Say hello to Moe over at Wayland Square Diner. I saw her being interviewed on the news and just had to get over there and help out in the only way I know: eating.* The impact on the businesses in Wayland Square can not be overstated. The bridge closure has created a steady flow of traffic along South Angell Street, but people need to know that all these gift shops, restaurants, sushi bars, clothing stores, and salons are still open for business and, as of today, not really that hard to get to. Just avoid South Angell, Waterman, Gano and thereabouts and stick to the areas adjacent to the Square, but to the north and west. Life is pretty normal right nearby.
The traffic coming off of the Henderson Bridge is under control at this point. It’s steady, but you can certainly walk around. Police officers are keeping vehicles moving along and crossing pedestrians safely. And there’s plenty of parking in the immediate neighborhood on streets north and west of the Square. And you get two-hours free parking at parking meters through New Year’s Day, as always.
Go get your holiday shopping over and done with. Buy gift certificates for those difficult-to-shop-for friends.
Eat at Diego’s, the Salted Slate, Lim’s, Haruki, Red Stripe, L’Artisan, and Minerva’s. Grab a drink at McBride’s, or go to the Providence Wine Bar and watch the world (i.e. trucks) go by. Tip generously!
Books on the Square! Lots of gifts and things for children, holiday cards, gifts, and a great selection of books.
Green Ink and Fat Face are open. Buying clothes for people is hard; just buy gift certificates.
Expecting company? Check out East Side Cheese and Provisions and Madrid European Bakery and Patisserie (we recommend the cream puffs).
If you live in the neighborhood . . . this is why! So make sure you support these businesses. This is the time of year that can be make-or-break for them.
Support your Wayland Square merchants!
*I had two eggs over-easy with toast, all perfectly done. The Wayland Square Diner serves breakfast and lunch until 2pm (closed Mondays). Sidewalk seating.
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Schools in East Providence were closed today; they plan to reopen tomorrow, Thursday. So, we’ll see. At today’s press conference RIDOT Director Peter Alviti held out hope that the the 195-West bypass lanes could be open by this weekend. That will change everything for Wayland Square.