Newport Life Magazine

31/10/2024

Our latest Q+A stars local Ghost Tour guide John Brennan 👻🎃☠️ Read if you dare . . .

Longtime host for Newport's Olde Town Ghost Walk talks storytelling and the magic of the moment

18/10/2024

For the series “Living the Life” we talked to Daniel Genest, the artistic director of the , ahead of the opening of their new show “Mosaic: Puzzles of Love and Connection.” The show opens tonight, October 18th, and runs through Sunday, October 20th at The Elks. Head to the link in our bio to read more ✨

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17/10/2024

🎃 GIVEAWAY! 🎃

We’re giving away 4 tickets to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular! Fun for all ages, explore hundreds of meticulously carved pumpkins with the added element of trivia at this year’s display 🎟️ Tickets are valid for use through November 2nd

To enter:
1️⃣ Be a current or new subscriber of Newport Life Magazine (subscribe at link in bio! 😉)
2️⃣ Follow
3️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments & repost this to your story

Giveaway ends Monday, 10/21 at 11:59 p.m. & winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 22nd 📢 Good luck to all who enter! 🍀
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15/10/2024

As part of our ongoing online series, we chatted with local author ahead of their book talk *tonight* at about their new novel “Sargassa.” That starts at 6pm and is followed by an after-hang at .npt around 7pm. Head to newportlifemagazine.com (link in bio) to read all about Sophie’s writing process and creative influences!

AN EXCERPT: “‘Sargassa’ is part political thriller, part coming of age story, and the first in a trilogy taking place in the modern day North America of a Roman Empire that never fell, but instead colonized half the globe. This is a genre-bending speculative fiction epic with an ensemble cast of chaotic disaster qu**rs who are (for the most part) doing their best. It’s the sprawling story of an empire on the brink, told through close and intertwining personal narrative, because the personal is political. It asks thorny, complicated questions while making space for twenty-somethings to be twenty-somethings. I stumbled on this term ‘hope punk’ recently, and while I think that’s probably too expansive to be a genre definer, I think it describes my work and this book in particular pretty well. Things can get pretty grim, but at the end of the day, it’s always about hope.”

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06/10/2024

Happy weekend! We chatted with ahead of his new Jazz residency with and at starting tonight — Sunday, Oct. 6th — at 5 p.m. Read the whole Q+A on newportlifemagazine.com — link in bio 🎶

01/10/2024

🌀 GIVEAWAY! 🌀

Need a good laugh? We’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets to Festival for either of the shows on Thursday, October 10th! 🎤

To enter:
1️⃣ Be a current or new subscriber of Newport Life Magazine
2️⃣ Follow
3️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments & repost this to your story

To learn more about Rogue Island Comedy Festival, read the story in the September/October issue on newsstands now (link to story in bio) 📖

Giveaway ends Monday at 11:59 p.m. & winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 8th 📢 Good luck to all who enter! 🍀
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28/08/2024

feat. and Karen Pinelli ✨

Nestled next to the Jane Pickens Theater in iconic Washington Square, lies an event space unlike any other in Newport. Inspired by French décor, Karen sought to create an event space that had a simple elegance to it. She found a 19th century gate from Provence, France and thus Provence sur Mer was born.

After decades in Corporate Sales in Boston and NJ, Karen realized it was time for her to start her own business. Having owned the building for several years, renting it out as apartments, she always knew there was potential for something more. Once the pandemic hit, Karen decided to leave the city and make her visions a reality.

From the pillars to the detailed carvings, the building looks almost identical to when it was first built in 1850 as a Rectory for the neighboring church (now JPT). Flash forward to today, Provence sur Mer boasts an outdoor patio with a bar and firepit (impressively large for historic downtown Newport!) in addition to an intimate indoor event space adorned with gold sconces, a beautiful bar and even an electronic baby grand piano.

Nearly a year after her first booking, her highlights of owning the space are all about the guests and their events. From concerts to Groomsmen “get ready” parties and rehearsal dinners, she has enjoyed seeing all these events come to life and working alongside her clients. “This is just exciting to me”, she shares. As Karen looks ahead to the future, the possibilities to add to her portfolio of events are endless.

With her background, Karen has that “ability to figure out what is important to whoever is running the function.” Karen lives on property which also leads to flexibility with clients wanting to set up early, customize the space, etc. She wants to help your event come to life, whether that means bringing in custom furniture or unique décor, Provence sur Mer serves as an elegant space for any intimate event, regardless if it’s a corporate workshop or a post-wedding brunch.

Both the patio and indoor space are handicap accessible, and there is parking onsite for handicap guests and catering!

Learn more at provencesurmer.com 🥂

04/08/2024

Scenes from the 70th Annual 📸🎷🎶
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03/08/2024

Newport Jazz Festival is underway! Highlights from the start of the 70th Festival:

Friday acts feature Kamasi Washington, Brittany Howard, Andre 3000 & more

31/07/2024

We're still thinking about Newport Folk Festival . . . 🤩

From Hozier to Joan Baez, Black Pumas to De La Sol, Conan O'Brien and the Dropkick Murphys, plus many more, there was something for everyone at the 2024 installment of Newport Folk Fest

29/07/2024

From Newport Folk legends to first-timers & everything in between, we are thankful to look back on this weekend with nothing but joyous memories & newfound inspiration as we bid farewell to the 65th Annual 🎶🫧🦋

Side note: who will we see at next weekend?! 🎷 Let us know who you’re most excited to see in the comments! ⬇️
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27/07/2024

Check out our recap of Newport Folk Festival Day One!

Hozier, Mavis Staples, Joan Baez highlights of the first day of the three-day music festival

24/07/2024

featuring Denys Eftekhar & Cory Farms Past & Presents 🎁
 
13 years ago, Denys bought and renovated a farmhouse and barns in Portsmouth, RI. She transformed each room of the farmhouse into themed collections of carefully curated products, from antique English spoons to skincare and ceramic serving platters. Coming from a graphic design background, Denys wanted each room to have a different theme, which she shares makes the buying process extremely fun. She travels around the globe to source items for her store, from England, Sweden, France, Germany and more. “I’ve always wanted to maintain a unique combination of products, both old and new, so that started taking me to Europe because I couldn’t source the things here I liked. It’s just evolved and it’s really fun…everything has a story.”
 
Over the years, she has cultivated relationships with artisans and makers from around the world and her own backyard. Those relationships, in combination with her customers, have been some of the best aspects of owning the store. Denys shares how her customer base’s “happiness and joy in finding things” has always kept them going. Everything in the main store and in the antique barn has been carefully selected. She explains that as someone who “buys visually”, each product is chosen based on its texture, print, color, etc. Although at times it is stressful, “I go to work after 13 years and still love it. Every time we get boxes, it’s like Christmas” Denys says with a smile.
 
Stop by Cory Farms for truly unique fine décor for the mother, child, hostess, chef or anyone in your life! ✨
 
Located at 3124 E Main Rd in Portsmouth, Denys and her team will be there to help you find the perfect gift 🤩 Open 10am-5:30pm Mon-Sat (excluding Tuesdays) and 12pm-4pm on Sundays.

23/07/2024

GIVEAWAY! It’s officially Polo season and we’re giving away packs of 4 lawn tickets to 4 lucky winners! 🐎 Enter to win the chance for you and 3 friends to watch this weekend’s Governor’s Cup!

✨How to enter:
• Be a current (or new) subscriber of Newport Life Magazine (subscribe at the link in our bio!)
• Tag a friend in the comments
• Repost this post to your story

Giveaway closes at 8am on Thursday 7/25. Winners will be announced Thursday morning and tickets will be available for pick up starting Friday 7/26. Tickets are valid for the Governor’s Cup on Saturday, 7/27
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01/07/2024

Our summer issue is here! You might recognize our cover star: local swimming legend and woman about town , our latest profile subject. Elizabeth muses on swimming, the summer where she is a commentator for , and her personal project .cancer. We also have a story on the upcoming Slim Aarons exhibition at the in partnership with and . Then dives into the world of seasonal workers, while explores in Portsmouth. For something savory, .touhey writes about clambakes, the quintessential summer feast. Lots to enjoy, we promise!

Magazines are arriving to mailboxes and newsstands this week and next 🌞✨
Link in bio for retail locations 😎

Amazing cover photo by Dylan Currier 📸

26/06/2024

featuring Katie Linekin and 💐

Katie Linekin’s childhood dream has always been to open her own retail store. This upcoming weekend will mark the first month of that dream becoming a reality. Since she was a child, Katie has been enamored with fashion. Throughout her time at Salve Regina University, she worked her way to up to manager at a local boutique while studying business and retail. After working on the corporate side of the fashion industry in Boston, Katie realized that she wanted to return to retail and focus on opening her own boutique in Newport. Although originally planning on starting with an online store, a storefront location became available and three whirlwind weeks later (with lots of help from family and friends!), Thryn Boutique opened at 433 Thames Street this past Memorial Day Weekend.

Inspired by anthropology and other high quality boho-style designers, Katie has beautifully curated her space with unique and special pieces. Sourcing from not only local designers but also around the world in countries such as France and Spain, Katie seeks to bring a different side to Newport.

Throughout her first month, her favorite moments have been from interacting with everyone who stops in. “Making connections with the customers from near and far has been something I’ve always loved about retail and I was just am so excited to make those personal connections at my own store.”

Katie is extremely thankful for all of the community support, not just from customers but also fellow business owners who have helped her during this journey. When asked what she would want people to know about Thryn, Katie shares “just that they are supporting a dream…I always try my best to bring my best to the store from customer service to the brands and quality.”

If you are strolling on Thames Street, don’t miss out and stop by Thryn Boutique and say hello to Katie! Or visit her online store at thrynboutique.com ✨

18/06/2024

GIVEAWAY! It’s officially Polo season and we’re giving away packs of 4 lawn tickets to 4 lucky winners! 🐎 Enter to win the chance for you and 3 friends to watch the home team, USA/Newport, take on challengers from around the world and the U.S.!

✨How to enter:
• Be a current (or new) subscriber of Newport Life Magazine (subscribe at the link in our bio!)
• Tag a friend in the comments
• Repost this post to your story

Giveaway closes at 5pm on Thursday 6/20. Winners will be announced Thursday evening and tickets will be available for pick up on Friday 6/21. Tickets are valid for either the June 22nd or June 29th match.

17/06/2024

Had a fabulous morning hosting Members Coffee Hour with a brief talk & breakfast ☕️✨ It’s always so lovely connecting & sharing with the wonderful women of Newport County
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29/05/2024

featuring Deanna Lopes and Paradigm Escape Rooms 🕵️🪬
 
Tucked away on Memorial Blvd West is a black building that although may appear inconspicuous, is home to beautifully designed and curated rooms. Once inside Paradigm Escape Rooms, you are immediately transported to another realm, one that feels as if you are almost in a different time period. Deanna Lopes, owner of Paradigm Escape Rooms, visited an escape room in Los Angeles back in 2016 and shared that the feeling of being able to act as a character in a different world was part of the reason she followed this path of opening her own escape room three years later.
 
Although the pandemic provided some challenges, Deanna was determined to build out the rooms and lobby with intricate designs, tech, and props and they officially opened their doors a year ago yesterday. One of her favorite parts about owning Paradigm is the ability to give customers that same feeling she had when she first did an escape room 8 years ago. “We get older and we forget how to be playful. Life is so hard, any chance you get to get out of your character and into another, just for an hour, is nice. Watching people in the room light up and get very excited…that’s what I look for.”
 
Paradigm Escape rooms are second-generation escape rooms, meaning they are meant to be a more magical and seamless experience with lighting effects and a more artistic touch. They currently have two rooms, The King’s Tomb and daVinci’s Test, which can hold 6 and 8 people respectively. Whether you are looking for your next date night (all games are private!) or a fun rainy-day activity for bachelor(ette) parties and corporate teams, be sure to visit Paradigm Escape Rooms! This summer, they are open 7 days a week, reservations must be made over the phone or online.
 
Visit paradigmescaperooms.com or to learn more!

20/05/2024

Our May/June issue has arrived, and isn’t she a stunner?! Our cover picture is a dreamy shot of the Clubhouse at Newport Country Club, where the U.S. Senior Opens tees off in late June. Andrea McHugh (aka ) takes us through the history of the club and golf in Newport, and interviews several Rhode Island-raised pros along the way.

We have a story on local Special Olympics athletes—the Sharks—who will soon compete in the Summer Games. Then there is a story on an upcoming exhibition at the Newport Historical Society—“A Name, A Voice, A Life”—which explores Newport’s Black history from the 17th-19th centuries (). If you’re wondering what’s new in the local arts scene, you’ll want to read our profile on Curtis Speer, owner of , who recently launched the .
We also go exploring, visiting museums and tasting new cocktails, and learn how to sweat in style with Kasey at .

Magazines start arriving to newsstands this afternoon—link in bio for a list of retail locations—and be sure to subscribe you so you get future issues straight to your mailbox 🌞

Cover shot courtesy of the ⛳️🏌🏻‍♀️

15/05/2024

Newport Monopoly has officially passed Go! 🎲 We enjoyed a lovely morning to welcome the new, exciting board game into our beloved Community. Get your own board to enjoy the game we all know and love with a fun 🍸🦪✨ Newport ✨🎾🌸 twist!
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24/04/2024

featuring Flavia Thornson and Avalon Medical Spa!
 
Flavia has had a passion for aesthetic medicine and cosmetics for more than 2 decades and her dream has always been to open her own medical spa. After talking about it for years, Flavia and her husband finally opened up Avalon Medical Spa at their first location in New Bedford, MA. Within a couple of years, they expanded and doubled in size. Eventually, they opened up a second location in Bristol, RI. In the 13 years Avalon has been open, there have been so many highlights and memorable moments. One of Flavia’s favorite aspects of her job is being a mentor. Being able to provide her employees with a great place to work has been incredibly rewarding. She shares “when people really look forward to learning from you and you’re giving them an opportunity to expand professionally and grow…I think those are all small victories”. Her husband, William, is a Physician’s Assistant, works alongside Flavia, which she highlights as one of the best parts of opening Avalon Medical Spa.
 
Avalon offers a wide range of aesthetic services, anything to make you look better and feel better about yourself. They offer every service you could dream of: from skin concerns, to anti-aging, body contouring, facials, sexual health and so much more. Flavia emphasizes “this is medicine and should be taken seriously”. She adds that, “being able to make a difference in patients’ lives and make them feel more confident and happy about how they look is the best reward. If you can improve their quality of life even just a little bit, that’s a privilege to be able to do.” Flavia and her team tailor treatments and services just for you, and with their levels of expertise and skills, look no further than Avalon Medical Spa for all of your aesthetic needs!✨
 
Today, the spa is located at 573 Hope St in Bristol RI, and they have an additional location in Dartmouth, MA at 77 Wolcott Ave. Check out all of the services offered on their website, avalonmedicalspa.net!

03/04/2024

Join us and experience the joy of creating a Spring bulbs and plants to give you a long lasting arrangement! 💐

This workshop hosted by Young Designs Floral studio in collaboration with Newport Life will show you how to expertly arrange these elements in a compote vessel for a truly eye-catching statement piece that can be for indoor or outdoor use! 🌷🪴

Each ticket includes the workshop, charcuterie from and a full year subscription to Newport Life!

Limited tickets available, get yours today at the link in our bio!✨

28/03/2024

Need a rainy day activity? Head to , where an exhibition featuring the work of Iranian artist Arghavan Khosravi is currently on view in the main gallery.

“The main subject matter in my work, which is reflecting on my memories of Iran, is the situation in Iran mostly for women,” says Arghavan. “If the paintings are too dark, both in terms of the concepts and also how they look, I myself, as the painter, cannot stand working on them. I need to find a balance between beauty and the not-so-pleasing concepts beneath that colorful surface.”

To learn more about the artist and her process, visit the link in our bio and read “Memories of Iran,” which ran in our Jan/Feb issue. And be sure to visit the exhibit, which is on view through May 5, 2024.

Pictured, from left, are her artworks: the Touch, Shelter, Entrapped, Shouting, Boundaries, & the Earring, courtesy of the Newport Art Museum and the artist.