This Providence Spot Is A Charming Mix Of Tropical & Merry

When you think of Christmas (or Chrismukkah for those who watched THE OC back in day…and in true Rhode Island fashion I went to high school with the brother of one of the show’s creators and had heard something about how it was actually based in part on his experience at Classical High School in Providence) cheer and festive places around the state, I’m fairly certain that the Botanical Center at RWP doesn’t immediately spring to mind.

Open since 2007, it has the distinction of being the largest indoor public garden in all of New England featuring not 1 but 2 greenhouses, no less than 17 varieties of palm trees, an absolutely stunning koi pond, and believe it or not, a mini waterfall.

2019 photo courtesy of Patty J (PattyJ.com)

It is an utterly enchanting mix of the merry and the tropical: Think an abundance of red and white poinsettias, white lights, and whimsically attired trees, including those palms, throughout.

It’s also warm, particularly appealing if (like me) you’re always cold. I mean, if you’re on the run with Frosty the Snowman (“Happy Birthday!”), you probably wouldn’t want to take him there, but beyond that, it’s an unexpected and splendid spot for your next hol-i-day out.

2020 photo courtesy of the RWP Botanical Center Facebook

Now, this year they have a modified schedule of weekends only and have made tickets available online. Also there are a number of new practices in place to help keep visitors and staff safe, including mask wearing, temperature screenings prior to entering, and a bunch of brand new hand washing and sanitizing stations.

For complete details and ticket info, you’ll want to click over to providenceri.gov/botanical-center/.