Thayer Street
Thayer Street is a one-way road in the College Hill neighborhood on Providence's East Side, lined with small shops and restaurants. The single direction of traffic keeps the flow steady and makes the street easier for pedestrians to navigate.
The street was originally called Cross Street and took its current name in 1823 to honor Dr. Williams Thayer, a descendant of Rhode Island's founder. During the 1970s, the street was known for independent bookstores and record shops, most of which have since been replaced by restaurants.
About half the buildings lining the road date from the 1800s, many with wooden details and brick exteriors. These former homes now house restaurants and shops, keeping the past visible in everyday life.
Signs indicate the direction of travel, making it straightforward for drivers to follow the route. Parking along the street is scarce and often metered, especially near the university.
The Avon Cinema has shown films for more than 85 years and is still run by the same family that opened it. Some storefronts on the street have changed multiple times since the 2000s, while only a few businesses have lasted for decades.
Location: Providence
Address: Thayer St, Providence, RI, USA
GPS coordinates: 41.83053,-71.40095
Latest update: December 4, 2025 12:39
Providence sits in the northeastern United States and presents itself as a city that has developed over several centuries. The area around Benefit Street preserves colonial wooden houses with narrow windows and steep roofs. The Rhode Island State House stands on a hill with its white marble cladding and a dome visible from several neighborhoods. Brown University spreads across the East Side with brick buildings and open lawns, while the Rhode Island School of Design displays its collections in nearby gallery spaces. Downtown is crossed by two waterways that join shortly before reaching Narragansett Bay. Water Place Park lies along the waterfront with wide walkways and stone bridges. On summer evenings, WaterFire events take place here, with fire basins lit on the water and music echoing across the banks. A gondola service takes visitors across the water between the bridges. The Federal Hill neighborhood rises west of downtown and shows Italian grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants along the main avenue. Roger Williams Park extends to the south with ponds, a zoo and a botanical greenhouse. Thayer Street draws students with cafés, bookshops and small stores.
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