Discover Newport, the convention and visitors bureau for Newport and Bristol County, has compiled a list of new and renovated businesses, new events and exciting changes throughout the area that both locals and visitors should get excited about!
LODGING PROPERTIES
NEW
The Atlantic Resort Newport at Cambria Suites: Located just over the Newport/Middletown border, this hotel and conference center has a projected September 2016 soft opening for events and an October opening for guest rooms. The property overlooks picturesque Easton’s Pond and the Atlantic Ocean and will include 143 guest suites and three banquet rooms for weddings, conferences and corporate events. Plans include an indoor/outdoor pool, expansive terrace, full-service restaurant, lounge and bar. atlanticresortnewport.com
The East Island Reserve: Located in Middletown, this luxury camp-style vacation compound will feature 24 cabins along with a small hotel component of 10 studio units and an outdoor lagoon-style pool. The two-story cabins will include a kitchen, master bedroom, living area, bathroom and porch, plus gas fireplaces and central air conditioning. The year-round property is located within minutes of area beaches, nature trails, entertainment venues, shopping and historic Newport and will offer rates around $375/night. Expected opening: late summer. landingsgroup.com/page/news/15109
RENOVATED
The Hyatt Regency Newport: The resort hotel has completed a $9 million renovation which includes a makeover of the property’s 257 guestrooms and suites to complement the updated lobby and public areas. Outside, upgrades have been made to the lawn abutting the Waterfront Pavilion and the clam bake pits. newport.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
The Hotel Viking: Marking its 90th anniversary, the Hotel Viking has unveiled a completely transformed contemporary lobby and meeting spaces in addition to the redesigned One Bellevue restaurant – all while maintaining the historic integrity of the landmark hotel. hotelviking.com
The Chanler at Cliff Walk: An entirely reimagined entry awaits guests at this luxury boutique property including a custom-built front desk, a new white oak floor designed in a chic herringbone pattern and new furnishings throughout the lobby. Enhancing the 2016 guest experience, rooms will have a soft good makeover with new mattresses, bedspreads, carpet, paint, a deep cleaning and new logo. thechanler.com
The Sea Breeze Inn: This Middletown bed and breakfast is expanding to an entirely transformed 16-room boutique hotel. Guests will experience captivating views of Easton’s Pond and Easton’s Beach. Expected opening: late summer 2016. theseabreezeinn.com
Howard Johnson: This Middletown hotel has completed a substantial renovation which features a new lobby in warm, coastal colors throughout the space and seamlessly blends into the breakfast area as well as the meeting spaces. newporthojo.com
Residence Inn: This traditional extended-stay has unveiled a newly redesigned lobby.
marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdnm-residence-inn-newport-middletown
Bristol Harbor Inn: Under the new ownership of Newport Hotel Group, this boutique-style 40-roomhotel offers rooms and suites featuring contemporary, nautically-inspired décor, custom designed furniture and limited edition photography by Newport’s Onne van der Wal. Rooms contain top-of-the-line Sealy mattresses, high thread count linens, a 43” LED flat panel television, refrigerator, gourmet coffee and tea, and luxury bath amenities. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet included. bristolharborinn.com
EVENT VENUES
The Bohlin: Set in the heart of downtown at the Newport Yachting Center, this venue takes a cue from classic New England architectural styles and design sensibilities. Anchored by a signature Sperry Tent, the nautical space offers a private waterfront open-air patio with lounge-style teak furniture. bohlinnewport.com
Newport Beach House: Longwood Events brings laid back luxury to Newport with this chic venue perched on Easton’s Beach (which includes private events and ceremonies on the beach). Multiple spaces include: The Terrace (offers capacity from 30-150), The Lounge (offers capacity of 170-500) and The Salon & Sundeck (accommodates 300-600 guests). longwoodevents.com/venues
The Stone House: Little Compton’s legendary property has been reopened and reawakened under new ownership of the Newport Experience. Located on 2.7 acres of land near the tip of Sakonnet Point, the original building was constructed in 1854 as a private residence. Today, following a recent $12 million renovation, the property features guest rooms, a restaurant, a state of the art spa and a private beach. newportexperience.com
EVENTS
Evelyn’s Drive-In Summer Concert Series: Tiverton’s iconic clam shack is debuting a Fridayevening concert series to benefit Singing Out Against Hunger, a charity that provides food to East Bay residents in need. Evelyn’s lobster rolls were named among the best in the U.S. by Coastal Living magazine in 2016. evelynsdrivein.com
PowerShares Series Tennis: Co-founded by Jim Courier, this competitive tour featuring some of the game’s icons will make its stop here during the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships (July 11-17) on Sunday, July 17. Confirmed Newport competitors include Andy Roddick, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis and Marat Safin. halloffametennischampionships.com
Newport Wooden Boat Show: Concurrent with the Newport International Boat Show and Newport Brokerage Show, this show at Bowen’s Ferry Landing Marina shines the spotlight on the enduring strength and intrigue of wooden craftsmanship with more than 30 participating boats. In-water and land displays will feature Hinckley, Hunt and other Down East-style boats. bowenswharf.com/events
DINING
A Fork in The Road Food Truck: Operated by Blackstone Caterers, Newport’s only food truck cooks up fresh eats seven days a week. Typically parked next to the Visitors Center at Fort Adams State Park, the food truck features burgers, chicken sandwiches, lobster rolls, salads, soups, sides and a kid’s menu. facebook.com/pages/A-Fork-in-the-Road-Food-Truck
Binge BBQ: Serves savory eats cooked daily in an all-wood fired smoker on site. Enjoy sliced beef brisket, pork shoulder, pork belly, spare ribs, turkey, fried chicken, hot pastrami and more with traditional comfort food sides including braised collard greens, BBQ baked beans, homemade slaw, mac and cheese croquettes. 12 Broadway, Newport. bingebbqri.com
The Boat Yard Bar & Grill: In the heart of Newport’s downtown Brick Market Place, this restaurant serves modern American cuisine in a nautical setting. 151 Swinburne Row, Newport. boatyardnpt.com
Christo’s Pizza: This family restaurant serves pizzas made with fresh dough, topped with premium ingredients, then cooked to perfection in addition to a selection of grinders, pastas, burgers, sandwiches and salads. 266 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. christospizzas.com
Diego’s Bodega: Newport’s much-loved Diego’s restaurant has expanded with a new location which also serves as their catering headquarters. Burritos, tortas, salads, guacamole and salsas round out the menu plus a Mexican Market and cool refreshments. 124 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown. diegosmiddletown.com
Fatulli’s Bakery: This longtime favorite is moving its bakery and café from Middletown to downtown Newport this summer. 476 Thames Street, Newport.
Gather: An herbal medicine shop, tea bar, clinic and classroom. Here you’ll find a variety of organic herbs, roots, flowers and seeds, as well as essential oils, tinctures and other consciously-crafted herbal products. The tea bar serves artfully created herbal teas and beverages to nourish, support and inspire. Classes, consults and services are offered weekly by trained and experienced herbalists at an affordable rate. 312 Broadway, Newport. gatherherbs.com
Gulf Stream Bar & Grille: Located next to Portsmouth’s New England Boatworks, this new hotspot features coastal cooking with a New England twist with harbor views. 1 Lagoon Road, Portsmouth.gulfstreambar.com
Lorusso’s + Stoneacre Pantry collaboration: Lorusso’s has partnered with Stoneacre Pantry to add a dinner menu featuring Italian fare from Italy’s “heel,” famous for natural, wholesome, olive-oil based dishes with vibrant produce and fresh fish. BYOB or use the in-house iPad to order from neighboring Wellington Liquors for tableside delivery. lorussos.com
Picnic Gourmet + Café: Epicurean bakery and café offering gourmet lunch, picnic provisions, catering and take out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. International cheeses, cured meats smoked fish, etc. plus a European-style coffee menu. 26-28 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. picnicnewport.com
Preppy Pig BBQ: Located in Warren, this restaurant is the brick and mortar rendition of the well-established Preppy Pig mobile caterer. Savor ribs, brisket, smoked chicken wings and more, plus sides with a twist including mac and cheese, corn bread, pickled vegetables and coleslaw. A second location at 35 Narragansett Avenue in Jamestown is expected to open later this summer. 632 Metacom Avenue, Warren. preppypigbbq.com
Rhode Island Oyster Trail: Celebrating seafood and growers in the Ocean State, the newly launchedRI Oyster Trail connects shellfish lovers year-round to Rhode Island grown oysters as well as the farmers and the restaurants that serve them. rioystertrail.com
The Statesman: Located in Bristol, this homage to the classic American tavern serves wholesome food with ingredients provided by area farmers and fishermen including heirloom vegetables and grains paired with responsibly raised meat, poultry and fresh caught fish. Craft cocktails include fresh juices, homemade bitters and syrups. 31 State Street, Bristol. statesmantavern.com
Vineyard Café: The new café at Newport Vineyards boasts a locally-sourced menu featuring farm-focused dishes including ingredients from Aquidneck Farms and Simmons Farm and more, plus a wine and a craft beer bar. 909 E. Main Road, Middletown. newportvineyards.com/vineyardcafe
Winner Winner: In the former location and by same owners of the lauded TSK, this restaurant serves fried and rotisserie chicken and a variety of comfort-food side dishes like TSK’s Southern-style biscuits. (Fried chicken made from the much loved TSK recipe!) Children’s menu available. 677 Thames Street, Newport. winnerwinnernpt.com
GALLERIES & EXHIBITS
Atelier: Represents and sells traditional and contemporary works by established and emerging artisans to people who love and appreciate art. 200 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. ateliernewport.com
The Mint Gallery: Find incredible works of beauty and handcrafted items from local and national artists, plus host to artisan food events. 433 Hope Street, Bristol. mintgallery.com
Redwood Library and the International Tennis Hall of Fame Present Tennis in Newport: The Casino and Jimmy Van Alen. The early history of the Newport Casino and Jimmy Van Alen’s role in establishing the International Tennis Hall of Fame are examined in this collaborative exhibition in the Peirce Prince Gallery at the Redwood Library. The exhibition is divided into two sections: The Casino: Newport’s Playground, and the second, Jimmy Van Alen: Newport’s Last Grand Homme. On display through August 30, 2016. redwoodlibrary.org
Rosecliff: New exhibition, Splendor at Sea: The Golden Age of Steam Yachting in America, highlights the luxurious private yachts of the era’s industrial tycoons – floating palaces that were as richly furnished and elegant as their fabled mansions. Open daily through January 1, 2017. newportmansions.org
Rough Point: The Newport Restoration Foundation presents Waterscapes: Islamic Architecture and Art from Doris Duke’s Shangri La, Duke’s exotic oceanfront estate in Honolulu and the only home she built for herself from ground up beginning in the late 1930s. The exhibit explores the theme of water through objects on loan from Shangri La; photographs of the property and other historic sites that inspired its many fountains, pools, and cascades; and home movies from Duke’s travels in North Africa, the Middle East, and India to buy art and furnishings for the house. newportrestoration.org/visit/rough_point
SHOPPING
Coast to Country Outfitters: This concept store situated in downtown districts across coastal New England defines a modern, timeless look that blends country and coastal lifestyles, specializing in the regal simplicity of quality products. 477 Thames Street, Newport. coasttocountryoutfitters.com
Fatface: A lifestyle clothing and accessories retailer based in the UK for men and women. Casual clothes reflect happy, healthy and active lifestyles and are designed in England with a focus on modern styling and ‘hero’ pieces for the wardrobe. 172 Thames Street, Newport. us.fatface.com
Gingy’s Boutique: Offers a mix of clothing and accessories for women from Sail to Sable, Julie Brown and Katherine Way as well as some home decor and gift items. 196 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. gingys.com
Newport Silver Company: Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings incorporating silver and semi-precious stones. 105 Swinburne Row, Brick Market Place, Newport. newportsilvercompany.com
Paw Addict: Celebrating the special relationship between pets and their owners with apparel and accessories. 431 Thames Street, Newport. pawaddict.com
Port & Paddock: A nautical and equestrian inspired boutique featuring women’s clothing and accessories. 400 Thames Street #4, Newport.
Sephora: International retailer offering an unrivaled selection of makeup, skin care, fragrance and more from classic and emerging brands. 1 Long Wharf Mall, Newport. sephora.com
United Republic Affair: Apparel for men and women, swimsuits, plus funky accessories. 277 Water Street, Warren. unitedrepublicaffair.com
TOURS
Inside and Above Newport package from Bird’s Eye View Helicopters: Experience the Newport Mansions from inside and from 800 feet above…a beautiful experience for all. This package includes the Mansion Experience and admission for either the famous Vanderbilt residence, The Breakers, or Doris Duke’s Rough Point. newporthelicoptertours.com
Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad: Train experiences include Murder on the Rails, The Polar Express, the Grand Bellevue (a Gilded Age-inspired dinner and drinks experience) and more as your travel along the rails while enjoying views of Narragansett Bay. trainsri.com