Summer is in full swing, and enjoying Newport’s view from the tallest points is a must-do for those looking for a unique view coupled with a refreshing libation.
The historic Hotel Viking offers an one-of-a-kind vista from their Top of Newport bar. Located at the hotel’s roof deck, Top of Newport has it all - the panoramic view, a menu full of appetizers, seafood, and barbecue favorites, a wide variety of creative cocktails, and entertainment on select nights.
Wednesdays from 6-8pm is “Spirits & Stogies” night, which for $35 allows guests to sample selected spirits with cigar pairings chosen by Jessica Levine of Cigar Masters. Live music lights up the bar Fridays are Saturdays from 5-9pm. The Vini Ames Trio plays a variety of music every Friday and The Islanders perform hits from the 50s through the 80s every Saturday. Whether you are looking to meet friends for cocktails, have a relaxing dinner with a view, or enjoy some live entertainment on a summer night, Top of Newport promises to deliver. To keep up to date with all current event information, follow Hotel Viking on Twitter at @HotelViking.
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
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