The first leaves are beginning to change colors from their summer green to rich shades of orange and yellow and crimson. The weather has cooled some, but the sun continues to shine. It is wonderful walking around weather. The fall temperature drop seems to inspire our appetites as well and we find its great eating weather.
For our guests, we can recommend walks along Bellevue Avenue and Cliff Walk. There is always plenty of window shopping and restaurant hopping on Bowen’s and Bannister’s wharves. Across the street from the harbor and up a slight rise is the Trinity Pumpkin Patch spread out in Queen Anne’s Square overlooking America’s Cup Boulevard. Visitors can combine a gorgeous view of Newport Harbor with a visit to the city’s premiere site for buying an October pumpkin.
There is plenty of music and entertainment all around the city this weekend. Check the latest listings on WhatsUpNewp.com for places and times. Let’s keep making new friends for the Newport Experience. And as always, help our visitors enjoy every moment!
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TOUR GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK – THE POWER OF “YES!”
“YES!” is perhaps the most powerful word in the English language.
Learn to say “Yes!” more often and watch how your guests and visitors respond. The importance of getting “Yes” into your business’s DNA forms a critical part of making every guest feel welcome, comfortable, and attended to. Guests have all kinds of requests and questions during the course of their stay or visit. At all the best places, managers, front of the house staff, and support staff are finding more ways to say “Yes” to the changing requests and needs of their guests and visitors.
Note: This important tip originally appeared in the March 1st column.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Train people well enough so they can leave.
Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.
-Richard Branson
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JOB OPENINGS
There are still openings at the city’s historic attractions, including tour guides, cashiers, security personnel, and ticket sellers. REMEMBER: Most of the city’s largest tour and cruise businesses accept job applications year-round.
- Newport Historical Society, Public Engagement Associate. Assist with all operations at the Museum of Newport History & Shop, including, but not limited to high volume retail sales and giving history tours through museum, historic sites, and walking tours of downtown Newport. This position operates from the Museum of Newport History at the Brick Market. Info: Jenna Teachout, 401-841-8770, jteachout@newporthistory.org
- Historic Tours of Newport, Specialist Tours Manager. Teachers/Educators with subject matter History. Certified RI History teachers are welcome to apply. Candidates must have comprehensive knowledge of American History and Rhode Island history specifically. Full-time, Part-time, Contract. $12-$25/hour. Info: 401/855-1942
- Preservation Society of Newport County, Associate Tour Guide. Part-time. Work as a Tour Guide within the audio tour house museums (The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff and The Elms). Audio guides are responsible for providing excellent customer service, assisting visitors in way-finding on tours, learning about our house museums and the families who owned those houses, providing information to visitors and contributing to the overall quality of the visitor’s experience. There are additional job openings currently available with the Preservation Society. Info: newportmansions.org
For continuous and updated listings, please go to www.whatsupnewp.com.
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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, October 18 – M/V Victory 1, from Victory Cruise Lines
- Friday, October 19 – M/V Silver Wind, from Silver Sea Cruises
- Friday, October 19 – M/V 7 Seas Navigator, from Regent Cruise Line
- Sunday, October 21 – M/V Regal Princess, from Princess Cruise Lines
- Sunday, October 21 – M/V Silver Wind, from Silver Sea Cruises
- Monday, October 22 – M/V Insignia, from Oceania
- Monday, October 22 – M/V Star Pride, from Windstar Cruises
- Wednesday, October 24 – M/V Symphony, from Crystal Cruises
- Wednesday, October 24 – M/V Insignia, from Oceania
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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.
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31 – TRINITY PUMPKIN PATCH – QUEEN ANNE SQUARE – NEWPORT
This annual family fun destination began last Saturday in Queen Anne Square in back of Trinity Church and continues on weekends and holidays [10 am – 6 pm) and weekdays (Noon – 6 pm) through the end of the month. The site is beautiful, stretching down the back lawn and overlooking Newport Harbor. You and your guests will find a big pumpkin patch, pumpkins for sale, other vendors and food, and music! Bring the kids and create some memories with photos among the pumpkins. Info: 401/846-0660.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 – 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
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 – 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, OCTOBER 19 – OPENING RECEPTION – COASTAL CONTEMPORARY GALLERY – 5-8 PM
Artists Topher Gent and Conny Goelz will have an opening reception of their new exhibit, “Projected Planes,” hosted by the Coastal Contemporary Gallery (491 Thames Street, Newport) from 5-8 pm. Info: 401/612-6121; coastalcontemporarygallery.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 – 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, OCTOBER 20 – COMMON BURYING GROUND TOUR – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Meet at the Museum of Newport History (127 Thames Street, Newport). Tickets: $15-$20. Reservations recommended. Info: 401/841-8770; newporthistorytours.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 – 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
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – RETURN TO CAMELOT – ST. MARY’S CHURCH – 2-3 PM
Today is the last day this season for this presentation at St. Mary’s Church (80 Memorial Boulevard, Newport), the 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.
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER, 2018 – “SWEET RIDES/SUMMER FUN” – AUDRAIN AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
Relive an earlier innocent time with this fun exhibit at the always interesting Audrain Automobile Museum. Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm. 222 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Info: 401/856-4420. Audrainautomuseum.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 – FREE DAFFODIL BULB GIVE-WAY – EASTON’S BEACH – 9:00 AM
This annual event celebrates the success of the past year’s daffodil plantings and celebrates the campaign to plant one million daffodils in Newport. During this event, Newporters can receive free daffodils to plant in their own yards or neighborhood gardens. Info: newportdaffydays.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 – CARS & COFFEE – 8-10 AM – MARBLE HOUSE
Audrain Automobile Museum and the Preservation Society of Newport County co-host this free event on the grounds of Marble House (596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Bring your own car or just come to admire some of the classics that will be assembled for this fun outdoor show. Info: newportmansions.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 – CITIZENS BANK PELL BRIDGE RUN
The annual event is the one time each year athletes can leave their cars and run across the Newport Pell Bridge (opened in 1969). Registration fees benefit non-profit groups. Info: 401/856-9197; pellbridgerun.com
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
CITY OF NEWPORT ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE – November 23
Takes place in Newport Harbor, Newport. Info: 401/845-5815
HOLIDAYS BY THE SEA BLOCK PARTY & HOLIDAY STROLL KICK OFF – NOVEMBER 23 — BOWEN’S WHARF
This annual event ushers in the season of joy and good cheer. 4-8- PM. Bowen’s Wharf. Info: 401/849-2243; bowenswharf.com
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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 – NEWPORT RESTORATION FOUNDATION’S 50th ANNIVERSARY
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) is celebrating 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
There are only a few more weeks left to catch this one-of-a-kind exhibit at the Galleries at Rosecliff, called “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. Now open daily through November 4th. 9am until 5pm. Additional information available at: newportmansions.org
BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR
The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” is scheduled daily. Tours are offered at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org
BOOKS & ONLINE RESOURCES FOR EVERYONE
The best leaders, guides, and managers of historic sites, mansions, and tour companies read constantly to know the most about the places they work and to learn the latest research about the places they talk about to their guests.
Here are a few information resources to read, learn from, and share.
An Uncommon History of Common Courtesy: How Manners Shaped the World. By Bethanne Patrick. Washington, DC: National Geographic, 2011. Newport welcomes visitors and tourists from around the world. Learning more about the manners, customs, greetings, and expressions of people from many nations and cultures is a valuable exercise. Throughout this book, you will learn about the use of language, the role of individual family members in different cultures, the Golden Rule explained across thousands of years of history, and a hundred other insights that will enlighten, amaze, and occasionally, surprise you. Enjoy this uncommon history and viva la difference!
RHODETOUR.ORG
Broaden your knowledge of Rhode Island history with this free app. Rhode Tour is a statewide mobile historical smart phone application. It offers captivating places, intriguing people, and exciting events that are all part of Rhode Island’s history. Rhode Tour offers a new way to interact with these untold tales of the state’s past. Using stories, sounds, and images, history comes alive on Rhode Tour. The site offers more than 200 stories of food, culture, community from throughout the state’s 39 cities and towns. Download the app for your smart phone at the iPhone App Store or Google Play. A website version is also available at rhodetour.org.
HANDBOOK FOR NEW TOUR GUIDES & GREETERS
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.
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REQUESTING SUGGESTIONS & REVISIONS FOR THE 2019 EDITION OF THE
NEWPORT TOUR GUIDES & GREETERS HANDBOOK
I am now updating and editing changes and revisions to the content of The Official 2018 Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Handbook to prepare for publication of THE OFFICIAL 2019 NEWPORT TOUR GUIDES & GREETERS HANDBOOK.
If you or your organization has updated phone, numbers, web sites, social media pages, job opportunities, special events scheduled, or other information that would be helpful to the current and future corps of tour guides, greeters, and volunteers working in the Greater Newport County tourism and hospitality industries, please send them to me directly at kennethproudfoot@hotmail.com; or by mail to Kenneth Proudfoot, P.O. Box 231, Newport, RI 02840. Thank you!
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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).