The Newport Diary


Summer ’24 Happenings

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The “Newport Season” officially starts with the Newport Flower Show the third week in June…but really picks up momentum in July! So much so, that August, which used to be the month, now provides a welcome slowed-down pace (somewhat). So here’s a first hand peek at both private and public “happenings” that I attended, scattered with a bit of “personal views.” It’s all about the images, accompanied by a bit of text…for it is summer and we all have more to do than read reams of words.

The Newport Art Museum June 29 “Nick Mele’s ‘Pages & Play’ Exhibition Opening

Referred to as the Slim Aarons of Today, photographer Nick Mele (whom you’ve seen many times in my posts) is widely admired for evocative storytelling through his lens. Nick‘s deep connection to Newport shines through in his work, showcasing the beauty, energy, and character of our historic town…as does his singular wit and whimsy!

Photo Credit: Nick Mele
Photo Credit: Nick Mele
Photo Credit: Nick Mele

Ala Von Auersperg Lunch and Fashion Show  July 18

One of Newport’s own, and now enjoying widespread success as a “name” in the fashion world, Ala’s elegant, effortless, and universally flattering silhouettes are gracing admireres from New York to Palm Beach to Beverly Hills. Another plus? The line’s nature and travel-inspired prints begin as her watercolor originals.

Photo Credit: Ala von Auersperg
Photo Credit: Ala von Auersperg

A Private Cocktail/Buffet July 20th

From the flowers that greet you at the door to the late night dancing, this party epitomizes the grace and graciousness of Newport hostesses, and the mixing of guests of all ages, another Newport signature.

The Newport Show Opening Night  July 26

Returning for its 17th year, The Newport Show weekend is a can’t-miss event for all who appreciate fine art, antique furniture, vintage jewelry, and beyond…benefiting the Newport Historical Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County. 

Photo Credit: Anne Foxley
Photo Credit: Jennifer Manville
Photo Credit: Jennifer Manville

A Booksigning at Castle Hill August 1

~Jackie Kennedy, A Real Life Fairytale, the latest children’s book publication in this series, by Emberli Pridham…complemented by summer’s favorite flower, hydrangea, and dramatic-to-the-setting cake of sugar flowers.

The Redwood Library and Athenaeum  August 7  “Slim Aarons: Newport Days”

An Exhibition and lecture of this renowned lifestyle photographer in partnership with Getty Images and collaboration with Newport Curates. There is nothing that compares to attending a presentation in this exquisite Colonial room (1747) of the oldest circulating library in our country.

Evening of the Arboreta August 9 “Making Sustainable Community Forestry possible”

Aquidneck Island is home to more accredited arboreta than any other community in the country. It is these private residential properties which contribute to a canopy rich in specimen trees on an island whose landscapes narrate the history of American landcsape architecture, horticulture, and garden design like no other place in America!

Cocktails and Aperol Spritz August 11

Cocktails and Peach Margaritas August 11


I’m paraphrasing a friend, Candace Sandman, who has eloquently summed up the last month of summer… “August brings quite a few emotions with it. It feels celebratory and festive but there’s also a feeling of nostalgia and sadness as the season winds down. In short, August is bittersweet. It creates a feeling that exists in few other months of the year—one that you want to bottle and save until it comes around again next year.” Hope you’ve enjoyed my perspective on summer Happenings, a post without which my Newport Diary would not be complete!
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About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, garden furniture designer (The Parterre Bench), national lecturer, and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House".

4 thoughts on “Summer ’24 Happenings

  1. And, ‘THAT’S A WRAP!,” as they say…
    Bring on Autumn…I say. (❤️ your re-cap!!)
    franki

  2. Did they ever cut that cake? It was so gorgeous on the outside, it had to have been delicious!

  3. LOVELY LADY,

    YET AGAIN, YOUR ‘OFFERINGS’ ALLOW US TO HAVE VERY ‘POSITIVE’ EMOTIONS -AS TO THE WORLD WE FIND OURSELVES – EXISTING IN.
    I THINK, FOR ME, THE ONE THAT, HITS HOME – IS THE ONE IN WHICH WE VIEW THE GALLERY OPENING OF: ‘SLIM AARONS: NEWPORT DAYS’ … THE ONE THAT INCLUDES THE ‘OLDER’ GENTLEMAN, WHO IS … NOT ONLY ** THERE ** – BUT HAS A GLASS OF WINE IN HAND, TO AID IN THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE FESTIVE MOMENT.
    THE HOMES, THE ‘FURNISHINGS, THE PURE JOY OF NEWPORT – ‘IS ALIVE & WELL’.

    MERCI BUCKETS,
    TOM

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