Finally, kicking off my city guide series with my hometown! There really is no better place, in my humble opinion, than Newport, RI. Sure, the winters are long and brutal but no matter the season, there’s beauty everywhere you look. The breathtaking fall foliage, the romantic snow covered trees in winter, the flowers and trees bursting with blooms in Spring and the all around best season of all, summer.
From music and food festivals, to historic mansions and wildlife sanctuaries, there really is something for everyone in Newport. I could go on forever about all the things to do and see, really, but in the interest of keeping things simple I broke down some of my favorite things to do and see while you’re in Newport.
Taking you through the guide here’s some quick tips on my recommendations. Order the lobster roll at Brick Alley, it’s award winning. Lunch outside at the Mooring is my favorite time to visit. A bit more upscale, head to the Clark Cooke House for a special occasion. Don’t even bother anywhere else, get your chowda at the Pearl. For a good diner breakfast go to Atlantic Grille, the line gets crazy though so expect to wait or get up early! Nachos and margaritas at Diego’s are my fave (also love sitting outside at Perro Salado). Local tip, summer afternoons are quiet (aka no wait!). No visit to Newport is complete without an Awful, Awful, coffee is my fave. Need a green juice fix, Raw Power. One of my favorite locally owned restaurants, Thames Street Kitchen never disappoints and it’s BYOB! The Aquidneck Growers Market on Wednesdays features tons of locally grown foods, and the Talulah’s Taco Truck, get the pork, thank me later. Don’t leave Newport without getting a Del’s Lemonade. Head to Castle Hill for sunset drinks on the lawn. Looking for a quick bite, hop on over to Mission for a burger and a beer. Looking for a place to take the dog(s), go to Fort Adams, and pick up after your pooch! Ready to do some shopping? Head to the NEHC for brands like Vans, Superga, TopShop, Saturdays NYC, Wildfox, and Loren Hope to name a few. Need something fancy, go to Michael Hayes and get a bag to match at Brahmin! Pop in to the Jennie Kay Beauty Bar (above Brick Alley Pub) and get your hair and makeup done by the pros. Don’t forget to take a cruise around Ocean Drive (in a car or on a bike) and check out the Cliff Walk (wear sneakers!).
Summer
Newport Folk Fest // Surf Fest (see more here) // Boat Tour, Harbour Cruise w/ Antique Yachts (see more here) // Championships at Tennis Hall of Fame (see more here) // Newport Flower Show (see more here) // Chowder Cook Off
Fall
Oktober Fest // Boat Show // Harvest Fair // Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival // Restaurant Week // Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival
Winter
Audrain Automobile Museum // Christmas at the Mansions
Spring
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