Hall Of Fame Tennis

Newport is busy!

We are deep into summer now and so much is going on as the weatherman predicts a hot weekend ahead.

On the water, the week-long 175th Anniversary Regatta hosted by the New York Yacht Club (Harbour Court) continues through July 20th.  Racing is taking place on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. 

Shoreside, the International Tennis Hall of Fame wraps up its Hall of Fame Open this weekend. Everywhere else, the downtown streets are busy with trolleys and tour buses. Our sidewalks are jammed with an international cast of visitors trying to stay cool in hats, shorts, and t-shirts. 

For our guides and students, there is another full schedule of lectures, presentations by authors and artists, and personal tours of our museums, mansions, and parks. It’s a great time for listening, looking, and learning from some amazing experts.  Check the listings below for details. 

Don’t forget we have another great week of college baseball at Cardines Field hosted by our own Newport Gulls.  The 51st anniversary of the Newport Music Festival continues with another ten days of exciting concerts ahead. This festival season’s concerts have been inspiring and uplifting.  

Enjoy your week!

TOUR GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK: GREETERS SHARE THEIR ENTHUSIASM WITH GUESTS 

Every professional tour guide in Newport will greet hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of visitors and guests every week. Each guide is the face of our city. Each guide sets the tone for the visitor’s experience as they enter each museum, historic site, or mansion. Every tour guide, in greeting each guest, has just a split second or two, to help launch the delivery of a high-quality and memorable experience. 

The key to making a positive impact on each visitor with every greeting is the ENTHUSIASM of the greeter.  

Simply stated, we need to inspire our greeting with excitement, because anything less than a high energy enthusiastic verbal greeting falls far short of what is necessary to differentiate the “Newport Visitor Experience” from every other destination.  

Review the quality and consistency of the greeting you and your colleagues are currently delivering to your guests and visitors. An uninspired verbal greeting of “Hi,” “Hello,” or similar non-specific wording speaks of mediocrity and disinterest. Instead, use active greetings like “Welcome!”, “Good Morning!”, and “Welcome! Thank-you for visiting us today!”

Review your visitor greeting efforts. Always ask, “Is this the best we can do?”  The effort will be worthwhile. Study other guides and greeters in our city who are perpetually happy, positive, and energized.  Then update and upgrade your greeting efforts at your Newport venue. Share your enthusiasm. You’ll help create lifetime memories for our visitors.

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NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Beautiful Things

The best and most beautiful things 

in the world cannot be seen or even 

touched – they must be felt with the heart.

-Helen Keller

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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF

Now at the middle of summer, 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 are now somewhat static. If there is a place you want to work, actively pursue possible job openings due to normal turnover, staff vacations, and/or increased demand. Always review the web sites of the city’s largest organizations – many are listed below – also check out the smaller tour companies and historic sites that might possibly need someone just like you.  Look for some job turnover in the market in the next few weeks. Jobs continue to fill fast this time of year, so when you spot an opening, act quickly.

Scan the openings and current job listings on the websites of the city’s biggest employers of tour guides and greeters.

  • 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.
  • 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
  • Island Helpers Needed. Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation is looking for Island Helpers for the 2019 summer season. Rose Island staff get to ride the Jamestown Ferry from Jamestown or Newport to work their 7-hour shift on our beautiful island. Our staff do a variety of jobs, including greeting daily visitors, educational tours, carpentry projects, housecleaning tasks, and landscape maintenance. Part-time. $11-$13.00/hour. Info: 
  • 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
  • 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 SHIP ARRIVALS

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 are a few of the upcoming arrivals scheduled for 2019, courtesy of our friends at Discover Newport.

  • Thursday, August 1 – Caribbean Princess from Princess Cruise Lines
  • Sunday, September 1 – Norwegian Dawn from Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Monday, September 2 – Insignia from Oceania Cruise Line
  • Wednesday, September 4 – Navigator from Regent Cruise Line
  • Thursday, September 5 – Caribbean Princess from Princess 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 JULY 28, 2019 – NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL

This annual music festival celebrates its 51st anniversary this summer. Several 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 available: 401/849-0700; newportmusic.org. 

NOW THROUGH LABOR DAY – BREAKERS STABLE & CARRIAGE HOUSE – OPEN DAILY 10 AM – 5 PM

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House (53 Coggeshall Avenue, Newport) is now open for the season!  This 15,000 square foot carriage house and stable complex was designed by Richard Morris Hunt and was an important part of the life of the Vanderbilt family and their staff beginning in 1895. The structure is located ½ mile from the Breakers. The Stable features a display of 18 carriages and two coaches, clothing and harnesses from that time period, an extensive exhibition on the New York Central Railroad, 26 tie stalls, and two box stalls. Outside flower gardens and the original greenhouses from the Breakers property are located behind the Stable. The Breakers Stable & Carriage House admission is included with any ticket to the Newport Mansions®. Hours are 10 am until 5 pm daily. Info: newportmansions.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 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 – DOWNTON ABBEY: THE EXHIBITION – BOSTON, MA

This BBC television series helped boost interest in the Newport mansions and launched a revival of sorts for the Gilded Age. Here is a new exhibit that brings the British series to Boston, all in anticipation of the upcoming feature-length Downton Abbey film scheduled for a September 2019 release. While waiting for the film, you may visit the Crawley family and enter the world of Downton Abbey at Downton Abbey: The Exhibition. Based on the beloved television show, this exhibition transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. You’ll be immersed in the fascinating social history, culture, and some of the most memorable moments and sets from the show’s six-season run like Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen, the servant’s quarters, and the dining room. This exhibition is located at The Castle at Park Plaza, 130 Columbus Avenue, Boston. Tickets: $33-$35.  Info & Ticket Purchase: 866/811-4111; DowntonExhibition.com

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 – NOW THROUGH 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

JULY 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, JULY 18 – DISCOVER COLONIAL NEWPORT WALKING TOUR – 10:30 AM 

This walking 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 

THURSDAY, JULY 18 – SUNDAY, JULY 21 – BELCOURT RESTORATION TOUR – BELCOURT OF NEWPORT

Visit amazing Belcourt!  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, 3 pm, and 4 pm. Tickets: Adults: $17.50; Children: $8.00.  Info & Online Ticket Purchase: belcourt.com 

THURSDAY, JULY 18 – 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. 

FRIDAY, JULY 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 – 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 

SATURDAY, JULY 20 – 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, JULY 20 – TOUR OF THE MONTH — THE FRENCH IN 18TH CENTURY NEWPORT – 11:00 AM

During this special walking tour, you’ll explore the heart of 18th century Newport and discuss the year-long period when roughly 12,000 French soldiers and sailors cohabited with Newport citizens during the American Revolution. Learn how the French contribution to the Revolutionary War was vital to the success of American Independence—and it began in Newport. Tickets $20; Children $5. 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Tour leaves from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and Reservations at: newporthistorytours.org 

SATURDAY, JULY 20 – USA VS ITALY – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 5:00 PM

The Newport International Polo Series 28 continues Saturday, July 20, 2019, 5:00 pm, with USA vs ITALY at the Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI. Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com 

SUNDAY, JULY 21 – 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  

JULY 14-21, 2019 – HALL OF FAME OPEN – INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME — NEWPORT

This is the windup of an exciting week of tennis and special events. International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Info and tickets: 401/849-6043; halloffameopen.com

MONDAY, JULY 22 – 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, JULY 22 – CREATIVE SURVIVAL – ROUGH POINT MUSEUM – 5:00 – 7:00 PM

The Newport Restoration Foundation and the 1696 Heritage Group present Creative Survival, a public program and exhibition about the largely unknown histories of African heritage craftsmen in Colonial Newport. Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group, will present a history of the role that craftsmen of African heritage played in colonial economies in colonial North America with a focus on the community of Newport. Hosted at Rough Point Museum (680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). 5-7 pm. Doors open at 5 pm, talk begins at 5:30. Tickets: $15. Info: 401/847-8344; newportrestoration.org

MONDAY, JULY 22 — NEWPORT GULLS BASEBALL VS OCEAN STATE WAVES – 6:35 PM

The Newport Gulls welcomes Ocean State Waves for a home game at Cardines Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport). Info & Tickets: 401/845-6832; https://bit.ly/2RxDm0D 

TUESDAY, JULY 23 — RETURN TO CAMELOT – ST. MARY’S CHURCH – 2:00 PM

The now famous Return To Camelot presentation returns to St. Mary’s Church (Corner of Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard, Newport). This program is a re-telling of the storied marriage and reception of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier on September 12, 1953. It includes exclusive newsreel footage of the young couple, the crowd of well-wishers outside the church, behind-the-scenes stories of Yusha Auchincloss, Jackie’s beloved stepbrother, and additional details of the church’s role in the wedding. The Return to Camelot presentation will continue every Tuesday afternoon through October 23rd. Info: 401/847-0475; stmarynewport.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 – JAZZ ON LAWN – 5:00 – 8:00 PM — ROUGH POINT MUSEUM

Jazz on Lawn is a night that celebrates Doris Duke’s lifelong affinity for jazz music. Music by Joe Albano and the Jazz Lords. Join music lovers for an evening on the lawn of Rough Point with picnic blankets, ocean breezes, and soulful tunes that recall the early years of the Newport Jazz Festival when Doris was known to bring musicians back to Rough Point for jam sessions.  Tickets: $15. 12 and under free. Info: 401/847-8344; newportrestoration.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 — NEWPORT GULLS BASEBALL VS VALLEY BLUE SOX – 6:35 PM

The Newport Gulls will welcome the Valley Blue Sox for a home game at Cardines Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport). Info & Tickets: 401/845-6832; https://bit.ly/2RxDm0D 

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.

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY (MCAULEY HALL) – 8:00 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 8:00 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420. 

JULY 27 & 28, 2019 – THE NEWPORT SHOW – ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL ICE RINK – MIDDLETOWN, RI

Celebrating 13 years, The Newport Show is New England’s premier fine art & antiques event. The Show, which runs July 27 – 28, 2019 at St. George’s School Ice Rink in Middletown (372 Purgatory Road, Middletown) & opens with a Gala Preview Party on Friday July 26, 2019, features more than 40 of the country’s top dealers in one scenic location offering a diverse selection of modern & contemporary art, home furnishings & even fashionable attire. It’s a must-see event for collectors & enthusiasts. Free parking. Saturday: 10 am – 6pm; Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm. Info: 401/846-2669; thenewportshow.com

MONDAY, JULY 29 – UNKNOWN NO LONGER: AFRICAN HERITAGE CRAFTSMEN IN COLONIAL NEWPORT — WHITEHORNE HOUSE MUSEUM – 5:00 – 7:00 PM

The 1696 Heritage Group will present their exhibition “Unknown No Longer: African Heritage Craftsmen in Colonial Newport” at Whitehorne House Museum, the only museum dedicated to the history and culture of Newport furniture. 1696 Heritage Group founders Keith and Theresa Guzman Stokes will be onsite to answer questions and offer insights into the information, artifacts, and ephemera in the exhibition. Hosted at Whitehorne House Museum (416 Thames Street, Newport). 5-7 pm. Tickets: $20. Info: 401/847-8344; newportrestoration.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 – SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF EARLY AMERICAN LIBRARIES – REDWOOD LIBRARY 

Author Sean D. Moore discusses his recently published book, Slavery and the Making of Early American Libraries: British Literature, Political Thought, and the Transatlantic Book Trade, 1731-1814. Early American libraries stood at the nexus of two transatlantic branches of commerce the book trade and the slave trade. Slavery and the Making of Early American Libraries bridges the study of these trades by demonstrating how Americans’ profits from slavery were reinvested in imported British books and providing evidence that the colonial book market was shaped, in part, by the demand of slave owners for metropolitan cultural capital. Reception: 5:30 pm; Lecture: 6:00 pm. Tickets: $10, Members; $20, Non-Members. Redwood Library & Athenaeum (50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Info: 401/847-0292; redwoodlibrary.org 

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UPCOMING 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS

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 3, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY (MCAULEY HALL) – 8:00 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 8:00 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 – JOHN G. WINSLOW LECTURE & RECEPTION – ROSECLIFF – 6:00 PM

Long Island on Tuesday, August 6 at Rosecliff at 6:00.  John LeBoutillier, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney’s great-grandson, will lead us on the ultimate insider tour of the iconoclastic sculptor’s Old Westbury, Long Island studio, which today is his home. Whitney, who was the founder of the Whitney Museum, was an accomplished professional sculptor of national stature. LeBoutillier is this year’s distinguished John G. Winslow lecturer. Lecture to be hosted at Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), 6:00 pm; Reception, 7:00 pm. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 — BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL – OPENING CEREMONY – INDEPENDENCE PARK – BRISTOL, RI

The 36th annual Black Ships Festival begins with colorful ceremonies to commemorate Newport’s native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened trade between Japan and the United States. Wreath-laying and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Colors will be presented by the Navy Color Guard and accompanied music by the Navy Band.  A full calendar of events follows. Info: 401/846-2720; blackshipsfestival.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2019 – FOUR FAITH TOURS OF HISTORIC NEWPORT HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Tour four historic houses of worship: Touro Synagogue, United Baptist Church, Newport Congregational Church, and Channing Memorial Unitarian Church.  Adults $20, seniors (65+) $15, children (13+) $10.   Tickets at Eventbrite.com; Newport Gateway Center, 23 America’s Cup; and Loeb Visitors Center.  Tour starts at Loeb Visitors Center at Touro Synagogue at 52 Spring Street (Newport); 10 am – 12:30 pm.  Info: 401/871-0338; 4faiths.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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 – SOUTHERN LIGHTHOUSE TOUR OF 11 LIGHTHOUSES – ALOFSIN PIER, FORT ADAMS – 10AM

Save The Bay offers several lighthouse cruises on Narragansett Bay this season. With stunning views of the Newport Pell Bridge, Prudence Island and historic Fort Adams, this tour also offers views of 11 active and inactive lighthouses, and a lunch stop on Rose Island, where passengers will tour the grounds and lighthouse tower.  Save The Bay’s Lighthouse Tours are part of the United States Lighthouse Society’s passport program, and ticket sales support Save The Bay’s education efforts, as well as the restoration of the Pomham Rocks and Rose Island lighthouses. Save The Bay members can purchase Southern Bay Lighthouse Tour tickets for $65 and non-members can purchase tickets for $70. For more information about Save The Bay’s Lighthouse Tours, or to purchase tickets, visit www.savebay.org/lighthouse.

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 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 – BROADWAY STREET FAIR – 12 NOON – 6:00 PM

The annual Broadway Street Fair is scheduled from noon till 6 pm. The Street Fair begins at Equality Park and extends down into Washington Square. The day will be filled with music, food, family activities, exhibiting artists & makers and local non-profits. Last year more than 15,000 people took a stroll along Broadway, Newport’s historic Main Street and major artery into the city. This is a rain or shine event! Info: broadwaystreetfair.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

EXPANDED NUMBER OF TOURS: EXPERIENCE THESE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS!

BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR – UPDATED SUMMER SCHEDULE

The Breakers tour, “Beneath the Breakers,” is still offered daily.  Tours are now offered at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.  Tour is one hour. Info: newportmansions.org 

SERVANT LIFE TOUR AT THE ELMS: SEVEN 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, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Info and updates: newportmansions.org

IN PRINT

PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR 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 a writer and author of The Official 2018 Newport Tour Guides & Greeters Handbook (Shoreline Press (RI), 2017).

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