New Attractions and Businesses Mark Newport’s 2013 Season

Newport and Bristol Counties might be home to America’s oldest continuing tavern, lending library, synagogue and Fourth of July celebration, but each year, a host of new attractions and businesses contribute to the charm and vitality of this extraordinary destination.

Attractions

The Doris Duke Monument Foundation (DDMF) will unveil the $3.5 million revitalization of Queen Anne Square, a gift to the City of Newport, designed by world renowned artist Maya Lin. Entitled “The Meeting Room,” the installation includes three shallow foundations to illustrate the history of the property and provide community gathering spots. The project will bring more green space, seating, trees and lighting to Queen Anne Square. It is intended to honor the memory of Doris Duke, who championed Newport’s historic preservation. Located between Thames Street and Trinity Church. Opening date: May 31. Newport Restoration Foundation, ddmf.org

The Elms will unveil a new audio tour which includes new information about recent restoration projects in the house and servant life. In addition, Mandarin translations of the audio tours at The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House and Rosecliff will be added as Chinese-speaking visitors are the fastest growing segment of foreign visitors to the Mansions. Audio tours in those houses are already offered in French, Spanish and German as well as English. Lastly, the 2013 costume exhibition at Rosecliff features 20th century highlights from the Preservation Society's collection. From the avant-garde of the roaring '20s to the minimalism of the '60s and '70s, the costume exhibition will highlight designer pieces by Chanel, Givenchy and Halston. The exhibition will be open through November 22. The Preservation Society of Newport County, newportmansions.org

Fort Adams Zip Line: Launch yourself into the air from the ramparts of North America’s largest coastal fortress! Adventure seekers can strap in and dive off the walls of the fort on the 430-ft. zip line. Begin at a height of nearly 50-ft. then sail across the fort’s complex land defenses to the ground below. Riders can zip along solo or with a friend on the tandem zip line. Coming summer 2013. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, fortadams.org

The International Tennis Hall of Fame exhibit, “Tennis and Hollywood,” showcases the popularity of the sport of tennis with Hollywood’s elite. A social sport that initially catered to an upscale crowd, tennis became a natural pastime for many big screen stars in the early 1900s. Legends including Alice Marble and Frank Parker were known to share their expertise by giving lessons to stars including Dinah Shore, Charlton Heston, Dustin Hoffman, Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin. Today, it’s commonplace to see movie stars such as Alec Baldwin, Sean Connery, Nicole Kidman, and Matthew Perry in the stands of notable tennis events. The exhibit will be displayed for one year. 194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, tennisfame.com

International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) & Museum of Yachting (MOY): MOY’s 2013 exhibition features a diverse collection of Newport yachting and coastal scenes including artwork in various mediums from the 19th century to today. The showcase gives both residents and visitors alike a look at the rich and varied history of yachting. Exhibition opens June 1. IYRS, 449 Thames Street, Newport, iyrs.edu

The Newport Dinner Train introduces The Ice Cream Train, a family-friendly experience aboard Rhode Island’s only moving ice cream parlor. During this scenic ride, families enjoy entertainment aboard air-conditioned rail cars as the train travels along the coastline while enjoying soft-serve ice cream or sundaes. Departs Thursdays - Saturdays from the Newport Train Depot, 19 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, newportdinnertrain.com/docs/schedule.htm

Visitors are invited to explore the depth of Doris Duke’s generosity and philanthropic endeavors at the annual exhibit at Rough Point, Miss Duke’s Newport home. A Career of Giving: The Surprising Legacy of Doris Duke explores how this Renaissance woman with diverse interests and abilities turned her substantial financial means into a philanthropic empire. It is estimated that Miss Duke donated over $400 million (in today’s dollars) during her lifetime, and her legacy of generosity continues almost 20 years after her death. The exhibit will be on display through November 9. 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, newportrestoration.org

Samuel Whitehorne House, a museum of 18th- and early 19th-century Newport and Rhode Island furniture, will feature a new exhibit this year of high chests (or highboys) including one on loan from the Ott family of Providence. The Ott family is descendants of Joseph Ott, renowned collector and Rhode Island furniture scholar. 416 Thames Street, Newport, newportrestoration.org/visit/whitehorne

Events

The 2013 Nantucket Nectars Sunset Music Series will welcome Toots & The Maytals, Willie Nelson & Family, The-B52s, Foreigner, Chicago, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Gov’t Mule, Styx, Brandi Carlile, moe., B.B. King, One Republic with Mayor Hawthorn & Churchill, Doobie Brothers, George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Buddy Guy, Styx, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, The Fab Four-the Ultimate Tribute and the Under The Sun Tour featuring Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray and Gin Blossoms. The concert series will take place from late May through August at the Newport Yachting Center. newportwaterfrontevents.com

Newport Oyster Festival: Debuting only a cherrystone’s throw away from the Great Chowder Cook-Off at the Newport Yachting Center on June 1, the best of local shellfish and seafood will be presented farmers’ market style thanks to the Matunuck Oyster Farm from noon to 8 p.m. paired with beer, spirits and live music. newportwaterfrontevents.com

The Atlantic Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing is the only dedicated Class 40 sailing race and only carbon neutral sailing race in the country. The race kicked off in Charleston, SC on May 11th and teams are currently racing double-handed to Manhattan. After a 4-5 day stop-over, the race restarts May 18 and competitors sprint to Newport. Here, teams will race an inshore grand prix May 25-26. atlanticcup.org

The Inaugural Elliot Kaminitz Father's Day Ride will be held on June 16 with a range of distances from 6, 10 and 25 miles. Cyclists of all levels can participate. All three ride options start and finish inside Fort Adams State Park. Proceeds from this event will benefit Bike Newport a local cycling advocacy group. fathersdayride.org

The 18th annual Newport Flower Show, Jade: Eastern Obsessions, will take place at Rosecliff June 21-23. Gardens, treasures, traditions and native plants will all blend to create the stunning beauty of the Far East. The Opening Night Party on June 21 will feature a cocktail buffet, live music, shopping, a seaside supper and other entertaining surprises. 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, newportmansions.org

Newport Polo, home of the Westchester Polo Club (est. 1876) and founding member of the USPA, presents the 2013 USPA Centennial Cup, June 19-23 to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the Portsmouth Compact. Glen Farm will also unveil a new multi-level seating pavilion adding an additional 200 seats at the polo matches at the top of the season. nptpolo.com

More than 20 yachtsmen have entered the 2013 Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) international ocean sailing event organized by the Royal Western Yacht Club of Plymouth, England. This will be the 14th time the Club has hosted the race which covers 2,700+ miles of ocean racing in the journey from Plymouth to the race’s end in Newport (finishers expected June 13-25). ostar.rwyc.org

The CVS Caremark Charity Classic in Barrington marks its 15th Anniversary June 23-25 by welcoming headliners and PGA Tour superstars including Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler in addition to LPGA champion Morgan Pressel, who is returning to defend her 2012 title. Rhode Island Country Club, 150 Nayatt Road, Barrington. cvscharityclassic.com

The Newport Summer Comedy Series returns with nationally-recognized headliners set to take the stage including Bill Burr, Brian Regan, Bill Maher, Lisa Lampanelli, Jeff Dunham, Ron White, Nick Offerman with Megan Mullally, John Pinette and more. July 14-Sept. 1 at the Newport Yachting Center, newportcomedy.com

International Tennis Hall of Fame will host the first and only viewing of Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which proved to be an event that created heightened awareness for gender equality, in honor of its 40th anniversary. King will be present at the special screening on July 14 to introduce the broadcast footage and then discuss her memories of key moments in the match, what the match meant to her personally, and reflect on its lasting impact. Casino Theater, 9 Freebody Street, Newport, tennisfame.com

The Newport Blues & BBQ Festival on July 20 will welcome the James Cotton Blues Band, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Matt “Guitar” Murphy with Rick Russell & the Cadillac Horns, Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters, and Quinn Sullivan at the Newport Yachting Center. newportwaterfrontevents.com/music/newport-waterfront-blues-bbq-festival

For the first time in decades, the Save the Bay Swim, a 1.7 mile swim across Narragansett Bay, is changing course. The triangular route for this year’s swim on July 20 will both begin and end at Jamestown’s Potter Cove. savebay.org

Legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter will celebrate his 80th birthday year at the annual Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ gala at Rosecliff on Saturday, August 3. Fellow Miles Davis alumnus, Herbie Hancock, jazz's rising star Esperanza Spalding, master guitarist Rez Abbasi and New Orleans pianist Jon Batiste also will take part in the evening's festivities. The gala is one of the highlights of the 59th Newport Jazz Festival, August 2-4. newportjazzfest.net

The 8th annual Newport Mansions® Wine & Food Festival, sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, will feature more than 100 of the world’s finest vintners and some of the region’s finest restaurants and caterers Sept. 20-22. Food Network "Iron Chef" Alex Guarnaschelli and James Beard Award winner Michel Richard will bring their unique cooking philosophies and techniques to the two-day Grand Tasting at Marble House. newportmansionswineandfood.org

The inaugural Newport Sharkfest Swim will take place Sept. 28 along the waterfront beginning at the harbormaster’s dock at Perotti Park, proceeding past anchored sailboats on the right side of the swimming channel, and continuing for a total 1500 meters to finish on the beach at King Park. This event is for experienced open-water swimmers only. sharkfestswim.com

Lodging

Casa Amor: Constructed in 1891, this intimate bed and breakfast is nestled in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of the historic district, First Beach and the waterfront. Great lodging packages offered. 37 Rhode Island Avenue, Newport, casaamorri.com

The Crow’s Nest Newport: New lodging at Seamen’s Church Institute, a non-profit with a mission to service those connected to the sea, is now offered in their National Register historic building. The space is remodeled and includes 10 affordable guest rooms in the heart of the waterfront just steps from popular restaurants, shopping, and attractions. 18 Market Square on Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, crowsnestnewport.com

Homewood Suites by Hilton:  This hotel with 92 suites will soon be joining the Hilton Worldwide Portfolio of Brands and is accepting reservations for arrivals June 14 and beyond. Studios and one-bedroom suites include separate living and sleeping areas. Amenities include fully-equipped kitchens, WiFi, TVs, full-size refrigerators, 24-hour Suite Shop, 24-hour business center, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary hot full breakfast and recreational facilities including a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and putting green. Pets allowed for a fee. 348 W. Main Road, Middletown, newporthomewood.com

Maps and Tours

Guided Walking Art Tours: On Newport Gallery Night (second Thursday of every month, except Jan.), the Newport Gallery Organization will be providing free, short, informational tours hourly as follows: 5 p.m. on Bellevue Avenue, 6 p.m. on Spring Street, and 7 p.m. downtown. Tours, to be held June through September, will run 30-45 minutes and include information about all of the participating galleries, museums and cultural institutions in each area as well as any other interesting art related stories. newportgalleries.org

Public Access Walk....A Ramble through Newport's Harborfront: This free map details points along the Newport Harborfront from the Point neighborhood to King Park with mention of the Fort Adams Bay Walk. Highlights include the Pier 9 Fishing & Lobster Pier, Bowen's & Bannisters Wharves, the International Yacht Restoration School, Coddington Wharf and more. The 2.5 mile ramble is ideal for walkers interested in seeing different points along the waterfront that are publically accessible and who are interested in geo-caching and history. QR code on map will offer a PDF version for Smartphone downloads. Available at the Newport Visitors Center and the Coastal Resources Center at the University of Rhode Island.

The Newport Historical Society mobile site, Explore Historic Newport, was launched last summer and has updated locations, research, photos and more. It will continue to be revised monthly so that anyone can access the information from a Smartphone or home computer to learn about Newport's extensive history. newporthistorical.org/index.php/theres-an-app-for-that

Restaurants 

Angelina’s: A quaint coffee and espresso bar in the heart of Bristol with fresh pastries and hometown charm. 301 Hope Street, Bristol.

Bistro 162: The newest edition to Broadway’s “restaurant row,” Bistro 162 takes its cue from European counterparts with a “Hometown Feel, Downtown Appeal” motto. 162 Broadway, Newport, bistro162newport.com

Boss Man Burgers & Fries: With its second Aquidneck Island location, this burger joint features certified Angus beef and local foods including potatoes from Young Family Farm in Little Compton, eggs and milk from Rhody Fresh, and vegetables from area farms. 510 East Main Road, Middletown, bossmanburger.com

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards: Integrating her core ideals into a winery rich with history and tradition, Carolyn Rafaelian maintains the integrity of locally crafted, eco-conscious products. Founded on the well-researched premise that the microclimate and soil conditions unique to the Southern New England coast closely resemble some of the great wine regions of the world, ripened grapes cultivate the distinctive natural flavor of the wines. 162 W. Main Road, Little Compton, sakonnetwine.com

Castle Hill Inn & Resort: On its own 40-acre peninsula just off of Newport's famous Ocean Drive, the multi-million dollar renovation to the Sunset and Ocean Terraces overlooking Narragansett Bay will include traditional New England bluestone flooring and a redesigned 360⁰ Sunset Terrace bar. Though open to the public, lounging and dining areas for the exclusive enjoyment of overnight registered guests will be added to further enhance the guest experience. The project is expected to be completed by Memorial Day. 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, castlehillinn.com

Downton Abbey-inspired Afternoon Tea at the historic Hotel Viking features an assortment of freshly prepared tea sandwiches, assorted scones served with lemon curd, assorted tea bread and chocolate truffles. Served through June 2, Saturdays and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. 1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, hotelviking.com

Fat Belly’s Pub: The sixth location in Rhode Island serves high quality pub food using fresh ingredients in a comfortable atmosphere. 632 Metacom Avenue, Warren, fatbellyspub.com

Fatigati's Fresh Pasta: Pittsburgh native Greg Fatigati learned to make pasta alongside his father and grandparents and was classically trained at the renowned Culinary Institute of America, where years later he returned as an Instructor and Associate Dean. His new shop, Fatigati's, serves a wide range of freshly made pastas and prepared meals to go. 1965 E. Main Road, Portsmouth, fatigatisfreshpasta.com

Jade Cricket: Upscale Asian cuisine nestled on lively lower Thames Street with a newly constructed 400-square-foot outdoor deck. Expected to open early summer. 472 Thames Street, Newport.  

Jo’s American Bistro: Enjoy a locally-sourced, farm to table menu in a casual atmosphere. With seating for 160 on two-levels, outdoor seating, dinner nightly, small plates, a late night menu and brunch served on Saturday and Sunday, this is one of Newport’s most anticipated additions. Opens mid-June. 24 Memorial Blvd. West, Newport.

Midtown Oyster Bar: A new restaurant in a more than a century-old building (formerly Salas), the menu will feature more than 40 beers, mouth-watering burgers and raw bar. Daily service for lunch, dinner and late-night eats. Opening this spring. 345 Thames Street, Newport, midtownoyster.com

“The Revolving Door” at Bouchard: This addition to the critically-acclaimed French restaurant will feature local, regional and national chefs cooking for two weeks to a month serving a prix fixe menu. Expected opening is late summer 2013. A handful of employees from the restaurant have also tapped into their inner farmer by planting an organic vegetable garden on designated farmland in neighboring Middletown for Bouchard dishes. They are calling it “Le Petite Terre De Agricole,” which translated means “the little farmland.” 505 Thames Street, Newport, restaurantbouchard.com

RI Mushroom Company: A new “fungi” adventure conceived by Bob DiPietro and Mike Hallock who together will be supplying specialty mushroom varieties grown at Middletown’s Sweet Berry Farm to local high-end restaurants and retail consumers. rimushrooms.com

The Shack: An outpost perched on the edge of Jamestown’s Dutch Harbor, The Shack is the brainchild of celebrated Newport chef, Jake Rojas, who is serving up his farm to fork tacos and burritos as well as horchata, melon balls, fresh-made lime lemonade, and Yacht Club sodas. Open weekends now, daily after Memorial Day through mid-October. 252 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown.

Simpatico Jamestown: Formerly the well-known Trattoria Simpatico, this iconic Conanicut Island restaurant is completing a major renovation under new ownership with the addition of a redefined outdoor dining area under a pergola in a garden setting. Total seating capacity will be 190. Opening late May. 13 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown, simpaticojamestown.com

Smoke House Barbecue + Summer Cocktails: Following a major renovation, this updated version is described as a smoke pit with a sweet side; a New England staple with a nod to the South; an adventurous spirit with a tendency to hang loose. Mason jar cocktails, craft beers and artisan whiskeys complement a menu packed with American favorites handpicked from backyard barbecues. America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, smokehousenewport.com

Spinnakers: Burgers, soups, sandwiches, salads, fried favorites and a raw bar on the newly-designed patio outside The Rhino Bar, plus a cocktail menu with a Stanley Kubrick theme. Serving lunch and dinner daily (seasonal). Seating capacity: 49. Currently open weekends; opening daily on Friday, May 24. America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, therhinobar.com

Stoneacre: Located in the heart of downtown, this intimate eatery will feature seasonal American fare with influences from the South of France. Seating for 36 inside; 24 on the outdoor terrace. Serving lunch and dinner; closed on Mondays. Expected to open mid-summer. 515 Thames Street, Newport.

The Tavern on Broadway: In a newly constructed space formerly occupied by two neighboring businesses, The Tavern will serve classic American dishes in a comfortable setting. Specialty drinks, 20 beers on tap, full wine list, seating for more than 70 guests and half price appetizers served 4-6 p.m. in the bar. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch on Sunday. Expected opening around Memorial Day. 16 Broadway, Newport, tavernonbroadway.com

Teas and Javas: “Love in a Cup.” Combining international delights with a local flavor, this café will offer unique, fair trade and organic beverages, traditional pastries, sandwiches and gelato that perfectly complement beverages. Created by Alex and Ani, LLC. With the same positive energy feel, this venture embodies the same values that inspire, empower, and enlighten the consumer. It will also serve a variety of specialty liqueurs and non-alcoholic drinks to patrons. Opening under new name/ownership late summer. 282 Thames Street, Newport, teasandjavas.com 

Shops/Studios

Chez Shell: A fine selection of fashion forward ladies apparel and accessories for the woman who knows quality and style. 408 Thames Street, Newport.

FloorTime Studios: This new 3,000 square-foot dance and fitness facility will offer the Rhode Island premiere of Surfset Fitness, the ground-breaking surf-inspired total body workout regimen. Performed on a custom stationary surfboard, the workout is designed to engage core and stabilizer muscles. Zumba, yoga and dance fitness classes will also be offered. Opening May 28. 1038 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, floortimestudios.com

Hooley/Re-Sails: In a new 10,000 square foot location across from Newport Harbor, this lifestyle brand known for sailcloth bags, accessories more is made here in Newport but internationally-recognized. 33 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, hooleyusa.com

Old Harbor Outfitters: Fishing gear designed by offshore fishermen for offshore fishermen, plus outerwear, performance shirts, shorts, gear bags, sunglasses, knives and more. 227 Goddard Row, Brick Market Place, Newport, oldharboroutfitters.com

Picklee on Spring: A home décor and furniture store owned by a mother/daughter duo featuring antique and fine vintage furniture refinished by using all natural clay and chalk paints, plus and lavish textiles in fresh, poppy prints. 267 Spring Street, Newport, pickleeonspring.com

The New England Harbour Club: A clothing store for men and women featuring pieces by Topshop, Topman, Wildfox Couture, Saturdays Surf NYC, Zoe Karssen and more. 63 Long Wharf, Newport, thenehc.com

Newport Sea Foam Trading Co.: All natural soaps, bath bombs, skin care products and massage oils. 435 Thames Street, Newport, newportseafoamtrading.com

Salt: The newest sister store to Aqua Boutique (Newport), Salt offers casual clothing, jewelry and gifts. Located in historic Tiverton Four Corners, 3845 Main Road, Tiverton, shopaqua.biz

Shore Soap Co.: Soaps handcrafted from fresh, natural ingredients. The company specializes in making sea salt soaps that extract toxins from your body while leaving your skin with a polished feel. 424 Thames Street, Newport, shoresoapco.com

Thames Street Yoga: New downtown studio offering classes in vinyasa yoga, trance dance, training programs and more appropriate for all levels of practitioners. 580 Thames Street, Newport, thamesstreetyoga.com

Three Islands: Tunics, tops, skirts and dresses for women plus button downs for men made from hand-stamped Balinese batik inspired by seaside life. 108 William Street, Newport, threeislandslifestyle.com

Tresor Fine Consignment: Quality, gently used furnishings and decorations that represent a blend of styles and periods ranging from 18th century antiques to contemporary and modern pieces. 134 Spring Street, Newport, tresorestatesales.com/fine-consignment

Transportation

The Block Island Ferry will introduce seasonal high-speed ferry service from Newport to Block Island that will begin operation starting June 29. Travel time between the two ports will take approximately one hour on a hi-speed aluminum catamaran ferry. The new service will offer multiple crossings a day to travelers. For the first time, riders from Block Island will have the opportunity to depart in the morning, enjoy a full day in Newport, and return to Block Island in the evening.  Riders from Newport will have the same opportunity to enjoy a full day on Block Island. blockislandferry.com