Happy 375th Birthday Newport, Rhode Island!

On this day, May 8^th, in 1639, Newport was founded by William Coddington, a magistrate of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Happy 375th Birthday to our wonderful City-by-the-Sea!  We think you look pretty good for your age!

Photo by Duncan Todd

Newport's Queen Anne Square Reopens

Today Queen Anne Square, a historic staple of downtown Newport, was reopened to the public after the completion of a $3.5 million dollar renovation and redesign projected. The square pays tribute to three women whose vision has left an enduring mark on Newport.  The park is named after Queen Anne, who ruled England from 1702 to 1714 and supported the Anglican Church in general and Newport’s Trinity Church in particular.  The renovation was funded by Doris Duke, who created the foundation credited with preserving Newport’s Colonial architecture.  And the redesign was the work of Maya Lin, one of the world’s foremost landscape architects, perhaps best known for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.

Here are some pictures of the park during renovation and after completion.  Come to Newport and enjoy the new Queen Anne Square!

DURING RENOVATION - April 2013!

AFTER RENOVATION - May 31, 2013!

 

 

Little State, Lot's of Firsts - Interesting Rhode Island Facts

On May 29, 1790, 223 years ago today, Rhode Island was the last of the thirteen colonies to ratify the constitution.  Rhode Island may have been the last colony to become a state but Little Rhody was the location of many "firsts" in the United States.  From sporting events to military events Rhode Island has made a lot of history!

In no particular order here are just a few of Rhode Island's history making "firsts!"

• On May 4, 1776 Rhode Island declared its independence from Great Britain, the first colony to do so. 
• Judge Darius Baker imposed the first jail sentence for speeding in an automobile on August 28, 1904 in Newport.
• In 1640, Portsmouth, RI was the first town in America to be established by a woman, Anne Hutchinson.   
• Rhode Island was home to the first National Lawn Tennis Championship in 1899.
• The first circus in the United States was in Newport in 1774.
• In 1895, Rhode Island was home to the first open golf tournament. 
• Pelham Street in Newport was the first street in the country to use gas-illuminated streetlights.
• In 1652, Rhode Island enacted the first anti-slavery law in North America.
• Rhode Islanders were the first to take military action against England by sinking one of her ships in the Narragansett Bay located between Newport and Providence. 
• Rhode Island was the first state with a democratic government.  Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first practical working model of Democracy.
• The first British troops sent from England to squash the revolution landed in Newport.
• The first torpedo boat "Stiletto" was built in Bristol in 1887.
• North America’s first Quaker meeting house was built here in the 1600s.
• Polo was played for the first time in the United States in 1876 near Newport.

Know any interesting "Rhode Island Firsts" we missed?  Post them on the 12 Meter Charters' Facebook Page - we are always interested in learning new things about our fabulous state!

Newport's Great Gatsby

As we listen to all the hype about the new Great Gatsby movie opening today, May 10, we are reminded of a time when Newport was the center of The Great Gatsby!  Check out these pictures of Robert Redford and Mia Farrow in the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby.  Recognize that mansion behind Redford?  Yes, that is Newport's Rosecliff Mansion where much of the film was shot.  Come to Newport and experience the luxurious "Gatsby lifestyle" at its finest!

Happy Birthday Newport, Rhode Island!

On this day, May 8^th, in 1639, Newport was founded by William Coddington, a magistrate of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Happy 374th Birthday to our wonderful City-by-the-Sea!  

Royal Wedding in Newport?

Today marks two years since the Royal Wedding.  William and Kate's anniversary has us thinking - what would a Royal Wedding be like in Newport, Rhode Island?  

Would they have their ceremony in a church, on the beach or perhaps on a yacht over looking the harbor!  

Where would the reception be - in a mansion, a yacht club, or a lavish private estate.  Oh the possibilities are endless!  One is thing for sure Newport would provide the perfect location for a unforgettable Royal Wedding.

The Newport Bridge - Same View, Different Days!

August 4, 2012

October 1, 2012

Happy Halloween from 12 Meter Charters!

Happy Halloween from Newport!

Farewell Columbia!

Last week our America's Cup winner wrapped up another fabulous season of 12 Meter sailing in Newport!  It was sunny, warm and beautiful for US 16's last sails - weather that made even Captain Kevin smile!  Thank you to everyone who joined us aboard Columbia this season.  We look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2013!

The Calm before Sandy!

Newport is preparing for Hurricane Sandy and the harbor is starting to clear out.  Check out these shots from a beautiful day in Newport!

Waiting for Sandy and Remembering Irene!

As Newport prepares for Hurricane Sandy, we are thankful that she is gracing us with her presences after our sailing season!  All of the preparations and worried sailors in Newport make us remember August 2011 when the Heritage Team prepared for Hurricane Irene.  Check out these before, during and after shots from Irene's visit to Newport.  

Before Irene...the calm before the storm.  Team Heritage prepped Heritage to ride out the storm in Newport Harbor.

 

During Irene...Heritage weathering the storm on her mooring off Goat Island.

After Irene...Heritage is bright, beautiful and ready for sailing! 

Last Harbor Sail of 2012 - Saturday, October 13

Mid October already? We will be offering private and corporate charters through the end of October but our 2 Hour Harbor Tours end for the 2012 season this weekend. Don't miss the chance to get on board our 12 Meter yachts...winter is long!

Weekend 12 Meter Sailing Schedule 

2 hour Harbor Cruises - $73/person

Saturday, October 12 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Call 401-851-1216 for tickets or book online.  

Customized private charters available through the end of October, call for details.

Fall Foliage in Newport!

Autumn has arrived in Newport and the leaves are just starting to turn.  Green, Red, Yellow and Orange!  Check out a few shots of downtown Newport from last weekend.  Hope you got a chance to get outside and enjoy.  Newport is beautiful in every season!