my newport trip
I just came back from the best week in Newport, Rhode Island. This was my first trip to Newport, and I was nervous that I would miss some of the best spots or get sucked into those extra touristy places that weren’t as fun. Thankfully I was able to do some research and was able to have a magical trip that included both touristy spots and underground essentials. Now that the trip is over, I have made a perfect day trip that includes all the best spots, the best food and the best sites to see. We will go throughout the day starting with the early morning and ending with the late night!
early morning
For this day, I recommend going on a day where the weather is sunny and it is just chilly enough to wear a light coat but warm enough that you can explore outside without getting cold. The first thing I would do is essential: a great coffee and a warm breakfast. I suggest the Nitro Bar located on Thames St. This is an aesthetic and unique coffee shop with the best vibes. I would suggest you order an iced cookie butter latte and the pizza bagel. The latte is a perfect sweet drink that you can sip while shopping around and the pizza bagel is a warm bagel with melted cheese and drizzled with hot honey. It will wake you up and keep you full until lunchtime. After a yummy breakfast, I would shop around Thames St. This is a long stretch of cute shops by the harbor that have great tourist items for good prices. There is also a permanent jewelry shop that is perfect for any girl wanting to add to their jewelry collection.
late morning
I don’t know about you, but after a big breakfast I love going on a long drive around the countryside. I suggest that you take the Ocean Drive route. This is a long road that leads you right next to the ocean, where you can see the waves splash and the seagulls sit. You also go past some of the most beautiful estates, including the Kennedy Summer House, where President JFK and his wife Jackie spent the summers. There are many spots to pull off on this road and sit and watch the ocean while you finish up your coffee. This is the best time to roll down the windows and play your favorite playlist while admiring the scenery around you.
before lunch
Before you sit down for a yummy lunch, I suggest touring one of the many beautiful Gilded Age mansions that are in Newport. While I was there, I toured The Elms, The Breakers Mansion and The Marble House. My personal favorite and a necessity for any traveler is The Breakers Mansion. This is a huge mansion that was created for the Vanderbilt family. It includes gorgeous artwork, large ballrooms and two huge floors that you are able to tour. You are also able to tour the servants quarters, which were interesting. There are many more mansions that you are able to tour throughout the week, and they are a must when traveling to Newport.
lunchtime
Now you’ve worked up an appetite and there are plenty of places to eat in Newport. I suggest visiting the Black Pearl located on Bowen’s Wharf. Not only are you close to the ocean, but you get a selection of both classic and coastal food. The Black Pearl is known for its excellent clam chowder. I had this dish, and it was amazing. I also had the soft pretzel with warm cheese, and it was perfect. So if you want to try some classic clam chowder, the Black Pearl is essential for your trip.
early afternoon
You can’t visit Newport without going to the beaches. When I was in Newport, I visited Easton’s Beach, which is a great beach to walk along and search for shells. This beach has plenty of parking, and it’s large enough for everyone to fit comfortably. You will also most likely see hundreds of seagulls who are busy trying to get something to eat. The waves along this beach are beautiful and can be both very calm and very strong.
late afternoon
Before dinner, I love to do some exercise to really work up my appetite. The best way to do this is to do the Cliff Walk. This is a three-mile hike along the edge of Newport. In this walk, you will walk alongside the ocean, and you will be able to stop and look for sea glass at the beach, relax alongside the cliff and watch the ocean, and look at all the beautiful houses located near the cliff. Even though this walk is three miles long, there are multiple spots where you are able to get off the Cliff Walk and return to your car. The Cliff Walk can also be a difficult hike in many areas, so make sure you are wearing good shoes. But the work is worth it because the views you see while on this walk will be unforgettable.
dinner time
Now you’ve worked up an appetite after the Cliff Walk, so I suggest getting a great dinner to fill you up. I suggest that you visit the White Horse Tavern. This is the oldest restaurant in America, and it is delicious. There is a dress code, so I suggest wearing nicer clothes. The Tavern is beautiful and is still decorated like it would’ve been back in the 1800s. For dinner, I suggest getting the bacon-wrapped scallops as an appetizer. This is a perfect snack to have while you wait for your dinner. The bacon takes away from any fish taste if that is something that you don’t like. For dinner, I suggest ordering the Beef Wellington. This is a beef tenderloin that is wrapped in a toasted puff pastry dough. It often includes a thin layer of prosciutto which is very yummy. After this, you are guaranteed to have a full stomach, and it is a perfect warm meal to have after a long day.
late evening
The best way to close out a great day in Newport is to get dessert. I suggest visiting the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop located back on Thames St. You can get the best Ben & Jerry’s flavors in a warm waffle cone. This is a great treat to eat while walking around; just be careful of the seagulls because they love ice cream (I learned this the hard way).
wrapping it up
This is a perfect day in Newport based on my opinions and experiences. Newport is such a fun town with so much history and beautiful areas. So next time you want to take a fun trip, think about visiting Newport; I promise it won’t disappoint!