From the editor ~ July/August 2026
Dear readers,
By the time this issue arrives in your hands, summer will be in full swing. Beaches and parks will be hosting live music, sunset sails will be cruising, gardens will be growing — and hopefully thriving, ice cream will be swirling, and the ocean will be sparkling. Or at least that’s the hope, especially for the moments when we’re not working or running around doing one errand or another. Whether you’re reading this as someone who lives here or is visiting here, I hope you’re enjoying the bounty of summer in this little corner of the world that we all love so much.
In this issue, we share lots of happenings: in our calendar listings, which are especially robust this edition; in our summer art spotlight, which recommends a few nature-inspired shows; and in our round-up of “America at 250” events, which offers a range of programs and exhibitions exploring the nuanced ways Newport County has shaped — and been shaped by — the nation’s history.
Andrea McHugh takes us on a tour of Jamestown’s food scene, which has renewed energy this season. Whether you’re craving fresh oysters, a lively family meal, an outdoor cocktail, or an ice cream cone on the pier, Conanicut Island has you covered (and if you’re in Newport and looking for a fun diversion, you can always ferry over to Jamestown and back — especially recommended at sunset).
Our profile subject is Larry Brown, owner of Luca’s Music in Middletown, who is known around town as the go-to piano tuner. You might have seen him side stage at the Newport Folk Festival or Newport Jazz Festival, or lending support at a Newport Classical concert. Bob Gulla reports on what it means to be a modern-day Piano Man. And then we have Colin Howarth’s gardening guide, inspired by his own growing efforts at home, and photographed by Jessica Pohl (pictured at top are flowering chives in my sister’s garden plot at Island Community Farms). This is a must read if you’re trying to grow a lot, or a little; whether you have a garden plot of your own, or a tiny pot on the stoop. Local gardeners lend their wisdom, from what to plant and why they think you should get your hands a little dirty (hint: it might make you happy, and who doesn’t want that?).
Lastly, we have opened the nomination period for the 2026 Best of Newport County Awards, which means now is your chance to nominate your favorite businesses and personalities around town. The top nominations will be on the ballot once voting opens this fall. Click this link for a full list of categories and the nomination form (shout-out to Holly Fisher for her lovely design in our print issue!).
With that, I hope you have a wonderful summer. The Newport Life team will be out and about this July and August — if you see us, come say hi 🙂
Until September,
Helena
Managing Editor
p.s. Wondering where to find the magazine? Check out this list of retail locations: https://www.newportlifemagazine.com/where-to-buy-nlm/
p.p.s. Interested in subscribing? You can do that here: https://simplecirc.com/subscribe/newport-life-magazine
