Providence Scores Big in Travel + Leisure Survey of Favorite American Cities

Ranks #3 in the US for Food and #2 for Theater

From the Providence Warwick Convention + Visitors Bureau - In only its second year in the survey, Providence once again scored big in Travel + Leisure magazine's annual "America's Favorite Cities" poll, earning top marks in culinary- and arts-related categories and topping Boston and Portland, Maine, the only other New England Cities to make the list.

"As the Creative Capital, Providence fosters an innovative environment where residents are encouraged to break new ground and think independently," said Providence Mayor David Cicilline. "The results of this poll confirm what we already know - Providence is a vibrant city with some the best restaurants and arts and culture organizations in America."

Providence, known for its culinary scene, ranked #3 in 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 such as burgers and pizza, and #3 in both ethnic food and neighborhood joints.

The city also ranked high in the culture category, 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.

"Accolades such as these are a great resource for us when marketing the destination to visitors and meeting planners," said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB), which urged people to vote through a social media campaign. "Both leisure and business travelers are attracted to cities that have great restaurants, abundant shopping, and plenty of things to do."

The complete "America's Favorite Cities" survey may be found at http://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-favorite-cities/2010.