We were able to take a quick summer trip out east last week and we just loved it. Our Leo had five days off between summer and fall football camps so we decided to head to Newport. We had taken a day trip to Newport a couple of years ago when we were in Cape Cod and knew we had to go back. Here is everything we did while we were there!
Note: Newport is very much a coastal town. We arrived on Thursday and the city was busy but not crowded. But by Thursday night, Newport was hopping. The population seemed to double over night for the weekend. It didn’t take away from the fun, just a good thing to know if there are specific places you would like to go.
We flew United direct from Chicago to Providence. It’s just a little over two hours to fly there and about a 30-minute drive from Providence to Newport. We did rent a car, but I’m not sure that was totally necessary. You can see lots of Newport without renting a car of your own.
Where We Stayed
We’re a Marriott family and we stayed at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa. It was honestly one of the nicest Marriott properties we’ve stayed at in a long time. And even better than that was how well located this hotel was in Newport–walking distance to nearly everything.
Where We Ate
Coffee Shops
Annie and I have a vacation routine that where no matter where we go, we start our day with a walk to a local coffee shop. And lucky for us, Newport had a bunch! (Most of the time, Eddie insists on joining us! And most of the time, we let him come along.)
The Nitro Bar: This place is a TikTok sensation and it was worth the hype! Annie was an iced oatmilk latte girl and I tried their espresso tonic and their iced blueberry latte that was AMAZING! Their food offerings were also amazing and when we were in town their cacio e pepe cream cheese was all the rage! We didn’t try it, but lots of people were! It smelled delicious. And we hit all three of their locations if that gives you any idea of how much we loved them!
Beaucoup Cafe: This place is so Instagram worthy and delicious. The day we were here we bought a raspberry scone that had to have been homemade. We are still dreaming about it.
Kaffeology: We stopped here one day for an afternoon pick-me-up and it was delightful.
Breakfast/Lunch
Belle’s Cafe: This darling restaurant is right on the wharf in a somewhat of an industrial area. While the location isn’t the most picturesque, the food and service more than make up for it. This was a five-minute walk from our hotel.
The Corner Cafe: This diner/restaurant was so good we went there twice! The food and service were fantastic. While there was a line both days waiting to get in, it moved quickly and the meal was worth the wait. I had the breakfast burrito one day and the shrimp tacos the next–both were chef’s kiss!
The Lawn Terrace at Castle Hill: This is the place to have lunch or drinks and enjoy the view in Newport. But be sure to get a reservation. On the day we visited, they only had indoor seating available, so we took it. But the charm of this place is its beautiful lawn. Plan ahead and book an outdoor reservation.
Dinner/Drinks
The Rooftop at The Vanderbilt: We visited the Vanderbilt Hotel’s rooftop for some cocktails, mocktails, and appetizers before dinner one night and it was a great place to get a bird’s eye view of Newport.
Beech: This was hands down our best meal in Newport. The appetizers, warm rolls, entrees–all of it was delicious. I opted to have the lobster bisque for dinner and it was fantastic.
White Horse Tavern: We didn’t get to go here while we were in town, but I wish we could have. Originally opened in 1673, it’s America’s oldest tavern.
Dessert
Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream: We only had time for dessert one evening but I think we found the perfect place. All of the ice cream is homemade and just delicious!
What We Did
Newport Mansions Trolley Tour: This is a great way to get an overview of beautiful downtown Newport. The Preservation Society of Newport County owns 11 properties that date from the mid-18th century to the Gilded Age, including The Breakers—an icon of Newport—Marble House, The Elms, and Rosecliff. The tour will also take you by the church Jack and Jackie Kennedy were married, in as well as the home of Jackie’s mother and stepfather where their wedding reception was held. (I loved that!)
Easton’s Beach: This is a pretty little public beach that is about a mile from downtown Newport. They have food trucks and chairs to rent. It’s the perfect place if you need a little beach fix.
Shopping: There are so many cute, coastal shops among some bigger chain stores that provide plenty to do on a rainy day.
International Tennis Hall of Fame: We just took a stroll through this beautiful hall of fame, that looks like it’s often the backdrop for various events. If we’d had a little more time, we may have paid the $20 for the ticket for admission.
We were crazy about Newport and can’t wait to go back! Do you have any recs to add to this piece?
xo,
