Providence Scores Big in Travel + Leisure’s “America’s Favorite Cities” Poll

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Tuesday, November 09, 2010

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Editor Andrea E. McHugh

The Renaissance City earned more bragging rights this week when Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “America’s Favorite Cities” poll granted Providence top marks in culinary- and arts-related categories, trumping both Boston and Portland, Maine, the only other New England cities to make the list.

Known for its burgeoning culinary scene, Providence ranked #3 in the nation overall for food, with only New Orleans and San Francisco coming in higher.

It also finished #1 in “Local Specialties,” a category that encompasses traditional American dishes including burgers and pizza, and #3 in both ethnic food and neighborhood joints. Culture was another bright spot, with the city earning the #2 spot for theater and performance art and finishing in the top ten for all cultural subcategories, which include museums and historic sites.

Social Media Effort Key to Success

The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) urged people to vote for the city through a social media campaign, while the enviable rankings, according to PWCVB president and CEO Martha Sheridan, translates into dollars for the local economy. “Both leisure and business travelers are attracted to cities that have great restaurants, abundant shopping, and plenty of things to do,” said Sheridan.

The timing of the poll, says PWCVB vice president of marketing and communications Kristen Adamo, is ideal. “We just wrapped up a particularly long and brutal election season and along comes this survey that reminds us why we live where we live,” she said. “We have some of the best restaurants in the country, an amazing arts and theater scene, and a vibrant nightlife. I’m proud of my city and the tens of thousands of hospitality and tourism workers that make Providence a great place to visit and to live.”

The complete “America’s Favorite Cities” survey may be found by clicking here.

Photo: Dining at Providence's Waterman Grille, courtsey of PWCVB

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