Newport, RI Beach

The transition from Summer to Fall has begun. College students at Salve Regina University, Roger Williams University, and the Community College of Rhode Island are moving into their dorms and rental housing around the city. A full schedule of cruise ships is making port over the next sixty days. We are not quite ready to let the summer go, but we will adapt to the changing weather, and welcome Fall later this month.  

There are some of the fall’s fun upcoming activities to share with your guests this week and next.

  • Island Moving Company stages their original ballet, “Second Star to the Right” about Peter Pan & Captain Hook, aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry at Fort Adams September 6-9.
  • Inflatable Lawn Party to kick off the 5th annual Design Week RI at the Newport Art Museum, September 13, 5-9 pm.
  • The huge annual Newport Mansions® Wine & Food Festival is scheduled for September 20-23 at the Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff.  
  • The annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival happens October 13-14.

Enjoy the coming week!

TOUR GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK: BE AUTHENTIC

Develop, as best as you can, an authentic and genuine service style. While most of us begin our tour guide work reading and memorizing written scripts. We take notes and practice delivering our tours in a very specific order. But most of our guests and visitors are most charmed by our total command of the stories we share and our seeming naturalness in our delivery.  Practice, practice, practice. The result can be amazing. Sara Kearney of the Hyatt Corporation once said, “You have to practice an awful lot to come across as completely unscripted (but it’s worth it).” Good advice to take to heart and implement.

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NEW FALL HOURS FOR BEHIND-THE-SCENES MANSION TOURS

Two special tours at the Newport Mansions® have new schedules for the fall season.

  • The “Beneath-the-Breakers” tour at the Breakers will now be offered four times per day, at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.
  • The “Servant Life Tour” at The Elms will be offered daily at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.

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JOB OPENINGS

A number of the historic mansions have been short staffed. Today would be a good day to apply for one of the available tour guide positions. There are still other job openings, mostly seasonal, available in the Newport area as we wind up the second half of summer.

   

Also keep your eyes open for new openings with the “end-of-summer turnover” as college students grab a short break before they head back to campus. Several of last week’s listings continue this week:

  • Narrate Motor Coach Tours for cruise ship passengers arriving this fall in Newport. Destinations North America. Forward a current resume to joanne@destinationsna.com, or fax it to: 305/397-2748.
  • Sightseeing Trolley/Van Tour Guide Driver. Narrate tour and drive safely.  Experienced tour bus/trolley drivers with passenger endorsement encouraged to apply. Historic Tours of Newport LLC. Info:  401/855-1942.
  • Newport Mansions Tour Guides – Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC). Tour Guides work in PSNC audio tour house museums (The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff and The Elms). Tour guides work a flexible schedule up to 30 hours per week. One weekend day is required. PSNC recruits year-round.  Check their web site on a regular basis for the latest job openings. www.newportmansions.org.
  • Tour Guide & Pedicab Driver. Known locally 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

HANDBOOK FOR 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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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.

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CRUISE SHIPS ARRIVING

Stay up-to-date and aware of the weekly arrival of cruise ships to Newport and the thousands of visitors they bring to our fair city.  Here is a list of the upcoming arrivals, courtesy of Discover Newport.

  • Thursday, September 6 – M/V American Star, from American Cruise Lines
  • Friday, September 7 – M/V Victory 2, from Victory Cruise Lines
  • Friday, September 7 – M/V American Constellation, from American Cruise Lines
  • Sunday, September 9 – M/V NCL Gem, from Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Sunday, September 9 – M/V Star Pride, from Windstar Cruises
  • Thursday, September 13 – M/V American Star, from American 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 visitors to enjoy this most classic Newport sporting event in our seaside community. Here are some of our upcoming races:

  • Monday – Thistle Fleet 169 – Fall Series 1, Hosted by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club
  • Monday, September 9 – JYC PHRF
  • September 10-15 – NYYC Resolute, Hosted by the New York Yacht Club
  • September 21-23 – ILYC 12 Metre North Americans, Hosted by the Ida Lewis 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, SEPTEMBER 6 – 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  

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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – 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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 – MOTORS AND MANSIONS – 8-10 AM – MARBLE HOUSE

One in series of free events produced by Audrain Automobile Museum and hosted by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Come see classic cars and mingle with car-lovers at this two-hour event. Event takes place on the grounds of the Marble House (596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Info: audrainautomuseum.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 – 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, SEPTEMBER 8 – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 5:00 PM

This week’s match features U.S. vs. BALTIMORE. 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.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – 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

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – WATSON FARM TOUR – JAMESTOWN – 1-5 PM

This is a unique opportunity to take a guided tour of this amazing and extensive working farm on Conanicut Island (Jamestown). 1-5 pm. Located at 455 North Road (Jamestown). Fee: $5-$10. Info: 401/423-0005, Ext. 3.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 – RETURN TO CAMELOT – ST. MARY’S CHURCH – 2-3 PM

Each Tuesday, through October 23rd, St. Mary’s Church (80 Memorial Boulevard, Newport) hosts this remembrance of the wedding of future President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953. The program features vintage film clips, performance of music from their church wedding and reception at Hammersmith Farm, and recollections by Jackie’s stepbrother, Yusha Auchincloss, and other local Newporters. Fee: $15. Info: stmarynewport.org/return-to-camelot.

INFLATABLE LAWN PARTY – NEWPORT ART MUSEUM – SEPTEMBER 13 – 5-9 PM

The kickoff for the 5th annual Design Week RI will happen on the lawn of the Newport Art Museum (76 Bellevue, Newport) on Thursday, September 13th. Join in the fun at this extraordinary sunset lawn party and inflatable playscape by Pneuhaus! A design collective focusing on the mastery of all things inflatable.  August Lehrecke of Pneuhaus will speak at the event. Free admission. Light refreshments. Cash bar. Info: 401/848-8200.

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/

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 – REDWOOD LIBRARY & ATHENAEUM – 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.

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

PREVIEW OF WINTER IN NEWPORT

CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS – NOVEMBER 17, 2018 – JANUARY 1, 2019

Christmas Season begins in November at the four big houses of the Preservation Society. Christmas flowers and special decorations will fill The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff. Special holiday evenings are scheduled at the Breakers on November 24, December 1, 8, 22, and 29th from 6-8 pm. The Ems and Marble House Duet holiday evening is scheduled for December 15th from 6-9 pm. Info: newportmansions.org

FOUR CURRENT EXHIBITS & TOURS NOT TO BE MISSED

SERVANT LIFE TOUR AT THE ELMS

Considered by many to be the best tour in Newport, The Elms’ now world-famous guided “Servant Life Tour” added two additional daily tour times to meet demand during the summer months.  Tours are offered at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. The tour is one hour. Info: 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 at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.  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).

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