PVD POV

Providence is a city best experienced by slowing down and noticing the details.
This week on PVD POV, we're joined by writer and editor Elyse Major, editor-in-chief of Hey Rhody Media Co., whose work has also appeared in publications like Yankee Magazine., Providence Monthly, Hey Rhody, and publications throughout New England.
Inspired by her recent feature highlighting the perfect spring weekend in Providence, Elyse shares what continues to draw her to the city after years of writing about Rhode Island. From neighborhood cafés and award-winning restaurants to historic streets, local libraries, Roger Williams Park, and the beauty found around every corner, this conversation explores what makes Providence such a special place to live and visit.
If you've ever wondered why Providence leaves such a lasting impression, this episode is for you.
Check out Elyse on Instagram @elyse.elizabeth.major

The Providence Tattoo Convention returns this August, and we're joined by co-founder Jeff Burt to talk about what makes the event unlike any other in New England.
Jeff shares how the convention came to life, why Providence was the perfect home, the history of tattooing in Rhode Island, and what attendees can expect from this year's event, including world-class artists, live tattooing, entertainment, competitions and more.
Whether you're covered in ink or simply curious about tattoo culture, this episode offers a fascinating look into one of Providence's newest annual events.

Secretary of State Gregg Amore joins PVD POV to talk about Rhode Island 250, the state’s role in America’s founding, and the events happening across Rhode Island to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
From rare copies of the Declaration of Independence to Liberty Tree plantings, WaterFire, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and plans for a future Rhode Island History Center, this episode digs into why Rhode Island’s story is bigger than people think. Spoiler: the Gaspee Affair was not exactly a tea party.
To get more info on what's happening for Rhode Island's 250th celebrations, be sure to visit RhodeIsland250.org

In this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with James Beard–nominated chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway.
From starting as a dishwasher at 14 to building one of Providence’s most respected restaurants, Derek shares how he found his path in the kitchen, why he chose to stay in Providence, and how that decision shaped his approach to food.
We also dive into his philosophy on sourcing, cooking with purpose, and what guests can expect from this year’s Vintner’s Dinner at the Providence Culinary Collective.
It’s a conversation about food, community, and creating experiences that bring people together.

Spring in Providence means one thing: food truck season is back.
On this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with Eric Weiner of PVD Food Truck Events to talk about how a single night with six food trucks turned into one of Rhode Island’s most anticipated weekly traditions.
From Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park to new locations across the state, Eric shares how these events have grown into community-driven experiences featuring live music, local beverages, and up to 75 rotating food trucks throughout the season.
We also get into what’s new for 2026, including the launch of the Taste Tour, a once-a-month pass that lets you sample multiple trucks in one night, plus kickoff events at the Providence Culinary Collective like Food Truck Bites and the Food Truck Drag Brunch.
Whether you’re a regular or just food-curious, this episode is your official sign to get outside, try something new, and eat your way through Rhode Island.
🎧 Tune in and start planning your next food truck night.

 
On the latest episode of PVD POV, we sat down with Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi to talk about one of the city’s newest additions and what it represents for Warwick as a whole.
The conversation centered on the new outdoor skating rink behind City Hall, which has quickly become a popular gathering spot for families and visitors. Designed as a boutique, flat rink, the space was intentionally built to prioritize public skating over organized hockey, giving residents more opportunities to get on the ice. In its first weeks, the rink has drawn strong crowds and positive feedback, reinforcing the need for accessible, community-focused recreation.
Beyond skating, the rink is part of a larger vision to create a year-round event plaza in the heart of Warwick. With fire pits, heaters, planned bumper cars on ice and future roller skating in the warmer months, the space is meant to be active well beyond winter. It’s a step toward establishing a true downtown gathering area for a city that has long been known for its neighborhoods rather than a central hub.
 
 

In this episode of PVD POV, we’re joined by Jennie Dorsey, Director of Education & Program Development at the American Cider Association, to talk about CiderCon, the premier global cider conference, coming to Providence for the first time ever.
Taking place February 2–5 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, CiderCon brings together cider makers, industry professionals and enthusiasts alike for tastings, tours, education and community-building events across the city.
Jennie breaks down what makes cider different from beer and wine, why cider is one of the only beverage categories still growing, and how even casual cider fans can get involved through public tastings, tours and the not-to-be-missed Cider Share featuring rare ciders from around the world.
 
Whether you’re cider-curious or already deep in your apple era, this episode is your guide to one of Providence’s most unique winter takeovers.
 
Key Topics Covered
What CiderCon is and who it’s for
Why Providence was chosen as the host city
Cider as an agricultural product and “taste of place”
Public events, tours, and tastings anyone can attend
The global Cider Share experience
How cider fits into Providence’s creative, maker culture
Show links:RegistrationDiscover RI Cider ToursJWU Culinary Arts MuseumProhibition in Providence TourNY/Albany TourNY Hudson Valley Tour
 

Providence is a waterfront city in ways a lot of people never see. In this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with Kristen and Tom from Providence Riverboat and The Landing to talk about river tours, local makers, and why seals and dolphins sometimes crash the party in downtown Providence.
Kristen shares how The Landing grew into a year-round café and shop stocked with Rhode Island–made jewelry, candles, ceramics, oyster ornaments, and more, all with a local flair that visitors can actually fit in their luggage.
Tom takes us on a different kind of tour, walking through the transformation of Providence’s rivers from paved-over, forgotten infrastructure to the intimate, park-filled waterways we know today. He explains how the river was literally uncovered, why locals still can’t believe it was always there, and what it’s like to navigate shallow channels, WaterFire braziers, and the hurricane barrier with a boat full of guests.
We also talk oyster and wine cruises, local collaborations with breweries, distilleries, and vineyards, a brand-new larger vessel for groups and conventions, and the little surprises on the water… like seals during Santa cruises.
If you think you already know Providence, this episode might prove you wrong.