Newport RI Golf Weekend
Drinking Made Easy, 2011
Fat Guy Note: I can't claim to know anything about Newport first-hand, but if it's cool enough for Zane Lamprey to do a Drinking Made Easy episode there, then it's cool enough for you.
GOLF
For upscale, Newport's best course is Newport National's Orchard Course (www.newportnational.com, $150 prime time, Arthur Hills). A private club vibe and conditions, massive tee boxes, squarish greens, minimalist bunkering, and a uniquely New England links feel, but it's no slouch at a 74.4 rating and 138 slope from the tips. The 200-acre property was a former shrub and tree nursery with sweeping views of the Sakonnet Passage, Atlantic Ocean, and Narragensett Bay.
From there, greens fees get affordable in a hurry. Within 20 minutes of Newport are a host of quality semi-private and public courses all with greens fees less than $50, including Exeter CC, Green Valley CC, and Montaup GC. There are also some classic 9-holers close by, like Jamestown CC, Pocassett GC, Rolling Greens, and Rose Hill GC.
BOOZE
Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy Guide To Newport RI, 2011
Zane and Steve explore the historic city of Newport, Rhode Island and learn about rum running and local brews in this episode of Drinking Made Easy. Newport is home to one of the highest collections of surviving colonial buildings and is also known for its illustrious mansions, shopping, and scenery. But Zane and Steve are here for the booze. Though they will be able to partake in a lovely game of tennis, the drunken duo will be focused on sipping local brews and partaking in local drinking customs including the first ever Drinking Made Easy Beergatta Race!
WHERE WE WENT
The White Horse Tavern: Credited as the oldest tavern in the US, the White Horse Tavern was originally built in 1652 as the home of Francis Brinley. The tavern served as a meeting place for City Council, General Assembly, and Criminal Court for the area. In 1702 William Mayes Jr, a notorious pirate, succeeded his father in running the tavern and was permitted to sell liquor to the public. 26 Marlborough St Newport, RI 02840-2599 (401) 849-3600
Newport Storm Beers: Created by four college friends in 1999, the Newport Storm Beers is known for their limited release cyclone beers that correspond to different storm names. Their beer is aged in Thomas Tew Rum aged barrels to give a unique flavor with each beer only available for a limited time. 293 JT Connell Road Newport, Rhode Island 02840 (401) 849-5232
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar: The Mooring offers one of the best waterfront views in Newport and is known for their fresh seafood and native Newport drinks. 1 Sayers Wharf Newport, RI 02840 (401) 846-2260
International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum: Home of the first U.S National Championships in 1881, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the history of tennis, inspiring and encouraging junior tennis development, enshrining tennis heroes and heroines and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. 194 Bellevue Avenue Newport, Rhode Island 02840 1-800-457-1144
Fluke Wine, Bar and Kitchen: Located in the heart of downtown Newport, Fluke overlooks Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf, offering harbor and sunset views of Narragansett Bay. Just three years old, Fluke has already gained a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the Newport restaurant scene. 41 Bowens Wharf Newport, RI 02840 (401) 849-7778
Yesterdays: Located on Washington Square, the heart of Colonial Newport, Yesterdays Ale house has seen many changes over the years. From their early years as a popular Newport nightclub, to hosting the cast and crew of Hollywood films like Amistad and Wind, Yesterdays has been a tradition for both locals and tourist since 1974. 28 Washington Square Newport, RI 02871 401-847-0116
WHAT WE DRANK
Lobster Martini
Newport Stormy
Newport Oyster Shooters
Newport Shandy
The Autocratic
Rhubarb a Rumba
WHAT WE FEATURED
Newport Distillery Company-Thomas Tew Rum: Thomas Tew Rum is inspired by the craftsmanship of past time. It is slowly made in a small pot still to replicate the rum which would have been produced in Newport in the past. The still, along with the dark molasses, temperate climate, and local water combine to create a spirit that hasn’t been available for over a century. One sip of this flavorful, dark rum and you’ll wonder how this tradition could have ever disappeared. 293 JT Connell Rd, Newport, RI 401-849-5232
Trinity IPA: After ten years of successful beer and ale brewing, the Trinity Brewhouse has launching its newest product–bottled 6-packs of Trinity India Pale Ale (IPA). This new product is launched under corporate banner of the Trinity Beer Company, a subsidiary of the Trinity Brewhouse , and is available at numerous locations throughout Southern New England. 186 Fountain Street, Providence, RI (401)225-7455.
Cyclone 11: This limited release malt beer is in celebration of Newport Storm Beer’s one year anniversary of their new facility.
Fun Facts
There were 22 distilleries operating in Newport in 1769.
Newport Distilling Company is the first distillery to become licensed in Rhode Island since 1872.
Three miles off-shore was International Waters. So during Prohibition boats from Canada would wait there to sell their booze to American rum runners.
A cyclone rotates in the same direction as the earth.
The tradition of aging beer in wood began in Belgium.
Barrel aging increases the alcohol content by 2%.
A thief is an instrument used to collect the contents of a barrel for testing.
Coffee milk was introduced to Rhode Island in 1930.
A regatta is a term for a series of boat races.