Laurie Z. Stroll
President; Newport Hospitality Inc., A DMC Network Company
What are three quintessential Newport experiences you would recommend for groups?
- Sailing in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay: The quintessential Newport sailing experience is chartering up to 10 12-meter yachts for an afternoon of America’s Cup sailboat racing—an informal sailing regatta that will provide an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime team-building experience guests will never forget. A group may prefer sailing aboard larger schooners for a cocktail reception or more of a pleasure sail, but either way, when bringing a meeting to Newport you will want your group out on the water to enjoy the magnificent views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
- Experiencing the Museums and Mansions of Newport County: The many unique and historic museums and mansions can be experienced in various ways by meeting attendees. As an activity, groups can explore the history that Newport has to offer, either by private guided tours, high-tech, self-monitored audio tours, or a “work in progress” type of tour (which may be walking through a yacht restoration museum watching the building of a classic wooden yacht or a restoration of a historic house). Many of these same venues can also host evening receptions and dinners where your guests can tour, see the exhibits, explore the beautifully manicured grounds and then dine in a grand ballroom, museum gallery or open terrace with a spectacular view of the water.
- Enjoying a Traditional Clam and Lobster Bake: A perfect quintessential Newport experience is hosting a traditional New England clambake, where the clambake master builds a fire in the ground to heat the rocks, covers it with rock seaweed gathered from our shores and bakes it to perfection. While dinner is baking during the reception, guests will often feast on our famous R.I. “stuffies” (stuffed quahog clams), a bowl of clam “chowda” or a complete raw bar. The ringing of the clambake bell signifies that the guests are invited to gather around and view the unveiling of the bake. Guests are always mesmerized when the layers of canvas are peeled away to reveal their dinner of steaming lobsters, mussels, steamer clams, chourico, corn on the cob and potatoes—all while enjoying the stunning views over Narragansett Bay.