There’s only one Newport in my mind—Newport, Rhode Island. The seaside city resides on an island; Aquidneck Island for those who’d like to be in the know. I recently had the sincere pleasure of attending one of my dear and longtime sorority sisters wedding there and it was beyond magical.
Here are some of my Newport highlights should you like to visit the Ocean State, which is also my birthplace! And as always, if you’d like a hand in planning a trip, Just Ask me.
Best Hotel
This luxury boutique hotel perched up on the hill alongside the famous Cliff Walk has only 20 historical rooms. There are estate rooms, manor rooms and some adorned signature rooms fit for kings and queens! Reserve The Regency Room 12 to put some Wow into Your Now. The Chanler lawn is a remarkable venue for a wedding with the view of Easton’s Beach (also known as First Beach) seen down below. The valet staff is incredibly hospitable, it’s where everyone knows your name. Cheers!
Best Oysters
Located at the beginning of Thames Street (pronounce the “th"), this harbor side bar and restaurant has the exact oyster you're looking for. Funny enough in the smallest state of the union, the oysters are huge! Slurp!
Best Hip Waterfront Location to Sip Summer Cocktails
This trendy and modern hotel and marina is also a cool place to meet for libations located right on the water. The crafted cocktails are fresh and innovative here, so enjoy imbibing while taking in all the yachts and boats that sail past the docks. Only in Newport.
Best Lawn for Viewing Sailing
White Adirondack chairs are scattered throughout this brilliant lawn for those who'd like to gaze out on to the ocean blue. The location of this hotel is just at the entrance of Narragansett Bay where you can see the sailboats whiz by, heeling from the strong winds. If you knew nothing about sailing you'd think that they'd capsize. Yikes! Newport News: Starting in the mouth of the Narragansett Bay, where Castle Hill Inn is located, is where the historic and oldest Newport Bermuda Race starts!
Best Home Furnishings Store
This unique and adorable store is off the beaten path on a street called Bridge Street near America’s Cup Avenue. Vintage pots and modern home accessories adorn this shop, which is also chock-full of gift ideas. I especially liked the colorful bamboo door mats they had on display and the French bistro sets.
Best Sunset Harbor Cruise
One can't leave Newport without taking a sunset sailboat cruise around Newport harbor. We sailed on a 72' two-mast schooner with a 16’ beam. After boarding from Bannister’s Wharf, we cruised along catching the powerful winds making the boat tour a memorable one. Don’t forget the Dramamine if you tend to get queasy.
Best Breakfast
The Franklin Spa
I never asked why they called this restaurant a spa, but I should of because it's nothing like a spa. Instead, it’s a truly genuine down-home diner with red vinyl swivel stools, yummy homemade muffins in a glass-domed case (sorry no donuts!) and red vinyl booths. Order the breakfast sandwich—it’s my fave!
Best Hike
Walk past the many historical mansions and get a glimpse of the former Astors’ Beechwood Mansion, which has been reconstructed into the new Beechwood Art Museum; a project orchestrated by Larry Ellison. However, it’s currently under renovation and no one has a clue as to when it will be completed.
It's great to be a Rhody!
