Well, now I know that when the Rock N Roll crew says "rain or shine," they mean it. The race took…read moreplace in a downpour, and kudos to the volunteers and organizers for making sure water stops, medical tents, and finish line were all fully staffed despite the horrible weather. As Stephanie mentioned in her review, a good number of the bands who were supposed to play along the course didn't show up. I do blame them. The bands had tent coverage, and the ones who were there seemed well protected from the weather. Part of the allure of this race was the live entertainment and it was basically missing for the middle third of the course. Boo to the bands who can't handle bad weather. Don't sign up to play at this sort of event if you won't show up in rain. On the flip side, an extra YAY for the bands who did play. It was cool to be serenaded with live music throughout the course. And it was great to see so many Providence residents out on their porches cheering--and local cheerleading squads organized at several points on the route! The course itself was definitely a good one, although hillier in the second half than I'd expected. A steep uphill to the finish felt a bit cruel. Still, I appreciated long straightaways along gorgeous tree-lined streets. Mile markers were clearly placed with digital clocks recording the race time, and time was captured at the 5k, 10k, 10m, and 12m marks. The wave start was also extremely well-planned and resulted in a fairly non-crowded course, although we were delayed in starting about 20 minutes due to some sort of street congestion. Unfortunately one consequence of the torrential rain was huge puddles along the course, sometimes unavoidable. Even my wicking socks couldn't prevent some nasty blisters from soaked footwear. Finally, the all important issue of THE RACE T-SHIRT: Short-sleeved, navy blue, technical tee with an understated almost nautical logo. Unfortunately they are cut for men and run a bit large, so mine is pretty long on me, but I think this will be a nice addition to my running collection. I'd suggest getting some ladies' shirts next time--the race costs enough. Overall, this wasn't a bad little race. I'd do it again next year, but definitely pray for sun.

My running coach suggested that when I get ready to run my first half marathon, to go away. I took…read morehim at his word for the first time last year (2011) and ran this one. Whereas others lament the rain, I loved it and was hoping for the same this time (2012). Instead we were greeted with low to mid 70's -- equally good weather -- and the benefit of hearing the headliner band among others. Add to this that the city of Providence, made the weekend a festive one with Water Fire and evening entertainment -- something I missed by one week last year -- great move, there. I love the course -- it's a good mix of easy and challenging and offers different views of the city for one who is not a local (I come fr CA). There is nothing like finishing a race all "Rocky" status while running the last point one mile up to the State House. Even though it was my 2nd time running this, I still welled up a bit....just don't ask me about my finishing time :\ ...maybe that was the real source of my tears. lol.

Providence Civic Center. Thats what I know the AMP as. It's changed names over the years but it's…read morestill the same facility. Not much has changed over the years. Friday night we attended Barnum & Bailey's circus. We entered in very quickly. Security was organized and quick. Our tickets were scanned and we found out seats, easily labeled. I did think to myself, it doesn't seam as clean as past event I have attended here. Also, one of our cup holders was taped together. Overall, the facility has everything needed to put on a show.

Attending the 2024 NCAA Hockey Tournament…read more This arena is great with really good seating and lots of food venues. The best part about venues like this are the local fans. In Providence RI, the local fans are extremely knowledgeable about their hockey and that makes them great! Equally important, they are very hospitable to out-of-towners. To get along with the fanatics, you just have to be nice yourself.

Amazing. Beautiful decor and the ballroom where the fashion show was held is the perfect setting…read more The event was really well done

I got the chance to go to a show through Yelp, so thank you Yelp for helping cure my curiosity. I…read morehad never gone to a show before, so I feel like I should point out that I felt out of place there as a "general public" person. I wasn't in the industry, friends with anyone there, a shop owner or a press. It doesn't seem like there's much of a reason for the general public to buy tickets to this show. The ballroom was beautiful and legit, just like you'd imagine it on TV. It was also so perfectly organized and run. It's nice to see our little city showcase big city talents.

Not the best place to watch a game, but close and free parking, close proximity to Thayer Street…read morefor pre or post game food and drinks. The staff has made some improvements to enhance the game day experience. Concession vendor selection and prices aren't on par with the previous vendor. Game day staff is doing an excellent job.

As a fan of Princeton basketball it's extremely tough to dislike a gym where the Tigers perennially…read moreblow out the Brown Bears. And make no mistake, the intimate confines of the Pizzitola Sports Center on the Brown campus is a classic gym in every sense of the word -- inexpensive tickets, great sightlines and enthusiastic crowds make these games everything I love about old school college sports. What you're watching are actual students playing basketball and not a one and done feeder league for the NBA/WNBA who frankly, couldn't pick their professors out of a line-up. These games are highly enjoyable because sports is the one facet of the Ivy League where the academic overdogs of the Ancient Eight become relatable underdogs as they navigate the almost professional ranks of Division I hoops. And all for less than a movie ticket matinee. It's hard not to love. Five easy stars.

I Heart Providence has been happening every year at the beginning of February since 2009. I have…read moreattended 3 of the 4 years and each year the event has gotten better. This year, East vs. West, was the best to date. The City Hall opened it's 3 floors to the city and 27 food vendors and local organizations from around the city came out to share with the public little nibblets and goodies for the night. The highlight of this year (2013) was the food battle which posted The Grange, North, and Julians from the Westside against Duck & Bunny, Cook & Brown, and Vanity from the Eastside. Each of the restaurants brought their A game, and served delectable tastings of pretty intricate and original menu items. My favorite was from The Grange. Once you got your food, there were 2 music performing spaces to sit/stand and enjoy the atmosphere. It's free events like this that really brings the Providence community together and makes this city different than those bigger cities that think they're better than little old Providence.

India Point is perfect for the annual RI Seafood Festival. The park is full of vendors, eateries,…read moreraffles and even free bags of kiwis! Only $12 entry fee comes with a cool stamp/tat! From the website I already knew what food I was going to eat. From Caribbean pineapple bowls full of jerk chicken or civieche to Scallop rolls, crazy spiral chips dipped with cheese sauce and bacon to Pretty In Pink lemonade and lobster nacho's everything was awesome.

Gave this event another chance today and had a much better experience - maybe we went at just the…read moreright time ? Overall the lines were not as long at most of the food trucks. Enjoyed Cajun fries with Old Bay Shrimp from Blue Rocks catering which was so delicious ! We were also able to see some great bands - the first one, Joon was excellent with their mix of originals & cover tunes, Young Rust with theNeil Young tribute is always excellent and one new artist who was heading to Berklee after the providence performance Jake Kulak and the Lowdown just amazing guitar playing - what a great band. Thanks Grand Festivals we had a great time!

Last evening I attended the gala event of the opening of the 10th annual Providence French Film…read moreFestival presented by Brown University. It was free and open to the general public, and after a reception that featured a gigantic baked brie en croûte and other cheese and veggies and fruit appetizers and wine and beer, it included a viewing of a short film entitled We Eat Socca Here, about this delicious street and bar food specialty made with chickpea flour, olive oil, salt and pepper, often enjoyed with a glass of rosé wine or Socca beer in Nice and along the Cote D' Azur and the Liguria region. Then we were shown previews of all the films to be presented at the festival fri February 28-March 5. The venue of the event and the film itinerary of the festival is the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, where there are ongoing gallery exhibits and is very accessible in College Hill, off Thayer street. Some free street parking is available close by, but most street parking next to the center was recently converted to meter parking. There is an available film pass that can be purchased in their website and can give you access to four film viewings for $30; otherwise is $10 for the general public and $7 for students per film viewing. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with francophones, and there are films representing the French speaking world at large.

Attended NCAA Regional Lacrosse game between Brown and John's Hopkins. The ticket was a bargain at…read moreonly $10. The game itself was really fun and the stands were filled to capacity. People standing everywhere, I wish I was able to get there earlier and get a seat. Brown put on a show and is moving on in the tournament. Will be returning for another game!

I've been here twice this year, which is funny because I have not been the convention center in…read moreyears! I came earlier this year for a Providence bruins game and this week went to Stars on Ice. They get some really great shows! I found parking on the street easy and getting in through security was simple. The show was amazing! I wish the bathrooms were cleaner and that they had better signage for the seats. There was also no security or police detail to help you cross the street, which was surprising after a big show!

Great venue for sporting events or concerts. We were here last nigth to see Mercy Me perform, and…read morethe sightlines are pretty good from nearly any seat. Sound is good, facility is clean enough and there are plenty of restrooms. Employees are friendly. Security usually doesn't take too long. As with most venues of this type, food and drinks are overpriced. They do have some some local food choices such as Saugy's hotdogs. There is reasonable priced parking available nearby at the Providence Place Mall. Overall, a good place to catch a game or a concert.