It’s no secret that Newport, Rhode Island is one of my favorite places in New England. We would move there if we could, but luckily it’s a short enough drive that we can visit at any time. It’s the perfect place for a day trip, an overnight, or a long weekend getaway. Condé Nast Traveler named Newport the Best Walking City in the United States – I’m not surprised. Who doesn’t love walking along Newport’s cobblestone streets?
Where to Stay
- Early morning coffee at For Five Coffee.
- Brunch at Tillie’s (order the house-made croissants and the egg breakfast!)
- Get your second cup of coffee (or tea), and enjoy a walk along the grounds of the resort – make sure to visit the lighthouse and Cornelius and William (Gurney’s adorable goats!)
- A drink at the Pineapple Club (May through September)
- Dinner and wine at Scarpetta (extensive wine list, and delicious spaghetti!)
- A nightcap and a cheese board at the Regent Lounge
Highlights: Cornelius and William, the ice skating rink (mid-December through the end of February), a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and cozy sweatshirts at the gift shop!
- Coffee from Plank Bar
- Brunch at MainSail (a la carte or buffet)
- Drinks and small plates at Skiff Bar
- Dinner at The MainSail
Highlights: Indoor Pool, Full-Service Spa
Up next: Hotel Viking
Favorite Spots
Flat Waves Food Shack (Middletown, Rhode Island) for a little taste of aloha in New England. This is one of our go-to stops on the drive into Newport!
Shopping up and down Thames St. and Bowen’s Wharf
Museum of Newport History and Shop (great books and gifts) – you can spend so much time just walking around this shop!
Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream
Newport Vineyards for dinner or a cheese board at Brix Restaurant, wine and beer tastings, and shopping in their on-site wine shop! (Check out the chalk drawings around the vineyard created by their in-house artist!)
Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Tour the mansions
Visit the Newport Cliff Walk
Ryan Family Amusements (arcade)
Grab breakfast at the Corner Café
Enjoy a cheese board and a drink (or brunch) at Bar and Board Bistro
Audrain Automobile Museum
National Museum of American Illustration
The Redwood Library — this library is steeped in history, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves books and libraries as much as I do!
Newport is ideal for a family getaway, or for a romantic overnight – it’s the first place that comes to mind when people ask where to go for a night away. It’s just about 2 hours from Boston, and just under 4 hours from New York City. It’s the perfect place for a change of scenery and water views, for inspiration, and a place to clear your head. I love that New England destinations are great for summer and fall getaways, and also for cozy winter ones. If you’re looking for travel spots, I would add Newport to the list.
Just a tip: It’s less expensive in the winter months, and also less crowded — it’s always a good time of year to visit Newport!
What are some of your favorite spots to visit in Newport?
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