Rhode Island has the distinction of being home to the first street in the United States lit by gaslight. Rhode Island now also has the distinction of being the home state of Sean Spicer, the new White House Press Secretary who attempted to gaslight the American people on his first day on the job. As evidenced […]
Sarah McClutchy
Posted inCity & Government
Cafe Parley, Episode 2: Why Should Newport Ban Plastic Bags?
Cafe Parley is a new weekly series sponsored by CRU Cafe where we sit down with a Newport citizen and discuss a divisive issue they feel strongly about. Do you have an opinion on a local, state, national or global issue that you want to share? Send an email to ryan@whatsupnewp.com with your thoughts. [the_ad id=”28036″] The […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Ragged Island Brewing Co. Preparing to Open Next Month
In Portsmouth, Matt Gray and five other co-owners of Ragged Island Brewing Co., a new microbrewery specializing in IPAs, are working hard to open the taproom’s doors next month. Last summer, we broke the news that the entrepreneurs had signed a lease at their 200 High Point Ave location, and now they’re just waiting on one final piece of paperwork, a […]
Posted inNews
Cafe Parley, Episode 1: Should Newport Schools Join the STEAM Movement?
Cafe Parley is a new weekly series sponsored by CRU Cafe where we sit down with a Newport citizen and discuss a divisive issue they feel strongly about. Do you have a unique opinion on a local, state, national or global issue that you want to share? Send an email to ryan@whatsupnewp.com with your thoughts. [the_ad id=”28036″] […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, History
7 Places in Newport Tied to Jackie Kennedy
On January 20th, Jane Pickens Theater will begin showing JACKIE starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, the First Lady famously tied to the City-by-the-Sea. Portman has been nominated for multiple awards for her intimate portrayal of Jackie in the difficult days immediately following her husband’s assassination. JACKIE is a searing and intimate portrait of one of […]
Posted inNews
Newport Mansions Surpass One Million Tours in 2016
At a press conference at the Breakers this morning, The Preservation Society of Newport County and state tourism officials announced that the Newport Mansions surpassed more than one million tours in 2016, making it the first museum in New England outside of Boston to reach that milestone. Speakers at the press conference included CEO & […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Dry January: The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to try in Newport
If you’re participating in the annual tradition of Dry January – 31 days of abstaining from alcohol – you might think you’re stuck ordering water, club soda or Coca-Cola whenever you’re at Newport bars this month. While that may be true at many venues, we scoped out a few spots in town offering stand-out “mocktails” […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Food & Drink, Things To Do
Five Newport Vineyards Events to Keep Your Winter Doldrums Away
Now that the holidays have passed, it’s time to countdown the days until spring returns to Newport, right? Wrong. There are loads of events happening around town this winter that make it worth sticking around Aquidneck Island in January, February and March. Here are five coming up at Newport Vineyards alone that will help keep your winter doldrums […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Whiskey is Coming to The Wharf Pub
Here’s something to look forward to in 2017: Spirits are coming to The Wharf Pub! The rustic bar and restaurant, known for it’s comfort food and selection of local craft beers, is trading its beer and wine license (aka pub license) with the folks at Stoneacre Pantry for their full liquor license, said Wharf Pub […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The New CRU: An Unexpected Neighborhood Hit
“Unexpected” is how Keith O’Marra describes the new CRU Café, the breakfast and lunch spot at 1 Casino Terrace that locals have been raving about since it reopened on October 14th. O’Marra, former sous chef at Jamestown Fish, is the new Chef Manager at this eatery you wouldn’t expect to find on Bellevue Ave. with prices you wouldn’t […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Three Holiday Happenings at Newport Vineyards
This story is sponsored by Newport Vineyards. This winter, the fire is going and the wine is flowing at Newport Vineyards, and fun, seasonal events keep popping up on their Event Calendar. After a successful Making Spirits Bright Cocktail & Truffle Making Class last week, (ICYMI – check out the pics here), the vineyard is […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Gurney’s Comes to Goat Island
New year, new look, new name for the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island, soon to be known as Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina. The property’s current owner, Amstar, is in the final stages of selling the hotel to George Filopoulos, President of Metrovest Equities Inc. of New York City and owner of Gurney’s Inn and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
5 Newport Vineyards Wines to Bring to Holiday Parties
When you ask “What should I bring?” after you’ve RSVP’d yes to that holiday party invitation, the right answer always seems to be wine. Our local wine shops have some great options from all over the globe to choose from, but how about giving some local-made vino a try? We asked the folks at Newport Vineyards for their favorite whites and reds […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
#ShopSmall Gift Guide: Stand-out Stocking Stuffers
Shopping for stocking stuffers? Two local stores you don’t want to miss during the Newport Holiday Stroll are Soap & Water and Scrimshanders on Bowen’s Wharf. In Soap & Water, you’ll find a stand-out inventory of luxurious bath & body products for men and women, as well as exceptional items for the home. In Scrimshanders, you’ll find unique, […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
#ShopSmall Gift Guide: Shopping for Fashion-Forward Friends
Ladies, do you have a fashion-forward friend or family member to shop for on your Christmas list? If yes, then Rochelle’s on Thames and Sail Loft at Bowen’s Wharf are two local must-stop shops during the Newport Holiday Stroll this weekend. At Rochelle’s, the boutique’s large selection of affordable outfits and accessories offers great gifts for trendy 20-somethings. And […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Making Spirits Bright: 2 Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Newport Vineyards
Thursday night, Newport Vineyards will host Making Spirits Bright: Cocktail and Truffle Making Class with Willa from Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails and Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Teixeira. You won’t want to miss this cocktail-creating, truffle-making extravaganza, but in case you can’t make it, we got the Newport Vineyards team to share two of their favorite cocktail recipes that […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Food & Drink
Newport Vineyards Starts December with Two Special Events
During the holidays, we could all probably use more relaxation, more exercise and more laughing. Luckily for Newporters, Newport Vineyards is kicking off the first days of December with two seasonal events that bring these things along with plenty of holiday cheer. On Thursday, December 1, get your dose of relaxation with another installment of the Vineyard […]
Posted inBusiness, Style & Shop
Christmas Coates Pop-Up Store on Bowens Wharf is a Winter Wonderland
Kristen Coates’ holiday pop-up shop – aptly named Christmas Coates – just opened on Bowen’s Wharf, and shoppers are already in love. Coates said someone described the space as a “Madison Avenue florist meets a New Hampshire general store,” and the imagery is spot on. To step into the holiday-scented shop is to enter a […]
Posted inNews
In a Town of Mega Mansions, a Mini Marvel Takes Shape
In a town known for grandiose mansions and elaborate architecture, two friends have teamed up to create a living space that stands in stark contrast with the monumental dwellings of Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive. Residents Andrew Croan and Sam Leuschner are building an 18’ x 8’ tiny house on a trailer on Butler Street, […]
Posted inNews
Kiernan Challenge Match Increases to $50,000 for MLK Community Center
Peter D. Kiernan and Eaddo Kiernan are raising the Kiernan Challenge Match to $50,000. Earlier this month, the Kiernans challenged Newport County to raise $25,000 to support the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center’s Hunger Services, and in just a few short weeks, residents answered the call, coming up with $25,199 at the time […]
Posted inNews
Peter & Eaddo Kiernan Fight Record-Breaking Hunger in Newport with $50,000 Kiernan Challenge Match at MLK Center
People are turning to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK Center) in unprecedented numbers for food support, and Peter and Eaddo Kiernan, owners of Hammersmith Farm and MLK Center supporters for over 20 years, are fighting back against hunger in Newport in a major way. With already surging numbers of hungry people […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Hot Potato: Newport Vineyards’ Restaurant Week Menu Celebrates Local Spuds
Fresh off the success of two back-to-back inaugural celebrations last weekend – CarnEvil and Harvest Festival – Newport Vineyards is celebrating something new this week: the Aquidneck Island potato. A potato-themed Restaurant Week Menu debuted at Brix Restaurant and The Vineyard Cafe, and spuds lovers are rejoicing over creations that celebrate Aquidneck Island’s rich history […]
Posted inNews
Contemplating the Irony of Fear at the Grave of Rhode Island’s Most Famous Vampire
In search of something eerie to write about in late October, I went to Exeter to seek out the grave of Rhode Island’s most famous accused vampire, Mercy Lena Brown, who died in 1892 at age 19. Given her celebrity, I was hardly surprised to find that I wasn’t the only one who’d come to […]
Posted inNews
Newport Vineyards Winemaker: Here’s 8 Winemaking Words to Know
If you’re just starting to build your knowledge about wine, you’ll encounter some terminology used in the science and art of winemaking that you probably never heard before. To help you get acquainted with this lingo, we visited Newport Vineyards Winemaker George Chelf in his lab and asked him to explain a few popular winemaking terms […]
Posted inNews
CarnEvil set to be THE Halloween Party in Newport
Newport Vineyards CarnEvil is shaping up to be the region’s premiere Halloween event, and tickets are going fast. The vintage carnival-themed bash takes place Friday, October 28th 7-11pm, and will feature a costume contest with prizes, circus sideshows and music. A $75 ticket includes Creepy Cocktail Hour, nosh food, tarot card readings and circus performances. […]
Posted inNews
Newport Vineyards in Harvest Mode
The team at Newport Vineyards is excited to be in harvest mode. On Sunday, they pressed the Sauvignon Blanc and yesterday inside the winery, they were busy pressing the Cayuga grapes. During harvest season, the wine making team typically starts work at 6am and works well into dinner hours, said Cassandra Earle, Director of Marketing and […]
Posted inThings To Do
7 Rhode Island Breweries to Visit this Fall
At New England breweries, fall seasonals have arrived. In Rhode Island, breweries from Pawtucket to Westerly are serving craft ales, lagers and porters made with interesting autumnal spices and, of course, lots of pumpkin. Here are seven to visit this fall for tastings, tours and fun fall events. Whaler’s Brewing Company http://www.whalersbrewing.com/1070 Kingstown RdWakefield, RI […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Behind the Scenes: Newport Opera House Theater Restoration
While the Opera House Theater presents Lost Newport tonight at its partner venue, Jane Pickens Theater, the nearby doors of the opera house remain closed as renovations continue in advance of its December 2017 opening. The revitalization of Rhode Island’s oldest surviving theater building began in spring of this year and involves major structural work […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Newport Opera House Theater presents Paul Miller’s “Lost Newport”
On Wednesday evening,The Newport Opera House Theater will present author Paul Miller for a discussion of his acclaimed book “Lost Newport,” an evocative guide to more than 100 cottages built from the early 1800s through early 1900s. Miller is scheduled to give a fascinating talk on Newport’s vanished architecture that will honor the history of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Vineyards Prepares for Harvest
At Newport Vineyards, the harvest bins are ready, the presses are thoroughly clean, and the de-stemmers are fine-tuned. As vineyard staff begins taking protective bird netting off the vines, owner Paul Nunes closely monitors the condition of the grapes. The plan is to start picking today. “The winemaker [George Chelf] and I are constantly trying […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
4 Great Places to Run in Rhode Island
Now that one or two local road races are one your calendar, it’s time to get outside and get your training miles in. But where to run? The absence of summer traffic and crowds means you can run down Bellevue Ave or Memorial Drive relatively hassle-free this time of year. But if you don’t want […]
Posted inThings To Do
5 Scenic Road Races to Sign Up for in October
Whether you’re a novice, advanced or somewhere in between, most runners would agree that Fall in Northeast means some of the most enjoyable conditions for running. Now’s the time to pick a race, set a goal, pace yourself, push yourself, and work for that celebratory beer at the finish line. While there are dozens of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
5 ‘Newport’ Wines to Drink This Fall
In this new regularly published column, Newport Vineyards will chat with the What’sUpNewp Crew about wine, vineyard life, locally-sourced food and all things Newport. Harvest season on the island means it’s time to enjoy some of the best locally-sourced meals of the year. Rich fall flavors from popular fall menu items like lamb or duck […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Vineyards Kicks Off Fall with New Chef Series
With Labor Day in the rearview mirror and Fall right around the corner, now’s the time for wine lovers to restock and update their cabinets & collections. Even if you don’t have a wine cabinet, the change in season makes it a great time to explore new flavors and maybe even discover a new favorite […]