Scott Avedisian, Mayor of Warwick

With less than 50 days to go until spring, it’s hard to not have a little extra pep in our step, as the hope of warm weather looms large. With longer days, warm weather and days spent at the shore around the proverbial corner, it is exciting to think about all the upcoming developments headed our way. 

As always, there are many exciting changes coming down the round. In June, we’ll welcome Condor Airlines back to the Ocean State. The German airliner will provide flights to and from Frankfurt on Mondays and Thursday through the fall. This seasonal service, as it did last year, will bolster our local tourism industry. Additionally, T. F. Green will also add new services to and from Chicago. It goes without saying that these additional travel options will drive our city’s tourism appeal.

We’ve also welcomed a new burger joint to the city. Smashburger, which opened in January, is the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” restaurants. The restaurant, which is franchised by Mohegan Holding, LLC, a business diversification company owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribe, opened its doors and hasn’t stopping flipping burgers since.

At Smashburger, the secret is in the meat – which is fresh, never frozen, All-natural Certified Angus Beef that is smashed on a 400-degree flat grill. Then, to further the “better burger” experience, the burgers are topped with a choice of fixings, many of which are locally fresh items, like Red Relish, which is from a Warwick-based company. The burgers are then served on toasted artisan buns. If you’re looking for an early taste of summer, then Smashburger is the place to be.

There’s also a new tech store in town. The Mobile Fix recently opened their doors. The tech team offers quick and effective solutions for smartphones and electronic devices that may have broken screens, non-working buttons, bad speakers and more. Their team is trained and certified to service devices including, but not limited to iPhone, iPad and Samsung Galaxy devices. In addition to their tech services, the store also carries a wide variety of batteries, cases, chargers and shields for electronics. And, as if that weren’t enough, The Mobile Fix is just that; Mobile. If you can’t make it into the shop, they’ll come to you.

Rocky Point is also ready for warm weather. The iconic park, which boasts a rich history as a summer destination that dates back to the 1840s, received a new sign at the park’s entrance. The installation of the sign was made possible by a grant sponsored by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Since 2007, the city has been working to bring Rocky Point back to its former glory and with the addition of the new sign, there is an additional aesthetic appeal to residents and visitors who head to the park.

As spring heads our way, we’ll also welcome back other seasonal favorites to the city. Cruise Nights in Oakland Beach, summer concerts, movies at Rocky Point, clam cakes and chowder at Iggy’s and so much more. With only a few weeks to go until the buds blossom it’s difficult not to be excited for another spring in the Ocean State.

Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick and the chairman of the RIPTA board of directors.