Newport made one of its several reputations with sailing, particularly the America’s Cup. It has since added and strengthened its reputation with world-class music and outdoor events. Two internationally-known events are about to takeover Newport’s Fort Adams and this weekend marks the first of the year’s two biggest music weekends. The Newport Folk Festival begins Friday, July 27th through Sunday, July 29th. The sold out Newport Jazz Festival arrives the next weekend. Get ready to welcome many more first-time visitors. Let’s give them our best!
Our schedule of weekly sailboat races is in full swing. There’s lots of fun for sailors and spectators alike. Every Tuesday is the One Design Summer Series 1 and the PHRF Series racing. Wednesdays feature the Shields Fleet 9. Thursdays you can watch the J/24 Fleet 50. Fridays, check out the Thistle Fleet 169 races.
There is also a continuing series of walking tours around the city. It’s a good opportunity to add to your history knowledge and a nice time of year to see the city at street level. A free tour of the Common Burying Ground is set for Saturday, July 28th at 10 am.
Enjoy your week!
TOUR GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK: GREETERS SHARE THEIR ENTHUSIASM WITH GUESTS
Every professional tour guide in Newport will greet hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of visitors and guests every week. Each guide is the face of our city. Each guide sets the tone for the visitor’s experience as they enter each museum, historic site, or mansion. Every tour guide, in greeting each guest, has just a split second or two, to help launch the delivery of a high-quality and memorable experience.
The key to making a positive impact on each visitor with every greeting is the ENTHUSIASM of the greeter.
Simply stated, we need to inspire our greeting with excitement, because anything less than a high energy enthusiastic verbal greeting falls far short of what is necessary to differentiate the “Newport Visitor Experience” from every other destination.
Review the quality and consistency of the greeting you and your colleagues are currently delivering to your guests and visitors. An uninspired verbal greeting of “Hi,” “Hello,” or similar non-specific wording speaks of mediocrity and disinterest. Instead, use active greetings like “Welcome!,” Good Morning!,” and “Welcome! Thank-you for visiting us today!”
Review your visitor greeting efforts. Always ask, “Is this the best we can do?” Study other guides and greeters in our city who are perpetually happy, positive, and energized. Then update and upgrade your greeting efforts at your Newport venue. Share your enthusiasm. You’ll help create lifetime memories for our visitors.
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NEW LISTINGS AND EVENTS: For more information to prepare you to be the best tour guide & greeter ever, read and learn about the following updated listings and previews of the busy season ahead for residents and visitors alike.
JOB OPENINGS
There are many job openings available in Newport for our busy summer season. A few listings follow.
- Tour Guide & Pedicab Driver. Known as “The coolest job in the world.” This is a unique way to give tours and run your own business plus get lots of exercise. Make $500-$1,000 per week. Rent a Pedicab and give your guests a custom tour of the City-by-the-Sea. Info: www.newportpedicab.com/drivers
- Visitor Services Associate (Front Gate/Greeter) – Rough Point (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). To apply, please submit a résumé to maeve@newportrestoration.org.
- Newport Mansions Tour Guide – Preservation Society of Newport County. This is Newport’s largest owner and operator of historic properties offering audio and guided tours. A variety of other positions are also available, including admissions associates, security guards, and housekeepers. They recruit year-round. Check their web site on a regular basis for the latest job openings. www.newportmansions.org.
- Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) is currently seeking part-time tour guides. Contact tours@belcourt.com for more information.
NEW TOUR GUIDES
If you’re new to Newport and/or new to this field, get your copy of THE OFFICIAL 2018 NEWPORT GUIDES & GREETERS HANDBOOK [amazon.com] to help you become a master hospitality ambassador for our city. It also lists many of the best tour companies and hospitality organizations hiring seasonal and year-round people here. Consider working in ticket sales or other support positions at one or more of these tour companies. It will give you some visitor services experience and make you aware of tour guide and greeter jobs as they become available during the season.
REMEMBER: Most of the city’s largest tour and cruise businesses accept job applications year-round.
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CRUISE SHIPS ARRIVING
Be aware of the arrival of the cruise ships and the thousands of visitors they bring to our fair city.
Here is a list of the upcoming arrivals, courtesy of Discover Newport.
- Thursday, July 26 – M/V Grande Caribe from Blount Small Ship Adventures
- Thursday, July 26 – M/V American Star from American Cruise Lines
- Thursday, July 26 – M/V Insignia from Oceania Cruise Lines
- Friday, July 27 – M/V Grande Caribe from Blount Small Ship Adventures
- Saturday, July 28 – M/V Grande Mariner from Blount Small Ship Adventures
- Sunday, July 29 – M/V American Constellation from American Cruise Lines
- Thursday, August 2 – M/V American Star from American Cruise Lines
- Sunday, August 5 – M/V Insignia from Oceania Cruise Lines
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UPCOMING REGATTAS & RACES
Throughout the summer, Newport features a sailboat race and/or a regatta every week. These are free events, best observed from a chase boat, or from the shore overlooking Narragansett Bay. Tell your guests and our visitors to enjoy this most classic Newport sporting event in our wonderful City-by-the-Sea. Here are some of our upcoming events:
- Thursday, July 26- Saturday, July 28 – Candy Store Cup – Presented by the Newport Shipyard.
- Friday, August 3 – Sunday, August 5 – Morgan Cup – Presented by New York Yacht Club
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SPEAKERS & SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
Check out the wide selection of lectures, exhibits, talks, classes, tours, and workshops to add to your knowledge and increase your understanding of the people and history of greater Newport.
THURSDAY, JULY 26 – DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM
This is one of several wonderful walking tours offered throughout the year by the Newport Historical Society. This tour features stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. Tickets $15; Children $5. 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM. Tour leaves from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and Reservations at: newporthistorytours.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 – REDWOOD LIBRARY & ATHENAEUM – UNIQUE NEW EXHIBIT
Check out the current exhibit, “Modernity vs Tradition: Art at the Parisian Salon 1750-1900.” 50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Info: redwoodlibrary.org or 401/847-0292.
FRIDAY, JULY 27 – ROGUES & SCOUNDRELS WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM
Every tour guide should experience one or more of the great walking tours organized by the Newport Historical Society. This tour about some of the city’s more colorful residents leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org
FRIDAY, JULY 27 – NEWPORT GULLS COLLEGIATE BASEBALL – CARDINES FIELD – – 6:35 PM
Your baseball-loving guests and visitors will love a trip back to a ball game in a historic stadium. Tonight’s game is against the New Bedford Bay Sox, with the first pitch at 6:35 pm. A night at historic Cardines Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport) is an inexpensive night out for a family. Ticket prices are reasonable at $1-$5 per person. Information & Tickets: www.newportgulls.pointstreaksites.com
SATURDAY, JULY 28 – COMMON BURYING GROUND TOUR – 10:00 AM
This free tour will explore this historic cemetery, focusing on stones carved in the 1700s. Special highlight is a visit to “God’s Little Acre,” the largest collection of gravestones from people of African heritage in Colonial New England. Meet at the entrance on Warner Street, at Burnside Avenue. Contact: nphistoriccemeteries@gmail.com
SATURDAY, JULY 28 – DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM
Every tour guide should experience one or more of the great walking tours organized by the Newport Historical Society. This tour offers stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. The tour leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org
SATURDAY, JULY 28 – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 5:00 PM
This week’s match features NEWPORT vs PALM BEACH. Check out the excitement of Newport Polo and tell your equine-loving guests. Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth. 5 pm. Tickets to the match ($15 for General Admission; 15-and-under free; $25 for Pavilion seating) and to the après polo field-side dinner are available at www.nptpolo.com or 401/846-0200.
JULY 27-29 – NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS
This is the big folk festival of the summer. A number of other events surround this 3-day weekend. Location: Fort Adams, Newport, RI. Tickets: folktickets@newportfestivals.org
JULY 28-29, 2018 – THE NEWPORT SHOW
The annual Newport Antiques Show has a new name this year, The Newport Show. This luxury show will, as it has since 2007, feature antique furniture, fine art, jewelry, and unique vintage items from more than 40 dealers. Watch for more details about this show in the coming months. The Newport Show will again be held at the St. George’s School Ice Rink, 375 Purgatory Road, Middletown, RI, and will run July 28 and 29, 2018. Updates at www.TheNewportShow.com. Proceeds benefit the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County.
SUNDAY, JULY 29 – GOLDEN TO GILDED WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM
Every tour guide should experience one or more of the great walking tours organized by the Newport Historical Society. On this tour you’ll get the inside skinny on the transformation of Newport and its people from its colonial Golden Age to Gilded Age summer colony. This tour leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org
MONDAY, JULY 30 – FOUR ENDURING FAITHS WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
EVERY tour guide and greeter NEEDS to take this tour! It is full of history, amazing architecture, culture, religion, and powerful stories of the people who helped create some of our enduring legacy. This half-mile escorted tour begins at Touro Synagogue (72 Touro Street) and includes tours of Trinity Church, Newport Congregational Church, and Channing Memorial Church. Tour will be offered every Monday through September 3rd. Tour: $10-$20. Info: 4faiths.org
MONDAY, JULY 30 – HISTORY OF WORK SONGS – SEAMEN’S CHURCH INSTITUTE
There’s a lot to learn about the work history of the sea in this special free “SEA SHANTIES” event at the Seamen’s Church Institute [18 Market Square, Newport]. Sea Shanties are the work songs sung on ships during the Age of Sail. They feature loud choruses that everyone can learn quickly. Led by Tenor Banjo player Mike Goddard, attendees will have fun, learn some classic shanties, and meet new people. Info:
COMING SUMMER EVENTS: AUGUST
Share these dates and events with your guests and visitors. Sell and promote our future activities and invite everyone to return here again and again.
NOW THROUGH LABOR DAY – BREAKERS STABLE – OPEN DAILY 10 AM – 5 PM
The Breakers Stable & Carriage House (53 Coggeshall Avenue, Newport) is now open for the season! This 15,000 square foot carriage house and stable complex was designed by Richard Morris Hunt and was an important part of the life of the Vanderbilt family and their staff beginning in 1895. The structure is located ½ mile from the Breakers. The Stable features a display of 18 carriages and two coaches, clothing and harnesses from that time period, an extensive exhibition on the New York Central Railroad, 26 tie stalls, and two box stalls. Outside flower gardens and the original greenhouses from the Breakers property are located behind the Stable. The Breakers Stable & Carriage House admission is included with any ticket to the Newport Mansions®. Hours are 10 am until 5 pm daily. Info: newportmansions.org
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1 – NEWPORT GULLS COLLEGIATE BASEBALL – CARDINES FIELD – – 6:35 PM
It’s been a great season so far. Tonight’s game is against the Mystic Schooners, with the first pitch at 6:35 pm. A night at historic Cardines Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport) is an inexpensive night out for a family. Ticket prices are reasonable at $1-$5 per person. Information & Tickets: www.newportgulls.pointstreaksites.com
AUGUST 3, 2018 – NEWPORT POLO MIDNIGHT IN MARRAKESH GALA – 7:00 PM
Newport’s polo season will reach its social climax this evening with the 18th annual International Polo Charity Ball, Midnight in Marrakesh, hosted by the Newport Polo Club at Rosecliff on Bellevue Avenue. Tickets and information at: nptpolo.com
AUGUST 3-5, 2018 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS
This is the big festival everyone asks about. May already be sold out, but keep the dates in mind for those who ask. Location: Fort Adams, Newport, RI. Tickets and more information: http://www.newportjazz.org/
AUGUST 8, 2018 – AUGUST SPEAKER SERIES WITH SHEILA MCCURDY – SEAMEN’S CHURCH INSTITUTE
Sheila McCurdy has known boats and salt water since before she could talk. She has spent the rest of her life trying to convey the appeal and complexity that people see in sailing and the ocean. Open to the public without charge, though a suggested donation of $10 will help defray costs and fund the Seamen’s Church Institute’s outreach programs.
Doors open at 6:30pm for a complimentary wine reception. 18 Market Square, Newport, RI. Due to limited seating we ask those interested in attending to register in advance by calling (401) 847-4260 or by emailing Tara Gnolfo at tara@seamensnewport.org
AUGUST 16-19, 2018 – A WEEKEND OF COACHING
Every three years, aficionados of horse-drawn 19th century road coaches gather in Newport for a big summer Weekend of Coaching. This year marks the third year since the last event. During the weekend of August 16-19, 2018 the Preservation Society of Newport County will host the biggest Weekend of Coaching ever. The weekend will feature driving exhibitions, viewing of the historic coaches as they drive around the streets of Newport, and tickets to a formal dinner dance at the Breakers on Saturday, August 18th. The weekend is led by Honorary Chair Linda Lindh with co-chairs Kenneth Lindh and Beverly Little. Ted Eayrs is the Chair of Coaching. Event updates and ticket information is available at www.newportmansions.org/events/a-weekend-of-coaching
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 – THE BRITISH OCCUPATION OF NEWPORT TOUR
Info and reservations: newporthistorytours.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 – DRIVING EXHIBITION -– 10:30 AM – THE ELMS
This free event, part of the Weekend of Coaching, will take place on the grounds of The Elms (367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). It will feature many of the coaches and their drivers who are part of the weekend celebration of this unique and historic sporting tradition. More Information: NewportMansions.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 – AUDRAIN AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM ANNUAL GALA – OCHRE COURT
This event will feature Jay Leno as the key speaker. Get more information at: audrainautomuseum.org
PREVIEW OF AUTUMN IN NEWPORT
NEWPORT SECRET GARDEN TOURS – SEPTEMBER 7-9
Here’s one of Newport’s great events to share with your guests to encourage them to return here after the busy summer season. The September Newport Secret Garden Tours will offer ten incredible private gardens for the public to visit and enjoy. This self-guided tour program will raise funds for the Art Education programs in the island’s public schools. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.secretgardens.org for a discounted rate of $20.
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW – SEPTEMBER 13-16
The Newport International Boat Show encompasses thirteen acres of Newport’s downtown waterfront. Exhibitors from near and far offer a full range of new powerboats and sailboats, plus a medley of marine products, services and accessories to enhance the nautical lifestyle. Special events, seminars, and in-water boating courses for the whole family are offered on all show days. Not to be missed is the exciting Newport For New Products program – showcasing boats and boating products making their first-ever debut in the United States. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport. More information: http://newportboatshow.com/
NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER 20-23
This festival features a world-class variety of tastings, seminars, and events over a four-day weekend. Held at The Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House. Tickets & more information: http://www.newportmansions.org/events/wine-and-food-festival/tickets-events
SAIL FOR HOPE 2018 – SEPTEMBER 29
This marks the 17th anniversary of this sailboat race around Jamestown. This year’s race will raise funds for Hurricane Relief (Harvey, Irma, Maria), Warrior Sailing Program, and the Tad Sanchez Youth Sailing Program at Sail Newport. To date, over $1,000,000 has been raised for various charities. Info at Sail Newport: 401/846-1983.
BOWEN’S WHARF SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – OCTOBER 13-14
11 am – 5pm. Free event. Honoring the harvest of the sea, this Festival offers fresh local seafood, continuous live music and family fun. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. More Information: http://www.bowenswharf.com/events
CURRENT EXHIBITS & TOURS NOT TO BE MISSED
NEW EXHIBIT OF PORTRAITS AT THE ELMS
Four portraits by artist Elizabeth Colomba are currently being exhibited in the second floor sitting room of The Elms (1901) through September 3, 2018, in collaboration between The Preservation Society of Newport County and ART&NEWPORT, an organization dedicated to developing and hosting citywide visual arts presentations.
Curated by ART&NEWPORT founder Dodie Kazanjian in collaboration with the Preservation Society’s Curator of Exhibitions Ashley Householder, Elizabeth Colomba: Four Seasons consists of four large framed portraits, painted between 2012 and 2018, in which the seasons are depicted as an allegory of womanhood. The figures are nearly life-sized so that the viewer is confronted with the power and beauty of each woman. The portraits are installed in the second floor sitting room of The Elms to be in conversation with historic portraits from the Preservation Society’s collection, all of which depict white women of means.
The sitters are staged in lavish settings – not unlike the room in which the works are hung – and they are serene in their environments, much like the ones permanently on view there. As visitors make their way through the house, they will encounter these paintings in the sitting room and learn more about them through a special stop on their audio tour. The installation is included in regular admission to The Elms. More info on this exhibition: newportmansions.org
VISIT ROUGH POINT IN 2018 – NRF’s 50th ANNIVERSARY
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This year its exhibitions at historic Rough Point mansion, as posted on its website (newportrestoration.org), are: “‘To Preserve and Restore’: Newport Restoration Foundation at 50,” and “A Hand in Design: Exquisite Drawings of Jewelry and Architecture for Doris Duke.” This is a collaboration between NRF and David Webb New York, jewelry designer to Duke and many other prominent figures from 1948 to the present. Rough Point will be open for tours through November 11th. Don’t miss this amazing home.
OSCAR WILDE & THE BOHEMIAN MOVEMENT AS YOU’VE NEVER IMAGINED THEM
Go visit the newest exhibit at the Galleries at Rosecliff, Bohemian Beauty: The Aesthetic Movement & Oscar Wilde’s Newport. Preservation Society Curator Ashley Householder has gathered a breathtaking collection of furniture, ceramics, wallpaper, clothing, accessories, and ephemera about the aesthetic movement (1870-1890) and the era’s major promoter, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900). The colors, patterns, and shapes of this “art for art’s sake” movement and the influence of Irish writer, playwright, and impresario Wilde will whisk you away to another time. Go and see this unique and truly wonderful exhibit. Open daily through November 4th. 9am until 5pm. Additional information available at: newportmansions.org
BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR
The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” has a new regular daily schedule. Tours are offered every hour on the half hour, at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org
SERVANT LIFE TOUR AT THE ELMS
At The Elms, their world-famous guided “Servant Life Tour” has also added tours to their daily schedule. Tours are offered every hour on the half hour, at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. The tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org
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KENNETH PROUDFOOT, a Newport Tour Escort and Guide, is the author of The Official 2018 Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Handbook (Shoreline Press (RI), 2017).