About Providence

The 2012 APS Annual Meeting will be held August 4–8 in beautiful Providence, Rhode Island.

Providence offers the friendliness of a small town with the culture of a big city, as well as countless places to see and things to do in neighboring towns.

• Providence boasts a thriving arts community, including theater, ballet, music, and a spectacular event called Waterfire that is unique to Providence.

• The renowned restaurant scene is perhaps aided by the fact that there are more degreed chefs per capita present in Providence than in any other U.S. city. Or perhaps it is because it is home to the prestigious College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University. Either way, the extensive fresh seafood selection and extraordinary Italian restaurants, for which Providence is known, make Providence's cuisine sure to please.

• Providence is a convenient location to major cities in and around New England. Boston is an easy hour long trip by commuter train. New York City is also easily reachable by train in just 3 hours. If you prefer to travel by air, TF Green International Airport is a quick trip from downtown Providence and offers domestic and international flights to hundreds of destinations.

• The neighboring city of Warwick offers bountiful shopping and is well named as the Retail Capital of Rhode Island. From antiques to shopping malls, Warwick can't be beat for retail therapy.

• Rhode Island is home to some of the best golf courses in New England. Since many of the courses are situated along the coast, perhaps that fresh Rhode Island ocean breeze will even add a few yards to your drive.

• Take a trip to Rhode Island Wine Country and sample the local varietals.

• Nature lovers and hikers will both be astounded at the plethora of scenic outdoor activity options that Rhode Island offers. For the history buffs, combine your love of exploring with your interest in history by taking advantage of Rhode Island's Heritage Trails.

• No trip to Providence would be complete without taking advantage of the Atlantic Ocean, located conveniently in its backyard. Whether you would prefer to fish for giant blue fin tuna and marlin, reclaim your sea legs on a sailing charter, or just lie on the beach and catch some sun, Rhode Island offers something for everyone.

Getting to Providence

Just off Exit 22 on Interstate Route 95, Providence is accessible to Boston, Cape Cod, and southeastern New England.

TF Green Transportation
TF Green International Airport is located just 10 miles from downtown Providence. Shuttle service is not available; however taxi service is approximately $32 each way.  Other options to downtown Providence are the commuter rail or bus from the airport to the Providence Train Station, located 5 blocks from the Rhode Island Convention Center.  The commuter rail is $6 each way and the bus is $2 each way.

Logan Transportation
Boston’s Logan Airport is 60 miles from downtown Providence, and there are several available modes of transportation.

Trains– Trains depart from South Station, which may be accessed from Logan Airport by either Silver Line Shuttle or taxi. The Silver Line service takes approximately 20 minutes and adult fare is $1.25. A taxi costs about $15 and takes about 10 minutes.
All trains arrive at the Providence Train Station (5 blocks for the Westin, Marriott Courtyard and Biltmore hotels).
Amtrak

Regional trains from Boston to Providence take 48 minutes and range in price from $12 to $19. The Acela ranges from $22 to $45 and takes 40 minutes to reach Providence Train Station. Commuter Rail

The MBTA commuter rail train costs $10.50 one way and takes about 60 or 75 minutes, depending on departure time.

Bus
Buses travel between Boston’s South Station and the Providence Train Station (5 blocks from the Rhode Island Convention Center) several times a day and cost approximately $15 each way. Reservations are required.

Taxi's are readily available outside the Providence Train Station. Cost is approximately $5.00.

Keep in mind when making your travel plans that the Final Night Party is now Wednesday night. Plan your stay through Thursday morning so you don't miss out!