The Ocean State Tall Ships Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the summer and from July 6-9, Newport will serve as an official host port. Expect food, music, exhibits, and family entertainment in addition to the opportunity to board the ships, meet the international crew members, and go on a day or evening sail. Newport has a rich maritime heritage and a long history of hosting successful tall ships events. This year is particularly unique because 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, a defining event in the national history of the U.S. and Canada. We are excited to commemorate this important bicentennial in the 2012 Ocean State Tall Ships event.
The vessels featured are all famous in their own right. You may recognize the names from history or the ships themselves from movies such as Mutiny on the Bounty, Interview with the Vampire, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Boarding these ships will allow you to admire and delve into their rich history.
Besides ships themselves, the Festival will offer a Marketplace at three different locations: Washington Street and State Pier, Bowen’s Warf, and Waite’s Wharf. A multitude of different booths will feature both local and larger venders offering food, shopping, and more. The itinerary for the festival also includes an exclusive Captains’ Toast, a Crew/Cadet Soccer Tournament, a screening of the movie Amistad, a live Navy Band Concert, a Parade of Sail Brunch, and more.
Tickets are required to board the ships and separate tickets must be purchased to go on a day sail or the Parade of Sail, and to attend the Brunch or Captain’s Toast. Tickets may be purchased at ticket kiosks outside the visitor’s center, around town near the Marketplaces, or online at Oceanstatetallships.com.
This event does welcome many visitors, so satellite parking lots ($10/car) with shuttle service to/from downtown have been organized. However, if you live nearby, biking is always a great option for getting around Newport. For any information you need on transportation, where to stay if you are just visiting, and places to eat while you are here, visit GoNewport.com
Tall Ships is an event that the whole family can enjoy. Children particularly love boarding and exploring the vessels, but adults might enjoy the shopping, dining, and entertainment just as much. This is not an event to miss! For all the information about tickets, schedules, and more visit Oceanstatetallships.com.
photo: Onne van der Wal
Nearly 30 years have passed since the competitors of the legendary America’s Cup have hoisted their sails in Newport and we could not be more excited that the legacy is returning to our shores. Beginning Saturday, June 23rd, spectators will be able to see skilled sailors from all around the world compete in the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) in their cutting-edge AC45 wing-sailed catamarans in Narragansett Bay. There is no doubt that this will be an event to remember. The ACWS Village located at Fort Adams State Park is a prime choice for anybody who wants front-row seating for the races.
Although watching the race is an exciting activity, the ACWS has many other events and attractions to offer spectators and their families. This coming Friday evening (6/22), Newport welcomes the ACWS with a city-wide celebration of FREE events including live music in Washington Square from the renowned thet Navy Band Northeast, a live comedy improv performance at IYRS, and an
outdoor movie screening of “America’s Cup Then & Now” in Queen Anne Square. The next day, the ACWS Village opens to the public, unveiling the Official ACWS Exploration Zone funded by Fidelity Investments, which is sure to give spectators an interactive inside look into the ocean environment, exploration, and Newport’s work with recreational boating. In addition to the Exploration Zone, there will also be a variety of vendors at the village providing delicious food, refreshing drinks (including a Napa Valley Wine Lounge, Stella Beer Garden and a Moet & Chandon Champagne Lounge).
You can also enjoy a free sailboat ride compliments of Sail Newport between 10 AM and noon each day! Also sponsored by Sail Newport is the Sail Newport Youth Challenge, in which you can watch the best young sailors New England has to offer race between Rose and Goat Island on the 23rd and 24th of June.
As you can see, the America’s Cup World Series has a lot to offer, both on and off the water. You may not be able to skipper a racing boat, but you can still be a part of all of the excitement.
Tickets are available online HERE and at the Newport Gateway Visitor's Center. General admission tickets during race days (June 28 - July 1) are $10 per person per day, with children 12 and under free. No tickets are required from June 23 – 27; admission is FREE during these dates (parking is $10). For more details including lodging, schedules, water shuttles and more, click here: https://gonewport.com/americas-cup-world-series
Last week, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Wes Anderson’s just-released Moonrise Kingdom at the U.S. cast and crew première right here in the City-by-the-Sea. The film was shown just days after it opened the famed Cannes Film Festival, where it received a 7-minute standing ovation according to Stephen Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & Television Office. Wes Anderson filmed a short message to the packed house (including stars Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward and members of Khaki Scout Troup 55) at Newport’s historic Jane Pickens Theater, and then it was on to the main event.
Moonrise Kingdom, a tale of two lovestruck 12-year-olds attempting flee their New England town, was filmed last summer entirely in Rhode Island with a base camp in Newport. Whether you’re planning your first visit to Newport, you’re a frequent visitor, or you live in the area, you might just recognize sights like Trinity Church and Ballard Park featured in the film. We have good reason to be a bit star-struck, as the cast of Moonrise Kingdom includes Ed Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton, and Harvey Keitel. Not only did these all-star actors work in Newport, but they enjoyed some free time in the town as well. Bill Murray was reportedly spotted at Perro Salado as well as the Mudville Pub watching a Newport Gulls game. Cast members were also spotted at the Hotel Viking’s Top of Newport -- a great summertime spot. In a circulating YouTube video, Murray gives a tour of the film’s set and opens saying "Here I am in a cardigan sweater, sitting here in Newport, Rhode Island, livin' la vida loca."
Cast members stayed at the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel during filming and the celebrity attention drawn to Newport doesn’t stop there. Actor James Franco wrote a glowing review of the movie for the Huffington Post after being invited to last week’s screening. And he is not the only one to give the film a thumbs up; rottentomatoes.com gave the film a rating of 96% and wrote, “the immaculately framed and beautifully acted Moonrise Kingdom presents writer/director Wes Anderson at his idiosyncratic best.”
Moonrise Kingdom is in select theaters nationwide now and is scheduled to show at Newport’s Jane Pickens Theater beginning June 21st.
Image Credit: Focus Features
Guest Blogger Leanne Orabona from Around the Table RI joins us one again to dish on local flavor. We sent her to back to the culinary classroom at Newport Cooks! to experience one of the many cooking classes they offer that are known for being as fun as they are educational.
Ever wanted to learn how to cook in the confines of a boat? Oh wait—you don't own a boat? No problem! You don't have to have your sea legs to be blown away by the amazing cooking series at Newport Cooks: Gourmet in the Galley. Anyone that wants to learn how to cook an amazing meal will love it in this judgment free zone!
Different classes are scheduled each week so you can choose some or all that you are interested in. Classes include breakfast and brunch, Asian fusion, and an “egg-centric” menu. I sat in on the fish and shellfish class, which was spectacular. This class was taught by private chef Christy Erickson-Prior and she was such a great teacher. For this class we made salt crusted bass (I know, impressive), bread salad, and Thai mussels—quite a feast for a class of six. That's another thing. Since the classes are so small, students are really able to get hands-on experience. I for one got to cut the fins off of the bass, and learned how to do it correctly. I mean really, how many home cooks know how to filet a whole fish? This is a great chance to learn!
The other part I loved about this class was the camaraderie between the students. We were all constantly encouraging each other to try the techniques we were learning. There were cooks of all different levels so don't be afraid if you don't cook at all.
This was such an enjoyable night and for such a reasonable price. For $55 you get to learn in the two hour hands on class, eat some
snacks, drink wine and learn to create amazing and delicious dishes that you can make for your family at home (thanks to the recipes provided). How cool is that? To get more information like class dates and contact information visit Newport Cooks! by CLICKING HERE.
Read about Leanne’s culinary adventures at 22 Bowen’s, Perro Salado the Blue Plate Diner, and follow her blog, Around the Table RI for savory recipes and fun food finds!
When Mary Jane Walsh arrived in Newport for the first time last month, the seasoned traveler learned that even a last minute getaway can turn into a lasting memory. As the Director of Business Development at Travel 15, one of the Northeast’s top international corporate travel management companies (as well as a leisure travel agency), Mary Jane has explored countless destinations, but Newport, she says, blew her away.
CLICK HERE to read all about Mary Jane's adventures in the City-by-the-Sea as she discovers Newport's Cliff Walk, Corner Café, White Horse Tavern, walking tours, mansions and more on the Travel 15 blog.
newportFILM’s May Mini-Fest graces the silver screen this weekend, and there’s a robust line-up in store for film-lovers big and small. Features include:
Friday, May 11
Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present (pre-release screening!) in partnership with the Newport Art Museum Seductive, fearless, and outrageous, Marina Abramović takes us inside her world with this documentary, following her as she prepares for what may be the most important moment of her life: a major retrospective of her work, taking place at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Click here for film trailer, times, locations and associated events.
Saturday, May 12
newportFILM KIDS: A Cat in Paris (2012 Academy Award Nominee Best Animated Feature)
A Cat in Paris is a warm and richly humorous love letter to classic noir films and the stylized wit of the Pink Panther cartoons – and Dino, the literal cat burglar, manages to steal the show with little more than a subtle swish of the tail and quiet mew. Click here for film trailer, times, locations and associated events.
Saturday, May 12
Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog (pre-release screening!) in partnership with the Potter League and with doggy 
takeaway treats courtesy of Wag Nation!
Based on a true story, Labrador Retriever Quill’s life as a “dog” drastically changes when he leaves his mother’s side in order to become a “seeing-eye dog.” The bond between Quill and his partner, who rediscovers the joy of life, grows deeper with each passing day. Until one day, they face a sudden and sorrowful parting. Click here for film trailer, times, locations and associated events.
Under African Skies (pre-release screening!) 2012 South by Southwest Film Festival Audience Award Winner
25 years after Graceland‘s release, this documentary follows Paul Simon as he reunites with his South African collaborators, and revisits the controversy the album caused, while luminaries like Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Lorne Michaels, David Bryne, and Sir Paul McCartney share their thoughts on what the album meant to them. Click here for film trailer, times, locations and associated events.
newportFILM’s May Mini-Fest is presented by Franklin and Company Design Associates. "Mini-Fests" unfold four times a year, capturing the spirit of a film festival in Newport. newportFILM’s mission is to bring educational and entertaining independent film programming to the community that would not otherwise be seen in the area. These Mini-Fests include documentaries, kids films, as well as the occasional amazing narrative.
We adore super-clever Discover Warren, a whimsical web site with the inside scoop on shopping, arts and culture, events, and of course, where to eat in what has become one of Rhode Island's trendiest dining locations. Check it out here, and plan your outing in Warren today (and don't leave without indulging in an authentic coffee cabinet from Delekta Pharmacy on Main Street- a delectable treat!)
http://DiscoverWarren.com
Chef Chris DePerro from The Fifth Element in Newport strutted his culinary stuff on The Rhode Show this week with a vegetarian-friendly recipe that will tempt the tastebuds! Check it out here:
Mushroom and Gruyere Spatzle: wpri.com
Here's the the recipe for Chef DePerro's Mushroom and Gruyere Spatzle
INGREDIENTS (Yield: 6 portions)
For the Spatzle:
15 oz a.p. flour
9 eggs
1 ½ tsp. salt
½ tsp nutmeg freshly ground
For the mushrooms:
½ lb fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
3 Tbsp shallots, minced
1 Tbsp fresh thyme, picked and rough chopped
½ c Gruyere cheese, grated
1c mushroom or chicken stock
butter for cooking mushrooms
salt and pepper to taste
STEPS
Set 6 qt. of salted water to boil. Over medium-high heat, sautee the mushrooms, shallots and thyme in butter until browned then set aside. In the bowl of a mixer combine all of the ingredients for the spatzle and mix on low speed for approximately 5 minutes or until they come together in a smooth lump free batter. When the water is at a steady boil put half of the batter into a spatzle press (you can use a potato ricer as well) and press it allowing the dumplings to fall into the water. Allow the water to come back to a boil and for the spatzle to float to the surface. Cook 30 seconds remove and drain on a kitchen towel. Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Return the mushrooms to the heat and make them hot. Add the spatzle and sautee for a minute or two then add half of the stock allow to reduce by half. Add the Gruyere and melt into the spatzle and mushroom, adjust the seasoning and serve.
When Rhode Island-based but nationally read blogger Jennifer Leal of Savor the Thyme and her husband were looking for a little off-season getaway, she looked no further than Newport.
“As parents of two young children, a staycation allowed us to reconnect and focus on each other rather than household chores yet we are not far from our children,” she said. “Being close to home allowed us to feel less stress while being away.”
The two were happily surprised to find most all of the local restaurants open and dishing up divine meal,s and learned a little bit more about Newport’s history on the Viking Tours of Newport Trolley Tour. “We highly recommend the trolley tour, a number of trips up and down Ocean Drive, and to stay at one of the charming inns,” she says.
The two hopped around the City from their centrally-located base camp at Mill Street Inn and enjoyed attractions like the International Tennis Hall of Fame while taking time to savor local flavor at The Mooring, Perro Salado, the Hungry Monkey and more!
Read all about Jennifer’s adventures in the City-by-the-Sea on Savor the Thyme, which focuses on family-friendly, healthy food and lifestyle. “I love to share and show how one can feed their family in a healthy way that can also be easy, fun, silly, and magical,” she says. “Be sure to stop by Savor the Thyme every day if you like to eat yummy, healthy food and giggle every day.”
CLICK HERE for Pt. 1 of Jennifer’s adventures, and HERE for Pt. 2
The Newport Marriott, located in the heart of downtown Newport, is offering discounted, advance purchase rates for any length of stay during the following spring time-frames:
· Sunday, April 15 – Thursday, April 19
· Sunday, April 22 – Thursday, April 26
· Sunday, April 29 – Thursday, May 3
· Sunday, May 6 – Thursday, May 10
· Sunday, May 13 – Thursday, May 17
· Monday, May 21 – Thursday, May 24
· Monday, May 28 – Thursday, May 31
The advance purchase rate is $109 per room, per night, plus tax, and must be booked on April 10 or April 11, and paid in full within 24 hours of booking. This discount represents a minimum savings of 22% per night.
Please note: no cancellations allowed or refunds offered after payment is made on advance purchases. This rate is not available for stays on 5/ 20, or 5/ 27. Other restrictions may apply. To book your reservation, please visit www.newportmarriott.com, or call 1-800-228-9290, and refer to promotional code ADP.
Be sure to visit our Last Minute Deals page for more great promotions!