What The Locals Do in Newport

by Vera Thornton


While the rest of the world visits the mansions and checks out the Jazz Festival, Newport locals have a couple of delightful, lesser known venues for summer entertainment, which Dana from the Marshall Slocum Inn was kind enough to turn me on to. Thank you Dana!

The Newport Art Museum's 2008 PM Musical Picnic Series
When: Wednesday nights from June 25- August 13 6:30 p.m.
Where: 76 Bellevue Avenue, on the lawn.

Insiders know that the Newport Art Museum's summer music series is one of the best al fresco entertainment deals around. On Wednesday evenings kids, parents, grandparents, couples and friends relax on blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the music and a light meal brought from home. All concerts begin at 6:30 pm on the grounds of the Museum's historic Griswold House, weather permitting. Next Wednesday, July 23, will feature Mike Walsh and the Blitz, a New Age/Jazz/Rock sound. For the line-up of the remaining performances, which range from Big Band to Irish and Blue Grass, please visit the museum's calendar page.

Admission: Museum members - free
Non-members - $5; non-member families - $10; children under the five -free.
Please call (401) 848-8200 for general information. (No advance reservations.)

The Newport Art Museum's 2008 PM Musical Picnic series is sponsored by NewportFed.


Sweet Berry Farm Concert Series
When: Tuesday nights from July 22 through September 2
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 915 Mitchells’ Lane, Middletown

At Sweet Berry you can pick your own produce according to the seasonal schedule. Blueberries are just about over, and now the picking includes raspberries and peaches, with blackberries soon to come. This 100 acre local farm and market also offers a cute café, homemade ice cream, and fresh-cut flowers.

The summer concert series on Tuesday nights is a popular event with a real feeling of community. Visitors are welcome, but due to the farm’s Middletown location off the Newport main-track, there are usually more locals than tourists attending. The farm provides the food, moderately priced at under $15, and you bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and alcohol. Each week features a different theme; this Tuesday, July 22 is Creole night, with a Creole sampler, gumbo, and blackened fish or chicken. The band is Back Eddy, a contemporary and traditional blue grass band. This sounds like a wonderful summer treat for couples and families, and thanks to Haley for the information.


Photo credit:
Photo #1 & #2 - Courtesy of the Newport Art Museum
Photo #3 & #4 - Courtesy of Sweet Berry Farm

Newport Polo Club

by Vera Thornton

Newport International Polo Series
When: Saturdays in July & August at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road (Route 138), Portsmouth

I have always wanted to see a polo match. But although it was the first international sporting event in the world (if you don’t count the Olympics) it’s so out of the recreational mainstream that there aren’t that many opportunities to watch it. Well, now I have my chance! Newport is the international polo capital of the world, and each Saturday in the summer the Newport International Polo Club has matches that are open to the public. They take place at the historic 100-acre Glen Farm, with its classic stone barns and park-like grounds. This series attracts top rivals from all over the globe, and has been taking place since 1886. Tailgate picnics on the lawn are welcome, and there is also grandstand seating in General Admission. Think of the skill it takes to maneuver a powerful thundering horse with one hand, while you pound away with the mallet in the other - this is non-stop action!
Try the Shamrock Farm Inn for a perfect weekend getaway in lovely Portsmouth - it's a gracious country inn with an Irish theme and beautiful gardens, perfect for a polo retreat.

Tickets:
General Admission ~ $10/adult; children 15 & under/free
Tickets are sold at the entry gates, which open two hours prior to the start of the matches.



Asado Lamb Roast
When: Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Glen Farm, 715 East Main Road, Portsmouth

Following the 5:00 p.m. USA vs. Ireland polo match, a lamb roast will be held as a tribute to the Irish Polo Team, who have been participating since the international matches began. The Argentine tradition of spit-roasting lamb has become a part of polo culture since the Argentine players began dominating the sport in the 80's. The meat is slow-roasted for the ultimate tenderness, a satisfying delicacy after a hard-fought match. There is a cash bar, reservations are required, and tickets must be paid in advance by July 14th, so don't delay! Polo match tickets are sold separately at the gate.

Tickets for the Lamb Roast: $37.
For reservations and information please call (401) 847-7090.

The International Polo Series is sponsored, among others, by Pearls Boutique Hotels of Newport.

Photo Credit:
All photos courtesy of The Newport Polo Club.