Sunday, May 25, 2008

Party details

Summer is almost upon us, and we're all getting excited for the big party celebrating Barbara and Jim's 40th wedding anniversary. This site is the place for information on the party itself, as well as information on how to get to Newport, and what else there is to do in Newport once you're there.


THE PARTY

The party will be from noon until four aboard the Majestic. Lunch and beverages will be served on board while we cruise Narragansett Bay.

Please be on time. Seriously. We will depart at noon on Saturday, August 9th. There is no such thing as “fashionably late” to this party. Sadly, if you are not on time you will literally “miss the boat.” We can’t have that!

Since it's a super-special day for Barbara and Jim, we’d love for people to attend in festive casual attire. If you've been saving something spiffy for a party on a yacht, this is your big chance!

For people who are interested in sticking around Newport after the party, we've reserved a private room at the Newport Blues Cafe for no-host dinner and drinks in the evening from 6 p.m. until whenever.

Also, if there are any golfers out there interested in joining Jim & co. for eighteen holes on Sunday, we'll be playing at the Newport National Golf Club.

Please RSVP for the party as soon as possible, and definitely no later than July 15th. We also need to know if you're interested in dinner and/or golf as well. You can RSVP by sending an email to Keith (keith *at* pelczarski *dot* com) or by calling him at (650) 996-8048.


GETTING TO NEWPORT

The Majestic will be docked at Bowen’s Ferry Landing off of America’s Cup Avenue. Some major landmarks are the Newport Harbor Hotel and 22 Bowens Restaurant. There is a ticket shack right on America’s Cup Avenue and the attendant can direct you back towards the boat.


View Larger Map

Once you're in Newport, parking can be a challenge. There is some parking at Bowen's Wharf, but it could be pretty tight since there are usually people walking down the street itself (it's really more of an alley than a street). You may want to consult a parking map to find another place to park. The first four public pay lots listed on that map are all within easy walking distance from the wharf.


SPENDING THE WEEKEND IN NEWPORT:

Some of you may decide to treat yourself to extended weekend in Newport, rather than just visiting for the day. If this is of interest to you, look into booking a hotel or B & B sooner rather than later, as the weekend of the party is also the weekend for the JVC Jazz Festival Newport held at Fort Adams. We hope we’ll be able to hear some of the Festival performers while out on the water on Saturday, but the Festival will still be going strong on Sunday as well.

The Go Newport website has a good hotel finder that lists both hotels and B&Bs. Here are a few that are close to the action, sorted by distance from Bowen's Wharf: The Newport Harbor Hotel, Newport Marriott, Hotel Viking, and the Hyatt Regency Newport. This list is by no means exhaustive, but intended to give you a place to start your search.


MORE THINGS TO SEE & DO:

Newport is hoppin' in the summertime, especially during festival weekends. Lots of sights to see, things to do, places to shop, not to mention a zillion bars and restaurants. Good general information on Newport can be found at Go Newport or this site on visiting Newport. There's also an interactive general map of Newport that you might find interesting.

Here are some ideas for how you might spend some time in Newport when you aren't whooping it up with Jim and Barbara:

The JVC Jazz Festival at Fort Adams is a good way to spend a day. This year the Sunday lineup features Herbie Hancock and the saxophone colossus himself, Sonny Rollins.

The Cliff Walk combines spectacular ocean views with glimpses of a number of Newport mansions. Many of the mansions offer tours which can be quite interesting if you're into history or architecture or looking at rich people's stuff. The Breakers is quite large and particularly decadent (it was the summer cottage for the Vanderbilts), while the Astors' Beechwood features tours from actors playing the roles of the Astors and the staff who served them.

Of course, there's lots of good shopping in the area. You can check with Barbara, Kristin, or Kerah about the best places if you're interested. If you're looking for places to eat, check out Best of Newport restaurants, TableHound, or the Ivy Lodge's list of suggested restaurants. For more ideas on things to do, here's another list of Newport attractions.

We're looking forward to seeing everyone in August -- cheers!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

40 Years?!?


Barbara and Jim are celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss. Please join them on Saturday, August 9th, at noon aboard the Majestic in Newport, RI. More details to follow.