Though Newport is a gem of a seaside community any time of year, there’s a reason our population swells during the warmest months. Most would agree that there’s an electrifying energy in the enthralling months of the summer season throughout our destination. Some look forward to staking their claim along one of our pristine beaches, while others look to explore legendary mansions; experience scenic Cliff Walk; learn about our architecture and history; cruise though Newport Harbor; wine, dine and savor local flavor, take in a movie under the stars, and create an itinerary that best allows to discovering our nine coastal towns for one big experience.
With no shortage of culinary events, music festivals, comedy and concerts, it’s easy to make this a summer to remember. CLICK HERE to check out our Events At-A-Glance, or visit our Event Calendar at Discover Newport where you can search things to do by date or theme.
On Memorial Day Weekend alone, you’ll find:
- Live jazz at Greenvale Vineyard
- Historic walking tours
- Live comedy
- Behind the Scenes Tour of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
- Well-known reggae ensemble Toots & the Maytals kicking off the Sunset Music Series
…and that’s just a start. Bring on summer!
photo: Marianne Lee
Today's guest blogger is Alexa Furtado, the Event and Marketing Coordinator for Friends of Ballard Park. The park truly is one of Newport's natural gems; a quiet place to breathe deeply and reconnect with the great outdoors. Those are just some of the reasons why director Wes Anderson decided to shoot part of his Academy Award nominated film, Moonrise Kingdom, thoughout Ballard Park in 2011. From Alexa:
The buds are ready to burst on the trees and the red-winged blackbirds are singing at Newport’s only nature preserve. Over the next few weeks the trails of Ballard Park will be every shade of green imaginable as spring hits Newport. Located at the corner of Hazard and Wickham Roads in Newport, Ballard Park is a thirteen acre nature preserve with a trail system that runs a little over a mile and takes hikers through steep terrain, offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and unique peeks at Newport mansions. Swamp maple trees line the upper loop trail which once served as a pasture for the barn next door which was lovingly converted into a single family home a few years ago. Boardwalks cover most of the muddy areas but be sure to check them out as you may spy the tracks of the white-tailed deer and Eastern cottontail rabbit. Trees with shallow root systems have toppled over in this area creating unique habitats for birds and fox.
Walking along the twin ledges trail, the mating call of the red-tailed Hawk may be heard, as well as the knocking of the Downy and red-bellied woodpecker. The white-throated sparrow, Northern Junco and Golden-crowned Kinglet are nesting in the park before migrating north for the season.
Every day is a great time to enjoy the park’s fresh air as the lichen and moss which grow on the rock ledge indicate. In May, you’ll want to walk the valley trail and enjoy a whiff of the lily of the valley which carpets the area. If you follow the trail to the meadow listen for the stream which bubbles down the cliffside in the rainy months. If you make your way towards it, you may find jack-in-the-pulpit in bloom.
In the three acre meadow the Mallard ducks like to swim in the vernal pond. A grove of pussy willow stand in the pond’s center and a large Norway Maples graces its bank. Rock from this area was quarried to build summer cottages like Rough Point, Eldersee and The Hedges. The rock was also used in stone walls and the gravel that paved the Ocean Drive. Today, deer, coyote, rabbit, squirrels, snakes and lots of insects thrive in the tall grasses of the meadow. Robins have traveled in flocks all winter but will soon appear in the meadow solo or in pairs to feed on worms as the ground thaws. A trails map of is available on the Friends of Ballard Park website, http://ballardpark.org/Ballard_Park_Trails_Map.pdf.
Ballard Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset but Friends of Ballard Park hosts special events during off hours. Be sure to check their schedule online. You can sign up to receive their newsletter and receive invitations to events, like our upcoming Earth Day celebration. On Saturday, April 27 Friends of Ballard Park invites the public to celebrate Earth Day in the quarry meadow. A clean-up of Ballard Park will begin at 9am, followed by a free tour of the park at 11am. Participation in the clean-up is not required for the tour. On Sunday, May 5 from 8 to 9am Lauren Parmelee, an expert birder, will lead a walk through Ballard Park to look for feathered friends and migratory species. There is a suggested $5 donation for this eventl. For more information about Ballard Park, visit www.ballardpark.org or call 401.619.3377.
Newport Restaurant Week returns this spring with affordable and delectable dishes April 5-14, 2013. Nearly 50 restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol Counties will be offering the same budget-friendly, prix-fixe offerings as they have in years’ past: three-course lunches for just $16, and three-course dinners for just $30.
Throughout the 10 days of exceptional dinning there will also be culinary experiences to fête the occasion: food and wine pairings, a Samuel Adams beer dinner, cooking classes, tastings, chef-led culinary tours and more. In addition to these tasty activities, gourmands can take advantage of culinary lodging packages as well. For more information, menus and more, visit our brand new website, DiscoverNewportRestaurantWeek.org.
Many of Newport Restaurants Week’s talented chefs will be showing off their skills on The Rhode Show on WPRI Channel 12 Tuesday mornings beginning March 26 and continuing through April 9. Tune in to see how some of your favorite dishes come together (and download recipes)!
The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is one of our proud sponsors this year and are offering an exclusive deal for Newport Restaurant Week diners. Patrons who spend $100 or more at participating restaurants during Newport Restaurant Week will receive a coupon valid through May 1, 2013 for $15 off the price of a ticket to the Sunday, September 21, 2013 Grand Tasting at the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.
ABOUT NEWPORT RESTAURANT WEEK
Newport Restaurant Week was established in 2006 as an annual event to encourage both local residents and visitors to Newport and Bristol County to experience the vast culinary talent in our destination at an affordable price and to stimulate local business not only at restaurants but at
retailed and lodging partners as well. In 2008, Newport Restaurant Week expanded to a bi-annual event; one taking place in early spring and the other in late fall. Restaurateurs often create menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients and promote local food and wine purveyors. Many offer vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives to patrons with food allergies or specialty dietary requirements. Newport Restaurant Week is proudly sponsored by Samuel Adams, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Brancott Wines, OpenTable.com, the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival and Discover Newport.
We want to introduce to you our new Stay and $ave page on our website, DiscoverNewport.org. Here you can find last minute deals, getaway packages, and even enter to win a getaway package for a memorable weekend in the City by the Sea.
You still have time to enter February’s contest, with the grand prize including a one night stay for two at the Hotel Viking plus 20% off spa treatments at Spa Terre, breakfast for two, complimentary valet parking, and complimentary wireless internet. To enter, simple CLICK HERE.
Under the Last Minute Deals tab, you can find bargains such as the Hyatt Regency’s special offer starting at $105/night with a free water view room upgrade, or at the Howard Johnson in neighboring Middletown, you'll find $49/night rate Monday through Thursday, and just $59/night Friday and Saturday. CLICK HERE for details. These are just two examples of how you can Stay and $ave!
Don’t forget to check back often or sign up for our monthly newsletter (bottom of the page) as new deals are constantly being added!
The Newport Winter Festival, “New England's Largest Winter Extravaganza,” returns to the City-by-the-Sea February 15-24, 2013, marking its silver anniversary. To celebrate this significant milestone and kick off 10 days of non-stop food, festivities, music and fun, residents and visitors will be treated to a fireworks spectacular over Newport Harbor on Friday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. (rain date Feb. 16). Head downtown to enjoy a warm meal at one of our spectacular restaurants and take in all the action!
Families can spend time together at the 18th Annual Samuel Adams Chili Cook-Off or the 3rd Annual Chicken Wing Cook-Off. Parents can send stir-crazy children to the Children’s Fair presented by Radio Disney and Festival Day at Easton’s Beach. The Martini Drink Contest, the Samuel Adams Brew Master’s Dinner and Beatlemania are just a few of the events that adults can enjoy.
This year, the Newport Winter Festival plans to celebrate with a few surprises including a family-oriented magic show, new music and an edgy comedy show. The festival is also proud to showcase many of its old favorites, including the Ice Sculpting Demonstration, Sand Castle Competition, the Citywide Scavenger Hunt and Teddy Bear Story Time.
The festival was just named one of the Best 2013 Winter Carnivals of the Northeast by the Huffington Post, has received the Governor’s State Tourism Award, was also voted “Best Off-Season Event” by Newport Life Magazine and a “Must Do” by AAA.
Newport Winter Festival buttons, which offer special discounts at local businesses including restaurants, retailers and all official festival events, are available for purchase at the Newport Visitors Center at 23 America’s Cup Avenue (open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) as well as many hotels and retails throughout Newport. Visit www.NewportEvents.com for additional information and a complete event calendar.
Newport welcomed 2013 with a dusting of snow on the ground and excitement in the air! While summer inevitably
thrusts Newport in the spotlight, winter may be our best kept secret with lower lodging rates, easy to secure restaurant reservations and dining deals, less crowds at popular attractions and fun activities for the whole family including the Newport Skating Center, mansion tours, walking tours, seal watching cruises with Save the Bay or aboard the Seal Watch Safari--the possibilities are endless!
The highlight of the season is the Newport Winter Festival, celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year when it comes around February 15-24, 2013. Sure to melt away winter blues, the Festival is a 10-day celebration boasting more than 150 events for families, children and adults. Make it a family affair at the 18th Annual Samuel Adams Chili Cook-Off or the 3rd Annual Chicken Wing Cook-Off. Parents can send stir-crazy kids to the Children’s Fair presented by Radio Disney and Festival Day at Easton’s Beach. The Martini Drink Contest, the Samuel Adams Brew Master’s Dinner at Brick Alley Pub and Beatlemania are just a few of the events that adults can enjoy.
Visit www.DiscoverNewport.com/events-calendar for our comprehensive calendar and www.Newportevents.com/winterfest for Winter Festival details.
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One of the most popular highlights of Christmas in Newport, the annual Newport Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes, returns December 26-28. From 4-7pm, see nine of Newport's oldest--and the nation's oldest--homes festooned in holiday finery dating back to 1710. From The Point to the Historic Hill neighborhoods, homeowners open their doors and welcome the public during this magical time year. Many are fine examples of traditional colonial and revolutionary era architecture. Different homes participate each evening with entry fees just $3 per house (donations which fund Christmas in Newport programming) and just some of the participants include the George Champlin Mason House (1873), the Rev. Samuel Hopkins House (circa 1710) and the Tillinghast House (1758). The tour is not recommended for children under 10.
For a list of participating homes, CLICK HERE. Maps of participating homes are available the Newport Visitors Information Center at 23 America's Avenue until 4pm each evening.
For more information and events throughout Christmas in Newport, CLICK HERE.
For more information and events on Christmas at the Newport Mansions, CLICK HERE.
Festive parties and finalizing those (ever-growing!) shopping lists are already on the calendar for many as the height of the holiday season rapidly approaches. Thankfully, there’s ample opportunity to slow down and enjoy the magic of the season as Christmas in Newport is back and in full swing.
The tastiest beacon in town is up and running at the Newport Marriott: The Giant Holiday Gingerbread Lighthouse. This favorite Christmas cookie on steroids towers over children and on-lookers as they marvel at the “sweet” sight. The house is open for viewing from 8am to 9pm daily and is free for all to see. (Don't forget to stop by the Newport Visitor Information Center next door for Christmas in Newport calendars and tour information.)
If you are looking to get outside and enjoy that crisp winter air, the captivating Holiday Lantern Tour begins this week (Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 4:30pm) departing from the Brick Market Museum & Shop. Learn the history of winter holiday traditions and hear how the colonists did or did not celebrate the holidays on a walk through the streets of Newport. For more information, click here.
The all-new Franklin Street Holiday Stroll unfolds this Saturday, Dec. 8, from 12-6pm with more than a dozen participating local retailers. Franklin Street is located between Thames and Spring Streets and features jewelry, apparel, home décor shops and more.
Finally, don’t miss out on the Holiday Open House, Reading of The Night Before Christmas and a visit from Santa Claus at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum this week. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention.. all three of these events are FREE! What better gift could you ask for?
Visit ChristmasinNewport.org for dates, times and details.
The Polar Express, a beloved holiday tradition, rolls into the Newport station this month for the Christmas season. Families have come to love the magic of the transformed Newport Dinner Train as it whisks passengers away to the North Pole.
The Polar Express leaves at 4:00pm and 6:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 16th from the America’s Cup Avenue train depot.
Capture the holiday spirit as the conductor reads the Chris Van Allsurg classic of a young boy’s unforgettable journey to the North Pole. Children enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and cookies. Santa also gives each child a special gift for those who truly believe.
Reservations are STRONGLY recommended, as there are only a few time slots left. Tickets are $32.95 for adults, and $22.95 for children. Call (401) 841-8700, or book online at http://www.formstack.com/forms/?131708-yewS8MCPlT
Don't forget to check out this and more holiday events happening throughout Christmas in Newport by CLICKING HERE.
This weekend, Fort Adams will transform into the magical site for the 2012 Northeast Regional Quidditch Tournament! Twenty-five college and university teams will compete on five fields inside and outside the fort walls, overlooking Narragansett Bay. Tournament play is from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. both days (rain or shine).
The Harry Potter game is now played at over 300 universities and high schools in the US and 12 other countries. New York University, Tufts, Middlebury College and Harvard are just a few of the schools competing in this year’s tournament held by the International and Northeast Quidditch associations. Make sure you cheer for the host team: the University of Rhode Island!
“Wizards” of all ages can enjoy this weekends tournament with special “Kidditch” games– or kids Quidditch – on Saturday and Sunday from 1-2pm. Kids will be able to run around with brooms, toss around the Quaffle, throw Bludgers or chase the golden snitch in a designated training area.
In addition, spectators can take a guided tour of the Fort on the hour from 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m., or test out the Airsoft Target range.
This event is free admission, thanks to the sponsor IHOP of Middletown and owners Bill and Karen Cardinal. Food and beverages will be available for purchase through out the day. Don’t forget to pick up a “butterbeer” recipe, a favorite non-alcoholic drink of Harry Potter and his fellow Quidditch champions.