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Calling all Artist lovers! Wet Paint 2010 Newport, RI

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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.

 

Newport, RI Winefest - AUGUST 20-22, 2010

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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) 

Kid Friendly Ivy Lodge Bed and Breakfast, Newport RI

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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

The 2010 Newport, RI Flower Show

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Rose cliff, one of the most elegant mansions in Newport, R.I., and the backdrop for much of the movie ''The Great Gatsby,'' is the setting for the Preservation Society of Newport County's flower show 2010 on June 25-27. As one of the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast, Newport RI most anticipated events, the Newport Flower Show celebrates its 15th year as America's premier summer flower show with an African theme. Safari - Flora and Fauna will capture our imaginations with the exotic treasures of a continent that boasts the most diverse range of plants and animals in the world. Aside from viewing the show's wonderful flower arrangements and horticulture exhibits, make a day of it and take time to enjoy a lunch and lecture/demonstration by world-class flower arranger Marie Françoise Deprez. And, of course, give yourself lot's of time to shop the fabulous boutiques that have been set up on the lawns over-looking the magnificent cliff walk along the Atlantic Ocean!  The Flower show is a short stroll from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast either via the cliff walk or the Famed Bellevue Avenue.

It is befitting that this particular Newport preservation mansion, The Rose cliff, would be chosen to annually host the Newport RI flower show. Originally, the Rose cliff was the summer home of George Bancroft, a horticulturist remembered for his hybrid American Beauty rose. Rose cliff was acquired in 1888 by Theresa Fair Oelrichs, one of the grandes dames of Gilded Age society. She commissioned Stanford White to design a new Rose cliff, modeling it after Louis XIV's Grand Trianon at Versailles.

The flower show starts June 25 and runs to June 27. The location is one of the Newport Preservation society's mansions, the Rose cliff. This event is New England's premier summertime flower and horticulture show includes judged flower arrangements, a horticultural tent brimming with plants and flowers, demonstrations, lectures and a spectacular garden marketplace in the elegant reception rooms and on the expansive oceanfront lawn of Rose cliff, a Gilded Age mansion. For info: The Preservation Society of Newport County, 424 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840. Phone: (401) 847-1000. Fax: (401) 841-1361. E-mail: events@newportmansions.org. Web. or contact the Ivy lodge Bed and Breakfast, Newport, RI at innkeepers@ivylodge.com, website www.ivylodge.com

 An important note: All proceeds from the Newport Flower Show are dedicated to the ongoing restoration and maintenance of The Preservation Society of Newport County's 88 acres of gardens and landscapes

Each day of the 2010 Newport Flower Show offers guest's opportunities to enjoy judged horticultural specimens and floral designs, special garden exhibitions, free lectures and demonstrations, as well as wonderful shopping experiences in both the Oceanside Boutiques and the Gardeners' Marketplace.  Tickets are also available for special luncheons, lectures and workshops. 

Be a part of this much-anticipated festive event that kicks off the Newport summer season.  Enjoy the scrumptious cocktail buffet while viewing the fresh floral arrangements and horticultural extravaganzas, shopping the Oceanside Boutiques and Gardeners' Marketplace, mingling with friends and making new ones. As always, there will be plenty of surprises too!

General Show Admission                     Adult     Youth (13-17)       Youth (12 & under)

Advance purchase & Members--any day        $17              $6                                  Free           

At the door Friday, June 25 only                    $25              $6                                  Free

At the door Saturday, June 26

or Sunday, June 27                                        $23              $6                                  Free    

"Bring a Friend" Offer Sunday only  2 tickets for $25

Come on Sunday and bring a friend!  The two of you will save $21 off the Day of Show price.

Valid on Sunday, June 27 onlyJune 25-27. Rosecliff, Newport, RI. New England's premier summertime flower and horticulture show includes judged flower arrangements, a horticultural tent brimming with plants and flowers, demonstrations, lectures and a spectacular garden marketplace in the elegant reception rooms and on the expansive oceanfront lawn of Rosecliff, a Gilded Age mansion. For info: The Preservation Society of Newport County, 424 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840. Phone: (401) 847-1000. Fax: (401) 841-1361. E-mail: events@newportmansions.org. Web

 

Making the perfect pancake

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Besides being excellent, light meal fare, pancakes are easy to prepare and  require no tricky techniques. A few pointers will ensure success.

Mixing the Batter: Begin by combining all of the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stirring them together until they're well combined. Beat the whole eggs or egg whites (if you are watching your cholesterol) in another mixing bowl, one that's large enough to also hold the liquid ingredients.

Stir the liquid ingredients quickly into the dry ingredients. To make your pancakes light and tender, stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined but still slightly lumpy, over-mixing destroys the air bubbles in the batter, resulting in heavy, tough pancakes, do this by hand mixing.

One of the secrets to producing great pancakes is to use a griddle or heavy skillet that heats evenly. (The Ivy Lodge uses a cast iron griddle, which gives the pancakes a crispy outer edge.)

Our recipes call for cooking pancakes on a lightly greased griddle or skillet. Wait until your griddle is heated to medium heat before pouring the pancake batter on it. (You can test the griddle by dripping a few drops of water on it. If the water dances over the surface, the griddle is ready.

For a nice round pancake, pour your batter on the griddle from a measuring cup, a pitcher or a small gravy ladle with a spout that will give an even flow. Whatever you use, hold it close to the griddle surface and pour into a pool that will spread out into an even shape. Don't crowd your griddle - the pancakes will cook better if they don't run together. As your pancakes are cooking, keep an eye on the griddle temperature, if too hot, it will start to smoke, lower the heat. The more pancakes you make the easier it will become to determine the ideal temperature. The pancakes are ready to turn when the undersides are golden brown and the top surfaces are evenly covered with tiny unbroken bubbles. Use the edge of a spatula to carefully check if the undersides are browned, carefully lift just enough to check the color, don't lift the entire pancake and break contact with the griddle, this will have an effect on the texture. When the pancakes are golden brown on both sides, remove them from the griddle - and enjoy!

When you book your stay at The Ivy lodge bed and breakfast, we serve you  full gourmet breakfast each morning,  you will find all our entrees, made with real ingredient with creative entrée offerings. In the afternoon we serve seasonal snacks and beverage service through-out the day.

Picturesque New England Bed and Breakfast

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From the Gilded Age until today, Newport RI has been known as a dynamic, romantic and historical resort destination. Its reputation began with the giant "summer cottages" of the mid nineteenth century and then moved on to large hotels. Often overlooked is the key role bed and breakfasts, Newport RI have played in the first resort of America. The image of the picturesque New England bed and breakfast is an enduring attraction and for many an irresistible one. Today, choosing your lodgings in a Bed and breakfast can save you time and money and afford you the best locations on the Island. Because of the B&B's intimate setting, the Innkeepers, their staff and guests, can lead you towards a deeper, more intimate experience, maximizing your time and opportunity to see the best of what Newport RI has to offer . When you compare the locations of most commercial hotels, you will find yourself outside the charm of the island. When looking for a Bed and Breakfast in Newport RI, keep in mind: The quality of the establishment is very good, the service, unparallel, the cleanliness exceptional and the owners and staff members want to help you, they find joy in being kind and making others happy. Most of the bed and breakfast in Newport, RI are tucked away in quite private residential areas. For a list of Bed and breakfasts in Newport RI, we recommend you explore the site of www.newportinns.com. On this site, you will find a consortium of well run Bed and breakfasts. The website: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/  will give you additional information on Newport, RI as well as future prospects.  It is a surprise to us that of all the lodgings booked each year, bed and breakfasts are only 5% of the total. .  . Although that figure is increasing each year. Once you stay in a Bed and breakfast, you will return to a bed and breakfast . . . it's one of the best ways to experience your get-a-way.

The Fluke wine, bar and kitchen should be on your dining list

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It is our duty and pleasure to make the all important rounds of sampling the best restaurants of Newport RI. (Somebody's gotta do it). This is our job, making sure when we give you our recommendations, you are pleased with our selections. Whether it's attractions, shopping or dining, we scout out our recommendations as we concierge you on the City by the Sea. As for dining, one restaurant we consistently recommend to our guests is Fluke wine,bar and kitchen. Last night, we made our way to the popular wharfs of Bannister and Bowens. Tucked away on two floors above Bowen's Wharf in Newport, RI is Flukes wine,bar and kitchen. The restaurant is facing the Newport RI harbor. During sunlight hours, the rays bounce off the Narragansett Bay and at dusk sunsets can be exquisite and the back drop of the Newport Bridge looks like a pearl necklace, draped across the sky. On this night, the fog hung lightly over the wharf, making this wharf no less exquisite and all the more intriguing to be out and about in Newport RI. As we made our way up the stairs to the restaurant, we were greeted by Jeff and Geremie Callaghan, the owners of Flukes; whom we have worked closely with since their opening in 2007. With each passing year, this restaurant gets better and better and our dinner last night gives us all the more reason to continue our support of their culinary efforts. The restaurant is modeled after the cutting-edge spots they loved while living 15 years in New York City, only softened by their personal touches. Fluke's relaxed, modern American cuisine is perfect for any occasion. They  up'ed the anti in 2009 by hiring executive chef Neil Manacle (a J&W grad) and sous chef Kevin King, both imported from Manhattan. The food is fun and creative and fresh as the day. The sea provides beautiful fish, which inspires them and the most seasonal and local foods are always paramount to their dishes . But then there is the land, too. The Callaghans have contracted for four acres at nearby Rhode Island Nursery to be farmed for them. Zucchini blossoms and snow peas are just the beginning of what it will produce this season. The energy expended on this restaurant, makes this restaurant Darlene and Daryl McKenzie, innkeepers of the Ivy Lodge Bed and breakfast, Newport RI one of the top picks of the season.

Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen, 41 Bowen's Wharf, Newport, (401) 218-7884, flukewinebar.com. Casually upscale. On street parking; pay lots. Reservations. Not wheelchair accessible. Highchairs. AE, MC, V. Open daily at 5 p.m.; Sunday brunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Small plates $6-$13; large plates $12-$38. Extensive cocktail menu and wines by the bottle and glass.

Hours

Summer Hours: Open nightly from 5 pm

Winter Hours: Open Thursday-Sunday from 5 pm

Reservations encouraged.

Call 401.849.7778

or click here for OpenTable.

 

Winner

Newport Life Magazine

Best Cocktails, serving innovative specialty cocktails made with fresh pressed juices and herb infused ingredients

2008, 2009

Best Wine List 2010 -- Discover unique artisan wine

Top 10 reason to visit Newport RI this winter

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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.

 

  1. Explore the history and charm of the Newport mansions, museums and churches, just walking distance from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival

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The 4th Annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival

Presenting sponsors: FOOD & WINE 

September 25-27, 2009     

New for 2009 a Vintage Evening at The Breakers honoring award-winning Chef Jacques Pépin of American Public Television and featuring a collectible wine auction.

Also featuring:  Wine and Tastings--Saturday and Sunday

Sunday Jazz Brunch 

Celebrity Chef Demonstrations, featuring Chef Jacques Pépin, Chef Joanne Weir, Chef David Burke, Annie Copps, Roseann Tully and other culinary experts, plus an appearance by Ray Isle, Wine Editor of Food & Wine magazine and a special wine presentation by "Dr. Vino" Tyler Colman,David Burke Townhouse New York , Joanne Weir Joanne Weir's Cooking Class,Annie Copps, Yankee, Roseann Tully,Intermezzo, Tyler Colman "Dr. Vino".

Reserve your rooms with the Ivy lodge Bed and breakfast and stroll to this enjoyable event via the cliffwalkor famed Bellevue Avenue. You'll avoid any concerns with drinking and driving and take in the sites of one of the most spectacular settings in America. This event has quickly taken its place among the most anticipated food and wine events in the country.  This remarkable weekend experience features hundreds of wines from around the world, fabulous food, cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs, live and silent auctions, and a gala celebration.

Tickets now on sale!

 

Coaching weekend, Newport RI

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  A Weekend of Coaching Returns, August 20-23, 2009

Just a stones throw away from the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast an authentic 19th century coaches drawn by matched and highly-trained teams of horses will return to Newport from August 20-23, 2009, in the triennial renewal of a Weekend of Coaching. The public will enjoy free viewing of the colorful and historic coaches every day, as they drive through the streets of Newport and the grounds of the Newport Mansions, celebrating and preserving a century-old sporting tradition.  Approximately a dozen coaching teams will come to Newport from around the country

There will be a free-to-the-public driving exhibition on the grounds of The Elms starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 22.  The weekend will culminate in the formal Coaching Dinner Dance at The Breakers on Saturday evening. 

The tradition of coaching grew out of the 18th and 19th century mail runs in England, which later made their way across the Atlantic to the United States.  The horse-drawn mail coaches were eventually replaced by railroads, but nostalgia led to the development of coaching as a sport.  The Coaching Club of New York was formed in the latter part of the 19th century, eventually becoming part of the social fabric of Newport in the summer. The Wetmores, the Bells, the Vanderbilts and the Belmonts were all active members, bringing their coaches together to go to the races, the polo games, and the Casino.

The two types of open-air vehicles used in the sport of coaching-a Road Coach and the slightly smaller Park Drag-employ a team of four horses.  All seating is outside, with the driver, known as a "whip," sitting in the slightly elevated right front seat, and the whip's wife or female relative taking up the "box seat" on the left.  The rear bench of the coach holds at least two specialized footmen called grooms. Two center benches can hold up to 10 passengers.

See the routes of the daily drives and suggested viewing spots

Tickets for the dinner-dance at The Breakers are $400 per person, and reservations are required.

Purchase tickets online, or call (401) 847-1000 ext. 140.

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