About a week after I arrived at NYU for my sophomore year, I got a phone call from my parents.
“We bought a house!”
“WHHHAAAT?!”
“Yeah, we stopped for a vacation in Newport, RI and fell in love with a house that was for sale!”
So that’s what started my love affair with Newport. That next summer, I jumped back and forth between New York and Newport. I got my first taste of the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. And Del’s! I had SO MUCH DEL’S that first season. The memories continued – my sister and her husband got married on First Beach (aka Easton’s Beach). It became a haven for the family. Seasons didn’t matter (although summer is peak Newport!), so whoever had time would show up and hang out. I even ran my first half marathon in Newport (the hills and wind are killer!).
My favorite part of the house (other than the widow’s walk) was simply where it was. Newport, Rhode Island. I needed culture? Wander down Bellevue and head to the mansions. Want a beach? First beach is just over the hill. Food? Thames Street. Want to fly a kite? Brenton Point. Need Portuguese sweet bread? Franklin Spa. Festivals are at the Fort. Don’t want to drive? You can bike everywhere. Or rent one of those three-wheel scooter things.
And that’s what Newport is. Need a getaway this summer? Here’s where I’d start:
You probably need breakfast, right? I mentioned Franklin Spa. I’ve been known to visit about five times for a four day trip. Now that I’m back in Massachusetts, I’ve been known to drive down just for brunch. I tend to switch between their Bolo Benedict and the Portuguese Sailor.
After breakfast, head down Bellevue to view the summer “cottages.” I’d recommend starting with either The Breakers or Marble House. Rosecliff is also a winner. It’s modeled after Versailles, and the gardens behind it are the annual location of the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival. When you’re done with the cottages, you can wander back via the Cliff Walk, a 3.5 mile path overlooking the water.
If you’re ready for the beach, the end of the Cliff Walk kicks you out right near First Beach. Normally, you can ride the Carousel and get some snacks, but due to 2023 storms, both are under construction. Either way, there’s probably a Del’s Lemonade truck in the parking lot, so be sure to get some frozen lemonade.
After the beach, you’re probably ready for some more food. You can either take a cab or walk the 1.5 miles (uphill!) towards Thames, the downtown area. I highly recommend stopping into the Black Pearl to get (New England) Clam Chowder.
If, after all that you are still not relaxed? One of the most relaxing places is Spa Fjör at the Hotel Viking. You can relax by the Himalayan Sea Salt wall or by the spa pool. Plus their services are amazing. They’re known for their facials, but I’m personally a huge fan of their royal honey massage.
Finish your day up by grabbing a drink on the Lawn at Castle Hill Inn. The views are stunning, and the prices are right. Get there early for a good spot.
Places to Stay:
* Hotel Viking
* Castle Hill Inn
* OceanCliff
Places to Eat:
* Franklin Spa
* Safari Room at OceanCliff
* The Black Pearl
* TSK (Thames Street Kitchen)
* The Red Parrot
Happy Travels!
Leave a Reply