Warwick may not be a household name like the popular city next door, but visits to Providence almost always include some time with its lesser-known neighbor.
Home to the award-winning T.F. Green Airport, a streamlined infrastructure and 39 miles of scenic coastline, Warwick also stands on its own as a strong contender for groups convening in the Northeast.
“Warwick is an ideal hub-and-spoke meeting destination,” says Kerri Furtado, tourism sales manager at the Providence Warwick CVB.
Following are four among the many great reasons to convene here.
• It’s understandable that T.F. Green Airport was recently named one of the nation’s best airports by Travel + Leisure magazine.
“Boasting a convenient location off of Interstate 95 and a smooth check-in process, Green was named the fourth best airport in the country,” Furtado says.
She adds that the recently developed Interlink offers multiple transportation functions, with a consolidated rental car facility and station for MBTA commuter trains traveling between Southern Rhode Island, Warwick, Providence and Boston.
• To call Aldrich Mansion (www.aldrichmansion.com) stunning is no exaggeration.
“The 70-room villa overlooking Narragansett Bay is a remarkable off-site venue,” Furtado says.
Sitting on 75 acres, the mansion offers 7,000 square feet of flexible space for social and corporate functions, including a reception hall, dining rooms, a porch, a library and a terrace.
On-site food service is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, meeting break snacks and cocktail receptions.
• The Iron Works Tavern is a fun and delicious option for group-friendly dining.
Located adjacent to both the airport and the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn, this comfortable restaurant is located in what was once the R.I. Malleable Iron Works factory, which dates back to 1867.
“Much of the building, including an eight-foot, 300-pound door, was left intact, but the kitchen and its menu are completely contemporary,” Furtado says.
The lengthy menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, a specialty mac and cheese topped with rustic bread crumbs, and entrees such as bacon-infused meatloaf and fried scallops.
• Ocean State Theatre Company, Rhode Island’s newest performance group, provides entertainment to liven up any meeting itinerary.
“Located in a completely renovated theater, the troupe puts on shows with the goal of preserving the tradition of live theater, including musicals,” Furtado says.
At press time, upcoming shows include Guys & Dolls in July and My Fair Lady, starting in September.
