Faxon Lodge in Newport Rhode Island held a private VIP Welcome Reception for Audrain Motor Week. More importantly, the City of Newport honoured their “adopted son.” Jay Leno Day in Newport launched on October 2, 2025. The proclamation recognises Mr. Leno’s immense contributions to the City.
Long before Newport and Audrain Automobile Museum, Mr. Leno was a collector and lover of classic cars. His passion found an ideal home with Audrain. In addition to hosting the annual fundraising gala, he collaborates with Donald Osborne on the hit Youtube series, “Audrain Mansions & Motorcars.”
Jay Leno Day in Newport: Cars
This Invitation Only VIP Welcome Reception kicked off at 4:30 pm but the classic cars started rolling in before then. Positioned at the front and the back lawns, it was a cornucopia of some rare breeds. One automobile was under wraps, until the big reveal at about 6:30 pm. But we were all sworn to secrecy, and no one could post on social media1.
The Faxon Lodge VIP reception combined the best of “Cars and Coffee” with an upscale garden party on the front lawn with viewing continuing at the back lawn. We had just arrived from a delightful women’s Hat Luncheon at Rough Point, with a short respite for a cuppa tea, so all ready for the occasion, although some of the women changed into their “cocktail attire.”
Whilst October 2nd officially entered into the Diary as Jay Leno Day, Mr. Leno will continue making appearances throughout Audrain Motor Week, which concludes on Sunday October 5th with Concours d’Élégance. Be sure to check out the schedule for details and highlights.
The Unveiling: 1935 Plymouth GT-1
Hospitality Notes
Besides the automotive thrills, the food and hospitality is where The Social Diary excels. On this occasion, The Heritage Restaurant Group was front and centre, with the hors d’oeuvres and buffet stations provided by La Forge Casino. Alas, no longer on Resy, our preferred reservation booking portal by American Express, you can find them on OpenTable.
There is no Michelin key for this Hospitality overview. However, if you arrived hungry, there is plenty of food stations and offerings to satisfy your cravings.
The service on for this event was first rate. The servers were friendly, upbeat and very helpful. It was a joy to converse with them as well. And The Social Diary often does, even to say “Hello” and “Thank you.” Regardless of the event, Hospitality is a two way street and Servers and Staff also play an important role.
The food offerings was basic, pub food fayre, mostly, although you can never go wrong with a raw bar. Tray passed hors d’oeuvres included pigs in a blanket, caprese (mozzarella and tomato) skewers, meatball skewers and shrimp ceviche. All deliciously prepared. The sliders included chicken carnitas, pulled pork and “big macs” without the “sesame seed buns.”
If raw veggies, cheeses and charcuterie is your thing, there was plenty of that, as well. The pasta station near the band stand included Gnocchi with meat sauce, rigatoni and risotto with grated parmesan. Libations including alcoholic beverages and mocktails were available for indulgent consumption.
The Social Diary received an invite to this event, so no ticketing involved. However, when considering “value for dollar,” this event certainly beats out some of the Newport Mansions receptions we attended.
- The Social Diary planned to update this story after Motor Week on Sunday, October 5th with pictures. Revised on Monday. ↩︎