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 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
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Wed, Jun 02, 2010 @ 01:42 PM
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
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Mon, May 03, 2010 @ 03:40 PM
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
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Sun, Feb 14, 2010 @ 07:55 AM
With over one hundred and fifty individual events, Newport's winter Festival has become "New England's largest winter extravaganza." the Winter Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, music, and entertainment, with fun for all ages. Sand sculptures, a Chili Cook-Off, city-wide Scavenger Hunt, and an Ice Sculpting Competition, and a Children's Fair are just some of the many colorful and exciting events.
The Winter Festival features an exciting Concert Series with a diverse selection of musical performances by BeatleMania, Rat Pack Tribute Band and Tish Adams.
Purchase a Winter Festival button and receive free admission or significant discounts to events listed in this brochure, plus additional discounts at restaurants and retailers throughout the city. Buttons offer over $500 value for only $8.00, book with the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast two nights or more and recieve your button for free, Partial proceeds to benefit local charities.
Buttons may be Purchased At:
AAA Southern N.E. • 99 East Main Rd., Middletown
Accidental Artist • 516 Thames St., Newport
Clements' Market • East Main Rd., Portsmouth
Cookie Jar • Bowen's Wharf, Newport
Gerilou's • Gelissimo • 205 Goddard Row, Brick Market Place, Newport
Hampton Inn & Suites • 317 West Main Rd., Middletown
Hotel Viking • One Bellevue Avenue, Newport
Hyatt Regency • Goat Island, Newport
The Mole Hole • 21A Long Wharf Mall., Newport
MWR ITT • Newport Navy Base
Newport Gateway Center • 23 America's Cup Ave.
Newport Harbor Hotel • 49 America's Cup Ave.
Newport Marriott (gift shop) • 25 America's Cup Ave.
People's Credit Union • All Branches
Shaw's Supermarket • East Main Rd., Middletown
Walgreens • East Main Rd., Middletown
Buy Buttons Online
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, 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.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Fri, Aug 07, 2009 @ 05:58 AM
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 Fri, Jul 10, 2009 @ 11:25 AM
When one thinks of musical festivals in Newport RI, the jazz or folk festivals typically come to mind. If you are a classical music buff, or not, you are in for a treat for what is considered one of the fastest growing musical festivals in Newport. This music festival has an ambitious schedule lasting 3 weeks and 60 concerts. Each concert is performed in a unique setting of historical proportion, the famed Newport preservation Society's Mansions , glorious waterfront views of Belle Mer Salon to name a few. The music and the setting of this festival makes this event the most unique experience in the United States. Imagine swilling your beverage of choice, experiencing all that the Atlantic ocean has to offer on a beautiful summer night, the performance begins and you slowly make your way to the music room of the Breakers . . . it is so surreal. In a frenetic world, this event will sooth and amuse you. The Ivy Lodge is surrounded by the majority of these concerts, making our location a delightful walk via Bellvue ave or the famed cliffwalk.
The Festival will present 60 concerts-three to five per day-in the famous Newport Mansions with American and international artists. The entire season will be a tribute to the centenary of Victor Borge's birth. 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 ha also been named one of the "Top 50 Outstanding Festivals & Events" in North America by Leisure Group Travel magazine.
We're planning one of our "most festive of festivals" [Bernard Levin, London Times]. Morning and afternoon concerts are being given collective nouns' names: "Quiver of Quartets," "Troop of Trios," "Leap of Liszt," "Gaggle of Greeks," "Brace of Brahms," "Huddle of Handel," etc. Nearly 500 works will be performed from July 10-26; 17 days with 3, 4 and 5 concerts per day in the magnificent Newport Mansions. Many are seldom heard including piano concerti with 2nd piano by Anton Rubinstein and Ignaz Moscheles.
In keeping with the "festive" aspect of 2009's Newport Music Festival, morning and afternoon concerts have been created with collective nouns as titles. For the morning concerts we shall have a "Rafter of Russians" (rafter of turkeys) including works by Glinka, Balakirev, Kabelevsky's "Piano Sonata," and Pyotr von Schlozer's rare "Concert Etude;" a "Quarrel of Quartets" (after quarrel of sparrows) with piano quartets by Prince Louis Ferdinand and Ignaz Lachner; a "Quiver of Quintets" (quiver of cobras) including piano quintets by Mrs. Beech, Johann Hummel and Onslow's "Grand Quintet" (violin, viola, cello, contrabass and piano); a "Troop of Trios" (kangaroos) with piano trios by Robert Volkman and Sergei Taneyev and "Trio" for violin, viola and cello by Nicolai Amani. Our 17 mornings also include "Hornists Nest" featuring one of the Festival's sensational artists Eric Ruske, French horn and our popular "Amo, Amas, Amadeus," featuring music of Mozart.
The 17 afternoon concerts keep the same fun theme with programs such as "Bank of Bach" (swans), including a rare version for two pianos by Josef Rheinberger of the "Goldberg Variations," "Bouquet (pheasants) of Beethoven," "Brace (ducks) of Brahms," "Chine (polecats) of Chopin," and a "Duel (doves) of Danes" in honor of long-time friend and patron Victor Borge. A "Fluther (jelly fish) of French" includes works by "Les Six," d'Indy, Florent Schmitt and Auguste Franchomme's "Fantaisia for cello and piano;" "Huddle (penguins) of Handel" features various composer's versions of The Harmonious Blacksmith; "Leap of Liszt" featuring the brilliant young Hungarian pianist Gérgély Boganyi who made his American debut with us several years ago; several "Mission (monkeys) of Mendelssohn" in recognition of the master's 200th anniversary; "Palazzo Italiano" recreating 18th century songs starring Austrian baritone Peter Edelmann (son of the famous basso Otto Edelmann) and Theresa Cincione of the Metropolitan Opera; "Pod (dolphins) of Poles" with works by Godowsky, Paderewski, Moszkowski and brothers Ignaz and Philipp Scharwenka; "Romantic Sunset" featuring the last and great pupil of Horowitz, Eduardus Halim, playing Granados' "Goyescas" (a 7-8pm concert at one of Newport's fabled mansions); "School (whales) of Scandinavians" featuring Norway's Grieg and Kvandal, Sweden's Sjögren and Stenhammer, Denmark's Nielsen and Finland's Sibelius. "Sleuth (bears) of Slavs" with composers Griboyedev, Tchaikovsky, Liadov, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky and Moscheles "Sonata Concertane for Flute and Piano;" and "Span (oxen) of Spaniards" with works by Cervantes and also Granados and Albeniz featuring the Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd.
More than 500 compositions are included in the morning and afternoon concerts, many of which are unusual and seldom played. This has been our hallmark.
Our evening concerts at the beautiful Vanderbilt mansion "The Breakers" include recitals by pianists Agustin Anievas, Edward Auer, Jean-Philippe Collard (who accompanied Virgil's reading in the historic Satie's "Sports and Diversions"), pianist Jens Elvekjaer from Denmark, French pianist Alain Jacquon (who holds the record of nine gold medals from the Paris Conservatoire), German pianist Michael Endres (one of Germany's leading pianists), Greek pianist Grigorios Zamparis and Russian duo-pianists Jakov Jakoulov and Igor Tkachenko. Our roster also includes violinists Nai-Yuan Hu from Taiwan (gold medalist of the Queen Elisabeth Competition of Belgium), Kazakh superstar Marat Bisengeliev, Americans Jennifer Frautschi (Mrs. Eric Ruske) and Livia Sohn (born in Korea) and the sensational young Romanian artist Eugen Tichindeleanu, who made his American debut at the Festival. Cellists are the famous Jiri Barta from the Czech Republic, Luigi Piovano from Italy and gold medalist of the Tchaikovsky Competition, Russian Sergei Antonov, now living in Boston.
For further information and brochure requests, kindly write the Newport Music Festival, PO Box 3300, Newport, RI 02840-0992, or phone 401-846-1133. Newport County tourist information is available at the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 23 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840, local phone 401-849-8098 or toll-free 800-976-5122. The Rhode Island Division of Tourismmay also be reached toll-free at 800-845-2000. Informational websites include GoNewport.com and VisitRhodeIsland.com.
Newport Attractions
Newport's historic and resort attractions are world-famous and include
nine beautiful beaches, the Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive and a series of
"firsts" in America-Touro Synagogue, the Redwood Library &
Athenaeum, the White Horse Tavern, and America's first organ at Trinity Church. The Preservation
Society of Newport County mansions-The Breakers, Rosecliff, Marble House, The Elms, Chateausur-
Mer, Kingscote, The Isaac Bell House, Chepstow and Hunter House-are open every day of the
week with informative guided tours. The Astor's Beechwood and Belcourt Castle are also open to the
public. The International Tennis Hall of Fame, the National Museum of American Illustration, the
Museum of Newport History, the Newport Art Museum, the Museum of Yachting at Fort Adams
State Park, Doris Duke's Rough Point and Salve Regina University, with its beautiful McKillop Library,
should also be on your visiting list. Whether it is fine dining, shopping, boating, historic architecture,
or the many year-round events, Newport has something for everyone.
The Victor Borge Centennial Celebration-1909-2009
The entire 2009 Newport Music Festival season is dedicated to
the centennial of Victor Borge's birth. One of the world's most
legendary entertainers, Victor Borge was beloved throughout the
world for his unique brand of uplifting humor through music.
Thanks to the Borge Foundation and the entire Borge Family, the
Newport Music Festival celebrates the man who made the world
smile. Join us for the special Borge Stimulus Concert for only
$25 featuring the Trio con Brio Copenhagen on July 23rd at The
Breakers. There are other tributes throughout the season to the
"Great Dane."
"I'd like to thank my parents for making this night possible. And my
children for making it necessary."-Victor Borge
Festival Gala at Belle Mer Salon-Wednesday, July 22nd
Mark your calendar now to experience one of Newport's most
elegant events. The evening begins at 4 p.m. with the American
recital debut of young Russian pianist Alexander Romanovsky, followed by an après-concert
reception to meet the artist with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the Belle Mer Salon on Goat Island,
overlooking magnificent Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. Tickets are $100 per person, a
portion of which is tax-deductible. Book your reservation early for this gala event.
Live Streaming Festival Concerts-http://www.rvibe-live.com/
A Festival first! Watch select Festival concerts from the comfort of your own home with live
streaming video from magnificent Festival venues. Our partnership with rVibe, a leading communitybased
online music download service and internet concert presenter, will give Festival lovers around
the world the opportunity to see and hear these concerts live in stunning television quality. Stream
Festival concerts into your home...it's like being there! Registration is simple and easy, and you'll have
immediate access. Festival concerts will also be available in edited versions after the concerts. Go
to www.rvibe-live.com and check out all their impressive offerings. For optimal results, a high-speed
internet connection is required.
Box Lunch Concerts
Box lunch concerts are a favorite with Festival audiences. This season, the Festival offers three box
lunch concerts at The Elms and Elms Tent. Morning concerts are at 11 a.m. followed by lunch
around 1 p.m. The optional lunch begins at 1 p.m. prior to the afternoon concert at 2 p.m. The box
lunches will be served at The Elms Carriage House in the lower garden and are included in the price
of your ticket for the morning concerts and are optional for the 2 p.m. concerts. Tickets are $45 per
person for mornings, and $35 (without lunch) and $45 (with lunch) for afternoons. A fun gathering beneath the elms.
Ticket Information-Box Office 401-849-0700
Ticket buyers are reminded that the capacity of all concert venues is limited. Therefore, early
reservations are advised. Phone orders are accepted using VISA, MasterCard, American Express
and Discover, by calling 401-849-0700. Your order will either be sent by US Mail or held at the door
of the concert. Reserved tickets must be picked up and paid for not later than 24 hours before the
performance. Tickets are non-refundable, though they may be exchanged for those of equal value.
If you are unable to use your tickets, they may be donated back to the Festival on or before the
performance date. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your contribution.
The Festival Box Office is located at 850 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown. Hours are from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Brochures are also available at the Newport
Gateway Center, located on 23 America's Cup Avenue in Newport, phone 849-8098. Ticket sales are
final and non-refundable. Programs and artists are subject to change. A complete Festival schedule is
available at www.newportmusic.org. You may e-mail us at www.innkeepers@ivylodge if you are booking with us, we will be happy to arrange your itineray for the concerts, dining reservations and Newport attractions.
Posted by Darlene McKenzie on Mon, Jun 15, 2009 @ 03:29 PM
As the Innkeeper of the Ivy Lodge I try to commit to monthly marketing meetings the Newport visitors center organizes. I look forward to were each meeting will be held. The venue changes to highlight a specific topic. This month, the venue/topic was the Touro Synagogue; A short stroll for me from the Ivy Lodge to the Synagogue. Our meeting place this day was just outside the synagogue between the newly constructed Loeb visitor center. The topic: Loeb Visitors Center at Touro synagoge to open August 2nd.
The new center serves as a modern gateway to historic Touro Synagogue - America's oldest synagogue and a national Historic Site.
Historic Overview
The story of Touro Synagogue spans over 500 years. Although the first Jewish settlements in North America date to 1654 in New Amsterdam and 1658 in Newport, their narrative, one of perseverance, tradition and religious freedom, begins in 1492, the same year King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain both financed Christopher Columbus' voyage to the New World and issued the Edict of Expulsion. All Jews, rich or poor, living in Spain were forced to "conversion or exile."
While many Jews in Spain were forced to convert to Catholicism, thousands fled seeking refuge in the Netherlands, Caribbean Islands, and South America. When the inquisition followed on their heels, they searched for sanctuary in the America's newly founded colonies.
I n 1658, a group of fifteen Jewish families, hearing about Roger William's "Lively Experiment," where the civil government was devoid of power over spiritual matters, sailed into Newport harbor. These Sephardim (the Hebrew word for Jews from the region in the Iberian Peninsula that is now Spain and Portugal), who like their ancestors were seeking a haven from religious persecution, founded the second Jewish settlement in the colonies and Congregation Jeshuat Israel (Salvation of Israel). In 1677, they purchased and consecrated property as a Jewish cemetery, a place where they could bury their dead according to Jewish tradition.
With the assurance of religious freedom and liberty of conscience, as promised by Governor Roger Williams, the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations offered more than a refuge; it offered unparalleled social and economic opportunities.
Over the next 100 years the Jewish population of Newport flourished. In 1758, a Dutch Jew named Isaac Touro, became the congregation's first spiritual leader. A year later the congregation purchased land and hired Peter Harrison, the preeminent architect of the colonial era, to design Touro Synagogue. The synagogue was completed and dedicated in 1763.
In 1776 the British captured Newport. A once vital and thriving commercial seaport, much of Newport was destroyed. Supporting the American cause, most Jews left. Until the French liberated Newport, the synagogue was used as a hospital for the British troops and was spared.
After the war Touro Synagogue served as a meeting place for the Rhode Island General Assembly, Rhode Island Supreme Court and the town of Newport. During George Washington's visit to Newport in 1781, to meet with Generals Lafayette and Rochambeau to plan the final battles of the Revolution, a town meeting was held at the synagogue.
Touro Synagogue took on a special significance in 1790 when President George Washington, in his letter "To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport," declared that the new nation would "... give to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." These few words affirmed the founding fathers' commitment to the principals of religious freedom as a cornerstone of democracy in America.
The synagogue, which continues to serve an active Jewish congregation, greets approximately 30,000 visitors a year who come to see its magnificent interior and hear the remarkable story of its founding.
Visit Touro Synagogue
Tour Information
Touro Synagogue is a National Historic Site and an affiliate property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Every year approximately 30,000 visitors from around the world come to visit Touro Synagogue, delight in its magnificent architecture, and hear its remarkable and inspiring story.
Synagogue and Gift Shop Hours:
The tour schedule may vary due to Jewish holidays, ceremonial occasions and special events.
Unfortunately, Touro Synagogue is not wheelchair accessible. Public restrooms are not available on site.
DATES: May 3, 2009 - June 30, 2009
Sunday through Friday 12 Noon - 2:00 pm.
No tours on Saturday. No tours Friday, May 29th in observance of Shavuot.
DATES: July 1, 2009 - July 31, 2009
Sunday - Friday 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
Tours begin every half hour.
No tours on Saturday or Jewish holidays
DATES: August 1, 2009 - September 6, 2009
Sunday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tours begin every half hour.
No tours on Saturday or Jewish holidays
No tours on August 16 after 12:30
DATES: September 7, 2009 - October 31, 2009
Sunday - Friday 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Tours begin every half hour.
No tours on Saturday or Jewish holidays
No tours September 18, 20, 27, 28 or October 4, 11
*GROUP TOUR RESERVATIONS CAN BE ARRANGED BY CALLING: 401.847.4794 EX. 23
Ticket Information:
Synagogue Admission & Twilights at Touro:
$5 Adults
Free Youth (12 and under)
Free Touro Synagogue Foundation Members
Free NTHP Members
Free NPS Pass Holders
Tickets may be purchased at the Touro Synagogue Gift Shop and at the Newport County Convention and Visitors Bureau. All group tours must be prearranged by contacting Malka Benjamin at 401.847.4794 ext. 23