Newport, Rhode Island: A Great Vacation Destination
While Newport, Rhode Island boasts some of the finest hotels and resorts on the east coast, I suggest trying one of Newport’s quaint bed and breakfast inns. The bed and breakfast inns offer an Old World feel that’s unique to New England. The bed and breakfast inns each have an individual style and personality that go well with the old-fashioned lanterns and brick buildings that line Newport’s cobblestone streets.
Of course, if you prefer to go the more traditional vacation route, Newport, Rhode Island offers a wide variety of hotels, motels and resorts. Many of the hotels and resorts boast sensational restaurants right on their property. Book as early as possible to ensure vacancies at your choice of hotel or resort and the lowest possible prices. If you prefer, Middletown, Rhode Island, Newport’s next door neighbor on Aquidneck Island, also offers a wide variety of places to stay. Middletown may be your best bet at finding a vacancy on weekends and holidays.
While you are staying in Newport, Rhode Island, there will be plenty of restaurants you’ll want to try. Most of these restaurants are casual, so leave your coat and tie at home. Seafood lovers will delight at most menus. From the New England Clam Chowder to the Newport Lobster, trying seafood in Newport, Rhode Island is must.
What you do during your stay in Newport, Rhode Island will depend largely on the purpose of your visit. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a weekend road trip with the tykes, there’s always plenty to see and do.
The most popular attractions in Newport, Rhode Island are the spectacular Newport Mansions. From the Gilded Age, these mansions were the summer homes of wealthy industrialists at the beginning of the 20th Century. Tour schedules vary by season and the tours are relatively inexpensive.
If you’re like me, you’ll also want to visit Newport’s Bars and Breweries. The Coastal Extreme Brewing Company offers tours and tastings every Friday evening. Try their Hurricane Amber Ale, which is offered at most Newport bars. Goes great with the lobster!
Newport, Rhode Island also boasts several local Vineyards, which also offer daily tours and tastings. I’m not a wine drinker, but I’m told that the long, warm summer and mild winter provide the perfect climate for growing grapes that are made into world-class wines.
If you’re an artist, or if you just love art, you’ll want to visit Newport, Rhode Island’s Art Galleries, where many local artists offer their work for sale. The Newport Art Museum is one attraction you won’t want to miss.
Speaking of Museums, Newport, Rhode Island is home to the Tennis Hall of Fame, the Naval War College Museum, the Museum of Newport History, and the Yachting Museum, which overlooks Newport Harbor and the historic Fort Adams.
In addition, walking Newport’s cobblestone roads, you’ll be taken in by historic churches, Colonial and Victorian homes, and monuments to great Americans.
If you love the water, Newport, Rhode Island offers beautiful beaches and a variety of water activities, including sailing, jetskiing, kayaking and canoeing in the harbor, surfing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Narragansett Bay also makes a great place to dive.
Bring comfortable shoes, because Newport, Rhode Island is an ideal place for walking, though it does have an efficient public transportation system as well. Whether you’re flying or driving in, I recommend making plans as early as possible, especially in the summer. But Newport, Rhode Island can make a terrific last-minute getaway as well. Just make sure you have a place to stay before you get there.
One last thing – don’t forget to visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a great place for hiking and birdwatching. Have a great time in Newport, Rhode Island!
