According to Evan Smith, president and CEO at Discover Newport, Newport’s location and geography had everything to do with its evolution as a resort destination that today sports so many regal options for group gatherings.
“In the 1890s, wealthy families from New York City seeking a vacation playground to escape the heat and crowds found Newport to be an ideal island setting with clean saltwater and beautiful vistas to enjoy during the summer months,” he says. “They came and built magnificent summer cottages and created a social culture that is still very vibrant in Newport today.”
Indeed, the place remains as classic as a well-tailored tuxedo or vintage evening gown, but rather than cufflinks or diamonds, it’s punctuated by handsome mansions, gorgeous yachts and historic landmarks, many of which double as off-site venues for visiting groups.
Following are eight great ideas for only-in-Newport events.
NEWPORT
NEWPORT MANSIONS
www.newportmansions.org
Newport mansions are as iconic as they are ideal as backdrops for unforgettable events.
“These National Historic Landmarks provide a stunning setting, either overlooking the ocean or spectacular gardens and grounds with fountains and statuary,” says Ivan Colon, corporate sales manager for the Preservation Society of Newport County.
Among the many unique mansion facilities for hosting events are Gilded Age ballrooms at the Elms and Rosecliff, the Chinese Tea House on the grounds of Marble House, and terrace locations at Rosecliff and Marble House.
“The funds raised through event rentals are dedicated to the ongoing preservation and maintenance of these historic buildings,” Colon says. “Clients find that their attendees enjoy knowing that their recognition event not only provides them with a truly unique setting, but also gives back to the community by supporting historic preservation.”
Preservation Society guides are assigned to facilitate educational tours and provide historic information and answer questions from guests attending each event, according to Colon.
12 METER CHARTERS
www.12metercharters.com
There are many vessels in Newport that prove waterborne events that can be just as elegant as those hosted inside a beautiful mansion.
“Our 70-foot 12 Meter yachts combine the beautiful backdrop of Newport with the experience of sailing on an America’s Cup contender,” says Meredith Harrop, director of sails at 12 Meter Charters.
Event possibilities include races, executive meetings, incentive and reward outings for employees, sunset sails and leisurely harbor tours.
Harrop adds that the outfitter customizes the details of every charter and tailors each sail to each group’s needs, from an interactive team-building experience to a leisurely cruise.
“Guests may participate in the sailing as much or as little as they like,” she says.“Some guests may be very actively involved, while others can have a less active role. Unlike other sailing experiences, we offer the opportunity to fully participate in the sailing. Guests may help hoist the sails, trim, grind and even take the helm.”PageBreak
NEWPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
www.newporthistorical.org
Three properties on the Newport Historical Society’s roster are available for private group gatherings.
According to Ruth Taylor, executive director of the Newport Historical Society, the 17th and 18th century buildings offer a historic atmosphere for events and meetings.
“The 1730 Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House and the 1739 Colony House have handcrafted, wood-paneled interiors that create a more refined atmosphere, while the medieval influence on the architecture of the 1699 Great Friends Meeting House offers a more rustic setting,” she says.
The properties are located in the heart of Newport’s Old Quarter near many hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shops, and within a short walk to the waterfront.
“The meeting houses are essentially composed of one room and are available to rent for corporate meetings and receptions,” Taylor says, adding that there is a large lawn in front of the Great Friends Meeting House that can be used for outdoor events like this year’s Newport Craft Beer Festival.
The Colony House has two floors; the first floor is the Great Hall, and there is an early 19th century courtroom on the second floor that can be used for cocktail receptions or banquets.
BELLE MER
www.longwoodevents.com
Belle Mer, which offers pristine grounds for team building and beautiful modern spaces for meetings with incredible views, is a special off-site venue in that it allows for a completely private event.
“Most corporate groups love the fact that we do not have overnight rooms attached, so it truly allows for an exclusive venue surrounded by water views,” says Nichole Wardle, director of sales for Belle Mer, a Longwood Lifestyle & Events venue. “It serves as a place to de-stress outside of the office.”
Belle Mer’s on-site catering is another major draw, Wardle adds, as the culinary team offers cuisine that is comparable to a fine dining restaurant rather than a banquet facility.
“We are known for incredible food and service,” she says.
Situated on seven acres of waterfront property with views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge, Belle Mer can accommodate everything from small meetings to large product launch parties in its two separate event spaces: the Island House, an open air space, and the Salon, an indoor space.
“It is more of a modern grand ballroom with hardwood floors and chandeliers, and there is also a beautiful staircase to make your speech or entrance,” Wardle says of the Salon. “If your party is a large one, you may also consider taking over both buildings and have cocktail hour in the Island House and dinner in the Salon.” PageBreak
SEASCOPE YACHT CHARTERS
www.seascopenewport.com
Being aboard a yacht in the Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, whether you are sightseeing, team building or celebrating, is absolutely unforgettable, according to Elizabeth Tiedemann, president at Seascope Systems Yacht Charters.
“Mariner is a unique option for getting out on the water for groups of up to 12,” she says of the classic yawl. “She is quite roomy on deck, has lots of comfortable nooks, such as the bow pulpit, cabin tops and spacious cushioned cockpit. Down below, the interior cabin has large windows and plenty of space to relax. She is a delight to sail aboard in any breeze.”
Guests have the option of assisting the captain and first mate with raising the main sail and sailing the boat, or they can sit back and enjoy a leisurely sailing experience, Tiedemann adds.
The outfitter’s fleet also includes a 62-foot custom yacht that was built in 1921, which Tiedemann says is ideal for groups of up to 23 wishing to celebrate special events.
“People love to be aboard Pam because she is so beautifully appointed with wicker chairs and oriental rugs, and her aft deck is roomy enough for guests to stand up and move about,” she says, adding that Pam is also ideal for board meetings. “We also offer her to take people out for special trips like the Oysters & Wine tour or a clambake aboard or on Rose Island.”
NEWPORT COUNTY WINERIES
www.greenvale.com;
www.newportvineyards.com;
www.sakonnetwine.com
According to Discover Newport, three area wineries found in Newport County, each with their own distinct ambience, can be added to the area’s portfolio of elegant off-sites.
Portsmouth, R.I.-based Greenvale Vineyards is located on the Sakonnet River and enjoys a relaxed, pastoral setting. The facilities here include a tasting room that accommodates up to 50 people for a seated dinner and a tent site surrounded by vineyards that can handle up to 150 people with a dance floor.
At Newport Vineyards, located in Middletown, R.I., planners can book the Wine Garden, which overlooks 30-plus acres of vineyards, for 80 people seated and 150 people standing. The winery also has the Barrel Room, which is well-suited for private tastings and corporate dinners for up to 50 people.
And Little Compton, R.I.-based Sakonnet Vineyards, which is situated on 115 acres and enjoys water views and beautiful sunsets, has a tent site and offers a full range of event packages for celebrations and various other gatherings.PageBreak
BRISTOL
BLITHEWOLD MANSION, GARDENS & ARBORETUM
www.blithewold.org
Groups holding events at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum—from fund-raising galas and company clambakes to team-building programs—have full access to the 33-acre estate, which includes exclusive use of the mansion, gardens and tent site on the Great Lawn, according to Karen Bellavance, director of special events at Blithewold.
“For an executive meeting, the group might consider a casual gathering on the breakfast porch in the mansion,” she says.“It’s much less intimidating than gathering around a conference table in a boardroom. Once the meeting is over, attendees can easily segue into an evening cocktail reception for some fun and relaxation.”
Bellavance adds that Blithewold’s expert staff is available for tours of both the mansion and gardens.
“Tours can be geared toward the interests of the group,” she says, adding that self-guided tours are also available. “Groups learn about the Van Wickle family’s time at Blithewold from 1896 through 1976, how they lived and made their fortune, as well as how the gardens and arboretum developed and grew over this time.”
DEWOLF TAVERN
www.dewolftavern.com
DeWolf Tavern, located on the Thames Street Landing waterfront in the heart of downtown Bristol, was constructed in 1818 and was originally a rum distillery.
Today, the tavern offers fine New England cuisine with influences from a variety of cultures under the helm of chef Sai Viswanath, who has been nominated four times for the James Beard Foundation’s award for Best Chef in the Northeast.
According to Andrew Drachman, DeWolf Tavern’s event coordinator, the property has three venues that are available for banquet gatherings: the waterfront deck, which comfortably fits 140 people, the Bristol Harbor Room, a rectangular banquet hall located on the second floor of the restaurant for up to 120 people, and the Diman Room, located across the walkway from the Bristol Harbor Inn entrance.
“It’s perfect for corporate gatherings,” Drachman says of the Diman Room, explaining that it seats up to 60 people and can be outfitted with audiovisual equipment for business seminars.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus East.
