Cool things to do and see in the coastal towns of Southern Rhode Island.

Photo of ice sculpture, Winter Festival 2009 Newport Winter Festival 2009

It's no secret that Newport, RI with its lovely seascapes, upscale shops and warm weather attractions is an enormously popular summer destination. Bustling boulevards from Bellevue Ave. to Thames Street are evidence of its summertime appeal. If you were to ask the locals the best time to enjoy Newport, however, you might be surprised to hear them say, "Winter."

True, Newport offers ample entertainment for all ages in the summer months, but while warm weather attracts tourists, the off season is a time to celebrate the natives. Popular winter events include mansion tours, ice skating at the Newport Yachting Center and the infamous St. Patty's Day Parade, which happens to fall directly on St. Patrick's Day this year. What…

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Newport, RI will be the final stop of the 2011-2012 America's Cup World Series from June 23 - July 1, 2012. Developed to expose millions of people to competitive high-performance racing, the new America's Cup professional circuit will conclude here in Newport bringing with it extensive international publicity, a welcome boost to the local economy and wonderful exposure for sellers of area real estate.

Unlike previous America's Cup races held off shore, current plans call for the Newport races to stay inside the Harbor with the start/finish line just off the shoreline. Spectator viewing areas will provide front row seats as world-class sailors compete in 9 state-of-the-art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans. The AC45 can achieve speeds over 35 mph, but is…

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Restaurant Week in Newport & Bristol, RI is March 25 - April 3, 2011!

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This popular, twice-annual event includes a fabulous selection of local restaurants offering three-course prix fix meals at exceptional prices: Lunch is $16 and Dinner is $30. (taxes and gratuity are extra) 

Check out this list of participating restaurants and menus and make your reservations now!

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Fig & Fois Gras at The White Horse Tavern

It's almost time for Restaurant Week! This much anticipated annual event has grown to include most of Newport and Bristol's fabulous dining establishments.

Each participating restaurant offers a three-course, prix fixe meal at the exceptional price of $16 for lunch and $30 for dinner (beverages, gratuities and taxes are additional). Reservations are a must, and seats fill up fast, so take a look at the participating restaurants and make your plan!

And, if you would like to look at a few homes while you're here, that would be OK too!

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Amidst all the lamentations about losing the America's Cup to San Francisco, I can't help thinking that the loss might actually have a positive impact on Newport as a sporting place to race. Already, local yacht clubs have introduced new races to recognize the sailing achievements of amateurs with a healthy love of the sport and the competition.littleboats_w_bridge_sm

I must disclose here that I am singularly unqualified to comment about yacht racing having been afflicted from an early age with serious motion sickness. (I even wear a patch to ski!). Still, as a native Rhode Islander, I have been surrounded by boats and sailors all my life, and I understand how much they contribute to the character and the economy of Newport, Jamestown, Bristol and the other coastal communities…

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This weekend some of New England's most beatuiful classic sailboats will convene in Newport for the Museum of Yachting's annual Classic Yacht Regatta.  There are many vantage points around the harbor including Castle Hill, Fort Adams and Jamestown's Fort Weatherill.  Vintage 12 meters of America's Cup fame, traditional one-designs and a few modern classics will be on display here in one of the world's most scenic harbors.  This regatta is so quntessentially Newport, you just have to take it in.  The Museum of Yachting is located at Fort Adams.  The fleet assembles Sunday at 10:30 at Goat Island and then cruises along the shore of Newport Harbor.fortadams_aerial_jazz_400

 

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