As Memorial Day weekend kicks off in the City by the Sea and our eight coastal communities, new and renovated businesses eagerly await building longstanding relationships with visitors and residents alike. Here is a sampling of open or soon-to-be open neighbors:
NEW LODGING
The East Island Reserve: Located in Middletown, this luxury lodging compound features 24 independent cottages along with a small hotel component of 10 studio units and an outdoor lagoon-style pool. The two-story, nautically-designed cottages include a kitchen, master bedroom, living area, bathroom and porch, plus gas fireplaces and central air conditioning. The year-round property is located within minutes of area beaches, nature trails, entertainment venues, shopping and downtown historic Newport and it neighbors the expansive Newport Vineyards, which completed a multi-million-dollar renovation recently and includes a bustling café, popular dinner restaurant, live music, a farmer’s market and more. The meeting/event space is on target for a Memorial Day completion with a capacity of 75 to 100. 985 E. Main Road, Middletown, eastislandreserve.com
Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina: Formerly the Hyatt Regency Newport, Gurney’s debuted in January 2017 and is situated on nearly 10 acres of Goat Island with undisturbed waterfront views. Gurney’s Newport is the only resort property in the destination with 257 guest rooms and suites, multiple event venues, a full-service spa, as well as year-round and seasonal food and beverage experiences. Throughout 2017, the guest experience is set to be enhanced with a refreshed lobby and room design that will stay true to the property’s New England aesthetic and origins. Among the new food and beverage outlets will be Scarpetta, the Italian hotspot, which will deliver updated classics with signature handmade pasta alongside locally influenced dishes; Corso, an Italian-style coffee bar with a grab-and‐go menu; The Regent Cocktail Club, the resort’s crafted cocktail and lounge experience; and The Pineapple Club, bedecked in day beds and a splash-worthy restaurant and bar. The new Kid’s Club includes Gurney’s Sailing
Academy, plus there’s a kids-only seashell shaped pool. The new marina will not only invite boaters but will provide skiffs offering quick access to town (and guests can take sunset cruises around the marina on the Gurney’s boat). 1 Goat Island, Newport, gurneysresorts.com/newport
The Sea Breeze Inn & Cafe: Originally opened in 1991, this Middletown inn just steps from Easton’s Beach has completely renovated and expanded into an upscale boutique property now offering 16 professionally designed guest rooms and suites, some with an ocean view, and a 30-seat full-service café. 147 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown. theseabreezeinn.com
NEW FOOD & DRINK
Antonio’s Pizza By-the-Slice Bar and Kitchen: Established in 1991 in Amherst, Mass., this newly renovated restaurant just outside of Naval Station Newport is already a family favorite. 150 Connell Highway, Newport, antoniospizza.com
Backyard Patio & Grille: This ‘pop-up’ style restaurant, open through October 2017, serves casual fare inspired by the traditional American backyard barbecue—delicious, affordable food and drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant features an indoor and outdoor bar, five large screen televisions and a large patio with games including corn hole, giant Jenga and Connect 4. Garage style doors on each side of the bar and dining room allow for the sea breeze to flow throughout the restaurant. 151 Swinburne Row at Brick Marketplace, Newport.
Harry’s Burger Bar: Harry's philosophy is simple: use highest quality ingredients, including 100% pure Hereford beef, and fresh local produce for incredible taste. Fresh Prince Edward Island potatoes yield the freshest fries, sprinkled with pure sea salt and black pepper and when it comes to refreshments, Harry’s is clear: no crap on tap. Here you’ll find a nice selection of craft beers and local favorites on tap and by the bottle. This will be Harry’s third location in Rhode Island. Estimated opening: mid-June. 464 Thames Street, Newport, harrysbarburger.com
Juice’d Cafe: Fresh-pressed juices, salads, wraps, burritos and more focusing on healthy quick-serve options. Opening mid-June. 190 Thames Street, Newport, thejuicedcafe.com
La Vasca: A sister restaurant to the critically-acclaimed Stoneacre Pantry, La Vasca is a Spanish/Basque-style restaurant offering a menu which celebrates the deep traditions of Northern Spain and Southern France by serving pintxos, tapas, hot and cold small plates and more. (Stoneacre Pantry has moved to a larger space that is currently being completely renovated and is expected to open later this summer). 515 Thames Street, Newport, lavascanewport.com
Localz: Fresh local food from land and sea at affordable prices in Island Park overlooking the Sakonnet River. 657 Park Avenue, Portsmouth, localzri.com
Mama Leone’s Restaurant: After servicing the Newport area for more than 40 years, this pizzeria has moved to a new location and continues to offer an extensive menu beyond pizza with late night hours. 266 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, mamaleones.net
Merienda Tapas, Cicchetti & Wine Bar: In the heart of Warren’s waterfront district, this warm, cozy restaurant offers a diverse selection of small plates and an international wine list. 125 Water Street, Warren, meriendawinebar.com
Scarpetta: This modern Italian restaurant by award-winning chef Scott Conant, Scarpetta celebrates its definition – an Italian expression that means “little shoe” – or the shape bread takes when used to soak up a sauce. Scarpetta evokes the pure pleasure of savoring a meal down to the very last bite. It is LDV Hospitality's signature restaurant concept that first opened in NYC’s Meatpacking District and has expanded to locations in Las Vegas, Montauk and Philadelphia. Located at Gurney’s Resort, 1 Goat Island, Newport, gurneysresorts.com/Newport
Ragged Island Brewing Company: This Portsmouth-based, grassroots craft brewery makes and serves TwoTree Double IPA, TwoTree Mosaic, Baulston Porter, Ruggles ESB (extra special bitter), Indivisible DIPA, Coggeshall Pale Ale and more. 200 High Point Ave., Unit B6, Portsmouth, raggedislandbrewing.com
NEW ATTRACTIONS
Belcourt of Newport: Experience the massive restoration effort preserving this Richard Morris Hunt-designed mansion that was commissioned by Oliver Belmont in 1891. Guided tours are available by reservation only and take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am. 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, belcourt.com
Rail Explorers: Ride the rails on pedal powered 'rail explorers' - pedal powered bike/vehicle hybrids which ride on railroad tracks. There is no need to steer as riding is hands free and there are tour guides in the lead and in the last position. All explorers leave at the same time and each group enjoys the freedom of the outdoors and the magic of the railroad at their own pace and in their own space. The explorers are easy to ride and children are welcome. Already established in upstate New York, Rail Explorers in Rhode Island uses the six-mile stretch of rail line between the Sakonnet River Bridge and Melville in Portsmouth. A new route will be introduced mid-summer. 1 Alexander Road, Portsmouth, railexplorers.net
Newport Car Museum: Located on a 14-acre site in Portsmouth, this 40,000-square-foot museum will feature an exquisite private collection of more than 45 striking automobiles representing six decades of automotive design since World War II. This museum will be an immersive and interactive experience with simulators and more. More than just vehicles, this modern design experience will resonate with people of all ages thanks in part to the addition of a mid-century modern furniture collection. Opening June 1. 1847 W. Main Road, Portsmouth, newportcarmuseum.org
NEW CRUISES
Newport Dinner Cruise: Take a step back in time and cruise through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay passing some of the area’s finest waterfront attractions, homes and classic yachts—all while savoring the dishes (lunch, hors d’oeuvres and dinner) prepared by a yacht
chef with more than 20 years’ experience. 26 Waites Wharf, Newport, newportdinnercruise.com
Newport Kat: Spend a day sailing on AlyKat, a 41-foot Catana catamaran! Offering private sailing ranging from 2-hour excursions and sunset sails to overnights and weekend getaways. newportkat.com/sail
NEW GALLERIES
LMNOP Gallery: A community space, bringing together artists and creatives while providing a storefront location to display and sell local artwork and apparel. 99 Spring Street, Newport, lmnopnewport.com
Newport Contemporary Fine Arts: Exhibits new contemporary art by emerging and mid-career artists. 219 Goddard Row, Brick Marketplace, Newport, newportcontemporaryart.com
NEW TOURS
Ocean Drives: A 75-minute unique tour experience that cruises through Newport's most charming, scenic, and historic points with expert guides who share the fascinating history and salacious stories that make this city a special place. oceandrives.com
Beneath the Breakers: Explore the underground tunnel, boiler room and basement of Newport’s most famed mansion, The Breakers. Once the “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilt family, you'll learn about the new domestic technology that transformed daily life, including the development of electricity and how it changed the Gilded Age, the emergence of the modern elevator, the revolutionary infrastructure that heated and cooled the great house and the modern plumbing and laundry facilities that affected attitudes about hygiene and cleanliness. 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, newportmansions.org
NEW EXHIBITS
Nature Tamed in the Landscape, Gardens & Collections of Rough Point: This rocky, windswept corner of the Atlantic coast has been fittingly known as "Rough Point" for more than three centuries, and largely due to its underlying, rugged beauty, it remains one of the most attractive landscapes to this day. Nature Tamed explores the history of these interventions, beginning with Frederick Law Olmsted's original 1887 survey and ending with the preservation and care of the grounds and gardens by the Newport Restoration Foundation. Alongside the history of the landscape is a selection of fine arts, furnishings and fashion from the collections of Doris Duke inspired by nature. On view through Nov. 5, 2017. 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, newportrestoration.org/visit/rough_point
Pierre Cardin: 70 Years of Innovation: This exhibit on the second-floor gallery at Rosecliff features 42 original pieces from Mr. Cardin's private archives that document and celebrate his prolific career from the 1950s through his 2016 spring/summer collection. Included will be some of his most memorable designs, including 1960s space-age looks from the Cosmocorps collection, unisex jumpsuits created for the 1972 Olympics, and the technologically advanced
Cardine dress, made of thermo-formed fabric, that was worn by Lauren Bacall in 1968. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, newportmansions.org
NEW EVENTS
Newport MetreFest (June 9-11): An exciting new regatta for International Rule sailing yachts including 2.4mR, 6mR, 8mR and 12mRs. Three days of racing run in conjunction with the New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta. Sail Newport will provide dockage for all the boats at their Fort Adams facility, enabling both sailors and spectators to walk the docks and appreciate the formula designs from vintage through more modern boats up close. Admission to walk the docks (before and after racing daily) is free of charge. meterfest.com
Pierre Cardin: A Gala Celebration (June 17): The legendary fashion designer comes to Newport this summer, hosting a fashion runway show at The Breakers which will feature nearly 90 looks from Mr. Cardin's prolific career. Following the runway show, guests will enjoy a champagne reception on the loggia of mansion, including a birthday cake to celebrate Mr. Cardin's imminent 95th birthday. Guests will also receive a commemorative program and tickets to view the new Pierre Cardin exhibition at Rosecliff. newportmansions.org/events/pierre-cardin
Norman Bird Sanctuary Beach Bash (Aug. 3): This evening summer beach party on the Sanctuary’s Third Beach property will feature music, dancing, the Binge BBQ food truck, s’mores by the bonfire, paddle-boarding and kayaking, and fun for the whole family. normanbirdsanctuary.org/annual-events/beach-bash
J Class World Championship (Aug. 21-26): The inaugural J Class World Championship, which will be organized by the New York Yacht Club in association with the International Maxi Association and the J Class Association, will feature a mix of coastal races and windward leeward racing off Newport. www.jclassyachts.com/events/j-class-world-championship-1
NEW SHOPS
Anchor Toffee: Signature almond butter toffee hand-crafted in small batches with the best ingredients. Almonds, sweet cream butter, pure sugar, salt and dark chocolate are skillfully piloted through heat and cold to create a classic treat you can’t resist. Opening soon. 8 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, bowenswharf.com
Artists & Revolutionaries: A fully sustainable, handmade clothing line born in Brooklyn. The size and gender-free clothing is made from the finest washable fabrics, organic cottons, wools, cashmeres and silks in flowy and free styles. 433 Thames Street, Newport, artistsandrevolutionaries.com
Balance on Thames: Ladies yoga wear and gear, work out wear, beach lifestyle apparel, accessories and footwear. 429 Thames Street, Newport, balanceonthames.com
Bohemian Bias: Inspired by music, art and the laid-back vibes of the West Coast, this women's wear boutique offers a merchandise assortment consisting of statement pieces from
contemporary brands not typically found in local shops. 154 Mill Street, Newport, bohemianbias.com
California East: Women’s bathing suit shop carrying sizes XS-24. 458 Thames Street, Newport.
Crosswynd Traders: Offers the latest fashion trends for men and women at an affordable price. The flagship store is located in Narragansett. 6 West Marlborough Street, Newport, crosswyndstraders.com
Katalina's Boutique By The Sea: a fun specialty boutique that offers unique women's apparel, accessories, bags, housewares, specialty gifts and trendy items at a reasonable price. 468 Thames Street, Newport, katalinas-boutique-bags.com
Kiel James Patrick: Inspired by the rugged charm of New England, Kiel James Patrick takes pride in creating timeless American-made fashion and accessories. Each product has a story; a season, and a rich heritage in American craftsmanship. Opening soon. 3 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, kieljamespatrick.com
Thames Glass: Thames Glass Glassblowing Studio and Gallery, which features hand blown glass designed and made by hand by Matthew Buechner since RI since 1981. This new additional retail location features the work of Buechner and other local artists. 400 Thames Street, Newport, thamesglass.com
Rhody Surf: Newport’s popular surf school’s new gear shop and its stocked with surfboards, apparel, sunblock, wax and other merchandise – all of which have roots to the area. 8 Fair Street, Newport, rhodysurf.com
November Bicycles: bicycle wheelsets. Wednesday evenings ride from the shop around Newport. 79 Thames Street, Newport, novemberbicycles.com
Styled by Jenna: Modern coastal farmhouse home décor. 13 Touro Street, Newport, styledbyjenna.net
Please note: this is just a sampling of new businesses throughout our destination. Please check DiscoverNewport.org for updates.
ABOUT DISCOVER NEWPORT
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. These include Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Warren. As a non-profit organization, Discover Newport partners with stakeholders throughout our tourism and hospitality industry to market the region as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.
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