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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s like the first sip of hot coffee on a cold morning.

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Events happening this weekend ❗️

• 🥇 RI’s Condé Nast “Reader’s Choice” awards

• What you should know about Spotted Lanternflys 🪳 

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Coastal Cafe Chronicles

Where I Tried: Small Point Café (230 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903)

What I ordered: Small iced mocha with almond milk + coffee cake

What it cost: $9.00

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It finally happened. I departed from the go-to mocha and chocolate croissant order. The amount of cafes that offered both started to dwindle, and I started to get sick of that much chocolate every Thursday morning. Going forward, the mocha will be the anchor and I will try whatever pastry looks best.

This was my first time in Small Point Café surprisingly. Westminster can be pretty difficult to park on so expect a walk from your car. I think $9 has been the cheapest price for a cafe I’ve reviewed and it was definitely worth it. I warmed up the coffee cake and it was very good. The mocha was also good, not too strong for those who don’t like strong coffee. I’ll definitely be going back (probably at an earlier time so parking is easier).

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Currents & Waves

Everything You Need to Know About Spotted Lanternflys

Chances are if you’ve been outside recently (or on the Providence subreddit) you’ve seen one, or many, of these Spotted Lanternflys. I haven’t personally seen any outside but I’ve seen people posting about them and looked into what RI’s Department of Environmental Management has to say about them. Here’s what you should know.

Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper insect introduced to the U.S. in 2014. Native to China, it feeds on hardwoods and damages economically important plants like grapes, apples, and walnuts. Adults are about 1 inch long with spotted forewings, scarlet underwings, and yellow and tan markings. Rhode Island is at high risk of infestation. First found in Warwick, RI in 2021; confirmed population found in Smithfield in 2022. SLF can fly but primarily spreads by hitchhiking on vehicles and goods.

Actions to Take if You Spot SLF (Per RI DEM):

Spot: Take a photo. Squash: Kill the insect. Send: Report here and collect a specimen.

RIPTA Bus Hub to Remain Kennedy Plaza 🚌 

There has been some talk about moving RIPTA’s main bus hub to somewhere other than Kennedy Plaza. Yesterday, after a public hearing, the City Council released a statement saying this idea is no longer part of the proposed Comprehensive Plan. Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) introduced an amendment at the hearing to remove the proposal from the Comprehensive Plan. The amendment was unanimously approved by the Ordinance Committee. Councilors Roias and Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of RIPTA users, who rely on Kennedy Plaza and have voiced strong support for keeping the hub in its current location. An additional public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan is set for October 9th to allow further amendments.

🥇 What Condé Nast Readers Think of Rhode Island

One of the world’s best resorts, one of North America’s best islands, one of the United States’ best hotels, and seven of the best hotels in New England. These are the awards Rhode Island businesses won, voted on by over 575,000 Conde Nast readers.

The World’s 35th Best Resort: Weekapaug Inn

North America’s 7th Best Island: Aquidneck Island

The United States’ 15th Best Hotel: The Dean Hotel

New England’s Best Hotels: The Vanderbilt (2nd), The Chanler (6th), Castle Hill Inn (8th), The Beatrice (13th), Brenton Hotel (16th), Hotel Viking (22nd), Francis Malbone House (24th), Hammetts Hotel (25th).

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Weekend Events

🦪 Ocean State Oyster Festival (Saturday)

• Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 5th, 1–8pm

• Location: 195 District Park, Providence

• Features: 14 Rhode Island oyster farms, live music, craft beer & wine, food trucks

• Tickets: $15 in advance; oyster + drink tickets sold separately. Free admission for children/teens 14 and under

• Live Music: David Tessier's All-Star Trio, The Z-Boys, Bud Runner, Ghost Mojo

• Click here to learn more

👚 Little City Thrifty Vintage Market (Sat-Sun)

• Date/Time: Sat-Sun 12-6pm

• Location: The WaterFire Arts Center

• Features: Wide range of goods at a variety of price points. Cash and card accepted. No ATM on-site. Fitting rooms available.

• Tickets: $8-$15. All attendees receive a drink ticket for a small beer, cocktail, non-alcoholic drink, or coffee from sponsors.

• Sell-Out Warning: Event likely to sell out, with no door sales if sold out.

• Click here to learn more

🍺 Narragansett Brewery: Oktoberfest 2024 (Fri-Sun)

• Date/Time: Fri-Sun 12-9pm

• Location: Narragansett Brewery

• Features: Authentic German menu, music from TubaFrau and Bavarian Bros, Traditional dancing with the German American Social Club of RI, Stein-hoisting and Best Dressed contests, Authentic German beers.

• Tickets: $25

• Click here to learn more

👾 CHARACTER CON (Sunday)

• Date/Time: Fri-Sun 12-9pm

• Location: Mulligan's Island

• Features: Meet and greet with over 25+ characters, vendors, food trucks, makers market, and kid-friendly booths

• Activities: bounce houses, rock climbing, bubble fun, meet Cali the Police Dog, Touch a Truck, dance performances, karate demos

• Tickets: $15

• Click here to learn more

Seaside Skies

FRIDAY

73°🌡 57° | 🌥 | 💧 9% | 💨 SSW 9 mph

SATURDAY

75°🌡 48° | 🌦 | 💧 33% | 💨 NNW 9 mph

SUNDAY

68°🌡 51° | ☀️ | 💧 5% | 💨 NE 6 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

FRIDAY

Ladder 133 | Local Music | 6:30pm

Moonshine Alley | Samantha Rae | 9pm

SATURDAY

Luigi's Restaurant | Steve Anthony | 6pm

Moonshine Alley | Andrew Geano | 5-8pm

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Maritime Matches

FRIDAY

Cardines Field | 7th Annual Cardines Classic | 4:30pm | Learn more

SATURDAY

Amica Mutual Pavilion | Providence Bruins vs. Springfield | 7pm | Get tickets

Beirne Stadium | Rhode Island FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 7:30pm | Get tickets

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Monday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current