Irish Pride of Newport, RI Celebrated on Saint Patrick’s Day
March 10, 2018 by Marshall Slocum Inn
Irish Pride of Newport, RI
There is no finer occasion in the Spring to throw on your finest cable knit sweater and head to Newport, RI than for 62nd Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The Irish heritage here in town makes locals proud to boast about this celebratory event, willing to make travelers feel like a part of the family and share their Irish Pride. This year the parade falls on Saint Patrick’s day itself, as a result making the buzz of the parade that much louder.
Get Geared Up
Being a short walk from downtown, the Marshall Slocumm Inn is the perfect place to hang your hat for the weekend. Downtown you will find all of the necessities to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day successfully. The parade will go on, rain or shine. If you’re in need of some warm layers or something to help you stay dry, make sure to check out our friends at Island Outfitters, Coast to County, Helly Hansen, or The Royal Male.
Parade Route
The parade will start promptly at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 17, 2018 leaving from Newport City Hall, which is also right down the street from the Marshall Slocum Inn. From there the parade route with follow the fresh green paint leading the way down Thames Street into the heart of Newport where there will an abundance of Irish blood pumping, propelling the parade into the Fifth Ward! Click here to see the map!
Grab a Pint
In addition to making your way along the parade, grabbing a pint should also be on the list! Since we won’t be experiencing summer temperatures just yet, you will most likely want to pop into a local pub to raise a toast. In our neighborhood close to Broadway, some great places to indulge in snacks and a beer include Malt, Pour Judgement, and the Fastnet Pub. While you make your way through Washington Square and down Thames Street pop into The Brick Alley Pub, Busker’s, and take in some live music at the Newport Blues Cafe. If you have enough stamina to make your way down to the Fifth Ward you should celebrate that by stopping in at O’Brien’s pub. You will not be able to miss it!
Does the fun have to end?
In this case, no! Maybe some recuperation is what you’re needing? Certainly head on back to us for an afternoon nap. If you’re able to muster up the energy, check out one of the after parties around town. Let your Irish pride further showcase itself at the Newport Storm After Party at Plumby’s. If you are looking for a family friendly celebration, the Martin Recreation Center on Golden Hill Street will be hosting an alcohol free event prepared to keep your children happy with face paint, bag pipers, and refreshments. However you choose to celebrate your Irish pride, be sure to stay safe, have fun, and make (mostly) smart decisions.
Come to Newport for the Perfect Romantic Getaway
March 18, 2017 by Marshall Slocum Inn
Newport is a beautiful city and the perfect location for a Romantic Getaway. Many couples come here to celebrate their anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or just even have a small vacation. The biggest questions are what is there to do and can it be romantic?
Things to Do:
During the day there is so many activities to take part in even during the fall season. There are two farms just a short driveway to go apple or pumpkin picking such as Sweet Berry Farm. There is a Harvest Fair every year at the Norman Bird Sanctuary with local beer, food, and live music. Where you can also pick out a pumpkin or go on a hay ride. Each season varies on the type of fruit to pick and the festivals.
If you build up an appetite afterwards, you can warm yourself up with clam chowder at several locations. One is The Black Pearl, which right downtown where they are known for their Award Winning Clam Chowder is served. You can go scoop around with all the local shops, and purchase gifts for one another.
Many tourists and locals always take a stroll down the famous Cliff Walk, but where are the picture-perfect spots within the 3.5 miles? Right off the first side street on Ochre Point Avenue, there is the Forty Steps right down to the water. You can take selfie or asking someone to take the picture, it is worth it. Further down the walk, you will find the lock trend. People from all over lock their love on the fence with their signatures . You also cannot miss Rough Point is where the walk really meets the ocean with amazing view of the ocean and gorgeous houses. Wear a good pair of shoes though if you adventurous enough to climb the rocks.
Watching the Sunset:
Newport has a couple of beaches, but you need to determine the be best location to watch the ocean. More isolated and private would be the best option. You would find this is off of Ocean Drive, which has many spots including Gooseberry Beach to watch the sunset. If you reach the end of Ocean Drive, you can sit right near the water with the sailboats on Wellington, which has a gorgeous view of the bridge.
At any of these locations, you have the option to have a romantic picnic with a glass of wine while watching the waves crash onto the shore. Imagine sitting where this breathtaking picture was taken.
Beautiful and romantic sunset in Newport, RI
Cocktail Hour:
Before dinner, there might be time to grab a quick cocktail before your reservation. On Goat Island, there is a perfect spot to watch the sunset with the Pell Bridge in the background called Pineapples on the Bay located at the Hyatt Hotel. It may be chilly, but they do have a fireplace outside where you can snuggle up. Another option would be to take the Madeline Sunset Cruise on a sailboat around the harbor or the Rum Runner for a Lighthouse Cruise.
Romantic Dinner:
The most important question is where to have the romantic dinner? We recommend the top notch restaurants such as Bouchard, or White Horse Tavern. If you want an amazing view, definitely need to make a reservation at Castle Hill Inn or The Mooring.
Surprising Gifts:
As one of the bed and breakfasts in Newport, we like to help out with the couple’s celebration. When you reserve a room with us, you have the option to have purchase chilled champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, fruit and cheese plate, or even a dozen roses. It is a sweet surprise and help increase the romance between the couple either at the end of the day or the beginning.
The Lady of Marble House – Alva Vanderbilt
October 24, 2014 by Marshall Slocum Inn
The Newport Mansions are filled with the history of the wealthy families who lived in them. Alva Vanderbilt, later Alva Belmont’s story is the one that thrives behind the heavy walls of Marble House.![200px-Alava_E_Belmont[1]](https://marshallslocuminn.com/wp-content/uploads//2014/10/200px-Alava_E_Belmont1.jpg "alva")
Alva was born on January 17th, 1853 as Alva Ertskin Smith, in Mobile, Alabama. She was the daughter of a cotton broker. After the Civil War, her family moved to France, where she was educated. Alva returned to the States in the 1870’s with her mother and sisters and settled in New York City. She met William K. Vanderbilt at the White Sulphur Springs and agreed to marry him. Alva played a major role in raising the Vanderbilts status in the New York elite, starting with commissioning Richard Morris Hunt to design their Fifth Avenue Mansion.
In 1888, Alva and William decided to join the Newport summer colony. Alva again went to Richard Morris Hunt to help create Marble House, which was inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It took 4 years and $11 million dollars to complete and on August 19th, 1892, they opened Marble House to their first guests. Unfortunately, Alva was not happy in her marriage and her and William divorced in 1895. She was given ownership of Marble House. After Alva remarried to Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, Marble House was closed and she moved down the street to Belcourt Castle.
After Belmont’s death in 1908, Alva became a dedicated suffragist. She put herself and her fortune towards the woman’s rights movement. She founded the Political Equality Association in New York City, reopened Marble House in 1909 to raise money for the women’s suffrage movement, and traveled to England to attend rallies. She focused on the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage, later the National Woman’s Party, in 1914 and served on the board, using Marble House for events and headquarters for a while. After woman won the right to vote she took over the leadership of the National Woman’s Party, helping to establish a new headquarters in Washington, D.C. with her wealth.
Alva sold Marble House to Frederick H. Prince of Boston shortly before her death in 1933.
Doris Duke House: Rough Point
April 11, 2014 by Marshall Slocum Inn
In Newport, Rhode Island, Doris Duke was a lifelong preservationist and devoted much of her fortune to restoring colonial buildings in the city where she spent her summers
. She founded the Newport Restoration Foundation in 1968 with the purpose of preserving Newport’s 18th- and 19th-century architectural heritage. Her extraordinary vision resulted in an almost single-handed rescue of Newport’s early architectural heritage. Newport thrives today in large part due to its many unique historic streetscapes.
Doris Duke, the only child of James Buchanan Duke, was born on November 22, 1912. Her father was a founder of the American Tobacco Company and the Duke Power Company, as well as a benefactor of Duke University. When Mr. Duke died in 1925, he left his 12-year old daughter an estate estimated at $80 million.
As a collector, Duke spent much of her time traveling the world, amassing cou
ntless treasures and notable collections of Islamic and Southeast Asian art. She also traveled throughout Europe building her collection of fine art and furniture, much of which she used to furnish Rough Point, her home in Newport. She left Rough Point, intact as she lived in it, to the Newport Restoration Foundation to be opened as a museum. Two of her other homes are also open to the public. Visit Shangri-La in Hawaii which is home to an impressive collection of Islamic art. Explore Duke Farms, Doris’s 2,700 acre New Jersey estate featuring remarkable outdoor resources such as walking trails, gardens and environmental programs.
Doris Duke gave away more than $400 million to various causes during her lifetime, often as anonymous contributions. Upon her death in 1993, she left her vast fortune to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation which supports the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research and the prevention of child abuse.
Newport’s Tennis Hall of Fame Set for Upgrades
February 14, 2014 by Marshall Slocum Inn
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit institution, establish in 1954, that works to preserve the history of tennis while inspiring tennis development and honoring those who have earned a spot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Located on six acres here in Newport, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum was officially recognized by the International Tennis Federation as tennis’s official Hall of Fame. The museum displays the history of the sport and honors 235 athletes. There are 13 grass courts and an indoor facility, which are open to the public and club members. Every July, the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships for the Can Alen Cup are held here.![THOF300x225[1]](https://marshallslocuminn.com/wp-content/uploads//2012/07/THOF300x2251.jpg "tennis")
The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s programs grow every year. They are open 363 days of the year, and offer educational and entertaining programs for both children and adults. The museum also has a research library dedicated to tennis that offers over 350,000 books, images and audio visuals. Both beginners and national champions are invited to play on the indoor or outdoor courts. The Hall of Fame also offers cultural entertainment such as theatrical productions, movie screenings and musical performances.
In August, 2013, the Tennis Hall of Fame set out on a campaign to enhance the visitor experience as well as the local community. There are four main focus areas to the campaign; to upgrade the museum with new technology; to add additional facilities and tennis courts; improve amenities, including upgrades to the stadium; and to renew the look of the street on Memorial Boulevard so it complements the historic building where the Hall of Fame is located.
This organization hasn’t led a major capital campaign in 12 years. Fundraising for this campaign has been going on for about a year and a large portion of their $15.7 million dollar goals has been secured. Once the rest of the funds are secured, they will begin upgrading to make the Tennis Hall of Fame experience even better.
New Year’s Day Polar Plunge
December 23, 2013 by Marshall Slocum Inn
Nothing says “Happy New Year” like a nice dip in the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean. The annual Polar Plunge will be held on January 1st, 2014 at 12pm at Easton’s Beach. The Newport Polar Bears welcome anyone who wants to brave the Atlantic in the winter. At this event, money is raised for A Wish Come True, a Rhode Island Charity that grants wishes to children suffering from life threatening illnesses.
A Wish Come True was started in 1982 by Rosemary Bowers, who wanted to make the lives of children suffering from severe illnesses a little brighter. The mission of this charity is to, “grant every medically qualified child (ages 3 to 18) one memorable wish.” In their first year, they granted 12 wishes and have increased that number to about 3 or 4 wishes per month. A Wish Come True have completed over 1400 wishes since its start.
The Polar Plunge is a great way to kick off the New Year. It is sure to be a great time for everyone, no matter if you brave the icy Atlantic or not.
The Holiday Season in Newport
November 15, 2013 by Marshall Slocum Inn
The holiday season is upon us here in Newport, and there are plenty of activities going on that will put you in the holiday spirit! The following are some great holiday happenings in Newport:
The Polar Express: Every weekend starting now until Christmas, take the spectacular journey to the North Pole with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Caroling, hot chocolate and cookies are all part of the experience.
Christmas at the Newport Mansions: From November 23rd to January 5th, three of Newport’s mansions, the Breakers, the Elms and Marble House will be decked out in holiday décor. The houses will be filled with thousands of fresh flowers, poinsettias, evergreens and wreathes. Each mansion will be open for tours daily. You can also enjoy Holiday Evenings at the mansions on various dates, where you can enjoy light refreshments and music as you wander through the mansions.
Holly Days: On Saturday, December 7th, the Normal Bird Sanctuary will be hosting a holiday fair from 10am to 1pm. Enjoy hiking, holiday crafts, games and more.
Bowne’s Wharf 43rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – On December 7th, head down to Bowen’s Wharf for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Festivities start at 4:30 with Frosty the Snowman and Christmas Carols. The tree lighting starts at 6:00 and Santa will be paying everyone a visit.
Columbus Day Weekend in Newport
October 11, 2013 by Marshall Slocum Inn
If you’re planning on spending Columbus Day weekend in Newport, but aren’t sure what to do, here’s a list of possible ideas:
Fortress of Nightmares: Head to Fort Adams State Park anytime after 6pm to experience the tunnel of terror, or join other ghost lovers for a ghost hunt starting at 10:30pm. These terrors will be around every weekend of this month.
International Oktoberfest: Join your fellow beer lovers down at the Newport Yachting center on October 12th or 13th for music, food, and of course, beer. This festival is an official send off to summer and welcome to fall.
Festival in the Park: This free event will be held between 11am and 4pm on October 12th in Touro Park. Enjoy Italian music and food as well as dancing and raffles.
Live Improv with the Bit Players: Head down to the Firehouse Theater to enjoy live Improv by Newport’s best comedy crew. Join them at 8pm on Friday or attend one of their Saturday shows at 8pm or 10pm . This is a BYOB event.
White Horse Tavern
September 27, 2013 by Marshall Slocum Inn
Most people don’t think about history when they go out to eat, but at the White Horse Tavern it’s hard not too. This Tavern is the oldest, still running Tavern in the United States, rich with history and still serving excellent food.
The White Horse Tavern has only had 6 owners since being built in 1652 as the two story home of Francis Brinley. Just over 20 years later in 1673, this property was acquired by William Mayes, Sr., who transformed it into a tavern, identifying it with a white horse – the symbol of a tavern during that time.
For about 100 years before the Colony House was constructed, this tavern was a meeting place for the Colony’s General Assembly, Criminal Court, as well as City Council. When William Mayes Jr., a notorious pirate, became the innkeeper in 1702 after his father, he was granted a license to sell “all sorts of Strong Drink.” William caused much embarrassment to the British officials and William’s sister Mary and her husband Robert Nichols soon became the tavern’s innkeepers. City councilors continued to dine here and charged their meals to the public treasury.![White_Horse_Tavern_in_Newport_RI[1]](https://marshallslocuminn.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/09/White_Horse_Tavern_in_Newport_RI1-300x225.jpg "White Horse Tavern")
In 1730, a new tavern keeper, Jonathan Nichols, gave the tavern its present name, The White Horse Tavern. He was followed by Walter Nichols, who left Newport in 1776 to avoid the British, but returned later. When he returned, he added a gambrel rood and re-opened the tavern.
The Nichols family sold the tavern in 1895 to Thomas and Bridget Preece and it became a rooming house.
The structure suffered from use and neglect by 1954, but was acquired by the Preservation Society of Newport and was restored. In 1957 it re-opened as the White Horse Tavern. In 1981, O.L. Pitts and three partners purchased the Tavern and continued the tradition of “good fellowship, good food and good cheer.” O.L. Pitts gave the tavern over to Paul Hogan, a native of Newport on his 90th birthday, and the White Horse Tavern continues to thrive.
Newport Beaches
August 18, 2013 by Marshall Slocum Inn
Summer in Newport is winding down making way for Fall, but there’s still time to enjoy the beach! Newport has various beaches to satisfy any ocean lover. While there are a few private beaches around town, most beaches are open to the public.
First Beach – Also known as Easton’s Beach is located just a mile from our Newport Inn. It’s located on Memorial Boulevard, where you can also find the beginning to Cliff Walk. This is one of the more popular beaches and has a snack bar, carousel, skate park and gift shop. Many events take place on the beach such as concerts and volleyball tournaments. Parking costs between $10 and $20 and metered street parking is available.
Second Beach – Also known as Sachuest Beach, this beach is located in Middletown, next to the Norman Bird Sanctuary. This is a quieter beach with less seaweed and better waves for surfers. There is a snack bar and Del’s Lemonade available. Parking is between $10 and $20.
Third Beach – Third Beach is past Second Beach in Middletown. This is a small beach but is very peaceful and offers calm waters without many waves. It’s a good spot for wind surfing and there’s also a public boat ramp. Parking is between $10 and $20.
Gooseberry Beach – Gooseberry Beach is located along Ocean Drive and is set back in a cove so there aren’t many big waves. Many families come to enjoy this beach. The beach club here is private, but food can be purchased at the Gooseberry Café. Parking is $20.
Reject’s Beach – This beach is a public section at the end of Bailey’s Beach, which is a private beach. This beach is only accessible by walking or biking so it is usually less crowded.