Been there, Dunes that

Deepa Bharath

Movies on the Beach, as usual, will be the highlight of summer events

at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort this year.

The movies are the only public event at the private

recreational-vehicle beach on Back Bay Drive, activities director Michele

Butterworth said.

The resort is conducive to family- and outdoor-oriented activities,

especially during the summer, she said.

“It’s a place that’s open seven days a week,” she said. “They can

lounge by the pool if they choose to.”

Most of the guests at the Dunes come from Riverside, Corona or other

inland areas.

“They mostly come here to escape the heat,” she said. “It’s cooler,

and it’s not as crowded as the beaches because it’s quieter and more

private with the beautiful bluffs and lagoons. It’s like a

mini-vacation.”

Movies on the Beach screenings are held every Friday and Saturday

night at dusk. They will continue through the summer. Admission is free.

Parking is $7 and includes use of the resort, including activities,

beach, lagoon and playground areas.

There will also be several activities for the resort’s guests that are

not open to the public. Those include arts and crafts for children and

families, harbor cruises, ice cream socials, volleyball and water games.

“We try to do something new every year,” Butterworth said. “I try to

talk to our guests every year to find out what they enjoy or what they

want.”

Once guests pay for the RV parking, most other activities are free,

she said.

“The only instances we charge, it’s to break even,” Butterworth said.

“For instance, we charge $10 for adults for the harbor cruise, but that’s

just our operating costs. We have complimentary refreshments and

beverages on board.”

DUNES ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER

Movies on the Beach -- at dusk every Friday and Saturday through the

summer.

Moe B’s Barbecue on the Beach -- from 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday. $1

hot dogs and soda, and $2 burgers. Open to Newport Dunes guests only.

June 15 -- Father’s Day Olympics. Dads and kids battle it out against

other teams in our Father’s Day Mini Olympics. Prizes will be awarded to

the winners of each event. Open to guests only.

Father’s Day Brunch -- at the Back Bay Cafe. There will be

entertainment for the kids, with a balloon animalist and a craft station.

Open to the public, but reservations are requested. (949) 729-1144.

July 4 -- 44th annual Fourth of July Extravaganza. Live music,

contests, tournaments and a parade.

For more information on these and other summer events, call (949)

729-3863 or visit the resort’s Web site at o7 www.newportdunes.comf7