Summer brought us what will undoubtedly be some our favorite memories of the year. We dined on rooftops and seaside patios, we relished in free concerts all around town, watched movies under the stars and even got our hands on a boat load of fantastic free tours and events.
As Labor Day weekend nears and the buzz of season begins to settle making way for the crisp autumn air on our Classic Coast, we prepare to part ways with summer. From family friendly adventures like lobster tours and living history tours to chances to sit back and relax on a boat, beach or rooftop, these LDW ideas are just what you need to send the season out in style.
Rooftop Bars & Outdoor Patios
PARTIES & FESTIVALS
When: Saturday, August 31
Where: Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
Admission: $85 - $95 per person
Bid farewell to summer with passed hors d'oeuvres, a buffet, open bar, a DJ and more.
When: Saturday, August 31
Where: Glen Farm, Portsmouth
Admission: $57 per person
A sumptuous lobster boil & shellfish dinner following the Newport Polo match featuring USA vs. England on August 31st. The freshest local seafood and produce will be cooked to perfection field-side by McGrath Clambakes & Catering. This tasty and fun opportunity to dine with the teams is not to be missed.
FAMILY FUN EXCURSIONS
EXPLORATION CENTER & AQUARIUM
Save the Bay's Exploration Center & Aquarium's interactive marine science center is home to more than 40 species from Narragansett Bay, often including rare lobsters, crabs, seahorses, sea robins, terrapins and more. Three touch tanks allow you to get up close and personal with little skates, urchins, spider crabs, sea stars, dogfish sharks and more - all from local waters.
When: Daily 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Exploration Center & Aquarium
RAIL EXPLORERS
Rail Explorers offers an unforgettable scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and spectacular Narragansett Bay on custom built pedal-powered vehicles. The eco-friendly business is all about rail bikes and aims to provide an amazing journey using existing railroad tracks.
When: Daily
Where: 1 Alexander Road, Portsmouth
COGGESHALL FARM LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Step foot into 18th-century farm life in Rhode Island at Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol where interpreters perform the daily farm tasks dressed in clothing of the period. Learn about the roles of ordinary men, women and children during the founding years of our country. Explore 48 acres of woodland, fields and salt marsh. Take a lesson from the past in sustainable farming. Arrive prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.
When: Daily, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: 1 Colt Drive, Bristol
FISH'N TALES LOBSTER TOUR
Get up close and personal with lobsters, see how lobster traps are hauled, put on gloves and help bait the traps and sort the catch. Learn how lobsters live and how lobstermen catch them all while riding through Newport Harbor.
When: Daily, 2:30 PM
Where: 31 Bowen's Landing, Newport
GREEN ANIMALS TOPIARY GARDEN
Wander more than 80 pieces of topiary at Green Animals Topiary Garden boating an array of animal shaped designs, geometric figures and ornamental delights, perfect for engaging your youngsters imagination.
When: Daily, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: 380 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth
MIANTONOMI OPEN TOWER DAYS
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Miantonomi Park
Admission: Free
Join the Aquidneck Land Trust to climb to the top of Miantonomi Tower and enjoy the view from the highest point on the island. The tower sits in Miantonomi Park, which is conserved by ALT and is the largest park in Newport. The park features nature trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The tower, completed in 1929, was designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White.
CASEY FARM TOUR AND FARM FRESH COOKING CLASS
When: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Newport Cooks - 796 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown
Admission: $85; Kids 13 and under: $45
Meet at historic Casey Farm in Saunderstown for a lively and informative farm tour where you'll gather vegetables and herbs to compliment a fresh caught halibut dinner that Chef Deja Hart will cook up. Back at the Newport Cooks Kitchen in Middletown, dive into a hands-on class and then enjoy everything you make.
SPECIAL EVENTS
When: Through Monday, September 2
Where: Bellevue Shopping District
Head to Bellevue Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, and William Street for the annual Labor Day Sidewalk sale! Shops will offer sales, specials, and treats to celebrate Labor Day weekend.
When: Sunday, September 1; 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: Independence Park, Bristol
Admission: Free
Presented by Taco Comfort Solutions/The White Family Foundation. This concert is free and open to the public.
When: Saturday, August 31
Where: 250 Linden Place, Portsmouth
Admission: $12 general admission
Watch as all-star lineups of international competitors take the field. Experience a tailgate party for the optimal experience, or plant your seat in the lawn and relax. Just don’t forget to help stomp the divots.
When: Monday, September 2; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Audubon Environmental Education Center
Admission: Adult: $6; Children 4-12: $4
Enjoy crafts, stories, a nature hike, and more! No need to register.
When: Sunday, September 1; 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Where: Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina
Admission: Free
Part of the 40th Annual IYRS Newport Classic Yacht Regatta weekend, the Classic Yacht Parade will include more than 50 stunning yachts from around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these beautiful classic wooden yachts, both power and sail, as they pass by Goat Island and the Newport waterfront.
When: Saturday, August 31; 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Audubon Environmental Education Center
Admission: Free with admission: $6 adult, $4 children ages 4-12
Join Audubon for a weekly nature walk. Walks will depart from the lobby of the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol and will be led by Naturalist Dennis Baxter.
When: Monday, September 2; 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Where: Schooner Aurora
Admission: $40
Bring your favorite bottle of wine - Schooner Aurora supplies the rest, including gourmet cheeses, crackers, and fruit.
When: Saturday, August 31; 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Where: The Vanderbilt
Enjoy a guided flow class with Yoga and Thai Yoga Massage Instructor, Sheri Silva focusing on integrating movement, breath, body and mind through a moving meditation. Exploring the deep benefits of a joyful, holistic approach to our being that originates from a place of inner wisdom and playfulness. This is an all levels class.
When: Sunday, September 1; 8:00 - 10:00 AM
Where: Norman Bird Sanctuary
Admission: Free
Join Norman Bird Sanctuary for their Sunday-morning guided bird walks. Count up as many bird species as you can, from soaring red-tailed hawks to tiny hovering hummingbirds. You'll learn how to identify common year-round residents and seasonal migrants.
MORE THINGS TO EXPERIENCE
Tan lines and the Atlantic drying on your skin. The wind in your face and the serene sound of sails in the wind as you make your way through the harbor. Cobblestone streets lined with cozy eateries and unique boutiques. Where else are you going to send summer out in style? Answer: Nowhere else.
These unparalleled experiences and one-of-a-kind must do's make a LDW for the books.
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