SECOND SUNDAY: Check out the ever-interesting Prescott Farm just up the road in Middletown (2009 W. Main Road, Middletown, RI;401/846-4152 x123) with its nature trails, historic windmill (c. 1812), numerous historic homes, and interactive programs. Open this Sunday 12 noon until 3:00 pm. Purchased by Doris Duke in 1969, the 47.8- acre farm, a property of the Newport Restoration Foundation, is the largest public open space on Aquidneck Island.
SAILING: The 2019 J Fest New England Regatta is coming this weekend. A continuing series of regattas and sailboat races will take to Narragansett Bay in the coming weeks. Check in often with WhatsUpNewp.com news and listings for the latest dates and times.
PROMOTE MORE NEWPORT: Be sure to engage your guests and visitors and point out the many other places, historic sites, and activities taking place in Newport this week. See our listings here.
Enjoy your week!
TOUR GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK: THINK COOL AND YOU’LL BE COOL
The past couple weeks’ hot and humid weather has been a big challenge to guides and guests alike. As the first person your visitors see when they arrive at your property or board your vessel, you get to help set the tone and mood for their visit. It’s easy to let the humidity and heat negatively affect your enthusiasm and energy. For our guests and visitors, it is human nature to commiserate with others’ misery, including ours. The best remedy? Be enthusiastic and think “cool.” It’s the oldest mental trick in the book, an exercise in mind over matter.
If you can imagine cool — snow falling, a cold arctic wind in your face, or the tingling of icy fingers — you will quickly find yourself feeling cooler. And your “mental coolness” will be picked up by your guests. Maybe not ALL your guests, but enough to improve the quality of their visit, at least until this summer heat wave ends. Try it today — THINK COOL!
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NOTABLE & QUOTABLE
Newport Pleasures
“Newport was for the eating of dinners and the batting of balls,
for dancing, for yachting and for strutting;
Newport was for July and August and the exchange of visits
that were in themselves both ends and means.
-Louis Auchincloss
Introduction to Newport Pleasures and Palaces, by Nancy Sirkis, 1963.
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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF
As we close in on the middle of August, job changing begins to increase. High school students and summer interns are starting to think about their fall programs. College students, some who will be leaving in mid-August, begin resigning their positions to focus on school. Result: New opportunities open daily.
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 will offer new openings. 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.
- 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
- 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:
- 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
- Ecotourism Guide needed. Join Rail Explorers Rhode Island. Based in Portsmouth, RI. This is for someone who loves the outdoors and who wants to work with people in a busy high energy environment. Our business is customer service driven – always striving to make our tour experience 150% above expectations. We look for physically fit applicants that have a great work ethic and happy, optimistic personalities. To enjoy this job, you would be outgoing – very much a people person! $15/hour. 20-29 hours/week. Full Time & Part-time positions available. Seasonal through Oct 31. Info: 877/833-8588; railexplorers.net
- 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.
- 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.
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 is in full swing! More than 80 ships will arrive in Newport during this Summer and Fall. 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 8 – American Star – American Cruise Lines
- Tuesday, August 13 – American Constitution – American Cruise Lines
- Thursday, August 15 – American Star – American Cruise Lines
- Sunday, September 1 – Norwegian Dawn — Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Monday, September 2 – Insignia — Oceania Cruise Line
- Wednesday, September 4 – Navigator — Regent Cruise Line
- Thursday, September 5 – Caribbean Princess — Princess Cruise Lines
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CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS
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
NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 17 – HAUNTED BRISTOL WALKING TOURS – NIGHTLY – 8:30 PM
Haunted Bristol walking tours start at 8:30 every night in front of the State and Courthouse, 240 High Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. This is a lantern-led 1-hour tour about the History, Native Indian Fables, Court Trials and Haunted Tales. Led by local historian Joan Quinn. $15/per person. Reservations required: 401/286-1209.
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
AUGUST 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, AUGUST 8 – ARBORETA TOUR – 10 AM – 2 PM
The Newport Tree Conservancy hosts free self-guided tours of five of Newport’s accredited arboreta. These include Walnut Point Arboretum, East Court Arboretum, Ocean View Arboretum, Bellevue House, and Oakwood. Suggested donation: $5. Info: newporttreeconservancy.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 – 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, AUGUST 8 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 – 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, AUGUST 8 — THE MYTH & MYSTIQUE OF DORIS DUKE’S INNER CIRCLE – ROUGH POINT
Doris Duke’s name is associated with celebrities like Andy Warhol and Jackie Onassis, but those who knew her best are less well-known. Join the tour guides at Rough Point as they unveil the most intimate and influential relationships in Doris’s life. Conversational tours depart at 5:30 and 6:30 and each will be capped at 20 people. The house and program can be experienced without a tour. Tickets: $15. Info & Tickets: 401/847–8344; visit@newportrestoration.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 – 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, AUGUST 9 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 – NEW ENGLAND/J FEST REGATTA
All J Boats eligible. Saturday, August 10, 1100 First Warning. Info: 401/846-1983; jfestnewengland.com; sailnewport.org
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
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 ▪ 2019 NYYC INVITATIONAL TEAM RACE REGATTA FOR THE MORGAN CUP
This annual race will provide some exciting competition on the waters around Newport. The Morgan Cup was presented by the members of the New York Yacht Club to J. P. Morgan as a token of esteem and a mark of appreciation of his service to the club as Commodore, 1919-1921, and is dedicated as the perpetual award for the winning team of the New York Yacht Club Morgan Cup Team Race Invitational. Info: nyyc.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 – 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, AUGUST 10 – COMMON BURYING GROUND GUIDED TOUR – 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Guided tours of the Common Burying Ground in Newport take place at 10 am on Saturdays every week in July and August. The tour starts at the entrance on Warner Street (at Burnside Avenue). The focus of the tour are the stones carved in the 1700s, many from the Stevens shop. A highlight of the visit is God’s Little Acre, the largest collection of gravestones for people of African heritage in Colonial New England. Free. Info: 401/619-3859.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 – 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, AUGUST 10 – NEWPORT VS WASHINGTON – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 5:00 PM
The Newport International Polo Series 28 continues Saturday, August 10, 2019, 5:00 pm, with NEWPORT vs WASHINGTON at Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI. Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 – 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, AUGUST 11 – GUIDED WALKS & TOURS – PRESCOTT FARM – MIDDLETOWN – NOON – 3:00 PM — FREE
The Newport Restoration Foundation hosts this free Second Sunday event for August at Prescott Farm (2009 W. Main Road, Middletown, RI). This is Aquidneck Island’s largest public open space. You can explore nature trails with their guest guides, consult with URI Master Gardeners, and explore the farm’s historic windmill. Gray’s Grist Mill will be on hand to learn about the process from seed corn to the production of Johnnycakes. Info: 401/846-4152 x123; newportrestoration.org
MONDAY, AUGUST 12 – 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
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 — 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
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – CHATEAU-SUR-MER – 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Register your car and come join a hundred other amazing vehicles on display at Chateau Sur Mer (474 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) from 8:00 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420.
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
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UPCOMING FALL 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS
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
PRINT & DIGITAL RESOURCES
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.
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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).