The Procaccianti Group has purchased the 272-guest room Renaissance Providence Hotel from Sage Hospitality, the group announced Thursday. more

A thriving nightlife scene plays an often under-appreciated role in ensuring a city’s economic health. That’s especially true in a place like Providence, where restaurants are among the leading attractions. more

This time of year, one might think that it is more difficult for the chefs who use the “farm-to-table” philosophy to practice their craft. Not so, says one local chef who is at the forefront of the local sourcing movement that makes dining out around here such a pleasure. more

(Updated, 10 a.m.) Providence posted an 81.3 percent hotel occupancy rate for October, the second time it has surpassed an 80 percent rate since October 2004, according to an analysis just released by Smith Travel Research. more

Diego Luis Perez, co-owner of Flan Y Ajo restaurant on Westminster Street in Providence, wanted to open a wine bar. more

The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau inducted J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, Providence Performing Arts Center president, into its hall of fame Wednesday afternoon at the organization’s annual meeting. more

Providence was ranked the best foodie city in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “America’s Favorite Cities” poll that ranks the vacation-worthiness of 35 cities from across the United States. more

Like many Rhode Island businesses, The NYLO Providence/Warwick Hotel has learned from the string of storms that have caused flooding, power outages and other damage in recent years. This year the Warwick hotel posted warnings, including the one pictured above, cleared and sandbagged its deck and put in place an emergency-communication system for guests that included evacuation plans. Staff members also stayed in rooms there to limit unnecessary travel. more

Often a challenging and even intimidating part of dining out is reading a restaurant’s wine list. Selecting the right wine to accompany a great meal should be, and for the most part is, one of life’s pleasures. We are fortunate to have some excellent wine experts at our local restaurants and in the beverage industry in the state. more

With Connecticut’s casinos struggling and competition from Massachusetts on the way, Rhode Island gambling opponents say the state should cash in its chips on gaming revenue. more