Yes, Virginia, Winter has finally bid us a fond adieu, and at last, Summer beckons. It’s time to enjoy June.
With this wonderful change in the weather comes all the best that Newport can offer resident and visitor alike. We welcome several garden experts this month to share a bit of history about our city’s fabled plants and gardens. The 37th Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off begins at noon on June 2nd. Then there is the official start of the Newport International Polo season later that day at 5 pm. Next up is the much anticipated grand opening of the new Visitor Center at the Breakers on June 14th.
Every week Newport offers you and our visitors something special. Check out the calendar of Speakers & Special Events below, and share them with your guests.
NEW TOUR TIMES: Note there are new times for the special behind-the-scenes tours at The Breakers and The Elms. Both the Beneath-the-Breakers tour at The Breakers and the Servant Life Tour at The Elms are each now offered at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm daily. Check with www.newportmansions.org for details.
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TOUR GUIDES TIP OF THE WEEK
Stay abreast of current activities and events happening each week in the City-by-the-Sea. As a key ambassador for Newport, people will pepper you constantly with questions about the polo matches, the flower show, trolley schedules, and a hundred other places and special events happening all over the greater Newport area. Keep up to date and help our visitors and guests take advantage and enjoy all theta Newport has to offer them.
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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.
NEW HELP WANTED ADS POSTED DAILY
If you want to be a tour guide or a crew a harbor cruise boat or join the event teams catering weddings and other special activities in Newport, then this is your year. Keep your eyes open and check back regularly online at WhatsUpNewp.com for the latest job openings. Newport needs you!
JOB OPENINGS
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REMEMBER: Most of the city’s largest tour and cruise businesses accept job applications year-round.
SPEAKERS & SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
Check out the wide selection of lectures, exhibits, talks, classes, and workshops to add to your knowledge and increase your understanding of the people and history of greater Newport.
NOW THROUGH JUNE 24 – MUSCLE CAR MADNESS
Enjoy this current exhibition at the Audrain Automobile Museum. 222 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Contact: 401/856-4420. Info@audrainautomuseum.org
FRIDAY, JUNE 1 – ROGUES & SCOUNDRELS WALKING TOUR
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
SATURDAY, JUNE 2 – DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT WALKING TOUR
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, JUNE 2 – THE BREAKERS GREENHOUSES & CUTTING GARDEN: ESTATE GARDENING TRADITIONS
Jim Donahue, Curator of Historic Landscapes at the Preservation Society Of Newport County, will share the work of the PSNC to maintain the historic traditions of the estate gardeners who ruled over the complex operations of the gardens, houseplants and flowers during the Gilded Age in Newport. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., The Breakers Greenhouses, Bateman Avenue (behind The Breakers Stable). Space is limited, advance ticket purchase required. Preservation Society Members $15 / General Public $20
SATURDAY, JUNE 2 – 37TH ANNUAL GREAT CHOWDER COOK-OFF
This is the summer’s traditional big kick-off event. Contestants come from far and wide to vie for the title of best chowder. Last year’s chowder winners were “Best Clam,” won by Open Season Catering of Warwick, RI; “Best Seafood,” won by Nancy’s Barn of Ballyliffin, Ireland; and “Best Red,” won by Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School Culinary Program of Taunton, MA. This event runs from Noon until 6 pm at Fort Adams State Park. Tickets and more information is available from www.riwaterfrontevents.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 2 – OPENING DAY – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – USA vs POLAND
Join the excitement of Newport Polo. Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth. Opening Day match; USA vs Poland. 5 pm. Tickets to the match ($15 for General Admission and $25 for Pavilion seating) and to the après polo field-side dinner are available at www.nptpolo.com.
SUNDAY, JUNE 3 – GOLDEN TO GILDED WALKING TOUR
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
TUESDAY, JUNE 5 – AMERICA’S ROMANCE WITH THE ENGLISH GARDEN
Thomas Mickey, author and Professor Emeritus of Communications Studies at Bridgewater State University, discusses the beginning of the modern garden industry in the 1890s, which made it possible to publish and mail seed and nursery catalogs in mass quantities across the country. 6:00pm at Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Advance tickets required. Preservation Society Members $10 /General Public $15. Purchase at newportmansions.org or 401/847-1000.
THURSDAY, JUNE 14 – GRAND OPENING – VISITORS CENTER AT THE BREAKERS
It’s been a long time coming, but construction is on schedule and the Preservation Society of Newport County has announced they will inaugurate the Visitors Center at 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 14. RSVP your attendance to events@newportmansions.org or 401/847-1000, ext. 169.
THURSDAY, JUNE 14 – WHITEHORNE HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) is hosting a free open house of this wonderful museum at 416 Lower Thames Street (Newport), from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Come and explore the collection of 18th-century Newport furniture for the first time or come back to hear about NRF plans for the revitalization. The museum’s charming pocket garden will also be open for wandering. Info: 401/847–8344
JUNE 22-24 – NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW — COTTAGES SMART & SMALL
Martha Stewart will be a featured guest and speaker at this year’s show. The annual flower show adds the current trend of tiny homes and combines them both as livable spaces, functional & beautiful, and the prettiest plants and flowers ever. Rosecliff. Information & tickets: NewportFlowerShow.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 23 – HERMAN MELVILLE’S MOBY DICK
The Redwood Book Club will discuss the second half of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick that was begun on May 26th. All are welcome. Redwood Library & Athenaeum (50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), redwoodlibrary.org. Info: 401/847-0292.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30 – ASK A GARDENER – ROUGH POINT
Estate gardeners share their expertise on a range of topics from plant identification to organic garden care. Get inside tips on how the Rough Point staff keeps the grounds looking lush and how to incorporate those practices in your own home garden. 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Free with admission to house or grounds (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). No advance purchase necessary. Weather dependent. For more information: 401/847–8344
COMING SUMMER EVENTS: JULY & 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.
JULY 4-22, 2018 – NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL
This annual music festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer. A number of special guests and new experiences for the audiences will be included among the festival’s summer season. Performance sites include The Breakers and the Newport Art Museum. More information, schedules, and tickets are available at newportmusic.org. Box Office: 401/849-0700.
THURSDAY, JULY 12 – WHITEHORNE HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) is hosting its second free open house of this wonderful museum at 416 Lower Thames Street (Newport), from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Come and explore the collection of 18th-century Newport furniture for the first time or come back to hear about NRF plans for the revitalization. The museum’s charming pocket garden will also be open for wandering. Info: 401/847–8344
BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL – JULY 12-15
The Black Ships Festival celebrates the friendship between Newport and their sister city Shimoda, Japan. It offers a variety of events emphasizing both Japanese art and culture. More Info: http://www.blackshipsfestival.com/
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL – JULY 27-29
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
THE NEWPORT SHOW ∙ JULY 28-29, 2018
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.
NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – AUGUST 3-5, 2018
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/
A WEEKEND OF COACHING – AUGUST 16-19, 2018
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
DRIVING EXHIBITION – SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 – 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
AUDRAIN AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM ANNUAL GALA – AUGUST 31 – 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
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
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 SEEN 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 daily schedule. Tours are offered four times daily at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 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 a new daily schedule. Tours are offered four times daily at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. The tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org
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KENNETH PROUDFOOT is a documentary film producer, international & Newport tour guide, and author of The Official 2018 Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Handbook (Shoreline Press (RI), 2017).