‘Tis the season of new beginnings, and new openings, throughout the Classic Coast. Here are just a few to have on your radar:
Every year, Rosecliff, one of the famed Newport Mansions, debuts a new exhibit in its second-floor galleries. The just revealed John James Audubon: Obsession Untamed colorfully explores the naturalist’s relentless pursuit of the birds of America and his singular determination in seeing his beautiful artworks published. The exhibit parlays seamlessly with June’s Newport Flower Show theme, Audubon Artistic Adventures.
Rough Point has opened for the season with its new exhibit, Beyond Fortune: The Life & Legacy of Doris Duke. The exhibition features historical documents, photographs, fashion and fine arts from the Doris Duke Historical Archives at the David Rubenstein Library at Duke University in addition to the Rough Point collection. Visitors will learn more about Doris by taking a closer look at her interests, complexities and eccentricities to see beyond the myth and legend often associated with her life. Rough Point will also host unique programming this season including a closet tour of Miss Duke’s fashions, Rosé with the Roses in the manicured gardens, jazz on the lawn and more.
The new Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival rolls into town May 18. The Food Truck Festivals of American organized the event to unfold at Fort Adams State Park and is expecting dozens of regional and national craft breweries in addition to 30 food trucks with a diverse spectrum of cuisine.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk has introduced a “Gourmet Peanut Butter Jelly & Wine Pop-Up Lounge” for the spring season (through May 19) on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Available from 12-5 p.m., patrons can savor uniquely designed PB&J combinations with suggested wine pairings (other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available) featuring the most luxurious PB&J in history with an Opus One wine pairing priced at $95.
This year, the Newport Pell Bridge marks its 50th anniversary with a variety of special events throughout 2019 including a community celebration at Fort Adams State Park, a bridge re-dedication ceremony, an Antique Car Show/Bridge crossing and historical exhibits at various locations in our host communities. Discover Newport’s president & CEO, Evan Smith, is serving as the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority’s 50th Anniversary Committee Chair.
35th Anniversary Newport Regatta® at Sail Newport, July 5-7, is the largest multi-class one-design regatta in New England held each year by Sail Newport, Rhode Island’s public sailing center. An average of 19 classes of one-design sailboats draw sailors from 16 states and three countries. The regatta features a wide variety of boats and participating classes including small single-handed dinghy classes up to larger one-design boats that require a dozen crew. Sail Newport provides 2-3 days of challenging racing and a weekend of shore-side events for sailor camaraderie. The event is a “must-do” on the sailing calendar and takes place on the legendary sailing waters of Narragansett Bay which is the historical home of many years of America’s Cup racing and the modern home of dozens of regattas each year.
The 2019 12 Metre World Championship will be the largest-ever gathering of historic 12 metre yachts in the country. Scheduled for July 8-13, the regatta will host 24 teams from seven countries including five yachts that have successfully defended the America’s Cup. For some extended racing excitement beyond the Worlds, the New York Yacht Club has invited the 12 Metre Class to participate in a “12 Metre Jubilee” at its 175th Anniversary Regatta (July 15-20).
Newport Indoor Golf, an indoor virtual golf facility, opened its doors in a 5,000 sq. ft. facility located adjacent to the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth, giving novice and seasoned golfers alike the ability to play the game year-round. Trackman Golf Simulators allow golfers to practice on a virtual driving range or tee off on courses from around the world. Fully customized bays feature high-definition projection screens with living room seating and amenities. A custom contour putting green is also available.
Longplex Family & Sports Center, one of the largest indoor sports complexes in New England, has opened in Tiverton (in Newport County - about 15 minutes from downtown Newport). With 187,000 sq. ft. of floor space, the complex features a roller hockey rink, basketball courts, six turf soccer fields, a quarter-mile long running track, gyms, restaurants, bars, party rooms and more. Miles of trails outside will accommodate all types of outdoor obstacle courses and events including Tough Mudders, BoldrDashes and traditional running races.
The rumors are true! The National Sailing Hall of Fame is coming to Newport. Construction improvements to the future site of the Hall of Fame, the Newport Armory, will commence in the fall with a projected opening in spring 2020.
