If you like to have a supply of snacks for busy conference days, there are a number of small grocery stores and delis in the neighborhood of the Biltmore Hotel (I’m told the rooms do not have mini fridges, so avoid perishables). There is also a CVS drugstore nearby.
CVS Pharmacy: 3 blocks.
70 Kennedy Plaza, 401-861-5050
Head east on Dorrance toward Washington. (to the right as you exit the hotel). Walk two blocks and turn left on Fulton. CVS will be about 3/4 of a block on the right.
Gourmet Heaven: 7 blocks.
173 Weybosset Street, 401-536-9000, gourmetheaven.com
Head east on Dorrance (to the right as you exit the hotel). Walk five blocks to Weybosset and turn right. Walk two blocks to Union. Gourmet Heaven will be on the right.
Organic snacks and meals, imported candies and nuts, and everyday grocery essentials. Includes hot/cold buffet tables and deli.
Whole Foods: 1.5 miles (farther away, but easy to get to by bus and good to know about if you have special dietary restrictions).
261 Waterman Street, 401-272-1690
Take the 78 bus toward 78 Pawtucket. The bus stop is around the corner from hotel — head east on Dorrance, to the right as you exit the hotel. Make a left on Washington. Bus stop is on the right about halfway down the block. Approximately 10 minutes and 9 stops to the stop at Butler Ave. (it will be the next stop after Gano St. then Wayland Ave.). Whole Foods is right there across Butler on Waterman. Find schedule and fare details on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Web site.
