Newport Insider

What The Locals Do in Newport

2008-07-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

by Vera Thornton

While the rest of the world visits the mansions and checks out the Jazz Festival, Newport locals have a couple of delightful, lesser known venues for summer entertainment, which Dana from the Marshall Slocum Inn was kind enough to turn me on to. Thank you Dana!

The Newport Art Museum's 2008 PM Musical Picnic Series
When: Wednesday nights from June 25- August 13 6:30 p.m.
Where: 76 Bellevue Avenue, on the lawn.

Insiders know that the Newport Art Museum's summer music series is one of the best al fresco entertainment deals around. On Wednesday evenings kids, parents, grandparents, couples and friends relax on blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the music and a light meal brought from home. All concerts begin at 6:30 pm on the grounds of the Museum's historic Griswold House, weather permitting. Next Wednesday, July 23, will feature Mike Walsh and the Blitz, a New Age/Jazz/Rock sound. For the line-up of the remaining performances, which range from Big Band to Irish and Blue Grass, please visit the museum's calendar page.

Admission: Museum members - free
Non-members - $5; non-member families - $10; children under the five -free.
Please call (401) 848-8200 for general information. (No advance reservations.)

The Newport Art Museum's 2008 PM Musical Picnic series is sponsored by NewportFed.

Sweet Berry Farm Concert Series
When: Tuesday nights from July 22 through September 2
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 915 Mitchells’ Lane, Middletown

At Sweet Berry you can pick your own produce according to the seasonal schedule. Blueberries are just about over, and now the picking includes raspberries and peaches, with blackberries soon to come. This 100 acre local farm and market also offers a cute café, homemade ice cream, and fresh-cut flowers.

The summer concert series on Tuesday nights is a popular event with a real feeling of community. Visitors are welcome, but due to the farm’s Middletown location off the Newport main-track, there are usually more locals than tourists attending. The farm provides the food, moderately priced at under $15, and you bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and alcohol. Each week features a different theme; this Tuesday, July 22 is Creole night, with a Creole sampler, gumbo, and blackened fish or chicken. The band is Back Eddy, a contemporary and traditional blue grass band. This sounds like a wonderful summer treat for couples and families, and thanks to Haley for the information.

Photo credit:
Photo #1 & #2 - Courtesy of the Newport Art Museum
Photo #3 & #4 - Courtesy of Sweet Berry Farm

Newport Polo Club

2008-07-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

by Vera Thornton

Newport International Polo Series
When: Saturdays in July & August at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road (Route 138), Portsmouth

I have always wanted to see a polo match. But although it was the first international sporting event in the world (if you don’t count the Olympics) it’s so out of the recreational mainstream that there aren’t that many opportunities to watch it. Well, now I have my chance! Newport is the international polo capital of the world, and each Saturday in the summer the Newport International Polo Club has matches that are open to the public. They take place at the historic 100-acre Glen Farm, with its classic stone barns and park-like grounds. This series attracts top rivals from all over the globe, and has been taking place since 1886. Tailgate picnics on the lawn are welcome, and there is also grandstand seating in General Admission. Think of the skill it takes to maneuver a powerful thundering horse with one hand, while you pound away with the mallet in the other - this is non-stop action!
Try the Shamrock Farm Inn for a perfect weekend getaway in lovely Portsmouth - it's a gracious country inn with an Irish theme and beautiful gardens, perfect for a polo retreat.

Tickets:
General Admission ~ $10/adult; children 15 & under/free
Tickets are sold at the entry gates, which open two hours prior to the start of the matches.

Asado Lamb Roast
When: Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road, Portsmouth

Following the 5:00 p.m. USA vs. Ireland polo match, a lamb roast will be held as a tribute to the Irish Polo Team, who have been participating since the international matches began. The Argentine tradition of spit-roasting lamb has become a part of polo culture since the Argentine players began dominating the sport in the 80's. The meat is slow-roasted for the ultimate tenderness, a satisfying delicacy after a hard-fought match. There is a cash bar, reservations are required, and tickets must be paid in advance by July 14th, so don't delay! Polo match tickets are sold separately at the gate.

Tickets for the Lamb Roast: $37.
For reservations and information please call (401) 847-7090.

The International Polo Series is sponsored, among others, by Pearls Boutique Hotels of Newport.

Photo Credit:
All photos courtesy of The Newport Polo Club.

Newport Festivals

2008-06-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

by Vera Thornton

Snapple Sunset Music Series
When: June and July
Where: The Newport Yachting Center, 20 Commercial Wharf, Newport

A series of national musical acts are featured every summer at the historic and beautiful Newport harbor. Enjoy pop, rock, punk, and blues under the stars in this intimate venue on the waterfront. The concerts seat 2000, with reserved seating only. The show goes on rain or shine, and food and drinks, including alcohol, are available for sale. Here’s the lineup:

June 14 – Grammy award winner - Boz Scaggs, $60 - $68
July 6 – Academy Award winner for Best Song - Melissa Etheridge, $95 - $105
July 7 – Plain White T’s, $35 - $40
July 11 – Jimmie Vaughan, $25 - $30
July 12 – Indigo Girls, $35 - $40
August 21 – John Hiatt & The Ageless Beauties, $30 - $35

For more information or to purchase tickets by phone, call: (401) 846-1600.

To purchase tickets online visit: http://www.newportfestivals.com/Sunset-Music-Festival/tickets.htm
http://www.newportfestivals.com
Sponsored by: Snapple, Captain Morgan, Miller Lite

Photo credit: photo and logo courtesy of the Snapple Sunset Music Series

154th Annual Regatta
When: June 13 – June 15
Where: Harbor Court, 5 Halidon Avenue

Hot new sailing vessels are converging on Newport for the New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta, and these boats are hot-rods! There are currently 114 boats entered, and the on-water action is expected to be ultra-competitive this summer, as they sail in close quarters for the 16-mile around-the-island race. "It's the first time in years that a new group of race boats like this has formed, and it will be our first real go at each other," says Dan Myers of Boston.
I can feel the salt spray on my face just thinking about it, can't you?

For more information call: (401) 845-9633
http://www.nyyc.org/
Sponsored by Rolex

Photo credit: photo courtesy of the New York Yacht Club

Secret Garden Tours
When: June 20 – 22
Where: Historic Point, Newport

A self-guided walking tour of private gardens at some of the most prestigious properties in the Historic Point Section of Newport. See as many as 10 extravagant gardens and receive discounts on indoor mansion tours as well. Your ticket is good for all three days of the tour, so no need to power walk around the gardens – stroll, have lunch at great Newport restaurants, find out what’s behind some of those imposing gated walls, and take some ideas home to your own garden! Tour takes place rain or shine.

Tickets: $25. /adults, children - free

To order in advance, visit: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr
For more information or to purchase tickets by phone, call: (401) 847-0514
Tickets will be sold the day of the event at the Newport Visitors Center, 23 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport
http://www.secretgardentours.org/

Sponsored by Newport Mansions and Ben & Jerry's to support art education in the Rhode Island public schools.

Photo credit: photo courtesy of the Secret Garden Tour.

Newport Flower Show
When: Friday, June 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, June 28 & 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Rosecliff Mansion, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport

Opening Night Cocktail Party Buffet & Entertainment: Friday, June 27 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

What a setting for a horticultural extravaganza! Pair a lavish display of dazzling blooms with a magnificent historical mansion and you have the famous Newport Flower Show. This is a much-anticipated annual event that offers free lectures and demonstrations throughout the weekend, and the opportunity to view the prize winning floral arrangements. The famous opening night cocktail party brings out the Newport social set in their fabulous floral hats. That and the sumptuous food and drink account for the hefty price.

Tickets: General Admission: $20/adults, $6/youth, and children under 12 – free
Opening Night Party: $150 in advance, $175 at the door.
For more information, call: (401) 847-1000
http://www.newportmansions.org/page4702.cfm

Sponsored by the Preservation Society of Newport County
All proceeds from the Newport Flower Show are dedicated to the ongoing restoration and maintenance of The Preservation Society of Newport County’s 88 acres of gardens and landscapes.

Photo credit: photo courtesy of the Preservation society of Newport County

Newport Pirate Fest

2008-04-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

by Vera Thornton

When: Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 10:00 a.m.
Where: Downtown Newport

Calling all rogues and seadogs! The 2nd Annual Pirate Fest for pirates of all ages takes place in downtown Newport and includes a Treasure Hunt, Pirate School, a Walking Tour, and the Buccaneers Ball. A swashbuckling good time, and be warned that no weapons are allowed except plastic swords and cutlasses.

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Lots of cool events are happening all day at the Thomas Tew Thieves Market at Brick Market Place. Here you can purchase authentic period clothing and pirate paraphernalia, and pick up a map and the first clue for the Treasure Hunt. Also featuring a Kiddie Pirate Costume Contest, and a Swordfighting Demonstration. You can learn to act and talk like a pirate….arrr matey! in Family Pirate School, and see buccaneer styles in the Pirate Fashion Show. The Swashbuckler Sing-Off welcomes groups and individuals to compete and win a prize for performing classic or original pirate chanteys; winners to be determined by the audience. Better loosen up those pipes with a bit of grog.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Pirate Treasure Hunt through downtown Newport. Maps are sold for $1 at the Thieves Market, and you have two hours to find the buried treasure.

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cap’n Nick’s Newport Pirate Walk – a 90 minute narrated walking tour led by costumed buccaneers, full of pirate history and rogues’ tales.
Tickets: $15/adults, $10/children, 6 – 17
(401) 294-4922
Tickets also available at the Visitors Information Center, 23 America’s Cup Avenue.

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Rum Tasting and Grog at the Tropical Pirate Bar, 345 Thames Street
Now this is sure to be a crowd pleaser for all the thirsty pirates!

5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Smugglers’ Cocktail Cruise aboard the Rum Runner II, departing from Bannister’s Wharf
$25/person; reservations recommended.
(401) 847-0298

8:00 p.m.
Buccaneer’s Ball
Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, off America’s Cup Avenue
Shiver me timbers - the official final event to end the day! A pirate/tropical theme, of course, with costume contests and costumed entertainment. Drop anchor and prepare to board!
Tickets: $25/guests over 21 only

Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Cap'n Nick's Newport Pirate Walk
Photo #2 & #3: Flappin Flag

Bicycling In Newport, Rhode Island

2008-04-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

by Vera Thornton

Newport, Rhode Island is a great town for biking: small roads, picturesque landscape, and ocean vistas! It’s a real treat to be able to see the ocean and the world-famous fabulous mansions all on the same ride! Here are some great routes for you to try.

If you travel along Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive, you’ll hug the magnificent shoreline and have fifteen miles of scenic pedalling on winding roads past extravagent homes. Bellevue is the long, tree-lined avenue on which you’ll find most mansions, and Ocean Drive travels along the rocky coast. And at the intersection of these two is Bailey’s Beach, accessed only on foot or bike, where you can stop and take a refreshing dip. Or maybe you’d rather take a break at Brenton’s Point State Park, which is just about mid-way on this ride, and where you can get a refreshing lemonade and watch hundreds of kites being flown by young and old alike.

Should you wish to add distance to your trip, the “Newport Ramble” is a 26 mile figure –eight loop around Newport and Middletown which continues on from Ocean Drive. Be aware, however, that the coastal roads outside of Newport can be heavily traveled in the summer. And since you’re right on the water, the wind can be strong and a little cool, even in the summer. Take a sweatshirt with you!

Another popular ride is to Newport’s Easton Beach, also known as First beach, located at 175 Memorial Boulevard. For a more vigorous ride, rails for mountain biking can be found at Arcadia National Park, a 12,000 acre nature preserve about half an hour’s drive away in Exeter.

For those seeking a motorized option, Barry of Scooters on Thames Street has recently introduced the Scoot Coupe, a stable three-wheeled touring vehicle that seats two adults side-by-side and has a top speed of 35 mph. Looks like fun! Giada DeLaurentiis of the Food Network certainly thought so, when she visited Newport for one of her popular Weekend Getaways shows. The queen of Italian cuisine had a blast in the little green scoot coupe!

To arrange bike rentals and get additional touring information, contact any of these local bike shops. Keep in mind that Rhode Island law requires children age 8 and under to wear a helmet.

Pedal Power Bicycle Shop
879 West Main Road, Middletown
Phone: (401) 846-7525

Ten Speed Spokes
18 Elm Street, Newport
Phone: (40) 847-5609

Wheel Sports
436 Thames Street, Newport
Phone: (401) 846-0627

Scooters
411 Thames Street, Newport
Phone: (401) 619-0573

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pedal Power Bicycle Shop

April In Newport, Rhode Island

2008-04-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

by Vera Thornton

Today is the first day of April and spring is definitely in the air. Of course, there's always something happening in and around Newport, and April is no exception. This month offers events on both ends of the spectrum -- from indulging in tantalizing dining to birding and Earth Day beachside events. Here are a few of my top picks so that you can mark your calendars:

Newport Restaurant Week
April 6th to April 12th

This event has been so overwhelmingly popular that it now happens twice a year instead of once. And no wonder - a whole week of discounted meals at a variety of wonderful restaurants! Prix-fixe for three courses is $16 for lunch and $30 for dinner at over 25 of Newport County’s finest dining venues. Restaurants cover all the bases from pub-style casual dining to upscale fine dining - and everything in between. Also featured during the week are wine pairings, cooking demonstrations, a rum history tour (with samples!) and the local farmers’ market.

BirdFest
Norman Bird Sanctuary
April 5th - 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Spring has arrived and birders alert! Improve your skills, learn how to attract birds to your backyard, enjoy nature activities with the family. A full day of bird walks, lectures, and demonstrations, the BirdFest includes birding at Sachuest Point with lunch ($35). It takes place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a 300-acre wildlife refuge with seven miles of hiking trails. You will be treated to a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding areas as well as the fun and companionship of birding. A trailside museum and the Barn Owl Gift Shop are also available for browsing.

Sponsor: Rhode Island Audubon Society
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown
Contact: (401) 949-5454 x 3041
Admission Fee: $5.00 per adult; $3.00 per child

Earth Week
April 21st to April 25th - 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate our planet and learn how to take care of it! Honor environmental awareness with a full week of activities at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Learn how you can make a difference for our natural world with recycled craft stations, nature scavenger hunts, and a daily spotlight on our education animals. Activities will be available throughout the day.

Sponsor: Rhode Island Audubon Society
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown
Contact: (401) 846-2577
Admission Fee: $5.00 per adult; $3.00 per child