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 murder mysteries, 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: Friday, August 31
Where: Ochre Court, Salve Regina University
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Guests will be greeted on the Midway by different circus acts, featuring seasoned performers from such famed companies as Cirque de Soleil, Ringling Brothers, and Big Apple Circus. Aerial silk acts, contortionists, tightrope walkers, fire breathers, jugglers, and more will astound and amaze guests as they enjoy cocktails and spectacular cars from the Museum’s collections.
When: Saturday, September 1
Where: Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
Admission: $118 per person
Bid farewell to summer with passed hors d'oeuvres, A Feast on the Wharf, 3 bar stations, entertainment and more.
When: Saturday, September 1
Where: Miantonomi Memorial Park
Admission: Free
Enjoy live music, potato sack races, an arts and crafts table, hair braiding, a dunk tank, access into Miantonomi tower, face painting, and more.
When: Saturday, September 1
Where: 250 Linden Place, Portsmouth
Admission: $57 per person
A sumptuous Lobsterboil & Shellfish Dinner following the polo match featuring USA vs England sure to make you twist and shout. The freshest local seafood & 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.
When: Saturday, September 1
Where: Tavern on Broadway
Admission: Free
No cover. Music and dancing.
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
NEWPORT DINNER CRUISE
Climb aboard Newport's only dinner cruise for a carefully catered meal right on the harbor. Choose from a 2-hour lunch cruise served family style, a 1.5 hour hors d'oeuvres cruise, or 2-hour prix-fixe dinner cruise. No matter which you choose, each cruise offers a scenic trip through Newport Harbor, passing by some of the city's most beautiful attractions.
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
SPECIAL EVENTS
When: Friday, August 31
Where: Departs Bowen's Wharf
Admission: $58 per person
Step aboard the Northeastern and join an elite secret society known as "The Cabal." When a body surfaces on the leader's yacht, you and your fellow passengers have to root out the enemy before you become the next victim. Sinister Sangria and hor d'oeuvres are included in admission.
When: August 31 - September 2
Where: Redwood Library & Athenæum
Admission: Free
Restock your bookshelves in anticipation for the cooler weather at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum Bi-Annual Book Sale.
When: Saturday, September 1
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: Sunday, September 2
Where: 66 Church Street, Warren
Admission: $35 before 8/30, $40 day of
Run by the historic Warren waterfront, enjoy a great post race celebration, and collect the coveted long sleeve race shirt. Free Guinness, Fish Tacos, sausage & peppers, pizza, calzones, and clam chowder, along with live entertainment await you at the finish.
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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