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