Total Days: 3 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in Downtown Newport | Transportation: Car though Uber will work, and walking | Traveled: With friends | Type of Trip: Historic sites | Highlights: Cliff Walk, Mansions Tour, historic fireplace restaurants
Newport is branded as a “summer town” which makes visiting during the off-season a special time! Fewer crowds, no waiting, cozy fire lit restaurants…below is the “winterized” version of the Newport itinerary!
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Exploring the scenic viewpoints and cozy restaurants/bars along the water
Travel Agenda: Upon arrival, take a drive down Memorial Boulevard. Parking is free in the winter so you can hop out at the scenic viewpoints. First, Second and Third Beach are open to walk around. Other options include the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge views and Purgatory Chasm, a quick walk to a fissured rock formed from glaciers thousands of years ago.
In the evening, have a cocktail at the hidden SkyBar at the Clarke Cooke House. Dinner is in their cozy Bistro room. Unbeknownst to the sophisticated diners, the Boom Boom Room is located another flight down if you’re in the mood to dance. Or for something a bit chicer, head across the nearby bridge to Goat Island. Gurney’s Resort takes over most of the island, and this is where you can find heated igloos that offer seating under twinkly lights with fire pits and views of the Claiborne Pell Newport suspension bridge, the festive Goat Island lighthouse and of course the resident goats to keep you company.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Morning cliff walk and afternoon brewery
Travel agenda: Rise and shine with breakfast at Liberty Donuts & Café for a fresh made-to-order donut or a breakfast sandwich. From there, Uber to Bailey’s Beach which leads to one end (often the finishing point) of the Cliff Walk. This 3.5 mile path of “history, beauty and adventure” gives a behind the scenes look at the beautiful mansions, historic properties and Salve Regina University buildings. The Chanler Hotel is perched on the other end of the Cliff Walk – a perfect spot to warm up with the restaurant’s Hot Chocolate Bar feature, adult version optional!
Tip: The Cliff Walk is beautiful in the winter too! Bundle up and wear sturdy shoes.
A 10-minute walk to Bellevue Ave will take you to the historic side of town. Browse the stores or catch a match at the International Tennis Hall of Fame which has indoor courts. Next, Uber 10 minutes to Newport Craft to sample a rotating selection of brews, sip classic spirits and take your favorites to-go!
In the evening, walk along the main Thames Street, admiring the boutiques and nautical themes that persist throughout the town. Dinner should be at either The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar or Midtown Oyster Bar. For dessert, the “Newport way” is to pick up some ice cream to go. With a dozen options in the center of town, Ben & Jerry’s, Kilwin’s or Sprinkles are all steps away and will do the trick! Yes, New Englanders love their ice cream even in the winter.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Mansion tour and historic sites
Travel Agenda: Begin the day by walking to the centrally located Corner Café, a favorite among the locals. Then drive to Bellevue Ave to get a closer look at the mansions. Almost all open between 9:00AM and 10:00AM and it’s your chance to explore the interior of your favorite house (we all have one!) For first time visitors, The Breakers or Marble House is a great start and will be ornately decorated around the holidays. The next stop on this tour is Redwood Library and Athenaeum, America’s oldest continuous lending library with an interesting collection of books and artwork.
Next drive along Ocean Ave, the waterfront road, admiring the other stately homes and stopping at the picturesque beaches along the way. The destination is Castle Hill Inn, originally a historic Newport mansion transformed to an iconic hotel and restaurant. The Inn is open for lunch starting at 11:30AM. The Mansion Bar has a wood-burning fireplace if you can secure a spot there!
More indoor activities include a stop at the Newport Art Museum, with 3,000 works of art, mostly focused on American and contemporary art. Just a block away, Return to Camelot is a program offered on certain days that allows visitors to relive Jackie O’s wedding to then Senator John F. Kennedy on September 12, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
As an alternative, there are three religious historical sites in the same area. The Newport Congregational Church is the only surviving comprehensive architectural interior (really cool glass windows and murals) by John LaFarge in the 1880s. Trinity Church is Rhode Island’s oldest Episcopal congregation with box pews and the only center-aisle, freestanding, triple-decked pulpit left in the country. Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States dating back to the colonial era.
Tip: At Trinity Church, seek out the box pew with engraved silver plaques on the south side of the main aisle. The plaques honor all the famous visitors seated there, including George Washington and Queen Elizabeth II.
For a farewell dinner head to White Horse Tavern, America’s Oldest Tavern with award winning food in a historic setting. Grab a seat at the intimate upstairs or downstairs bar for a well-earned beverage and meal before heading home!
