The Touro Park Stone Tower has been a source of beauty and mystery for years. While many may disagree about its origins, no one disagrees about the significance of this important City landmark. With its prominent placement in Touro Park, it has stood the test of time, weather and social change. As with all historic […]
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
Giving Tuesday: Consider Volunteering or Donating to Your Favorite Newport County Nonprofit Today
Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is a global 24-hour online campaign dedicated to encouraging people to make donations to charities, volunteer and support philanthropic efforts. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Jane Pickens Theater Will Host 3 Special Screenings of Holiday Classics in December
Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center will host three special screenings of holiday classics this December. On Sunday, December 13th at 1:00 p.m.; Memorial Funeral Home will sponsor a free movie screening of Elf. During the holiday season – and this year in particular – more families than ever are seeking help from local soup […]
Posted inThings To Do
The 20 Best Things To Do In and Around Newport This December
Photo via Preservation Society of Newport County There’s Christmas In Newport, Holidays By The Sea and dozens of other events happening throughout Newport to celebrate the holidays this December. What’sUpNewp has gone throughout countless websites, Facebook, press releases and combined multiple calendars to curate the most thorough and complete Christmas and Holiday Calendar you can find. […]
Posted inNews
The 12 Most-Read Newport Stories of November 2015
Here are the twelve most popular and most read What’sUpNewp stories that got you and everyone else talking in November! Interesting Fact – Even with a very small team, What’sUpNewp was the first to break and bring you the news of at least 50% of these stories before any other media outlet. Thank you to the 35,000 people […]
Posted inThings To Do
45th Annual ‘Christmas in Newport’ Set to Kickoff on Tuesday in Washington Square
Christmas In Newport, a city-wide celebration fostering the historic traditions of the holiday season, will kickoff their 45th season on Tuesday, December 1st. With a volunteer base numbering 1500, the non-profit organization, Christmas in Newport, raises thousands of dollars for charity each year. In keeping with the true spirit of the season, any event listed […]
Posted inNews
Newport News Headlines (Nov. 30)
Here’s a roundup of the latest news headlines that are relevant to what’s happening, new and to do around Newport, RI. Newport, RI News Headlines (Nov. 30) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inNews
CYBER MONDAY DEAL: Buy One What’sUpNewp Card, Get One Free
The What’sUpNewp Card is an annual exclusive membership to curated experiences and exclusive discounts and opportunities across Newport County. Are you a business and interested in providing What’sUpNewp Card Holder offers? This is your chance to promote your business to an audience of highly social, active and engaged people who love Newport County. CLICK HERE CYBER MONDAY DEAL: […]
Posted inThings To Do
The Best Things To Do This Week in Newport (Nov. 30 – Dec. 5)
Photo: Singing For Shelter – Happening on December 3rd The Christmas and Holiday Season are in full swing now here in The City By The Sea. While there are countless holiday inspired events and activities taking place this week, there’s still plenty of other great events that make Newport so darn special. Here’s what’s happening […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to Find Live Music, Karaoke and Trivia in Newport This Week (Nov. 30 – Dec. 3)
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this week, enjoy! Take a look at what’s happening around town this week -> The Best Things To Do This Week in Newport (Nov. 29 – Dec. 5) Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant | 178 Thames Street Wednesday: Open mic night with Mike Warner […]
Posted inFood & Drink
UPDATE: Cafe Zelda Restaurant Sold, Will Close Temporarily on December 11th
This story was originally published on November 24th at 1:50 p.m. 2015 – The “Year Of Change” for the Newport Restaurant scene. What’sUpNewp has confirmed that plans are in place for the sale of Cafe Zelda, “The Best Little Cafe Between Bar Harbor and Key West”, and transfer of its liquor license to the new […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Skiathos Club will host a Holiday Pancake Breakfast Celebration on December 5th
The Newport Skiathos Club will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, December 5th from 9:30 to 11 am in the hall of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. In addition to pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit, the event will feature a performance by the Very Merry Dickens Carolers from 10 to 10:30 and a performance via Skype by the Women’s Society of […]
Posted inNews
Alex & Ani Founder Purchases 282 Thames Street for $2.9 Million
Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder of Alex & Ani, continues to grow her footprint in Newport, RI. According to What’sUpNewp sources, the entrepreneur has purchased 282 Thames Street, a building that currently houses one of her Teas & Javas locations. The property was formerly known as People’s Cafe and served as People’s Credit Union. The property was sold by […]
Posted inNews
Newport News Headlines (Nov. 29)
Here’s a roundup of the latest news headlines that are relevant to what’s happening, new and to do around Newport, RI. Newport, RI News Headlines (Nov. 29) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inNews
6 Fun and Festive Things To Do In Newport Today (Nov. 29)
Here’s what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport today, enjoy! Sunday, November 29th Polar Express, The Polar Express Train Ride on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 20th through to Christmas. Trains depart each night at 4:30 and 6:30pm. On Saturday, December 5th, 12th, and […]
Posted inThings To Do
7 Fun Things To Do Today in Newport (Nov. 28)
Photo via Newport Historical Society of Newport Holiday Lantern Tour Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI today. Don’t forget that today is Small Business Saturday, get out of the house and support the small businesses that support the lovely city where you live, work and play! Saturday, […]
Posted inNews
Newport News Headlines (Nov. 28)
Here’s a roundup of the latest news headlines that are relevant to what’s happening, new and to do around Newport, RI. Newport, RI News Headlines (Nov. 28) [wp-rss-aggregator]
Posted inNews
In Pictures: 2015 Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade
The Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade returned on November 27th, more than 20 boats traveled along the harbor and competed for best decorate in various categories. Hundreds of people lined Newport Harbor to watch the boats motor by and join in on the holiday spirit. [View the story “2015 Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade” on Storify]
Posted inThings To Do
Where to Find Santa in Newport This Christmas Season
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and even the elves from the North Pole are coming to The City By The Sea this Christmas Season, here’s where to find them! November 20th – December 25th Polar Express, The Polar Express Train Ride on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 20th […]
Posted inThings To Do
Gift Guide: The Hottest Newport Tickets to Give This Holiday Season
If you are looking for a special event to surprise your whole family with, or if you are looking for a great gift for someone that you hold near and dear, perhaps tickets to one of these great events coming in 2016, is just what you need. 1 – 2016 Newport Flower Show – “Gilded – […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Last Call For Flo’s: Middletown Location Will Close For Season on Sunday
Photo: Lisa at Flo’s via Flo’s Flo’s Clam Shack in Middletown will close for the season on Sunday, November 29th. The location at 4 Wave Avenue will be closed until March 2016. Flo’s is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Thanksgiving week, catch your last $9.95 Prime Rib Friday of the year after 5pm […]
Posted inThings To Do
The Best Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (Nov. 27 – 29)
Hope you all had a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving with your friends, family and loved ones. Christmas and the Holiday Season have arrived and it’s going to be a busy 5 weeks leading up to Christmas, remember to do all that you can to shop, dine and support all things local this holiday season! […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live Music and Entertainment Listings (Nov. 27 – 29)
Here’s what’s up for live music, comedy and entertainment in and around Newport, RI this weekend… ICYMI: Here’s what’s happening this weekend – The Best Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (Nov. 27 – 29) Newport, RI Live Music & Entertainment Listings November 27 – 29, 2015 Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant | 178 Thames Street | Phone: 401-846-5856 […]
Posted inThings To Do
7 Things To Do in Newport on Black Friday
Stay away from the malls, shop and stay local and enjoy these great events on Black Friday! Black Friday with Brick Alley & Bourbon County Stout, November 27 between 5-7pm. Brick Alley Pub will be tapping their latest Goose Island Bourbon County Stout at Plumby’s. This event is annually anticipated across the nation, but has become a Newport […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Bowen’s Wharf Block Party Promises to Fulfill Your Dining and Shopping Needs on Black Friday
This year’s countdown to Christmas kicks off November 27 with Bowen’s Wharf Holiday Block Party and the Annual Illuminated Boat Parade. All are invited to Bowen’s Wharf on Black Friday between 5pm – 8pm for their first annual Block Party, a free and family-friendly event. Bowens Wharf also offers exceptional views of the City of Newport’s Illuminated Boat Parade starting […]