Newport may be known as the yachting capital of the world, but it’s the sailboats that draw visitors from across New England to the Bowen’s Wharf Newport Wooden Boat Show each year. Here, enthusiasts gaze at beautiful wooden vessels, enjoy themed activities, and celebrate the heritage of wooden sailboat building.

Showcasing Newport’s Sailing Heritage

This year’s expanded show will be held at the marina at Bowen’s Wharf as usual, and it will feature numerous contemporary-built sailboats (and some classics!) that channel the historic vessels of yesteryear. These sailboats feature the beauty and elegant finish of traditional sailboats, but they’re built using modern technology and shipbuilding techniques to give sailors a taste of the old, with the power and convenience of today’s modern methods. There will be an opportunity for attendees to board 11 of the boats in attendance and to learn more about sailing and shipbuilding from various vendors, sailing organizations, and businesses.

The collection of wooden boats in attendance includes both classic sailboats and motor yachts. One such ship is Courageous, a 48-foot vessel built in 1947 that still maintains its original look and hardware. Fidelio, a 27-foot racing and cruising ship with a winning record, will also be on display. The 1956 ship—as well as Duchess, a 50-foot motor yacht built in the 1930s—will be available for sale to attendees seduced by the sea. Numerous other vessels, ranging in size from 12 to 76 feet, will be in attendance as well.

Entertainment for the Whole Family

Attendees need not be sailing experts or even enthusiasts to have a great time at the Wooden Boat Show. In addition to the main attractions—the boats themselves—exhibitors and vendors will be set up both on land and in the water. Visitors are encouraged to explore the unique shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options found in Newport’s historic waterfront district. There will be live Caribbean and folk music for visitors to enjoy (Newport also hosts the Newport Folk Festival at the end of July), with alcoholic drinks available for purchase daily at waterfront bars. The show is open to the entire family, and even Fido is welcome to join in on the fun. Some proceeds from the event benefit Oliver Hazard Perry, Rhode Island’s official sailing education vessel.

Planning Your Visit

Bowen’s Wharf Newport Wooden Boat Show takes place on Thursday, September 14 through Sunday, September 17, 2018 at Bowen’s Wharf, located at 1 Bowen’s Landing in Newport. The free event is held in conjunction with the Newport International Boat Show and Newport Brokerage Boat Show, both of which do require paid admission. These events draw large crowds to Newport, so it’s a good idea to book lodging in advance. Ivy Lodge offers unmatched charm, beautiful rooms, and luxurious amenities, and we are currently accepting reservations. Call us today at 401-849-6865 to book your room now!

In a July schedule packed with famous, terrific events the International Tennis Hall of Fame Championship stands out. July 15-22, will be a week of exciting ATP World Tour tennis, Hall of Fame Inductions and celebrations of all Hall of Famers previously inducted.  This year’s inductees are Germany’s Michael Stich. He is a Wimbledon champion and former world no.2. Czech tennis legend Helena Sukova will also receive the ultimate honor in tennis.

The 2018 Dell Technologies Hall of Fame open will see top ATP players compete on the beautiful grass courts for the Van Alen Cup. Friday will feature a special exhibition  between 2017 US Open Champion Sloane Stephens and Finalist Madison Keys.

The Ivy Lodge, www.ivylodge.com, is just down the street from the Hall of Fame. Our special offer for this special event is two free tickets for the Tennis Championships when you book a three night say at Ivy Lodge directly with us (subject to availability). These are great seats, South Box 11. This includes Championship Sunday (a $300 value!). Call us today for our availability. Plenty of free onsite parking onlyminutes from everything.

Newport’s world famous music festivals are beginning this week. First up is The Newport Music Festival that will run from July 4 thru July 22.  This the 50^th season for the festival which presents concerts in Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and various other visually and acoustically impressive locations. This year will have forty three concerts presented by artists from all over the world. (www.newportmusic.org)

The dates for the legendary Newport Folk Festival are July 27, 28, and 29. There are four stages of music at Fort Adams State Park where there are striking vistas of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Harbor. The festival will have over fifty acts by fifty six artists that include familiar, well known, and award winning performers. (www.newportfolk.org)

As popular as the Folk Festival is year after year, it may be surpassed by the renowned Newport Jazz Festival which will be held August 3,4 and 5, also at Ft. Adams State Park with its panoramic views of the water. For jazz aficionados, nothing compares with this festival, whose history “successfully made the case for jazz as a legitimate art form”.  All the greats of the genre have performed here and this year’s lineup will not disappoint. (www.newportjazzfest.org)

Occurring in the week between the two great festivals, July 30, 31 and August 1 and 2, is the Newport Bridgefest. Its beginning in 2009, by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County, was to “bridge” the days between the Folk and Jazz Festivals and to celebrate the musical heritage of Newport. Taking place in and around Newport are concerts (both free and paid), films, educational programs, and plenty of other musical activities for all ages. Ft. Adams will host a free family concert for Bridgefest as well. (www.newportbridgefest.com)

Most people know what to expect when staying in a hotel: they’ll check in, stay in for the evening or hit the town, then leave the next morning, ending their brief stay with little contact with the hotel staff and other guests. But bed and breakfasts work a little differently, and most first-timers aren’t sure what to expect or how they should behave. Guests can brush up on their B&B etiquette by remembering these key points. 

Communication Is Key 

The host is typically the person who owns the home, and these people are very busy balancing the many duties that come with running an inn. Guests will make the host’s job much easier by communicating important information when making the reservation, including dietary restrictions, food allergies, or special requests, such as handicap-accessible rooms. Hosts are usually willing and happy to accommodate most requests when notified in advance. 

Guests traveling to a B&B with children or pets should also notify the hosts in advance. It’s also a great idea to let them know about any special celebrations, like a birthday or anniversary, as sometimes they may provide complimentary upgrades or gifts. Finally, visitors should always abide by the stated check-in times; most hosts expect all guests to arrive during those hours. Of course, they understand travel delays, so it’s polite to notify them if anything changes. 

Respect the Space 

Often, bed and breakfasts double as the hosts’ private residence, so guests should treat the space as though it is theirs. This means knocking when arriving and asking permission to use items in common areas. If anything happens in the room—breaking or spilling something—guests should let the host know. They’ve dealt with this many times before, so they won’t make a fuss out of it! 

It’s also important to be gracious in the hosts’ home by giving them as much respect as possible. While they are providing a service, hosts are not servants and should never be treated as such. Complimenting them on breakfast (which is optional, by the way, as they will encourage you to explore local restaurants and businesses) or on the decor in the rooms goes a long way to earning their respect. 

Get to Know Other People 

It’s certainly not a requirement to spend time in the common areas of the inn or to mingle in the evening. After all, this is the guests’ vacation! But, chatting with the other guests over breakfast or spending a few minutes getting to know the staff can be highly enjoyable. There’s always something to learn from fellow travelers, and guests can glean valuable insider knowledge of the area from those who know it best. 

Whether you’re looking to book your first stay at a bed and breakfast or are a seasoned B&B traveler, Ivy Lodge can provide you with an unforgettable, friendly experience in our nation’s City by the Sea—Newport, RI. Check out our getaway packages, and then call us at 401-849-6865 to book your reservation today!