This weekend we’ll focus on hosting our neighbors and friends and all those who live in Newport County with free admission to the Newport Mansions and other similar sites. There will be Secret Garden Tours in the Point neighborhood of Newport all weekend. We’ll also turn out to watch the 165th Annual Regatta from the New York Yacht Club with activities beginning Friday night.
NEWPORT COUNTY RESIDENTS DAYS offer free admission to the Newport Mansions and other participating historic sites. This is the second of four such weekends to be offered this year. Any Newport County resident will receive free daytime admission to all Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC) properties currently open as guests of the PSNC. Tell your neighbors and co-workers to come visit our city’s amazing mansions.
SAILING ENTHUSIASTS: The New York Yacht Club has its big 165th Annual regatta this weekend, beginning on Friday, June 14th. Check out more information and contacts below.
There is a fun weekend ahead for everyone!
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SPECIAL NOTES
▪ HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This week marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the long-anticipated The Breakers Welcome Center, which had its grand opening June 14, 2018. The new center includes a ticket sales area, modern restrooms, and a Garden Café featuring indoor and outdoor dining options. Open daily for Preservation Society members and ticket holders.
▪ SECRET GARDEN TOURS are this weekend, where visitors and guests can explore a dozen private gardens in the Point neighborhood of our fair city. Check out all the details in the calendar listings below.
▪ COLONIAL JEWISH NEWPORT walking tour will be offered by the Newport Historical Society on Sunday, June 16, 11 am – 12:30 pm. Tickets: $15-$20. Tickets & reservations: 401/847-8770; newporthistorytours.org.
Additional details and contact information for each of these events are provided in the listings that follow.
TOUR GUIDES TIP OF THE WEEK: CROSS-SELLING BOOSTS RETURN GUEST VISITS
The ideal place to tell people about other things to see and do in Newport is when they are right here in Newport. This is called “cross-selling” and it can be a very effective tool to keep people coming back to our City-by-the-Sea.
Our visitors and guests are always receptive to learning about the other tours, exhibits, attractions, sporting events, seasonal activities, and dining options in our city. A visitor who has just enjoyed a mansion or harbor tour is the best prospect to share information about our restaurants and bars, sports activities, upcoming festivals, flower and boat shows, wineries and breweries, and our wonderful coastline. Our goal should be to encourage visitors to return to our city over and over, in every season. When you are face-to-face with our guests you will have the ideal opportunity to promote, explain, market, and cross-sell the rest of the year-round Newport experience. -KP
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NOTABLE & QUOTABLE ▪ “VANDERBUILDING”
Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s multimillion-dollar cottage,
The Breakers, was so opulent it inspired the
word “Vanderbuilding” to describe Gilded Age
real estate one-upmanship in Newport.
–Deborah Davis
Author
Gilded: How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort
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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF
Check out this week’s listings of jobs and volunteer opportunities for tour guides, harbor cruise and sailing guides, sailing crew members, and support staff at the mansions and a variety of museums and historic sites. Check out the web sites of the largest organizations – many are listed below – also check out the smaller tour companies and historic sites that might possibly need someone just like you. Jobs fill fast at this time of year, so act quickly.
Scan the openings and current job listings on the websites of the city’s biggest employers of tour guides and greeters.
- Harbor Tour Guides needed on the 49-passenger M/V Gansett. Lead these 90-minute narrated tours of Newport Harbor and the surrounding area. Based at Bowen’s Wharf. Info: 401/787-4438; gansettcruises.com
- Preservation Society of Newport County. This is Newport’s largest owner and operator of historic properties offering audio and guided tours. A variety of guide, greeter, security, and housekeeping positions are available. They recruit year-round. Check their web site on a regular basis for the latest job openings. www.newportmansions.org.
- 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
- Trolley/Van/Bus Drivers Tour Guide. Narrate tours and drive trolley. CDL license with passenger endorsement required. $17-$24/hour. Historic Tours of Newport. Info: 401/855-1942; historictoursofnewport.com
- Sightsailing of Newport accepts applications for its jobs year-round. Check their web site for guidance on applying for sailing jobs, front desk staff, and office positions at Sightsailing.com/employment.
VOLUNTEER TOUR GUIDE OPPORTUNITIES
- Newport Gulls Seeking Volunteers. Help at Cardines Field during the collegiate baseball team’s 22-game home season. Positions include ticket booth, souvenir staff, scoreboard and media department. Fun work. Great baseball. Home games are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Volunteers provided with a Gulls polo shirt, season passes for family and friends, and a volunteer meal card. Contact Michael Falcone: 516/729-3735; operations@newportgulls.com
- Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island Volunteers Needed. Wide range of volunteer opportunities. All aspects of operating, maintaining, and sailing a large square‐rigged vessel: steel and wood maintenance, vessel operations support, volunteer program support, outfitting, training. Check out the website for more information and to sign up! https://www.ohpri.org/come-sail-with-us
- Newport Car Museum’s family of volunteer docents share their passion for and knowledge of cars with interesting visitors from around the world. If interested, call Vincent Moretti at 401-848-CARS (2277)
For continuous and updated job listings, please go to www.whatsupnewp.com.
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CRUISE SHIPS ARE ARRIVING
The cruise ship season has begun! More than 80 ships will arrive in Newport during the coming Summer and Fall seasons. You can keep abreast of the upcoming arrivals of these sea-going ships and the thousands of visitors they bring to our fair city each week in this column.
Here is a list of a few of the upcoming arrivals scheduled for 2019, courtesy of our friends at Discover Newport.
- Friday, June 14 — Norwegian Dawn from Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Friday, June 28—Celebrity Summit from Celebrity Cruise Lines
- Saturday, July 6 – Queen Mary 2 from Cunard
- Thursday, August 1 – Caribbean Princess from Princess Cruise Lines
- Sunday, September 1 – Norwegian Dawn from Norwegian Cruise Lines
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CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS
NOW THROUGH JULY 21, 2019 — GERTRUDE VANDERBILT WHITNEY: SCULPTURE – NEWPORT ART MUSEUM
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, daughter of Alice & Cornelius Vanderbilt II, is best known as an art patron and founder of New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art. She also had a significant career as a sculptor, exhibiting throughout the United States and Europe and receiving major commissions and prizes. This exhibit showcases rarely seen works from private collections, examining the remarkable variety of the artist’s work—from her earliest classical sculptures to her more symbolic public monuments, from her bleakly Realist depiction of the tragedy of World War I to her late Art Deco work. This is the first exhibition of Whitney’s art since her death in 1942. More info: 401/848-8200; newportartmuseum.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 – “MY SMALL ABILITY” – THE LIFE AND WORK OF WILLIAM CLAGGETT
This exhibit at the Newport Historical Society Resource Center (82 Touro Street, Newport) features the story of 18th century master clockmaker, William Claggett. The exhibit tells us more than just the life of this craftsman by bringing alive other aspects of Newport including trade, artistry, aesthetics, science, religion, and culture through an examination of the life of Mr. Claggett. Additional Info and hours at 401/846-0813; newporthistory.org
NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 3rd – JOHN JAMES AUDUBON: OBSESSION UNTAMED – ROSECLIFF
The newest exhibit at Rosecliff (1902) is titled, John James Audubon: Obsession Untamed. In 1820 Audubon embarked on what would become his life’s work as “portraitist of all the birds of America.” The assembled collection showcases the naturalist’s relentless pursuit of the birds of America and his singular determination in seeing his beautiful artworks published. The exhibition draws upon the collections of the Preservation Society of Newport County as well as significant loans from private collections and institutions. Highlights include over 20 beautifully framed hand colored double elephant folio-sized aquatints from Birds of America, exquisite ladies’ hats and fans illustrating the early-20th-century craze for feathers that lead to initial conservation efforts, as well as Audubon’s life mask and snuff box. Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), daily, 9am – 5pm. Exhibit included in Rosecliff ticket. Info: newportmansions.org
WEDNESDAYS THRU SATURDAYS – MAY–NOVEMBER- – NEWPORT FOODIES STROLL – 11:30 AM
Newport Foodies Stroll offers a 1.5-mile walking food tour through Lower Thames Street. You will learn about the “City by the Sea”, as well as try the cuisine from five of the best locally owned restaurants. This progressive stroll will last 2.5 – 3 hours. Tours run Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 11:30 A.M. Meet Tom and Sue, your tour guides, in front of the Armory (365 Thames Street, Newport). Reservations highly recommended as these tours fill up quickly. Book your tickets ($63) and get more information at: 401/619-3019; newportfoodiesstroll.com
JUNE 2019 TOURS ▪ SPEAKERS ▪ SPECIAL EVENTS
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, JUNE 13 – NEWPORT RUN & CHUG – 6:30 PM
This is a running group that does a 5K run every week (3.1 miles). Run is led by firefighter Eddie Valen. Meet at the Fastnet Pub (1 Broadway, Newport) at 6:30 pm. Run is followed by a meet-up (and Chug) at the Fastnet Pub. Info: 401/845-9311.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13 – THE MYTH & MYSTIQUE OF DORIS DUKE’S CULTURAL CURIOSITY – ROUGH POINT
This is a one-of-a-kind program you won’t want to miss! Gospel singing, belly-dancing, longboard surfing – Doris took up each of these hobbies by turn and moved on just as quickly. What prompted her interest? Was she welcomed in these communities? And what sort of legacy did she leave behind? This discussion-based program will take a closer look. At Rough Point (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), 5-7PM. Tickets: $15. Info: 401/847-8344; newportrestoration.org
FRIDAY, JUNE 14- SUNDAY, JUNE 16 — SECRET GARDEN TOURS – NEWPORT’S POINT NEIGHBORHOOD
This twice-annual event kicks off this month with self-guided tours of gardens in the Point neighborhood. There are a dozen gardens to explore this weekend. Since 1984, the organizers and supporters of The Secret Garden Tour have been dedicated to enhancing art education and cultural programs in Aquidneck Island’s Public Schools, funding dozens of programs in music, theater and fine arts for local schoolchildren. Tickets are $25; $20 in advance. Info: 401/439-7253; secretgardentours.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 14 – 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 – pirates, criminals, and more — leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 14-16, 2019 – NEW YORK YACHT CLUB’S 165th ANNUAL REGATTA
North America’s oldest annual regatta will feature three great days of racing including the separately scored Around-the-Island Race on Friday, June 14, two awards parties and one fabulous regatta dinner on Saturday night. Competition will take place in IRC, ORC, PHRF and one-design classes, as well as for classic yachts and multihulls. The NYYC sailing season continues through September with the MelgesIC37 national championship races (September 27-29). Info: 401/846-1000; nyyc.org
FRIDAY, JUNE 14 — NEWPORT GULLS BASEBALL VS OCEAN STATE WAVES – 6:35 PM
The Newport Gulls will welcome the Ocean State Waves for their 4TH home game at Cardines Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport). Info & Tickets ($2-$5): 401/845-6832; https://bit.ly/2RxDm0D
FRIDAY, JUNE 14 — BELCOURT RESTORATION TOUR – BELCOURT OF NEWPORT
Belcourt is amazing! Carolyn Rafaelian, owner of Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), and her team are well into the process of restoring this 1894 Gilded Age mansion to its original glory. Several one-hour Belcourt Restoration Tours will be offered this weekend. If you love behind-the-scenes tours, now is the time to check out the restoration-in-progress of this fabled mansion, before the permanent changes and upgrades are completed. This home is truly something special. Reservations are encouraged. Tours at: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm. Tickets: Adults: $17.50; Children: $8.00. Info & Online Ticket Purchase: belcourt.com
JUNE 15, 16, 17, 2019 – NEWPORT COUNTY DAYS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS & HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEE DAYS
This weekend is the second of four annual weekends called Newport County Residents Days at the Newport Mansions. Any Newport County resident will receive free daytime admission to all Preservation Society of Newport County (PSNC) properties currently open as guests of the PSNC. Proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) must be presented. This weekend will also feature Hospitality Employee Days with other Newport cultural attractions participating. Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 – EMERGING SCHOLARS COLLOQUIUM – BREAKERS STABLE – 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
The Preservation Society of Newport County, in conjunction with the Decorative Arts Trust, presents its first annual Emerging Scholars Colloquium featuring students and young professionals in the fields of decorative arts and historic preservation. This daylong speaker series will highlight new research by young scholars. Tickets: Students – Free; Preservation Society and Decorative Arts Trust Members $30; Non-Members $40. Advance registration required. Info & Registration: 401/847-1000; emarchi@newportmansions.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 – 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
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 – USA VS SCOTLAND – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 5:00 PM
The Newport International Polo Series 28 continues Saturday, June 15, 2019, 5:00 pm, with the USA vs SCOTLAND at the Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI. Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 16 – GOLDEN TO GILDED WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM
This tour ties together the city’s many exciting periods of its history. 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, JUNE 16 – COLONIAL JEWISH NEWPORT WALKING TOUR – 11:00 AM – MUSEUM OF NEWPORT HISTORY
The Jews of colonial Newport significantly influenced the city’s growth, trade and economy. This tour concludes at Touro Synagogue, the oldest existing synagogue in the United States. Learn about its history and significance from the colonial period to present day. Tour begins at the Museum of Newport History (127 Thames Street, Newport). 11 am – 12:30 pm. Tickets: $15-$20. Tickets & reservations: 401/847-8770; newporthistorytours.org.
MONDAY, JUNE 17 – ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM
One of several excellent walking tours of Newport offered by the Newport Historical Society. Riots and rebellions, enemies and allies! Learn about Newport’s role in the American Revolution. This tour leaves at 10:30 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: newporthistorytours.org
MONDAY, JUNE 17 — NEWPORT GULLS BASEBALL VS NEW BEDFORD – 6:35 PM
The Newport Gulls will welcome New Bedford for their 5th home game at Cardines Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport). Info & Tickets: 401/845-6832; https://bit.ly/2RxDm0D
JUNE 21 – JUNE 23 — BELCOURT RESTORATION TOUR – BELCOURT OF NEWPORT
Belcourt is amazing! Carolyn Rafaelian, owner of Belcourt of Newport (657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), is well into the process of restoring this 1894 Gilded Age mansion to its original glory. Several one-hour Belcourt Restoration Tours will be offered this weekend. This home is truly something special. If you love behind-the-scenes tours, now is the time to check out the restoration-in-progress of this fabled mansion, before the permanent changes and upgrades are completed. Reservations are encouraged. Tours each day at: 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Tickets: Adults: $17.50; Children: $8.00. Info & Online Ticket Purchase: belcourt.com
JUNE 21-23, 2019 – THE NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW – AUDUBON ARTISTIC ADVENTURES – ROSECLIFF MANSION
The 2019 Newport Flower Show will feature design and horticulture exhibit, a Home & Garden Marketplace, Oceanside Boutiques, outdoor garden displays, lectures, and demonstrations by the top experts in the field. The Opening Night Party will take place from 6-9 pm on June 21. Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – FORT ADAMS – 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Register your car and come join a hundred other amazing vehicles on display at Fort Adams (Fort Adams State Park, Newport) from 7:30 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420.
SUNDAY, JUNE 23 – MAPPING NEWPORT: A CITY’S HISTORY VIA ITS BUILDINGS AND STREETSCAPES – 9AM-NOON
Walk the streets of one of the most historically intact communities in North America with architectural historian John Tschirch. This four-session program, offered by Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Continuing Education, will show how to “read a city” through a study of period maps and photographs, and to identify Newport’s major economic, political and cultural influences. This program covers four Sundays, June 23-July 14, 9am-noon. Fee: $275. Info: 401/454-6200. Register at: ce.risd.edu
FRIDAY, JUNE 28 – 50TH ANNIVERSARY (1969-2019) NEWPORT PELL BRIDGE CELEBRATION – FORT ADAMS
Save the date for the official “Happy Birthday” celebration marking the Newport Pell Bridge’s 50th milestone: June 28, 6pm to 10pm at historic Fort Adams. Enjoy a free concert by the aptly named Take it to the Bridge band plus food trucks, a cash bar and fireworks at 9:15pm. Info: discovernewport.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 29 – YACHT ROCK THE DOCK – IYRS RESTORATION HALL – 6:00 – 10:00 PM
The evening will include entertainment by Them Apples, a raw bar, appetizer stations, open bar with signature cocktails and exciting raffle items to raise money in support of Seamen’s unique programs and services supporting Newport’s maritime heritage. Advanced tickets required. Early bird tickets of $80 available until May 31st. Regular priced tickets $90 after June 1 or $100 at the door. Tickets and Info: 401/847-4260; seamensnewport.org
UPCOMING 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS
SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY – 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Register your car and come join a hundred other amazing vehicles on display at McAuley Hall (off Ochre Point Avenue between Leroy & Shepard Streets, Newport) at Salve Regina University from 7:30 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420.
JULY 8-13, 2019 – INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE CLASS 2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP — NEWPORT, RI
The International 12 Metre Class’ 2019 World Championship will be held in Newport, Rhode Island (USA) from July 8- 13, hosted by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club and the 12 Metre Yacht Club. It will be the largest-ever gathering of 12 Metre yachts in the United States featuring more than two-dozen boats from seven countries. International teams comprised of elite sailors including America’s Cup veterans and Olympic medalists will represent Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway and the United States. The 2019 12 Metre World Championship fleet will span the years 1928 -1987, include seven America’s Cup defenders and challengers, and be sailed on Rhode Island Sound, the site of nine America’s Cup competitions from 1958-1983. Info: http://www.12mrclass.com
TUESDAY, JULY 9 – LECTURE — THE WHITE HOUSE: “SOMETHING OF SPLENDOR… FOR THE CREDIT OF THE NATION”
William Allman, Curator Emeritus of The White House, will present the Pamela and David B. Ford Lecture, The White House: “Something of splendor…for the credit of the nation” on Tuesday, July 9, 6 pm, at Rosecliff. A reception will follow at 7 pm. Tickets: Members: $10; General Public: $15. Advance registration required. Info: Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org
JULY 26-29, 2019 – NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS – NEWPORT, RI
This famous festival, launched in 1959, will celebrate in a 4-day music extravaganza July 26-29 at Fort Adams, overlooking the mouth of Newport Harbor. Tickets and more information at newportfolk.org.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2019 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL CONCERT – INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME
A special concert will be presented at the Newport Casino at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) on Friday night, August 2nd. Tickets go on sale March 27th. Ticket prices: $50-$110. Tickets and more information at: newportjazz.org.
AUGUST 2-4, 2019 – NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL – FORT ADAMS – NEWPORT, RI
Since 1954, the greatest jazz musicians on the planet have played before the most loyal and appreciative jazz aficionados and fans in the world at the largest coastal fort in America, Fort Adams. They’ll do it again this August 2-4, beginning with a concert at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Friday, August 2. Don’t miss any of the music, the fun, and the food! Tickets and more information at: newportjazz.org.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2019 – REGATTA OPENING NIGHT COCKTAIL PARTY – 6:00 – 8:00 PM
The sailing social event of the season! Fans of the IYRS Newport Classic Yacht Regatta will celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic regatta in Restoration Hall (449 Thames Street, Newport) on the Newport waterfront at IYRS School of Technology & Trades. The evening features live music by Newport favorites Honky Tonk Knights and hors d’oeuvres by Russell Morin Catering and Events. Tickets: $20. Cash bar. For info and to purchase tickets, go to: newportclassicyachtregatta.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 – IYRS NEWPORT CLASSIC YACHT PARADE – 10:30 AM
This parade wraps up the weekend of the 40th Annual Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presented by IYRS (NCYR) which will take place over Labor Day weekend, Friday – Sunday, August 31 – Sep 1. The Organizing Authority for the NCYR is the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. Info: events@iyrs.edu
SEPTEMBER 6-8, 2O19 – NEWPORT SECRET GARDEN TOURS
The annual Newport Secret Garden Tours opens its gates to a plethora of stunning gardens in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Join the Benefactors of the Arts on September 6-8 for this self-guided tour featuring at least 10 incredible gardens. These private gardens are shared with the community to help raise funds for the Arts Education programs in the Island’s public schools. The tour runs daily, 10 am until 5 pm, and tickets are good for any or all days of the tour, allowing for inclement weather, schedule conflicts, or just a late start. Info and tickets: secretgardentours.org
SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2019 – 49TH ANNUAL NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Mark your calendar for the 49th annual Newport International Boat Show on the famed downtown Newport waterfront from September 12th to 15th this year. More Information: http://newportboatshow.com/
SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2019 — THE NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
This is one of the East Coast’s most sophisticated and anticipated events of the year. It is scheduled for September 19-22 at The Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House. Enjoy magnificent wines from around the world, fabulous food from local, regional and national chefs, artisanal food purveyors, cooking demos and interactive activities in an unforgettable setting. To learn more about the schedule of events, or to purchase tickets, visit newportmansions.org
OCTOBER 3-6, 2019 – AUDRAIN’S NEWPORT CONCOURS & MOTOR WEEK – INAUGURAL EVENT
The Audrain Automobile Museum presents the inaugural Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week coming to Newport, Rhode Island on October 3 -6, 2019. Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week 2019 will be the first of an annual event which aims to enliven the story of the automobile and its racing history in the northeast region of our country. With all this history, and help from their Event Chair, world renowned collecting, restoration, and culture expert, Jay Leno and their Concours Chair, Donald Osborne, noted classic car historian, consultant, writer and television personality, the Audrain Automobile Museum adds another chapter to Newport’s extensive book of automotive and sporting fascination. With the support and assistance from the Preservation Society of Newport County, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Salve Regina University, along with car enthusiasts, luxury car brands, venue partners, and supporters in Newport, Audrain plans to execute one of the highest quality events that the community has ever seen and raise money to increase the local economy. Info: 401/856-4420; audrainautomuseum.org
OCTOBER 3-7, 2019 – ROGUE ISLAND COMEDY FESTIVAL – VARIOUS LOCATIONS – NEWPORT, RI
For auditions, show information, and tickets, contact: rogueislandcomedyfestival.com
OCTOBER 13-15, 2019 – VISITOR EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE (VEX) – PHILADELPHIA, PA
This is an annual industry conference that should be of special interest to tour guides, greeters, tour operators, chambers of commerce, and all those whose goal is to create a memorable experience for their guests and visitors. The 2019 Visitor Experience Conference is a recognized platform for experts to share best practices in the Visitor Experience sector and provide specialized knowledge to take museum organizations to the next level. VEX offers a range of professional learning opportunities. From keynote and panel sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, half-day workshops, and lots of social events to meet and talk with colleagues. The conference takes place in the history-rich city of Philadelphia.
Attendees include museum professionals at all levels of their career, mainly in the Visitor Experience and Visitor Services field, but also consultants, exhibition developers/designers, volunteer managers, ticketing and database companies, and more. Past VEX attendees have included The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Johns Hopkins University, Arizona State University Art Museum, Museum of Modern Art, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian, Longwood Gardens, National Trust (England), Columbus Museum of Art, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Tacoma Art Museum, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and more from around the world. Info & Registration: https://visitorexperience.group/conference
EXPERIENCE THESE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS!
BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR – UPDATED MAY SCHEDULE
The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” is still offered daily. Tours are now offered 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: FOUR TOURS DAILY!
Considered by many to be the best tour in Newport, the world-famous 1-hour guided “Servant Life Tour” at The Elms is back and better than ever. Tours are now offered at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Info and updates: newportmansions.org
HANDBOOK FOR ALL 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 [Direct from the author or via 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. Handbook includes greetings in 18 of the most frequently spoken languages heard in Newport.
————————————————————————————————————————-KENNETH PROUDFOOT, a Newport Tour Escort and Guide, is the author of The Official 2018 Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Handbook (Shoreline Press (RI), 2017).