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Beyond Providence

Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Providence, USA
Great choice
5+ bookings last month.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Penelope_R ·
Apr 2026
She was very spirited and very informative. She was an amazing storyteller, who also had tactile props for further engagement! Would highly recommended for those who want more history of Benefit street from someone who is truly passionate.
· Dane_S ·
Mar 2026
This was an excellent tour, despite the cold and wind! Courtney did an amazing job of introducing the stories and architecture of Benefit Street. Worth your time and money!

Overview

    What's Included

    • A Historically Costumed Guide

      Meeting and Pickup

      Meeting point

      • 400 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

        Please meet your guide to the right of the Barker Playhouse, at the gates of the Tillinghast cemetery.

      End point

      This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      Itinerary

      1

      Benefit Street

      1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

      Additional Info

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Wheelchair accessible
      • Stroller accessible
      • Service animals allowed
      • Near public transportation
      • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
      • Most travelers can participate
      • Flat terrain, suitable for most levels of health.
      • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

      Cancellation Policy

      You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

      Traveler Photos

      Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
      Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

      Reviews

      5.0
      based on 55 reviews
      Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
      Sort by: Most insightful

      A great tour

      scm850, May 2026
      We found this tour informative and entertaining. It brought to life the history of this street in Providence.

      Response from Host, May 2026

      Thank you! There are stories behind every door and it is such a joy to share them. Safe travels! In Peace, Courtney Owner/Founder/Lead Guide

      She was very spirited and...

      Penelope_R, Apr 2026
      She was very spirited and very informative. She was an amazing storyteller, who also had tactile props for further engagement! Would highly recommended for those who want more history of Benefit street from someone who is truly passionate.

      Response from Host, Apr 2026

      Thank you so much! I had such a nice walk with you. Hope you enjoyed the museum the next day and had safe travels home. In Peace, Courtney Owner/Founder/Lead Guide Parasols and Pocket Watches Tour Providence Ghost Tours LLC

      Excellent tour! Worth your time!

      Dane_S, Mar 2026
      This was an excellent tour, despite the cold and wind! Courtney did an amazing job of introducing the stories and architecture of Benefit Street. Worth your time and money!

      Response from Host, Mar 2026

      Thank you so much! I love your zest for history and appreciation for these tales. It was wonderful strolling with you.

      Great tour!

      Nicki_R, Jan 2026
      Clay had an excellent delivery and was very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Only improvement could be to talk more between stops.

      Response from Host, Jan 2026

      Thank you, Nicki! I'm so glad you enjoyed your tour and we will make efforts to be chattier! Thank you for strolling with Clay! In Peace, Courtney Owner and Founder Parasols and Pocket Watches Tour Providence Ghost Tours LLC

      Walking tour of Benefits steet

      Fay_M, Oct 2025
      The tour took place at sunset, but it was not a ghost tour. Would have been better in the day time. Would have been easier to see the buildings we were looking at.

      Response from Host, Oct 2025

      Thank you for that feedback. Because I have a full-time day job, I have to schedule my weekday tours in the evening and the sun does set early this time of year. I'm hope you found the histories and storytelling enjoyable and thank you for supporting my small business.

      She had some interesting ...

      Barbara_G, Aug 2025
      She had some interesting info. I’m finding it’s hard to retain everything unless I right it down! I liked the narrator’s costume and although it was super hot she was a trooper!

      Response from Host, Aug 2025

      I'm glad you enjoyed it! We love what we do. Is there something different you would like to have had on your walk that would have bumped us to full satisfaction? We strive for perfection, so let us know!

      A Walk in the past

      Laura_F, Jul 2025
      Prepare to be amazed. With This beautiful and very knowledgeable tour guide you will be spell bound .

      Response from Host, Jul 2025

      Thank you so much! That is such a lovely compliment. I feel quite passionate about the stories of Providence and appreciate my guests whose interest and curiosity matches my own.

      People and Places on Benefit Street

      Lori_H, Jul 2025
      This tour was outstanding. Our guide shared great stories about the people and places on Benefit Street. Her story telling skills were extraordinary which made the tour really fun.

      Response from Host, Jul 2025

      Thank you so much! I had such a lovely time. The group's energy was so fun- great questions, lots of interest and curiosity l. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Safe travels!

      Worth it!

      AMY_H, Jul 2025
      Really enjoyed this walking tour. Easy walk along Benefit Street, as you learn about the key people in the history of Providence. She tells you all this history in a wonderful storytelling way, so it is memorable and easy to digest. A wonderful historical story and excellent delivery. The time flew by. Highly recommend!

      Response from Host, Jul 2025

      Thank you so much! You picked a perfect morning to stroll- such nice weather. Thank you for your positive presence and your kind review. I hope your stay in the city was wonderful!

      All will Benefit from this Providence tour

      Jennifer_S, Jun 2025
      Our tour guide, Courtney, brought Providence to life. She even spent extra time past the hour sharing tidbits. We loved it.

      Response from Host, Jun 2025

      Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed your tour! Your dad asked for extra tidbits and I loved delivering them. Parasols and Pocket Watches is such a delight to present. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your morning stroll with me! Thank you for taking the time to share your review and for supporting a small, RI-woman owned business!

      June Tour

      Angela_M, Jun 2025
      This tour was very engaging and informative! We had a great time! One of the better tour guides we have ever had.

      Response from Host, Jun 2025

      Thank you so much! I loved strolling with your group. What a nice afternoon:) This city has so many stories to tell. I love that it is constantly unfolding, constantly growing. Thank you for your curiosity and kindness!

      Great tour

      Chuck_H, May 2025
      Guide was very knowledgeable, subject matter was very interesting. We really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot.

      Response from Host, May 2025

      Thank you so much! There are so many fascinating stories and little facts in our city. We cover such a short geographical area of the city, but behind every door is a tale. I'm glad you enjoyed your elegant stroll through time and appreciate that you took the time to offer your review.

      Great Walking Tour

      Kathleen_B, May 2025
      Courtney is an excellent storyteller, historian and guide! This was our first trip to Providence and we learned so much about the city and its history. A lovely walking tour. Highly recommend it!

      Response from Host, May 2025

      Thank you so much! I had a wonderful time walking with you and your daughter. Thank you for your curiosity and interest. I hope the rest of your trip was wonderful!

      Brings history to life

      Anita_C, Apr 2025
      Excellently narrated tour that really brings history to life Tour guide was very knowledgeable and really got into character

      Response from Host, Apr 2025

      Thank you so much! These tours mean so much to me. It is such a joy to share Providence's history. Thank you for taking an elegant stroll through time!

      Traveling Thru, Must stop

      Joane_F, Jul 2024
      Courtney is a very courteous person, she makes the tour so fastenating!!🎉 There is unknown history in Rhode Island that is shared here.

      Response from Host, Jul 2024

      Thank you so much, Joane! I appreciate your kind words. Enjoy safe travels on the rest of your epic adventure!
      Likely to Sell Out

      From $30.00

      per person

      up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

      Book ahead!
      On average, this is booked 24 days in advance.

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