Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sat, Feb 06, 2010 @ 04:53 PM
What will keep you busy this winter? Newport, RI is calling you to explore the island during the winter season. Newport, RI is an exception to what happens to other beach resort towns that literally shut down in the off season. With a University in town, a year-round population of 24,000 and huge metropolitan cities within a days drive, this island is still vibrant and busy, in fact, we celebrate the winter season with a festival and a full calendar of events for the month of February. Below you'll find a count down, not necessary in proprietary order, of the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast's top 10 reason to stay with us and explore the city by the sea this winter season.
- Explore the history and charm of the Newport mansions, museums and churches, just walking distance from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast.
- Want an enjoyable dining experience . . . try these restaurant gems that we consistently recommend and they consistently deliver: Mama Luisa's for an excellent Italian dinner. Flukes Wine and Bar grill, located on the two most popular wharfs of Newport. Castle hill resort, a memorable meal and location. Restaurant Bouchard for exceptional French cuisine and Tucker's Bistro for a fun and artsy atmosphere, with great food and and an opportunity to experience the edgy, artsy side of of Newport's Broadway, an up and coming strip with lots of shopping and dining, not as touristy as the main wharfs of Newports habor front.
- Shopping that the innkeepers are digging on for uniqueness, quality and great value.Karol Richardson and Michael Hayes for one of a kind pieces. If you like antiques and shabby chic décor, the finer consigner has great selections and deals. The griffon shop for rare finds and good deals on jewelry, art work and many more things placed on consignment by the locals.
- A beautiful drive along the ocean drive, stopping along the way at Castle Hill Inn, one of the finest pieces of real estate in New England, lunch or nosh on anti-pasta or artisanal cheese platters, sip a cocktail or glass of wine and take in the views of the Narragansett bay and neighboring James Town island. . . If the sun is out, the sunset is magnificent from this peninsula.
- With the academy awards just around the corner . . . Jane Pickens theatre is a great place to watch a movie and feel as though you have just stepped into an old fashioned nickelodeon. This quaint downtown Newport theater manages to keep its unassuming spot among busy nearby shops and restaurants. Jane Pickens Theatre is host to the independent and foreign films you would find in New York's Greenwich Village.
- Just a short stroll (1.5 blocks) from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast is the Cliff walk. Named one of "50 Places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler, this 3.5-mile picturesque walk wraps itself along Newport's spectacular Atlantic coastline with the crashing surf on one side of the trail and the magnificent Gilded Age mansions on the other. In 1975, the Cliff Walk was designated a National Recreation Trail.
- Fort Adams state park is a year-round destination with magnificent sunsets and romantic walks. Situated at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park offers an exceptional panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay.
- If you are looking for live music in Newport, musicians continue to entertain you year round, with alternating venues in restaurants, pubs and mansions on weekdays and weekends
- Visit our variety of museums and enjoy a selection of Arts and crafts, history and yachting. Whether staffed with a docent or self guided, the exploration of Newport RI museums is an enjoyable education on U.S. history.
Last but not least is the luxury of experiencing the Ivy Lodge, a quintessential, New England bed and breakfast . Sleep-in, start or finish that book in front of your bedroom fireplace. Meandering down to a full gourmet breakfast and know . . . someone else will wash the dishes and make your bed
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @ 12:12 PM
Again, another thing to do in Newport RI . . . I can not help myself, I'm excited. I drove past the harbor front last night and marveled at this exceptional outdoor, waterfront, skating rink. The rink is surrounded by colonial charm and ocean view, minus the over crowdedness of say, a Rockefeller center rink. This location offers plenty to do after your spin on the ice. Within walking distance from the rink are vast arrays of fantastic shops and restaurants. The Rink offers rotating nightly specials, as well as charity benefits and seasonal celebrations.
It's all here, free parking, on-site concessions, regular admission discounts and instructors led by trained professional instructors. There's a six-week program beginning in January that sharpens the skills of children and adults alike, at both beginner and intermediate levels. If you contact Meghan Lamarre, you can set-up a private lesson for you or your kids. Megan has skated professionally with Disney On Ice, was featured in the Ice Capades and Stars on Ice. Meghan is patient, understanding and passionate about her students, and has been coaching skaters of all ages and disciplines for 9 years.
For your Newport lodgings,
the Ivy lodge bed and breakfast is minutes away from the ice skating rink. We accept children and offer family suites, which is an economical way for your family to experience a bed and breakfast in Newport RI. The lodge is located in the
mansion district of Newport RI, a short stroll from the cliff walk. Included in the price of your room is a full gourmet breakfast, seasonal snacks and beverage through-out the day and off street parking.
Tickets can be purchased at the rink every day during session times.
Rates Admission Rental
Adults $7.00 $5.00
Senior Citizens (55+) $5.00 $4.00
Children (3-11) $5.00 $4.00
Toddlers (Under 3) Free with Adult $3.00
Adult Skate $5.00 $3.00
Adult Season Pass $100.00
Child Season Pass $80.00
Group Rates
(10 or more people) $1 off the regular price for admission and rentals
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Thu, Dec 17, 2009 @ 11:42 AM
17th Annual Messiah & Carol Sing
Date: 12/19/2009
Address: Emmanuel Church, Spring & Dearborn Sts Newport, RI
Hours: 7 p.m
Cost/Cover: $10, $5 for children 12 and under, and $25 maximum per family.
Web Page:
http://www.swanhurst.org.
Contact Info: Call l (401)682-1630 for more details.
Details: Shanhurst Chorus will feature much of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah and the telling of the Christmas Story. Bring your own score and sing along. Wassail Bowl reception following.
Event is on: One day only
Audience: Kids and Up
Category: Holiday Events
Location: Newport, RI
Sponsored By:
Submitted by: contributed
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Wed, Dec 16, 2009 @ 03:27 PM
Make lifelong memories with a visit to the Newport Mansions during the holiday season. The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle, as you tour The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, decorated with period-style ornaments, trees, and evergreens. All three houses are open daily for tours November 20, 2009 - January 3, 2010, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
The Ivy Lodge is equally beautiful with it's army of Nutcrackers that line the front fireplace mantle with additional fireplaces adorned with carolers. The gothic foyer with it's 33' ceiling is dressed with garland that reaches the third floor.
For a limited time this holiday season, the Ivy Lodge has specials to enhance the value of your gift. If you book a three night weekend stay at the Ivy lodge from 12/15/09 through 03/31/10, we will include passes to all three of the Newport preservation society Mansions listed above. Also, for a limited time, purchase a gift certificate with added value.
So stop panicking and take it easy on yourself. We promise your gift of travel will out shine all those presents under the Christmas tree . . . give them experiences and memories not more stuff; that's our motto.
Posted by Drew McKenzie on Thu, Dec 03, 2009 @ 02:20 PM
Have a friend or family member that has always wanted to visit Newport RI but never gotten the chance?
End all of their excuses with a gift certificate from Ivy Lodge, a historic bed and breakfast located in the mansion district.
For the holidays, we are offering a great sale on gift certificates for your special someone.
Buy Your Gift Certificate by January 1, 2010 and receive additional bonus dollars.
- An additional 10% of value will be added to gift certificates worth $100 - $250.
- An additional 15% of value will be added to gift certificates worth $251 - $500.
- An additional 20% of value will be added to gift certificates worth over $500!
To purchase online
click here or for more info visit the
Ivy Lodge website.Feel
free to call us at 1-800-834-6865 if you would like to purchase via
phone. We can email or mail the gift certificate to you.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Tue, Dec 01, 2009 @ 01:42 PM
Alright, you've just digested your turkey and now you need to motivate yourself for holiday decorating, it's hard, I know, but once you see these Inns and luxury hotels all dressed-up, you'll want to rush home and get your own holiday grove on. We are not talking Griswold's Christmas vacation; we are talking simplicity, elegance and pure class. This tour not only inspires your creative side, it benefits children and there is nothing more important than giving to our children and those in need and that my friends is the real meaning of the holidays.
The Ivy lodge is exceptionally dressed-up this year, I know, self praise is no praise, but really, the out door boxes and planters are gorgeous and most material came from our yard and the woods, no, I swear I did not do any night gardening to get my materials, honest neighbors, check your berries and evergreens. Each fireplace mantle is decorated and if you have never experienced our army of nut crackers, this is a treat unto itself. Our 33' gothic foyer has garland to the top, it's the wow factor. If you are unable to see us on December the 5th, you can book a tour with the Newport Inns and bed and breakfast association and see additional Inns of Newport on December the 6th.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 11:00AM - 4:00PM (2.30pm last check in for tour itself)
Location: The International Tennis Hall of Fame, 194 Bellevue Ave, Newport RI 02840
Contact: The Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc. 401.331.9302 http://www.jlri.org/jlri/npo.jsp?pg=home
Ticket Price: $32.50
This event will feature self-guided tours of historic Bed & Breakfasts and luxury hotels decorated for the holidays. Participating inns and hotels on the tour include: The Chanler at Cliff Walk, The Francis Malbone House, Hilltop Inn, Ivy Lodge, Sanford-Covell Villa Marina and The Sarah Kendall House.
All proceeds from the event will support the mission of The Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc. and its current community service partners: Children's Friend and Service: Supporting Literacy for Young Children Program and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank: Women Ending Hunger Campaign.
Online ticket purchase includes a $2.50 Service fee
The Junior League of Rhode Island
21 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 331-9302 (p) | (401) 331-0517 (f)
jlri.jlrimail@verizon.net (e)
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 @ 02:47 PM
Starting this Sunday-November 1st to November 8th over 35 participating restaurants are running an incredible deal of 3-course lunches for $16 and 3-course dinners for $30. These participating restaurants are located in Newport RI and neighboring towns of Newport County which includes :Jamestown, Middletown, Portsmouth and Tiverton Rhode Island.
From a steaming cup of chowder overlooking the harbor to fine dining in romantic restaurants, Newport County restaurants offer an array of creative menus.
These are some of the wonderful events celebrating Newport's restaurant week:
Sunday November 1 - Sunday November 8
Wine & Beer Tasting
Asterisk Restaurant & Bar
599 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
401-423-1490
4pm-6pm. Wine tasting and Beer Tasting. $ 10 per person
Monday November 2
Have Dinner & See a Movie - "The Big Night"
Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center
49 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840
7pm. In honor of Newport Restaurant Week, grab an early dinner and then enjoy the restaurant classic "The Big Night staring Stanley Tucci. A bittersweet story about 2 brothers from Italy in search of their American Dream owning a restaurant.
Thursday November 5
"Fall Forward" Wine Tasting
Tricia's Tropi-Grille
14 Narragansett Avenue
Jamestown, RI 02835
401-423-1490
6:30pm-9pm. Wine tasting with creative appetizers from Chef Jack Corey. Five wines plus dessert wine/port presented by Paul of Johnson Bros. The event will take place upstairs in our exotic OASIS lounge and Sand Bar. Casual, fun and delicious. A great way to meet people. $25 per person.
"Cabot Cheeses & Sam Adams Beer Tasting"
The Pub at One Bellevue
Hotel Viking
1 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
401-848-4813
5pm. Come sample an array of delicious Cabot Cheeses perfectly paired with Sam Adams Beer at The Pub at One Bellevue at the Hotel Viking $10 per person . Call for reservation.
Saturday November
Sam Adam's and Specialty Pizza Sampling
Gas Lamp Grille
206 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
401-845-9300
gaslampgrille.com
5pm. Four courses or specialty pizza's paired with four Samuel Adam's beers. $15 per person including tax and tip.
Oyster Wine Pairing
Benjamin's
254 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
401-846-8757
5-7pm. A pairing of 4 wines and 4 different oysters. Must be 21 years of age. $20.
Saturday & Sunday November 7 & 8
Wine Cabot Cheese Tasting
Visitors Information Center
23 America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
401-845-9123
Come sample some delicious Cabot Cheese from 11-4pm at the Newport Visitors Information Center.
Sunday November 8
Wine Tasting & Food Pairing
Fluke's Wine, Bar & Kitchen
41 Bowen's Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
401-849-7778
flukewinebar.com
1pm-3pm. Sample snacks and small plates from Flukes Fall menu paired with wines. $25 per person.
Calling all foodies, If you like creative cuisine, reserve your room at the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast and experience our gourmet breakfast. All our entrées are made from scratch, featuring savory dishes such as Huevos Ranchos, Tomato, basil, cream cheese frittata, crepes rolled with ricotta and marscapone cheese, delicately covered with strawberries and strawberry sauce. Our cranberry pancakes are a delight to all who have experienced this seasonal dish and of course, real Vermont maple syrup, no sugar water for our guests. These are only a few of our many tasty offerings for Breakfast.
. . . and we do not mind sharing our recipes!
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 @ 02:57 PM
There is something about a New England autumn that sets the tone for a good old fashion haunting. What contributes to this irie setting may be that Newport, RI is so far east of the time zone. Our dusks are earlier and the ocean that surrounds you has a Hitchcock like fog in and around the Newport, RI hauntings making for a prefect setting for things that go bump in the night. If you like being frighten, a short stroll down the street from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast is one of many fascinating hauntings in Newport. Belcourt Castle is were intriguing Spirits of the East Coast dwell in one of Newport, Rhode Island's most exquisite landmarks. The French Renaissance-style château known to locals as the Belcourt Castle. Many believe it to be the location of paranormal phenomena and events that involves haunted chairs, ghostly armor, apparitions, a statue that has been declared as possessed, and a haunted mirror that is truly baffling as you cannot see your reflection, only moving images that shift back and forth.
Belcourt Castle is not for the faint of heart as sightings are a normal occurrence when visitors take the candlelight or the more favored haunted tour through the darkest corners of the property, especially the spooky Gothic Ballroom.
The Gothic Ballroom in the 60 room mansion at the Belcourt Castle will again set the stage for the ISES Rhode Island Halloween Bash in Newport, RI. This event is not to be missed and will be filled with lots of treats and Halloween fun! Enjoy great food, drink and lively entertainment! Prizes will be given for Best Costumes.
Choice of October 23 and 24, 2009
Tickets are $95 per person in advance, $100.00 at the door if available. Purchase your tickets in advance as this event will sell out. Click on the ISES banner below for more information and to purchase tickets.
Known as the hot spot for apparitions, visitors love seeing the vast collection of artwork, furniture, sculptures, armor, paintings, tapestries, stained glass and the occasional spirit that lights up the room.
The Castle was designed by Richard Morris Hunt for the wealthy bachelor, Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, who inherited a fortune from his father August Belmont. Belcourt Castle was embellished with horses and armor, which was a direct reflection for his love of medieval and renaissance architecture.
Oliver Belmont hired 30 servants at $100.00 per week to take care of the 60 room, 50, 000 square-foot estate and the grounds that displayed mythological sculptural pieces from nymphs and cherubs made from bronze, terra cotta, marble and stone.
In 1896 Oliver Belmont married socialite Alva Vanderbilt, wife of his best friend and business partner. Alva Smith, daughter of an Alabama cotton merchant, was educated in France, and married to William Kissam Vanderbilt. The couple had three children before she divorced Vanderbilt in 1895 to marry Oliver Belmont.
Visitor Tips and News About Belcourt Castle - Haunted Chairs
Following are Belcourt Castle - Haunted Chairs reports and tips that were sent in by RoadsideAmerica.com visitors. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip or update.
Newport, Rhode Island - Belcourt Castle - Haunted Chairs
Newport is most known for its beautiful mansions, but one that is often overlooked is Belcourt Castle . It does not have the grandeur of the other properties, BUT it is very well known for the many hauntings that have occurred there. In fact they now have ghost tours during the summer season! It's been said that 1-2 Chairs in the Gothic Ballroom have spirits in them. Put your hand near the chairs, your hand gets cold and prickly, try to sit in one, there is resistance, try to sit in the other, it might throw you out.
Also supposedly there is armor in the Gothic ballroom. The owner of the armor died when a spear went through the eyeslot and out the other end. He can be heard screaming in and around March.
Nearby Offbeat Places
Who haunts George Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters? Was Lizzie Borden acting on her own accord... or just following in her family footsteps? Why do people continue to hear a mysterious drum beat as they walk the bricks of Blood Alley? What are the strange winged skulls crowning the tombstones of New England's dead?
Group tours available for 20 or more people, don't be afraid to bring your friends! Email us to make private group tour arrangements.
Tickets can be purchased at:
Only in Rhode Island Store
Long Wharf Mall (behind panera bread)
Hours: Open Nightly until Tour Time
The Newport Marriott's Gift Shop
Hours: Open Nightly until Tour Time
Newport Visitors Center
23 America's Cup Avenue
Hours: 9am-4pm daily
Or Pay on-line and receive a $3.00 discount! Don't delay,
NEWPORT'S HAUNTED PAST COMES ALIVE
Do you believe in ghosts?
Take a lantern-led evening stroll down historic Newport, Rhode Island's shadowy lanes and discover the ghosts, ghouls, and legends of our haunted city by the sea.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sat, Sep 19, 2009 @ 02:19 PM
The 39th Annual Newport International Boat Show, September 17-20, 2009, will feature new sailboats and powerboats, and thousands of products and services from both domestic and international exhibitors.
2009 Show Dates
September 17-20, 2009
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Multiple waterfront facilities along America's Cup Avenue host the Show including Newport Yachting Center, Oldport Marine, Bannister's Wharf and Bowen's Wharf and Newport Harbor Hotel. All Show sites are accessible by land or by FREE water taxis service.
NEW SPECIAL EVENT:
Gary Jobson Presents: Upcoming Events in Sailing 2009 Plus Update on the America's Cup Saturday, September 19, 10:00 - 11: 00 AM Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina Ballroom FREE with Boat Show Ticket
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
CPR/AED and First Aid Certification Clinics Offered during Newport International Boat Show By First Responder Educational Services
GENERAL PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND EXHIBITOR PARTY TO SUPPORT ITRS:
Show your support by attending the Newport International Boat Show Exhibitor Party on Friday evening from 6 - 8 pm at Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina and please make a donation. The general public is welcome to attend. Tickets are $50.00 at the reception table.
Newport International Boat Show Special Classroom Series
Lee Chesneau's Marine Weather - Two- Part Course Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20th, 2009 at the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina - Ballroom (on Show site) Register Early - Space is Limited!
(Receive a Complimentary Boat Show Ticket When You Register - Value $22.50) Sponsors: Sailing World and Motor Boating.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Thu, Sep 10, 2009 @ 08:09 AM
The day after Labor Day a funny and wonderful thing happens on Aquidneck Island. The pace slows as if someone hit a switch and changed the entire rhythm of the Island. The traffic dies down; the crowds thin, leaving the island and those who live and work here in an easier-going frame of mind. If you ask most of Newport residence what is their favorite time of the year, many will tell you September and October. The ocean has warmed from the summer sun were you can swim and continue to enjoy the beautiful beaches.
This is a good time of the year to shop in Newport. Every where you look, the stores have "SALE" signs and with no taxes on clothing, you can really find great bargains in our boutiques. The Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast is no exception; we offer discounted rates with the same great concierge service and full gourmet breakfast each morning.
Don't get me wrong, there is no place I'd rather be than Newport, RI for the summer, but truth be known, September and October will give a different perspective of the island. The harbor front is easier to access and the restaurants are, well, quieter and in my opinion more pleasant.
Just because the season is winding down, doesn't mean that there is nothing to do. All the attractions continue to operate and the events calendar is very busy with things to do.
If you love boating, The Newport Boat show is not to be missed. This exciting event highlights the rich yachting history that Newport bears. It's been around for over 35 years and is wildly popular, showcasing a wide array of boats, from motor craft to sail boats. Vendors line the shore along Newport's America's Cup Avenue and Thames Street, offering an array of boating goods.
If you love gardening do not miss this treasured bi-annual event. The Secret Garden Tour gives guests an inside look at some of the city's most beautiful gardens in the Historic Point area of town. Enjoy the shrubs, trees, plants, flowers and trellises of an outstanding collection of gardens at historic homes, many dating to the 1800s.