AROUND TOWN: NEW EVENTS, EXHIBITS & TOURS

 

NEW EVENTS

Ongoing - Newport International Polo: New cocktail party meet-and-greets have been added to Newport Polo’s program as well as additional aprés polo parties to complement the 2019 sporting season. From Bellinis and Negronis with the Italian team to a gala pre-party with the South African team, the season is full of festive happenings. nptpolo.com

June 30th - Four Corners Classic: This inaugural event at Tiverton Four Corners will feature an exquisite collection of antique cars throughout the village. Guests will receive a map along with neighborhood coupons and raffle tickets. A suggested donation of $5.00 supports the James R. Weir Scholarship fund. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. facebook.com/events/356474331733640

July 18, August 22 & Sept. 19 - Summer Tasting Series: Linden Place, a 200-year old mansion located in the center of Bristol, will host a series of tasting events this summer with local beverage artisans Two Gals Cocktails. Events will take place inside the mansion as well as the gardens, giving attendees a social, fun and educational opportunity to sample spirits, wines and beers. 500 Hope Street, Bristol. lindenplace.org/events-calendar

July 10 - Rosé with the Roses: Savor Rough Point’s rose allée as you take in the blooms with a glass of rosé in hand. The museum’s exhibits and grounds will be open for strolling. Price includes admission to the museum and one drink ticket (weather dependent). 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. newportrestoration.org/event/rose-with-the-roses

July 11 - Mozart’s The Magic Flute at Blithewold: Rhode Island’s new opera company, Encore Opera Company, presents Mozart’s The Magic Flute with the Warwick Symphony Orchestra. The Magic Flute appeals to audiences of all ages. The production is fully staged with costumes and sung in English. Blithewold Mansions, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. See Blithewold’s upcoming events and programs here: blithewold.org/programs-and-events

July 22 - Creative Survival: African Artisans in Newport: Newport was the most active slave port in the British North American colonies, and many of the enslaved Africans who arrived here were placed into training in the artisan trades, including furniture making. This presentation by the 1696 Heritage Group will explore how these African craftsmen and women contributed to colonial Newport’s economic and cultural prosperity. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. newportrestoration.org/event/creative-survival-african-artisans-in-newport

July 24 - Jazz on the Lawn: In celebration of Doris Duke’s lifelong affinity for jazz music, enjoy an evening of picnic blankets, ocean breezes and soulful tunes that recalls the early years of the Newport Jazz Festival when Doris was known to bring musicians back to the mansion for informal musical performances. Featuring Joe Albano and the Jazz Lords. (Outdoor event – rain date July 31). 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. newportrestoration.org/event/jazz-on-the-lawn

For full event line-up at Rough Point: newportrestoration.org/events

NEW EVENT SPACE

Queen Anne’s Loft: This unique venue in the heart of Newport overlooking historic Queen Anne Square and Trinity Church hosts small weddings, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties and gatherings. 212 Thames Street, 3rd floor, Newport. queenannesloft.com

NEW EXHIBITS

The Discovery Deck at Seamen’s Church Institute: Opened to the public in February, the Discovery Deck is an interactive, educational exhibit showcasing the maritime industry of Newport and Narragansett Bay. Interactive components include a block and tackle station, maker-space, energy grinder and sand table. Video showcase careers on the bay, filmed by Rhode Island PBS. 18 Market Square, Newport. seamensnewport.org/the-discovery-deck 

Newport Art Museum: The Howard Gardiner Cushing: The Beautiful Things of Life exhibit recognizes the 100th anniversary of the original Cushing Building on the museum’s campus – a building commissioned by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, art patron and founder of New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art. This exhibition offers the rare opportunity to see some of Cushing’s finest work including paintings from the mural he created in 1911-1912 for Whitney’s Westbury Sculpture Studio in New York, which has never been shown before to the public, and several of his exceptional portraits.Through July 21. newportartmuseum.org

Parleying into the above, the Newport Art Museum presents “Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney: Sculpture,” showcasing rarely seen works from private collections from her earliest classical sculptures to her more symbolic public monuments. Pieces also range from her bleakly Realist depiction of the tragedy of World War I to her late Art Deco work. This is the first exhibition of Whitney’s art since her death in 1942. Through July 21. newportartmuseum.org

The Redwood Library & Athenaeum: Spectacular Silver: Yachting’s Goelet Cups is a multimedia sweep of one of the great chapters in sailing competition and trophy craftsmanship: the Goelet Cups and the regattas held in Newport from 1882 to 1897 for which they were the prize. The races were among the first American sporting contests to attract national media attention and the elaborate silver trophies, made by leading firms including Tiffany & Co. and Whiting Manufacturing Co., are considered a high point in 19th century American silver. The exhibit features a range of historic materials from yacht models and marine paintings to press clippings and scrap books, culminating in a select presentation of Goelet Cups from major private and institutional collections. Organized by the New York Yacht Club in partnership with the Redwood Library & Athenaeum, Spectacular Silver will bring the Goelet Cup races to life in the original context of Newport in celebration of the NYYC’s 175th anniversary in 2019. 

NEW TOURS

Island Tour to Beavertail Lighthouse: A majestic sentry at the entrance to Narragansett Bay, find out why Jamestown’s Beavertail Lighthouse is a favorite place to watch the surf, enjoy the spectacular view of boats on the bay, breathe in the freshest air and listen to the waves crashing on the rocks. Board a new, comfortable touring shuttle at the East Ferry Dock and relax on the ride to the lighthouse while listening to descriptive narratives of the rich history of Conanicut Island. Take a break for photos, a short walk or a visit to the Lighthouse Museum. conanicutmarina.com/destination/island-tour-to-beavertail-lighthouse

Island Tour to Historic Jamestown Windmill:  Board a new, comfortable touring shuttle and enjoy a relaxing, narrated ride to the 1787 Jamestown Windmill. Sitting on “Windmill Hill” and bookmarked between two significant farms, this windmill provided critical service to Jamestown for more than 100 years. Marvel at its early wooden-gear technology used to grind cornmeal using wind power and walk around the grounds. The tour winds its way back to the dock along the east shore, where Privateer Thomas Paine protected Pirate Captain Kidd’s buried treasure. Fun for both children and adults. conanicutmarina.com/destination/island-tour-to-the-jamestown-windmill

Jamestown Newport Ferry: This longtime hop-on/hop-off ferry service has introduced Scenic Bay Cruises around Newport Harbor and lower Narragansett Bay. Guests see lighthouses, mansions, “Clingstone” (the house on the rocks) and the beautiful shoreline. Boarding is available at Newport’s Perrotti Park or East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown. Off-boarding is available in Jamestown and Newport should guests wish to go ashore for lunch, shopping or sightseeing before continuing on the Scenic Bay Cruise. There is an on-board cash bar for refreshments while you cruise. JamestownNewportFerry.com

2019 ANNIVERSARIES & MILESTONES

Evelyn’s Drive-In: Founded in 1969 on the edge of Tiverton’s beautiful Nanaquaket Pond, this culinary institution marks its 50th anniversary of serving up seafood favorites including Rhode Island clear clam chowder, fish and chips, lobster rolls, and its unique lobster chow mein. 2335 Main Road, Tiverton. evelynsdrivein.com

The Cushing Building at Newport Art Museum, featuring two rotating galleries as well as the Cushing Memorial Art Gallery, is celebrating 100 years. newportartmuseum.org

The New York Yacht Club, founded in 1844, marks its 175th anniversary this year by hosting a week-long regatta at Harbour Court, the club’s Newport clubhouse, July 15th to 20th.  nyyc.org/175th-anniversary-regatta

Newport Pell Bridge marks its 50th anniversary throughout the year. ritba.org/newport-pell-bridge-50th-anniversary-celebration

Seamen's Church Institute is honoring its various constituencies through quarterly appreciation events during its Centennial Year Celebration. seamensnewport.org/about/history