street

We will stroll historic Benefit Street for the duration of the tour. Your guide will point out buildings of architectural, historical, and societal interest. The tour is outside and we will not enter any of the buildings. Your guide will point out any establishments that permit public entry and you are welcome to go back to see them more closely at your convenience.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (20)

melanier287

Mar 2025

Amazing! We were looking for an informative and engaging walking tour to supplement our visit to the John Brown House. Courtney was so friendly and knowledgeable; you can feel how passionate she is about Providence history. We love the stories she told of the Brown family and other prominent Rhode Islanders along Benefit Street, and she even added plenty of humor along the way. This is a great tour to make the most of a short weekend in Providence. Highly recommend and would love to come back in the summer when she does her boat tours!

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Thank you so much! I had such a lovely morning walking with you ladies. Thank you for letting me share my love of this city and these souls. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your visit to Providence:)

n-cuadrins2022

Feb 2025

Very interesting tour, definitely worth it if you are interested in learning about the founders of the city. This tour is a must if you are in the city for a weekend.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thank you so much for joining us! I'm so glad you enjoyed your walk and appreciated the added context to better understand our city 💜

ericajS7257ZA

Jan 2025

Our guide was a wonderful mix of knowledgeable, entertaining, and approachable. We were particularly charmed by her in character expressions ( :

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thank you so much!!! I'm very passionate about these stories and the people they represent. I appreciate your kind words and am so pleased to know you enjoyed your morning stroll💜