Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 @ 12:00 PM
For the money and the experience, I have always advised my guests that sailing excursions are one of the best attractions to give you a better perspective on Newport, Newport Harbor and the Narragansett Bay.
Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay are two of the most beautiful bodies of water in the United States. They also offer some of the finest sailing in the world. No where else can one so easily view world famous yachts, stunning seaside estates, vintage America's Cup Yachts and other visually arresting sights against the backdrop of a colonial town and beautiful rocky shoreline.
Most charters take you through Newport Harbor, into the East Passage of Narragansett Bay where the Newport Bridge is, along Newport's Ocean Drive out towards the Inn at Castle Hill and the open ocean. Along the way you will see Goat Island (where the Navy made most of the torpedoes used in WWII), Fort Adams (the largest, best preserved fort on the East Coast), historic churches, Clingstone (a one of a kind house perched on rocks), Hammersmith Farm, (the summer Whitehouse of JFK) yacht clubs, yachts of the rich and famous and countless other sights. The scenery really is spectacular!
For more information about picking a sailing/ boating excursion or planning your Newport itinerary, call the Ivy Lodge at 1-800-834-6865 for outstanding advise on exploring the best of: walking/hiking, attractions, beaches, dining, shopping, we will guide you through the best experiences in Newport.
Add one of these excursions to your trip:
Sightsailor of Newport
Discover beautiful Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard the 80 foot Schooner Aquidneck. Daily day and sunset sails. Rates start at $27.50 pp. Corporate and private charters. Sails aboard Sightsailer and Starlight are available for small groups. Take the wheel and sail or sit back and relax. No experience necessary.
12 Meter Charters
Sail aboard the legendary America's Cup 12 Meter yachts! Our beautiful 70-foot yachts are available for customized charters including Corporate Events, Private Parties,Team-building, Wedding Events, Sunset Sails and Racing Regattas. Actively participate in the sailing or just sit back and enjoy - no sailing experience is necessary!Ticketed Sails $68/person.
Adirondack II
Built in 1999 by Scarano Boat Building, Adirondack II is reminiscent of a classic turn-of-the-century Pilot Schooner. Like the Pilot Schooners that worked the coast throughout the 19th century she is a wooden hulled traditionally rigged schooner and is a working boat known for her elegant profile and surprising speed. At 80 feet, she provides a comfortable, safe, high-performance sailing experience.
America's Cup Charters
America's Cup Charters offers the largest fleet of America's Cup Winners in the world. Race, train or just relax aboard our legendary 68' classic 12 Meters. With over 20 years in operation, we excel in planning custom programs for our clients; be it teambuilding, client entertaining, regatta racing or family celebrations. America's Cup Charters is a full service charter company. We also offer an additional selection of fine classic sail or power yachts for charter.
Aquidneck Schooner
The Schooner Aquidneck ("Ahquid-neck") is named after Aquidneck Island, the island on which Newport is located! She is a traditional, gaff rigged, topsail schooner. With a length of eighty feet and a massive beam of 17 feet, Aquidneck is our largest boat and one of the largest day sail schooners in New England.
Classic Cruises of Newport
We offer sailing tours and excursions on our 72' Schooner Madeleine. The sailing yacht Madeleine offers 19th century charm and style as you cruise the bay. Our high speed motor yacht boat tours on the classic speedboat RumRunnerII bring the intrigue and luxury from her smuggling days to your day as you cruise the waterfront. Both of these boat rides are available for daily harbor tours and sunset cocktail cruises.
Classic Cruises also operates the 160'sailing Cruise Yacht Arabella offering 5 and 6 night voyages out of Newport sailing to Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard during the Spring, Summer and early Fall and the Caribbean in the winter. www.cruisearabella.com
The sailing yacht Madeleine, power boat RumRunner II and the Tall Ship Arabella are available for private charters and special events such as class reunions, birthdays, weddings and corporate outings. Make your special occasion more memorable with a sail or classic yacht boat cruise.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Tue, Dec 28, 2010 @ 01:58 PM
Pre New Year's Eve Reception
December 31, 2010 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Ivy Lodge
- Complimentary wine or Champagne
- Hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats
- Mingle with the guests and your innkeepers Darlene and Daryl McKenzie
- Reflect on the past, look forward to the future and enjoy the present in the warmth of the Ivy Lodge with our most diverse and interesting guests.
- This reception is for guests lodging with the Ivy Lodge
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Tue, Dec 07, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
Ivy Lodge Gift Certificates: they are a fabulous holiday or special occasion gift idea! Surprise your loved one with the renowned comfort and pleasures of a Mansion getaway. Starting December 6, 2010 to January 1, 2011, when you purchase a gift certificate to the Ivy Lodge, you purchase an experience and an added value to your purchase price! Gift Certificates are ideal gifts for Weddings, Holidays, and Anniversaries or as a special Thank you. By giving a Gift Certificate for a getaway at our Historic Newport Inn, you are sure to give a gift filled with found Newport Memories. Give them memories, not stuff and you will provide that special someone with an unforgettable escape.
Buy Your Gift Certificate by January 1, 2011 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.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/rhode-island-newport-ivy-lodge.htmlFeel 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 or that special someone.
For more information on the Ivy lodge see: Bed and Breakfast.com, Trip advisor, Newport Inns and B and B's.com, Visit New England.com.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sun, Nov 21, 2010 @ 02:58 PM
If you’re deciding to come to Newport, RI for The Thanksgiving holiday, there are many restaurant options to choose from for your Thanksgiving fare. The following are a list of restaurants open for the Thanksgiving holiday, this list is not all inclusive, but ones we think you would enjoy. Castle Hill Inn, on the water, beautiful place, quality food. Atlantic beach club, on the water, casual, good food. The Moorings Restaurant, on the water, good food, also owners of castle hill inn. Cooke house, on bannister’s wharf, fun shabby, nautical chic décor, Whitehorse tavern, colonial house, quintessential thanksgiving look and feel for the holidays. Fathoms restaurant, located in the Marriott, inside scoop . . . great harbor/water views. Taking you across the bridge, but not too far from Newport is Jamestown . . . too choices on the island of Jamestown are Trattoria Simpatico, fun restaurant, good food and the Bay voyage, on the water, looking back on the island of Newport.
The Ivy bed and breakfast has some available, but close to being fully booked. Our home is fully decorated, minus the Christmas tree. This is a great time to be inspired by our holiday décor. Call now for your holiday weekend and allow the Ivy to arrange your Thanksgiving weekend. For more information, call 1-800-834-6865 for dinner and lodging reservations.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Fri, Oct 22, 2010 @ 12:41 PM
Just a short stroll or drive from the Ivy Lodge Bed and breakfast, Newport, RI, is the arts and Culture neighborhood of Newport RI; History still thrives in the old quarter. Stately trees and striking 18th- and 19th- century building, including the country’s largest collection of Colonial houses are clustered in the oldest area of Newport called “The point”. In the heart of this city -by -the sea you can explore museums, places of worship, and other fascinating sites that document Newport’s role as America’s welcoming harbor of religious freedom. Experience the Old Quarter’s living history in its galleries, shops, taverns, restaurants and on the vibrant streets of this timeless arts-and-culture neighborhood.
Discover Newport’s old quarter by parking your car and taking a walk into three centuries of American history and architecture. Starting with the Newport Historical Society’s (circa 1762) museum shop at the brick market you can pick-up a map of the Old quarter; The map will move you efficiently through the neighborhood to the Touro synagogue (circa 1763) The oldest longest operating synagogue of America, take the tour of the synagogue and the museum and read what George Washington said to the congregation, it is a proud moment in American heritage.
Next on the list is the Newport Art Museum and Art Association (circa 1864) the exhibits are beautiful, again, make time to shop the griffon shop, lots of wonderful things are placed on consignment here, it’s hit or miss, but well worth exploring.
Because of its close proximity to the art museum, cross Redwood Street to the north and visit the redwood library and Athenaeum (circa 1747) it’s free and gives you an added bonus of viewing http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/whitehorne/their art collection as well as original books.
By now, you may be hungry, on your way to the Whitehorne house (circa 1739) you may want to stop- off at two of the most popular wharfs in Newport: Bowen’s and Bannister’s wharf. These wharfs have multiple choices for lunch were sitting inside or out will afford you views of the Narragansett bay and the majestic boats/yachts that are moored here each season.
Moving on, the Newport Colony House (circa 1739) Rhode Island’s first government Building and state house, it is still in use today.
Again, for historical buildings of worship; The Great friends meeting house (circa 1699) Guided tours, the oldest surviving house of worship in Newport, it was built by the Quakers.
If you have not had lunch by now, your next stop is the White Horse Tavern (circa 1699) One of America’s oldest taverns still in operation. Open for lunch and dinner.
Continuing with additional colonial architecture, The Wanton-Lyman-Hazard house (circa 1697) Guided tours, the site of Newport’s 1765 Stamp Act riot, this house is the best example of early colonial vernacular architecture in New England.
To cover an additional denomination; The Seventh day Baptist http://www.newporthistorical.org/index.php/properties/wanton-lyman-hazard-house/Meeting House (Circa 1730) Guided tours, the oldest surviving Baptist church in America; its restored interior includes an intricately carved pulpit and stair.
For additional historic details, the Newport Historical society, devoted to preserving books, collections, manuscripts, and objects pertaining to Newport’s history.
If you enjoy, cemeteries . . . we do! The Colonial Jewish Burying Grounds (circa 1677) served as the cemetery for New England’s Jews throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
To enjoy some green space, the Old Stone Mill, Touro Park (around 1660) for decades the mill was attributed to Viking explorers, although it was actually built for the first governor of Rhode island, Benedict Arnold (great-grandfather of the patriot/traitor), who once lived near a similar windmill in “old England”.
Contributing to Newport’s quintessential New England harbor front is the Trinity Church (circa 1726) the various shapes and sizes of its box pews reflect the individuality of the congregation’s original members.
The armory, the artillery company, a ceremonial unit of the Rhode Island Militia, was charted in 1741 by Britain’s King George II. The company in 1845 built the Armory, which is now a museum.
This may sound like a lot in one day. The tour can be done in one day or broken-up into two days. The beauty of this tour is as enjoyable as the historical knowledge of American history.
To learn more about tours and historic sites of Newport, RI, contact the Ivy Lodge at 1-800-834-6865 or E-mail us at innkeepers@ivylodge.com
For lodging information: www.ivylodge.com
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 @ 01:21 PM
Frankly, I’d prefer not to share this event with you due to the fact that you may be one more bidder, out-bidding me for that one spectacular piece of art work I really want. however, getting beyond my selfish needs and keeping the needs of others in mind, this event benefits the Newport art museum and it’s one you should know about and attend if in town or if considering Newport RI for your summer get-a-way.
Wet paint is a hugely popular event that brings two-days of celebrating artist of all levels. From regional well-known artist like Grosvenor and MacGowan to the kid next door . . . there are some really great pieces of art work to be had. You can walk away with a beautiful piece of art work, well below the cost of an art gallery, and feel good about your contribution to the Newport Art Museum’s extensive education, exhibition and community outreach programs.
The premise is: the artists head out – often in groups – you’ll see them about town – creating something special in just a single day. They’ll turn it over to the museum by the end of that day. The preview event, silent auction starts Saturday August 21sttill 8:00p.m. The silent auction bidding resumes the following day at 12:00 p.m. and closes at 3PM. But wait, this is not the end of the story. After closing the silent action bidding, the judges come in and red dot artworks that have attracted the most bidding activity . . .this is were the fun really begins. Beginning at 4pm Mike Corcoran will conduct a live auction. If you have ever had the priviledge of meeting Mike the auctioneer you will never forget this man and vice-a-versus if Mike has ever met you, he will always remember your name, it’s uncanny. Whether you land a piece of art work during this auction or not, this is a funny, fast pace event, but pay attention, you may walk away with a real steal of a deal. If you do land a great piece of art, handle it carefully, it’s wet, hence, WET PAINT . . . it’s a scream.
For more information about “Wet Paint” or the Newport Art Museum , call (401) 848-8200 or visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org , . Sponsored by, VareWilliam ika fine art ltd, New england museum association.
You can contact the Ivy Lodge, Newport RI for availability. We are a short stroll to the museum. The Innkeepers will be happy to share their works of art from "wet Paint" pasts.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sun, Aug 01, 2010 @ 01:11 PM
What better way to enjoy the largest outdoor wine and food festival in New England than to walk to and from the event, taking the worry out of how much you want to indulge in the sampling of Over 800 Brands of world - class wines, spirits and specialty beers . . . were walking should be your only mode of transportation. To enjoy the best of both worlds, the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast, located in a quite, private residential area of the Mansion district, is a comfortable stroll to the Newport Yachting Center were the largest outdoor wine and food festival in New England is taking place on August 20-22, 2010 at the beautiful Newport Yachting Center. This one-of-a-kind event will offer an ultimate wine and food experience with tastings from hundreds of world - class wines, spirits, specialty beers and gourmet dishes prepared by the finest local and regional chefs.
Newport is known as “The City by the Sea” and is a premier destination for a summer getaway. Picture this setting . . . Surrounded by water, overlooking the Newport harbor and marina, were the magnificent boats are as much of an attraction as this main event. The ocean breezes coming-off the Naragansett bay and you swilling fines wines or whatever your choice of libation and sampling fine cuisine from well known chefs. Start and end your day by taking full advantage of all this area has to offer: Reserve a room with the Ivy Lodge, and leave the rest to us. We will concierge your entire stay by making dinner reservation on the harbor front, booking a charter sailing excursion, but do not forget to save time to shop in the harbor’s specialty stores, all this surrounds you when you attend the Winefest.
You will have the opportunity to attend multiple Grand Tastings, a Waterfront Grand Cru Tasting, and a Chefs & Champagne Brunch. Experience 100’s of regional, national, and international wines, specialty beers, and spirits. While taking in the beautiful surroundings overlooking the marina and harbor, enjoy featured dishes prepared by regional restaurants at a nominal fee with the opportunity to sample products from a variety of specialty food vendors. You will peruse an assortment of lifestyle exhibits while accompanied by music as you make your way through the Grand Tasting. Watch as celebrity and regional chef’s prepare their signature dishes throughout the event on a culinary event stage.
With each ticket purchase, you will receive complimentary tasting samples of wine, beer and spirits from participating exhibitors and a vast selection of food samplings provided by specialty food exhibitors. Newport Vineyards our “Official Glassware Sponsor” and local vineyard will be welcoming you with their “In the Buff” Chardonnay. Restaurants will have featured dishes for sale at a nominal fee ($3.00 - $6.00)
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Tue, Jul 20, 2010 @ 01:39 PM
Within a 7 minute walk from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast is the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. The museum houses the entire history of the sport, dating from the 12th Century through today. You can meander through 18 galleries that span more than 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, momentous videos and popular memorabilia of tennis champions past and present. The Museum’s permanent collection alone contains more than 16,000 objects. The Library and Information Research Center has upwards of 5,000 books; in excess of 1,000 tapes and films; more than 300,000 photo images, and an abundant collection of magazines, programs, periodicals, posters, and personal player memorabilia, you don’t need to be a tennis fan to enjoy this significant exhibit.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame offers a truly unique tennis experience, where the public can actually play tennis on the famous grounds! The grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame are America's oldest. The Hall of Fame offers thirteen grass courts, one red clay court and three indoor award-winning cushioned hard courts. The courts are open to the public for rental; advance reservations are required for individual and groups from May through September. Tennis enthusiasts can join the outdoor and indoor club memberships, as well as USPTA/PTR certified instruction for juniors and adults of all ages and ability levels: Private and group lessons, adult camps, daily clinics, and a full service pro-shop are also available
Within the Tennis hall of fame is one of the most unique entertainment venues in North America. The six-acre, Victorian shingle-style complex is a vibrant illustration of the grace and charm of 19th Century American design. Now a National Historic Landmark, its remarkable legacy as a premier entertainment venue hosts the opening night of the Newport Folk festival and the Newport Jazz festival, two of our favorite events that afford us the luxury of casually strolling from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast to enjoy big name acts without the hustle and bustle of traffic and parking.
To learn more about the attractions in Newport, RI,
www.gonewport.com or contact the Innkeepers, Darlene and Daryl McKenzie. We will design an itinerary to maximize your Newport, RI get-away
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Wed, Jun 23, 2010 @ 09:46 AM
When most people think of Newport music festivals, they think folk and jazz festivals. The Newport Classical festival is one of the top classical music events in the country; it was founded in 1969 as a summer season of the Metropolitan Opera. The outdoor venue was not conducive to classical music performance, and instead the grand rooms of the stately Newport mansions were put to use for chamber music concerts. You can enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail while appreciating the ocean breezes and beauty of the Cliff walk. The early concerts utilized many members of the Metropolitan Opera. The Festival has become known for giving young international artists, such as Inessa Galante, a venue for their American debut.
The Newport Music Festival 2010 celebrates its 42nd season July 9-25, continuing the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists and special events in the Gilded Age "summer cottages" of Newport, Rhode Island. Entering his thirty-sixth season, Artistic Director Dr. Mark P. Malkovich, III researches and selects works from the 19th century chamber music, vocal repertoire and the Romantic-era piano literature, to create one of the most extraordinary festivals in the world. In its forty-one year history, the Newport Music Festival has become celebrated for presenting over one hundred thirty artists and ensembles in their American debuts. Yamaha Pianos and Your New England Toyota Dealer are the major Festival sponsors.
The Festival will present 65 concerts-three to five per day-in the famous Newport Mansions with 35 American and international artists from 14 countries. Season-long tributes to the bicentenaries of composers Frédéric François Chopin and Robert Alexander Schumann will feature their enduring music. Morning concerts are at 11 a.m.; afternoons usually at 4 p.m. and evenings at The Breakers, the queen of the Newport Mansions, at 9 p.m. Midnight concerts feature one-hour intermission-free works with champagne receptions preceding. The Festival was again selected for "America's Elite 1000-the Ultimate List," the very best American luxury goods, shops, services and special events; it has also been named one of the "Top 50 Outstanding Festivals & Events" in North America by Leisure Group Travel magazine.
For more information on the Newport classical musical festival, contact the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast, newport, ri at 1-800-834-6865. The Ivy lodge is a short stroll to the beautiful mansions that host this magical event.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Mon, Jun 14, 2010 @ 06:57 PM
From the beginning, the Ivy Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Newport RI has been a child friendly place to bring your children. With a 30 year history of operating as a B&B, we have reason to believe some of these children, annually spend summer vacations at the Ivy, were conceived in this beautiful, Victorian . . . as told to us by multiple returning guests (smile, nod, nudge, wink, wink).
Most recently we had the pleasure of hosting a lovely family with a four year old named Noah. His parents have wanted to visit Newport, RI for the last couple of years with a preface for lodging in a Bed and Breakfast, Newport RI. The past inquiries into Newport B&B's for child friendly accommodations were unsuccessful and at times offensive to this very classy, couple . . . when inquiring with one B&B, Lindsay was told, our guest are trying to get away from their children, I cringe as she tells me her experiences. That said, I assured her, we like kids and work with families as well as romantic get away for couples with strategies that meet the expectations of both types of travelers. When I brought Noah's parents to their family suite, I could see they were pleased with the accommodations. I agreed to let them settle in and advised Noah's Mom, Lindsay, that she was welcome to join me at the front desk, if she wanted me to concierge the family about the city-by-the-sea. Shortly after the family arrived, Lindsay came down and I proceeded to lay -out my recommendations for Kid friendly things to do.
Darlene and Daryl Sez:
For beach time, we highly recommend Gooseberry beach (our personal favorite beach). This family oriented beach fun and esthetically pleasing to both parents and kids. Mansions jutting out on points, rocks and docks for kids to climb on, plus, this beach gives the kids a cove that is less hazardous than some of our larger beaches with larger wave action, something that terrifies me for very young children and no rip tides. The kids will love, love, love the snack shack. It does not get any prettier or quaint than Goose berry beach.
A short stroll from the Ivy lodge is the cliff walk. A very safe place to take the kids and an even shorter stroll to the closest beach Easton's beach (locals call this beach 1st beach) Newport's largest public ocean surf beach, located on Memorial Boulevard at the start of the Cliff Walk, is a 3/4 mile long surf beach with a board walk. Operations run daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Easton's Beach is a free public beach. Fees are charged for parking and some of the amenities. Free outdoor showers and public restrooms are available in season. Parents can enjoy a hot shower and changing and storage with a daily bathhouse rental, bring the kids to the free playground and skate park. The beautiful rotunda has a carousal Open weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day 10:00 am- 6:00 Pm
Weekdays June 16- august 29th 10:00- 6:00 pm
Rides are $1.00 per person- or discount books of 20 rides can be purchased for $10.00
Ride the Monster- 24 foot high water slide, with two 18 foot speed drops to the pool below- Open daily throughout the summer beginning June 13. Easton's Beach introduced a new children's Bumper Boat ride in 2009, and it has proven to be extremely popular.
Bring your family down this summer!
Just $ 5.00 to ride all day, and $ 3.00 after 2:00 pm- discount booklets available.
. . . Twin Lobster rolls with fries $10.95, that in it's self is worth a trip to Easton's beach!
The Easton's beach snack Bar is now open everyday Rain or shine from 11-6. The beach is now charging for parking but you can still go to the middle parking lot for 60 minute validated parking if you are just going to the snack bar. It won't cost anything M-F and only $2.00 on weekends and holidays.
Call: 1.800.834.6865 for family friendly lodging and great advise on things families can do with their children