Things To Do In Newport

No one knows exactly where he came from—perhaps a sailor taking shore leave, or maybe a wayfarer exploring the colonies—but locals think they know what he's waiting for. In the 1720s, two travelers checked into The White Horse Tavern—still functioning today since 1673. One murdered the other, fleeing into the night, never to be heard from again. Ever since, visitors have seen the ghost of the slain traveler, saying that he appears to be waiting the day for his companion returns and he may take his revenge.

This is just one of the tales shared by the guides of Ghost Tours of Newport. Cloaked in flowing black dresses, billowy capes, and top hats, they lead each tour by lantern light through Newport's historic colonial district, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the United States with buildings dating back to the late 1600s. Leading guests down easily overlooked alleyways still defaced by H.P. Lovecraft's tagging phase, the guides arrive at haunted locations, such as a wrought-iron-gated colonial cemetery neighboring a church constructed in 1726. The stories behind some sightings and locations even intersect with historical figures, such as George Washington and Lizzy Borden. Guides encourage picture taking and receive submissions each week of possible spectral figures caught during a tour, which they post to Ghost Tours of Newport's Facebook albums. These images range from the impression of faces in windows to orbs, believed to represent a spirit with a fondness for bowling.

Save The Bay has held to its mission since its founding in 1970: to protect, restore, and improve the Narragansett Bay region and its coastal waters through environmental action and stewardship. Save The Bay also defends the right of the public to use the Bay, encouraging visitors to act as responsible stewards of the Bay's bounty for future generations.

Today, Save The Bay's staff and volunteers continue their work from their Bay Center that serves as the heart of operations. Its stormwater-management system contains a vegetated roof, a coastal-buffer zone, swales, and basins that can absorb and filter rainwater. Made from recycled steel and metal, the center's interior hosts an array of educational programs for adults and kids. Save The Bay also maintains an Exploration Center and Aquarium, camps, and marine-life tours aboard its 45-foot US Coast Guard–certified vessel Alletta Morris, the 27-foot vessel Swift, or the 46-foot Elizabeth Morris.

The Big Toast, a Great Gatsby-themed benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Ocean State, blends the decadence of the roaring 20s with the philanthropic spirit of the modern age. Partygoers are invited to dress in flapper dresses and fedoras (or business casual). They can also sample their fill of fine wines, craft beers, and quality liquors, celebrating just like the Prohibition-Era speakeasy dwellers did.

The evening's entertainment takes place at the Linden Place Museum. Throughout its storied history, the well-maintained mansion has entertained four presidents, generations of socialites, and famous performers such as Ethel Barrymore Colt. Appropriately enough, it even served as a set for the 1974 film adaptation of the The Great Gatsby.

Every Friday, the Firehouse Theater hosts a merry evening of witty improvisational comedy, performed by Newport’s The Bit Players. Watch the zany troupe as they drolly play off the suggestions of the audience and make off-the-cuff remarks in a series of short-form skits. Firehouse Theater is BYOB, so show-goers are obliged to bring beer, wine or a cask of aromatherapy bathtub gin. For teetotalers, free hot teas, cocoa, and cookies accompany every performance, helping audience members feel welcome, cozy, and primed for incessant giggling in the 49-seat theater.

A crew of professional mariners at Confident Captain/Ocean Pros prepares students to navigate the earth’s bluest patches with instruction in all facets of boat operation and maintenance. A schedule of classes includes primarily Saturday and Sunday sessions, which take place 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Confident Captain Training Center. Soak up lessons in vessel safety through the At the Helm program. Novice sailors absorb the basics of seafaring equipment, security measures, and barracuda-hunting calls from the Brand New Boater course ($95), and the Competent Crew class teaches the essentials of gear stowing, knot tying, and line tossing ($150).

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