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 […]
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 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 […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Local Organization and Sailors React to America’s Cup Balloon Release
The America’s Cup is getting a lot of attention over the last few days, and it’s not because they’ve figured over how to encourage fans to follow along. In fact, they’ve inspired outrage from sailors, sailing fans, conservation groups and organizations. On August 30th, America’s Cup shared a video on their Facebook Page where organizers released hundreds […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
International Tennis Hall Of Fame Showing Special Exhibit at US Open
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is now showing a special museum exhibition at the US Open that highlights the history of The Original 9 and World TeamTennis – two important developments in the sport of tennis, both driven by Hall of Famer and tennis legend, Billie Jean King. The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s […]
Posted inNews
September Move-in & Move-out Reminders For Newport Residents
With the arrival of September, The City of Newport reminds residents of two collection programs available for disposing of waste at the curb in addition to the city-issued recycling and trash carts. The Overflow Trash Program allows residents to purchase at a handful of local retailers specially colored and marked 33 gallon plastic trash bags to supplement […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Forty 1 North Culinary Masters Series presents Patrick Feury
Forty 1 North Culinary Masters Series presents Patrick Feury, in partnership with Caledonia Spirits & Jasper Hill Farm Cheeses, on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 6:00pm Patrick Feury, executive chef and partner of Nectar Restaurant in Berwyn, PA, produces intriguing Asian-fusion cuisine. Chef Feury has had stints in renowned kitchens including Le Cirque, the Waldorf Astoria, and the Michelin-rated Les Olivades in […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Newport Restoration Foundation Introduces Fall Lecture Series
The Newport Restoration Foundation continues its exploration of the history and techniques of ceramics presented in this year’s exhibit, Fired and Inspired: Ceramics at Rough Point. The exhibit includes historic pieces collected by Doris Duke alongside contemporary artists’ work installed throughout the Rough Point mansion. The lecture series begins with a look at the expanded […]
Posted inNews
Creativity-Sparking Programs are Coming This Fall to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
Creativity-sparking programs are coming this fall to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center‘s Preschool and After School programs. The Center is establishing a Creativity Zone for younger children and a Creativity Lab for older students. The new programs will begin October 1st. Often called Maker’s or Fabricating labs, these interdisciplinary programs engage children […]
Posted inNews
POLL: Where’s The Best Place For Craft Beer in Newport, RI?
The What’sUpNewp Crew recently wrote about 10 great places for craft beer in Newport, RI. That story got us and many thinking, where’s the best place for craft beer in Newport, RI? That’s up to you, take the poll below! [socialpoll id=”[socialpoll id=”2292081″]”]
Posted inNews
City of Newport Launches Parks and Open Spaces App, Announces Miantonomi Exploration Days
The City of Newport Public Services Department, Buildings & Grounds Division has announced the launch of the Newport Parks and Open Spaces app, now ready for download on your iOS and Android device. The app allows users to take their park and historical cemetery discovery experience on the go, complete with photos, an interactive map, and the […]
Posted inNews
‘Moonrise Kingdom’ Will be Available on Netflix in September
Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom (2012) will be available on Netflix beginning on September 16th. Moonrise Kingdom, starring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Bill Murray, was filmed throughout Rhode Island from April until June, 2011. In Newport, Ballard Park & Trinity Episcopal Church were used as filming locations. For a full list of Moonrise Kingdom movie locations visit HERE. Set on […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Martina Hingis featured in new PSA for International Tennis Hall of Fame
Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Martina Hingis is featured in a new 30-second public service announcement that has been created to generate awareness for the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The new PSA was filmed in July at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. During filming, Hingis had the opportunity to tour […]