Two of my favorite summer activities are come together this summer - the Tall Ships are coming to Newport Rhode Island.

However busy my family’s schedule is in the summer - and it gets busy with kid camps and outdoor house maintenance projects - we always make room for a visit to Newport, RI.

Newport Rhode Island is one of our favorite New England destinations.

I’m also a bit of a Tall Ship freak – slipping in a visit to the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut whenever I can.

The organizers of the Newport event expect about 21 Tall Ships to arrive during this free event that runs from June 27 through July 1, 2007 along the waterfront and across Newport harbor at the Fort Adams piers.

Tall ships will be arriving during the event from around the world and from other New England ports. Tall ships are expected from Colombia, Britain, Brazil, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, and Indonesia. Closer to home ships are arriving from Salem, Boston, Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, from Maine, and just down the road from Watch Hill and Providence in Rhode Island.

During the week there will be an International Village of tent-pavilions in the center of Newport at Storer Park. Here you’ll be able to experience distinctive art, crafts, attractions, and native dress of each country and culture represented. Live performances will take place throughout the week on outdoor stages.

You’ll also want to visit the Tall Ships Festival over at Fort Adams which will be open daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm and will feature a Food Court, Arts & Crafts Fair, and of course an array of Children’s Activities.

The Food Court will feature foods from around the world and the traditional American fare – rumor has it there may be some Ben & Jerry Ice Cream on offer, which guarantees a visit by me at least.

While I can’t vouch that Captain Jack Sparrow will be at the festival there will be other pirates mingling in the crowd and entertaining you with theatrical swordfights. The kids will find face painting, Captain Kids Learning Center exhibit, and a 3D imaging technology simulating a sea dive.

The climax to the visit is expected to be the Parade of Sail scheduled for the last day on July 1.

Parking will be limited in the town during this week and so out-of-town parking with shuttle buses to the events will be offered to visitors.

The Tall Ship visit to Newport this month is the only such event in New England this summer so capture the wonder of seeing and boarding these beautiful ships, and in the stunning surroundings of an ever popular New England destination.

For more details on this Newport’s Tall Ship 2007 event here’s the official web site: http://www.tallshipsrhodeisland.org/

There’s always plenty to do and see in Newport, Rhode Island, and for more suggestions visit my special Newport, R.I. page by clicking here.

Until next week, enjoy the warmer weather.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
Guide to New England Attractions