Homewood Suites by Hilton Newport opened in June. The 92-suite property features meeting space for up to 60 people.
Castle Hill Inn, a Relais & Chateaux property, recently unveiled a renovation to its Sunset and Ocean terraces overlooking Narragansett Bay. The spaces now feature traditional New England bluestone flooring and the redesigned 360° Sunset Terrace bar.
In June, the Doris Duke Monument Foundation unveiled the $3.5 million revitalization of Queen Anne Square. The installation, designed by Maya Lin, the world-renowned artist who created the Vietnam Memorial, is called The Meeting Room. The project brought more green space, seating, trees and lighting to the public areas.
At press time, Fort Adams was scheduled to unveil a 430-foot zip line this summer that allows adventure-seekers to strap in and dive off the walls of the fort. Fort Adams also has various spaces for group events, including the Barracks Dining Room and Harbor Lights Lawn.
22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille recently completed a renovation and added a whole new second-floor deck. The restaurant is a favorite local steakhouse and has a private room that caters to meetings and groups.
The Block Island Ferry began seasonal high-speed ferry service from Newport to Block Island in June. Travel time between the two ports will take approximately one hour on a high-speed catamaran ferry. The new service will offer multiple crossings per day. For the first time, riders from Block Island will have the opportunity to depart in the morning, enjoy a full day in Newport, and return to Block Island in the evening. Riders from Newport will have the same opportunity to enjoy a full day on Block Island.