GQ says Providence is one of America's coolest small cities

NEW YORK – Vacationing in a big city isn’t always pleasurable, in fact it can be a hassle, which is why GQ’s November 2010 highlights “The Coolest Small Cities in America” with Providence’s AS220 and Al Forno getting a nod of approval.

“Want a real break? Forget the hassle of getting in and out of America's metropolises—with their $400 hotel rooms and mobbed tourist attractions,” said GQ about its small city travel feature. “Instead, hit these miniopolises, where top-notch food comes straight from the farm and your third round is on the house.”

Among the reasons to “downsize” your next vacation, GQ pointed out the luxury of being able to get from “the plane to your rental car to your hotel in minutes,” “Yeah, L.A. is rad. But we spent a year in traffic there one day,” and “We have news about that all-inclusive Caribbean resort. It’s gonna suck.”

And the most interesting city in New England? “Sure ain’t Boston,” the magazine said.

“For years, Providence has been heralded as the arts-and-culture center of New England—in large part by developers who dreamed of replacing the resident artists with Boston yuppies. Thankfully, that dream is dead. Because what Providence lacks in fratty Irish bars, it makes up for with a vibrant art scene and the renegade character of a bastard son.”

Restaurant AS220 and West Side bars like the “pleasantly divey” E&O Tap and Julian’s were recommended, along with the brunch at Nick’s. And, if you’re at the Armageddon Shop, a record shop on Broadway, GQ said: “The clerks may give you a funny look if you tell them you’re on ‘vacation’ in Providence; better to say you’re just avoiding Boston.”

The Al Forno restaurant got a big thumbs-up (“some of the best grilled pizza in the country”) while the clientele was noted as a mix of “college kids with visiting parents, foodie pilgrim and parties that look like a casting call for ‘The Sopranos.’”

“Because while the food is locally, seasonally attuned, [Al Forno] remains, like the city of Providence itself, rustically and uncompromisingly Italian.”

Other featured cities included Charleston, S.C.; Portland, Maine; Santa Fe, N.M.; Raleigh, N.C.; Boulder, Colo.; and Louisville, Ky.