Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1016288
"THE OCEAN STATE" HAS GOT IT ALL… A BEAUTIFUL AMBIANCE, A CONVENIENT NORTH EASTERN LOCATION, AND SOME OF THE FINEST HOSPITALITY IN THE NATION BY CYNTHIA MOLUSK An unforgettable New England destina- tion that has a bold, spunky and vivacious personality for its small size, making it a premier travel spot. The Ocean State combines an innovative arts scene, dis- tinctive cuisine, trendy shopping, a thriving nightlife, miles of stunning beaches and an endless list of things to do, all within a short drive. Rhode Island is home to a tremendous amount of visitor attractions and amenities within its borders. With beautiful beaches, exciting cultural attractions and a renowned dining scene, the Ocean State is a perfect spot for a visit whether you're a leisure trav- eler or a business professional. • • PROVIDENCE • • Providence combines the accessibil- ity and friendliness of a small town with the culture and sophistication of a big city. With a thriving arts community, vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, outstanding hotels, a renowned restau- rant scene and so many things to do, Providence is the perfect place to visit for business and pleasure. Accessibility and ease are the hall- marks of the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC). The venue features 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 23 meeting rooms and an additional 67,000 sq. ft. of ballroom, breakout and meal spaces. Centrally located in the heart of Providence and just off Interstate 95, the RICC is within one mile of 2,200 hotel rooms. It is connect- ed via skybridge to the 14,000-seat Dunkin' Donuts Center arena on one side and to the 564-room Omni Providence Hotel on the other. The Omni is, in turn, connected to the P r o v i d e n c e Place mall. The heart of the city, down- town Provid- ence is compact and walkable, with most rest- aurants, nigh- life, attractions, and shopping located within easy walking distance of area hotels. The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society was constituted for the purposes of procuring, collecting and preserving books, pamphlets, letters, manuscripts, prints, photographs, paint- ings and historical materials relating to the history of African Americans in Rhode Island. It also encourages and promotes the study of African-American history through lectures and making information available to the general public. Easily accessed via Interstate 95, Providence is a 50-minute drive from Boston and a three-hour drive from New York City. With its convenient Northeast location, 25 percent of the nation's popu- lation is within a 500-mile proximity to Providence. Warwick's Green Airport (PVD), the closest airport, is recommend- ed for domestic travel needs and offers service to a select number of international destinations. Logan Airport (BOS) offers a wide range of international and domestic travel options. • • NEWPORT • • A classic is enduring. Like the ocean, it doesn't strive to be. It just is. A visit to The Classic Coast—nine vibrant and historic towns all sharing some seriously prime New England coastline—is both everything you expect and enjoyably unpredictable. This is a place and a people made of surf and soul; raised by the ocean and built by eccentric and outspoken rebels some 300-plus years ago. If you're looking for classic Colonial architecture and breathtaking New England landscapes, Newport's got 'em. It's a feeling you get here that'll make you never want to leave. It's that feeling of being away yet connected; switched off yet inspired; engaged yet refreshed. There's no word for it, but it happens every day on the Classic Coast. If you are looking to book events in the Newport area contact the sales team at Discover Newport for more information. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Discover Newport (800) 326-6030 www.discovernewport.org B M & T ••• July/August 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 39 AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Providence 274 Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown 219 Omni Providence 564 Providence Biltmore 294 Providence Marriott Downtown 351 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Rhode Island Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 100,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 23 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Providence Warwick CVB (401) 456-0200 www.goprovidence.com R H O D E I S L A N D Rhode Island Convention Center Credit: Providence Warwick CVB