ThamesGiving aims to create buzz in Newport this November. What it's all about
As the buzz around Newport tends to slow a bit in the month of November a new effort among businesses along Thames Street is hoping to bring people into the City-by-the-Sea.
Known as ThamesGiving, more than 80 stores, restaurants and businesses along the waterfront road have partnered on the new concept organized by Michele Gallagher, founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications, in an effort to assist local businesses following the rainy weekend fall season.
“There is a magic in Newport – around Thames Street especially – that is very unpretentious, neighborly, diverse, and extremely community-centric. We all want to see our neighbors succeed despite the weather and pandemic setbacks of recent years. We’re working together to pay forward the excitement we all share for our historic, harborside city,” Gallagher said in a release.
What is ThamesGiving
On Thursdays throughout November – with the exception of Thanksgiving – stores, restaurants and businesses along Thames Street and nearby streets will offer extended hours and special discounts or a gift-with-purchase. Bars, hotels and restaurants will offer special seasonal treats like live music, and specially-themed or discounted dining and beverage offerings. In many cases, they will also offer a charitable give-back component.
Visitors will also experience decorated and illuminated storefronts and interiors and be treated to the occasional sidewalk musician along their strolling route, especially during the hours of 5-7 p.m.
Look out for copper pumpkins
Gallagher said ThamesGiving organizers have also created a Copper Pumpkin Passport scavenger hunt where passport stickers will be awarded to scavenger hunters who find the hidden pumpkin in each participating store, restaurant or garden courtyard. Completed passports will be collected via strategic drop-off points along the Thames Street district and will be entered into a raffle at month’s end, where ThamesGiving strollers can potentially win generous prizes, including a Grand Prize comprised of gifts and gift certificates from many of Newport’s participating shops, businesses, hotels and restaurants. The Copper Pumpkin Passport will include a map to help guide visitors down and around Thames Street.
How participants are giving back
“It’s a good time for us to stop and take care of our neighbors. As our ThamesGiving contribution to both our customers and our community, we’ll give customers a complimentary bowl of our yummy clam chowder, whenever they bring in a household or personal item in support of Lucy’s Hearth,” Kerrie Philbin, general manager of O’Brien’s Pub, said.
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A special surprise
Melissa and Brian Holder, co-owners of the 12 Metre Café are leveraging the Thursday early-evenings opportunity to bring back a family dinner menu with a nostalgic twist that will be expressly catering to Newport families andThamesGiving strollers alike. Among the rumored menu items is an old Newport favorite that used to be among the options at the former Salas restaurant.
For more information on ThamesGiving and for a full list of participants and their special offers and giving-back promotions, visit thamesgiving.com and follow @ThamesGiving on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: ThamesGiving in Newport promotes local shopping, dining on Thames St.
