Happy Labor Day! Here’s how to make the most out of the last day of this long holiday weekend… 1 – Closing Day For lululemon | lululemon athletica Newport Pop-up Shop will close up their pop-up shop on William Street on Monday. They will have treats and fun for those who visit all weekend. MORE INFO 2 […]
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).
He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.
Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.
In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.
In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.
Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.
Posted inNews
Salve Regina to Celebrate Convocation, Officially Open 2015-2016 Academic Year
Barbara LoMonaco, Salve Regina’s new vice president for student affairs, will present the keynote address when the university community gathers on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to celebrate Convocation, an annual ceremony to welcome new students and officially open the academic year. Festivities will begin at 2 p.m. on the lawn of Wakehurst Student Center, Ochre Point […]
Posted inHistory
55 Years Ago, The Cowsills Were Formed in Newport
Back in the spring of 1965, four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. The original Cowsills consisted of Bill on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, Barry on bass and John on drums. The following is an excerpt from the history of the family and the band by […]
Posted inThings To Do
Volunteer Tour Guides Wanted as Newport Art Museum Launches New “Gallery Guide” Program
The Newport Art Museum is now accepting applications for its new “Gallery Guides” program. Gallery Guides will be dedicated volunteers who provide tours for visitors of all ages. The guides will be trained to use questions, conversation and factual content to engage visitors in positive, meaningful and relevant exploration of the Museum’s exhibitions, collection and architecture. Accepted candidates will go […]
Posted inNews
Five Newport Organizations Create a Comprehensive Master Plan for City of Newport’s Trees, Parks and Open Space
Five local organizations have created a partnership to develop a comprehensive master plan for trees, parks and open space in the City of Newport. Project leaders will seek public participation as the key element in planning a sustainable future for the public use and enjoyment of Newport’s invaluable environmental and recreational assets. The first […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Instagram Will Host an ‘InstaMeet’ in Newport, RI
Every year Instagram organizes Worldwide InstaMeet (WWIMs), which are essentially scaled-up instameets, where instagrammers get together and take photographs. Derek Hogan (www.instagram.com/iamderekhogan) and Arvind Ranganathan (www.instagram.com/rangarvind) are hosting World Wide Instameet 12 – Newport in Newport, Rhode Island on October 4th at 11am. Locations and more details to come. For more information visit and follow the […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Four Chances in September to Climb Miantonomi Tower in Miantonomi Park
On Sundays throughout the month of September, the Miantonomi Tower in Miantonomi Park will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. allowing visitors to climb to the highest point on Aquidneck Island. Beyond enjoying the spectacular view from the tower visitors will get a chance to explore the trails, wildlife and historic sites in […]
Posted inNews
Atlantic Beach, Easton’s Beach and Sandy Point Beach Re-Open To Swimming
Earlier this week, Easton’s Beach and Atlantic Beach were closed to swimming due to high bacteria counts. The following beaches have re-opened to swimming as of 10 a.m. on Friday, September 4th: Atlantic Beach in Middletown, Easton’s Beach in Newport, and Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth. This recommendation is based on results from water samples […]
Posted inNews
Work to Begin on $46.3 Million Hotel at Newport Naval Station
The Korte Company, based out of St. Louis, will begin construction of the new, 7-story, 200 guest-room Navy Gateway Inns & Suites hotel at Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA Newport). The 103,831-square-foot project also includes the construction of a 175-vehicle parking area on the adjacent Lawrence Field. When completed in April of 2017, the facility will be the […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Trot Nixon, Retired Red Sox Right Fielder to Speak in Newport
Trot Nixon, Former Red Sox Right Fielder Former Red Sox World Champion Right Fielder Trot Nixon and four-time X Games gold medalist Kevin Robinson (K-Rob) will speak at the New England Festival of Hope held at Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Trot’s wife and […]
Posted inNews
Discover Newport Predicts a Busy Upcoming Labor Day Weekend, Optimistic About Fall
Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, predicts a busy upcoming Labor Day weekend throughout the region. Discover Newport is the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol Counties, Rhode Island Three key factors, he said, have led him […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Labor Day Weekend Entertainment and Live Music Listings
Photo by Morgan Macia/Macia Photography Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this long Labor Day Weekend, enjoy! Don’t miss our look at 15 Best Things To Do This Weekend In Newport! Newport, RI Live Music & Entertainment Listings Friday, September 4th – Monday, September 7th, 2015 @ The Deck | 1 […]
Posted inThings To Do
15 Best Things to Do on Labor Day Weekend in Newport, RI
Featured Photo by Marial Maher/Visual Manor Hello Labor Day weekend, it is us Newp! The long weekend ahead is looking stellar. What’sUpNewp has the ultimate guide to keep you busy, entertained and smiling this Labor Day weekend. If you’re on your way to Newport, make those moves and hit the pedal faster. If you’re already in […]
Posted inNews
Newport Waterfront Events Looks at Moving to Providence Permanently
Newport Waterfront Events has already moved Oktoberfest to Providence in 2015. It has been almost one year since Newport Harbor Corp. sold the Newport Yachting Center and its property to the Peregrine Group, and Newport Waterfront Events still is without a permanent home and living in the unknown. Michele Maker Palmieri, who ran Newport Waterfront Events for […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
1772 Foundation Awards $40,000 Grant to IYRS School of Technology & Trades
The 1772 Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to the IYRS School of Technology & Trades to support the expansion of its Newport campus. IYRS is fund raising for a new, 20,000 square foot building and associated program development needs, such as equipment, tools, and curricula. The building will allow IYRS to consolidate its two […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
VIDEO: NESN’s ‘Wicked Bites’ Visits Diego’s
Wicked Bites, a show that features food, fun and sports from throughout New England on NESN, visited Diego’s down on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport recently. The episode featuring Diego’s will air on NESN on Saturday, September 5th at 9:30am. Wicked Bites has also recently aired their visits to Mission, The White Horse Tavern and Hotel Viking this […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New Oyster Bar Opens on Lower Thames Street
Scales & Shells opened 1/2 Shell, a new oyster room, bar and restaurant, to the public on Thursday, September 24th. 1/2 Shell will continue the traditions of Scales & Shells, “Newport’s only ‘only fish’ restaurant” with a focus on oysters. 1/2 Shell is located at 537 Thames Street, adjacent to Scales & Shells. Follow 1/2 Shell On […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
5 Reasons to Visit Newport Storm Brewery and Thomas Tew Distillery
This story was originally published on September 2, 2015. For those of you who are looking for a fun way to spend the day, start the weekend, or entertain your friends, family, or guests – visiting Newport Storm Brewery and Thomas Tew Distillery is the thing to do. We give you five great reasons to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport’s 10 Best Events This September
Fall doesn’t officially arrive until September 23rd, and there’s still plenty of great things to do this SUMMER and in September in the The City By The Sea. Here’s a look at 10 events that we think you shouldn’t miss; 1 – newportFILM Outdoor Screenings | September 3 & 10 After an amazing, busy and […]
Posted inNews
POLL: What’s Your Favorite Movie That Has Been Filmed in Newport?
According to IMDB, there are more than 100 films, documentaries and tv shows that credit Newport, Rhode Island as a filming location. The What’sUpNewp Crew recently wrote about 16 movies that were filmed in Newport, RI. Now it’s your turn, what’s your favorite or “the best” movie that’s ever been filmed in Newport, Rhode Island? […]
Posted inNews
Two Local Beaches Closed to Swimming on September 1st
On September 1st, the Department of Health recommended the closure of Atlantic Beach Club in Middletown, Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, Easton’s Beach in Newport, and Oakland Beach in Warwick to swimming due to high bacteria counts. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming. […]
Posted inNews
According To Forbes, Castle Hill Inn is New England’s ‘Most Romantic Retreat’
Newport Restaurant Group’s Castle Hill Inn has been named by Forbes as the “Most Romantic Retreat in New England“. A small excerpt from the article written by Ann Abel, Contributor for Forbes. “The place is simply romantic and dreamy, animated by history but not weighted down with it. And its location, on a promontory a […]
Posted inNews
Newport is 29th Unfriendliest City in World, According to ‘Travel + Leisure’ Readers
It’s not often at all that Newport can be found on the “naughty list”, but somehow it’s happened. Travel + Leisure produced a list on August 28th, 2015 that brings attention to cities that didn’t impress visitors with their people skills titled… These Are the Unfriendliest Cities in the World. Every year, Travel + Leisure mines through tens of thousands […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Storm Introduces RIèzes, a Belgian Style Ale With a Rhode Island Twist
The Newport Storm Brewery has announced the release of RIèzes, a limited-edition craft beer, as the latest installment of their barrel aging beer program. Released in a 22-ounce bomber bottle, RIèzes is a classic Belgian style ale with links to an ancient yeast strain and boasts a 12% ABV. For the past five years the Newport […]
Posted inNews
Natasha Leggero Appearance at Newport Comedy Series Has Been Cancelled
Natasha Leggero was scheduled to perform at the Newport Comedy Series at the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel on November 13th, the What’sUpNewp Crew has learned that the show has been cancelled. Leggero fans took to Twitter on Tuesday morning and expressed disappointment in the cancellation; @ImStillS0ber: “Pretty sad I woke up to an e-mail that […]