The Newport International Boat Show begins today (September 12), covering over 13 acres of Newport waterfront, and runs through Sunday, September 15th. Hundreds of boats, nautical gear, sailing excursions, the Newport Wooden Boat Show, and more are all part of this big waterside event. Info: newportboatshow.com

The International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport), hosts the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Grass Court Invitational for three days: Saturday, September 14 – Monday, September 16. FREE ADMISSION!

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REMIND YOUR GUESTS ABOUT THESE EXCITING EVENTS COMING SOON

▪ NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER 19-22 – At The Elms, Rosecliff, and Marble House. 

▪ HARBOR LIGHTS NEWPORT – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – DUSK TILL 10 PM

▪ CARS & COFFEE – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21  — FORT ADAMS – 8:00 – 10:00 AM

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IN OTHER NEWS

NEWPORT ON FILM: A recently released DVD of the 2017 HBO documentary, THE NEWSPAPERMAN: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BEN BRADLEE, features some great color footage of President John F. Kennedy sailing on Narragansett Bay with the Newport mansions in the background and a voiceover mentioning Kennedy’s visits to Narragansett Bay and Newport.

NOTE: New Times For Two Preservation Society Tours:  Beneath The Breakers Tour (@The Breakers) is offered daily at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30. Servant Life Tour (@The Elms) is offered daily at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30. Reservations suggested. Tickets may be purchased online @ NewportMansions.org

AS ALWAYS: Check the updated listings below for new activities as well as the ever-popular tours happening on our island.  Remind everyone you meet about the many upcoming events, celebrations, holiday decorations, and fun that awaits them here in Newport. We ARE a dynamic year-round destination. 

Don’t be shy — Tell the World! 

Enjoy your week!

TOUR GUIDE TIP OF THE WEEK: KEEP READING ▪ KEEP LEARNING 

One of your biggest assets as a tour guide or greeter is your local knowledge of history and of the community at large. Visitors and guests see you as the “Google” of local information. Longtime guides know this already. New guides quickly find themselves being asked questions about a wide variety of subjects, mostly about Newport and its history. But guides also get endless questions about local geography, mansion owners’ family histories, as well as the weather, directions to the best beach, restaurant, and hotel, and a hundred other relevant and unusual topics.  

How can you be prepared for so many questions about so many different things?

Read all you can about our local families, history, and events. Then ask questions of your colleagues, of Newport natives, and other guides. Attend lectures and classes offered locally about the city’s history and its former and current residents.  Always ask about anything you are being asked by guests but don’t know yourself. Asking is how we all learn. Be perpetually curious. 

Above all, keep reading and keep learning. 

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NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Why Embrace the Past?

How can we know where we are going 

without some perspective on where we have been?

-Tim McGraw

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JOBS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

TOUR GUIDES · GREETERS · HARBOR CRUISE GUIDES · SUPPORT STAFF

We’re welcoming thousands of cruise ship passengers this week as they disembark and tour our wonderful city.

This is a great season to join the ranks of Newport Tour Guides and related support staff. You can still find a wide variety of jobs and volunteer opportunities for tour guides, harbor cruise and sailing guides, sailing crew members, and support staff at the mansions; a variety of museums and historic sites have new openings. 

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 increasing job turnover in the market over the next 30 days. If there is a place you want to work, actively pursue possible job openings now.

Scan these current job listings and review 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.
  • 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 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 some of the upcoming arrivals scheduled for 2019, courtesy of our friends at Discover Newport.

  • Thursday, September 12 — American Star – American Cruise Lines
  • Thursday, September 12 — American Constitution – American Cruise Lines
  • Friday, September 13 – Star Pride – Windstar Cruise
  • Monday, September 16 – Aurora – P&O Cruises
  • Thursday, September 19 – Norwegian Dawn – Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Thursday, September 19 – American Star – American Cruise Lines
  • Sunday, September 22 – American Constitution – American Cruise Lines
  • Sunday, September 22 – Navigator – Regent Cruise Line
  • Sunday, September 22 – Regal Princess – Princess Cruise Lines
  • Tuesday, September 24 – Navigator – Regent Cruise Line
  • Wednesday, September 25 – Norwegian Dawn – Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Wednesday, September 25 – Caribbean Princess – Princess Cruise Lines

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CONTINUING PROGRAMS & EXHIBITS

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 SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 – SPECTACULAR SILVER: YACHTING’S GOELET CUPS – REDWOOD LIBRARY

This exhibition presents a multimedia sweep of one of the great chapters in sailing competition and trophy craftsmanship: the Goelet Cups and the sailboat races held in Newport from 1882 to 1897 for which they were the prize. The races were among the first American sporting contests to attract national media attention and the elaborate silver trophies, made by leading firms such as Tiffany & Co. and Whiting Manufacturing Co., are considered a high point in nineteenth-century American silver. Spectacular Silver features a range of historic materials: from yacht models and marine paintings to press clippings and scrap books, culminating in a select presentation of Goelet Cups from major private and institutional collections. In the Van Alen Gallery. Info: 401/847-0292; redwoodlibrary.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

NOW THROUGH CHRISTMAS – NEWPORT TOWER MUSEUM – WEEKENDS – 11 AM – 1 PM

The huge “Old Stone Mill” in Touro Park has fascinated people for hundreds of years. This is the oldest structure in Newport. Yet, the mysteries of who built it, why it was built, when it was built, and what it was used, have puzzled scientists, academicians, locals, and tourists for as long as can be remembered here. Now, the mystery has been solved. The answers to all the questions people have been asking about this monument on the green of Touro Park can be found at the Newport Tower Museum (152 Mill Street, Newport). Museum founder and prolific author, Jim Egan, greets guests and shares his unique journey researching and finally discovering who [and why] the Newport Tower, located in Touro Park, was built. A visit to the tower is followed by a tour of his museum. The museum displays and images demonstrate several ideas and principles that will astound and delight. The Newport Tower Museum is a must-see for all tour guides, greeters, and all those who love learning about our history. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Museum founder Egan has written numerous books about his research on the Newport Tower. His most comprehensive book, ELIZABETHAN AMERICA: The John Dee Tower of 1583 (2011), is a tome every history-loving Newport resident and tour guide should read and own. Open weekends 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and by appointment. Info: 401/447-6757; newporttowermuseum.com    

SEPTEMBER 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, SEPTEMBER 12 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 – 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/

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – 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, SEPTEMBER 12 – NEWPORT GALLERY NIGHT – 4-8 PM

Free walking art tours. Art galleries open. Free parking at the Visitors Bureau and at the Newport Art Museum. Info: newportgallerynight.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – A CRAFTSMAN’S TOUR OF NEWPORT FURNITURE – WHITEHORNE HOUSE – 5:15 PM

Join furniture maker Timothy Philbrick on a special tour of Whitehorne House’s collection of 18th century Newport furniture. Doors open at 5 pm. $25. For tickets and more information: 401/847-8344; newportrestoration.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – RITZ & ESCOFFIER: THE HOTELIER, THE CHEF, AND THE RISE OF THE LEIURE CLASS – 6 PM

Luke Barr, author and journalist, will present a lecture based on his book, Ritz and Escoffier: The Hotelier, The Chef, and the Rise of the Leisure Class. Members: $10; General Public: $15. Held at Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Info and Registration: 401/847-1000, x178; newportmansions.org/learn/adult-programs

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – 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. 

SEPTEMBER 13, 14, 15 – TOUR ON TWO WHEELS — MANSION BIKE TOURS – 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM 

For the first time, the Preservation Society and Bike Newport are collaborating to offer guided history-themed bike tours. These group rides will combine the experience of seeing the mansions with the fun of bicycling on beautiful Bellevue Avenue. Riders will visit eight of the Preservation Society’s historic properties and learn about their architecture, landscape design, social history and preservation. These rides will not only provide a new experience for visitors to the mansions but will also support Bike Newport’s efforts to make it safer and more comfortable to bicycle in Newport. Tours will be offered on September 13, 14 and 15. For more information, contact: LSchoberth@psnc.org; or call 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 – 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, SEPTEMBER 13 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 – 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 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 – NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION GUIDED TOUR – 3:00 PM

A beautiful tour of the National Museum of American Illustration (492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) is offered year-round every Friday to guests at 3 pm. The National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) is situated in Vernon Court, a Gilded Age mansion (1898). Vernon Court is on the National Register of Historic Places with interiors inspired by the palace at Versailles. The NMAI focuses on original illustration artworks created to be reproduced in books, periodicals, advertising and in other print media. Featured artists include Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, Howard Pyle, JC Leyendecker, Jessie Willcox Smith, NC Wyeth and 150 others. Free parking for museum visitors is available in the lot located on Victoria Avenue. Tour is included with admission. Info & Tickets: 401/851-8949; americanillustration.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – 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, SEPTEMBER 14 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 – ITA GRASS COURT INVITATIONAL – TENNIS HALL OF FAME

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) will present the 2019 NCAA Division III teams competition at the International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport). Eight Division 3 tennis teams will compete on the prestigious grass courts during the Hall of Fame Intercollegiate Tennis Association Grass Court Invitational. Admission to the three-day tourney will be free of charge and open to the public, providing fans a great opportunity to see incredibly competitive tennis. Info: 401/619-4683; tennisfame.com/ita

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – USA VS NEW ZEALAND – NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO – 4:00 PM

The Newport International Polo Series 28 continues Saturday, September 14, 2019, 4:00 pm, with USA vs NEW ZEALAND at Newport International Polo Grounds, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, RI. Info: 401/846-0200; nptpolo.com 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 – 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  

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 – 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, SEPTEMBER 17 — 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

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – EXCLUSIVE SHOWING: DOWNTON ABBEY – JANE PICKENS

The feature film, Downton Abbey, will be shown at the Jane Pickens Theater September 20-26. This is the continuing saga of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them in the English countryside in the early 20th century. Exclusive showing in Newport at Jane Pickens Theater (49 Touro Street, Newport). Info & Tickets: 401/846-5474; janepickens.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – HARBOR LIGHTS NEWPORT – DUSK TILL 10:00 PM

HARBOR LIGHTS NEWPORT is a new event presented by Discover Newport and the Newport Maritime Alliance; it promises to “enlighten” visitors and residents alike. Boat owners, marinas and waterfront businesses will participate in this event by illuminating their vessels, docks, yacht clubs, shops and restaurants with festive lights from dusk until 10 p.m. both nights. Each marina will choose and award their top three Best Decorated Boats to each receive a fantastic prize with an additional prize awarded to the Best Decorated Marina or Waterfront Business. Judging will commence on Friday, Sept. 20 and prizes will be awarded on Saturday, Sept. 21.  Event will take place rain or shine. Info: discovernewport.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 – 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 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 – CARS & COFFEE – FORT ADAMS – 8:00 – 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 8:00 am until 10 am. Coffee available, too. Register your vehicle at audrainautomuseum.org. Info: 401/856-4420. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 – WALKING TOUR OF THE MONTH – LEGENDS & LORE – 11:00 AM

Did the British Army steal the town records when they withdrew from Newport during the American Revolution; is there a tunnel on Touro Street; did an artist on Mill Street discover the tomato? Join Newport Historical Society guides on a walking tour that teases out the truth from the fiction in these stories and other infamous and beloved Newport tales. This tour leaves at 11:00 am from the Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street (Newport). Info and reservations at: 401/846-0813; newporthistorytours.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – LECTURE: WHEN THE IRISH INVADED CANADA – CHRISTOPHER KLEIN – 6 PM

Join us for this lecture, “When the Irish Invaded Canada: The Incredible True Story of the Civil War Veterans Who Fought for Ireland’s Freedom.” Museum of Newport Irish History (648 Thames Street, Newport) .Info: 401/848-0661; newportirishhistory.org

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UPCOMING FALL 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 — 2019 CITIZENS BANK PELL BRIDGE RUN – 7:15 AM 

The 4-mile run/walk on October 20th, 2019 takes pedestrians from Jamestown to Newport, Rhode Island over the iconic Newport Pell Bridge. This year’s Citizens Bank Pell Bridge Run is a proud part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations for the bridge. Starting at 5:30 a.m. on October 20, runners and walkers will be shuttled from the Newport Visitors Center to the race start line in Jamestown. Participants will be assigned to specific shuttle times. The race itself will begin at 7:15 a.m., with participants broken into waves based on pace. Runners and walkers will follow a course on and over the bridge, taking in the sunrise and the stunning fall vistas that the run/walk is known for. They’ll finally descend from the bridge on to Farewell Street, finishing back at the Visitors Center on America’s Cup Avenue. Registration for runners and walkers (Registration fee: $52) is open at www.pellbridgerun.com.  

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 – BOWEN’S WHARF SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 

Historic Bowen’s Wharf hosts the 29th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival on October 19th and 20th. Named one of the “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast,” by Coastal Living Magazine, this event is an open invitation to come back to the waterfront after the rush of the summer season! Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival offers fresh, local seafood. Fish tacos, lobster rolls, fried calamari, oysters, signature cocktails and cold Whaler’s Brewing beer accompany continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf’s colorful tents. Other neighboring restaurants and fisherman’s associations serve up their most celebrated seafood dishes (lobster dinners, clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, shrimp, scallops, raw oysters and clams, as well as a few dishes for landlubbers and kids). Fresh smoothies, donuts and kettle corn for your sweet tooth. Cafe-style seating is set up throughout the Wharf and proceeds from festival bars benefit Oliver Hazard Perry, RI’s 200-foot official sailing education vessel. Free Admission. Saturday: 11 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm. Info: 401/849-2243; info@bowenswharf.com  

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 – THE PLAZA: THE SECRET LIFE OF AMERICA’S MOST FAMOUS HOTEL – ROSECLIFF – 6PM

The second in a series of lectures at Rosecliff continues with Julie Satow, author and journalist, who explores the glamour on the surface and strife behind the scenes of New York’s Plaza Hotel. Her lecture, The Plaza: The Secret Life of America’s Most Famous Hotel is based on her book of the same name. Julie Satow is a regular contributor to the New York Times, her work has also appeared on NPR, the New York Post, HuffPost, and elsewhere. Tickets & Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 – FOOD IN THE AMERICAN GILDED AGE – ROSECLIFF – 6:00 PM

The final lecture in a 3-part series at Rosecliff presents Dr. Helen Zoe Veit to share her research into how the American dinner table changed during this period through the food contributions of immigrants, the growth of American agriculture, and the improvement of food distribution owing to the railroads. Dr. Veit is the author of Modern Food, Moral Food: Self-Control, Science, and the Rise of Modern American Eating in the Early Twentieth Century. Tickets & Info: 401/847-1000; newportmansions.org 

NEW SCHEDULE FOR THESE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS!

BENEATH THE BREAKERS TOUR – UPDATED FALL 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: REVISED SCHEDULE

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

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).

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