NEWPORT, Beaches, Boats, Opulence, Charm and Romance.
Written: Sep 01 '04 (Updated Apr 12 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The perfect mix of fine pleasures.
Cons: Can get crowded.
The Bottom Line: Newport gives a fine mix of things to do and places to go for couples in love.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Newport |
Newport happens to be a place my wife and I enjoy going to. We like the beaches, the restaurants and the many destinations in and around town.
PLACES TO STAY
Newport, Rhode Island is on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic. The ideal places to stay, in my view, are on the waterfront and in the downtown area. Newport is a mix of chain hotels Inns, and B&Bs. Many B&Bs book only for three night minimums on a weekends in the high season that lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We like B&Bs. One particular one had a nice pool overlooking the bay. It was in a quiet area but close enough to get into the town within minutes. There are also accommodations on Goat Island just across the bridge. I do suggest calling ahead for reservations in Newport. I'm not sure what you might find as walk-ins on a busy summer weekends. Prices can be pretty expensive at $250 + per night and much more depending on your accommodations and where they are.
Newport is the home of many activities in the summer so book early. In July the Newport Music Festival takes place while in August they host the JVC Jazz Festival. Sometime in the late spring or early summer is the NY Yacht Club Regatta.
THAMES STREET and the WHARFS
Thames Street runs along the wharf area. It's here that a stroll can be taken to look into the many shops, antique stores and galleries along with pizza places and fine restaurants, bars and clubs. There are a few upscale chain stores mixed in too. There is also an arcade for the kids.
Parking in the immediate area can be difficult but not impossible. Many of the streets are narrow and one way. This gives a charm to the city but also adds to the congestion I would feel at times. It can get very crowded.
I most enjoyed walking through the wharfs. Many restaurants dot this area that have lovely views of the many fine sailboats that make this port home. Many a private party will be taking place on some of these craft where they are docked. I like the festive atmosphere and it's interesting watching all the "beautiful people" interacting with each other. The restaurants are wonderful at sunset and Newport has some of the best chowder you will ever taste! We have never made reservations for dinner. It is very possible they are needed for some eateries, but the places we went were quite right in atmosphere and food quality. We may have to wait a while before being seated at times but this is a fine place to have cocktail sitting outside at the bar or just continue strolling through the wharf.
My wife and I both agree that the sunset colours in Newport are the most gorgeous of anywhere in the world! Ha, I do wonder if it has anything to do with all the Connecticut coast cities lined up along the waterfront to the west of Newport that eventually lead to New York City? The colours could have something to do with "something in the air". In any case the most dramatic sunset pictures we have ever taken were from the back porch area of our B&B in Newport. These sunsets were repeated night after night.
Thames Street and the wharfs, for my wife and me, are for strolling in the evening.
BEACHES and WALKS
During the day it's time to check out the beaches and there are a few of them. Closer to the bay area and town are quieter calmer beaches and the state park. As you get out to the point of Newport the waves start crashing into the shore and you may get to see some surfers taking rides with the tides. Much kite flying and picnicking take place along these beaches. Be sure to take the Ocean Drive and check out a few of them. The facilities were good and not excessively crowded, the beaches were clean, and parking was available for a few bucks. There are many places you can just pull over and take a picture or two without having to park. The water along Newport is still warm enough to swim in during the summer months due to the Gulf Stream. As you go up the coast the stream moves out to sea and the water is noticeably colder, much colder!
A "must thing" to do is to stroll along the Cliff Walk. This is a three mile or so trail. We did about half of it on our walks. There are a few entrances to the walk. You can get maps in town. Most of the trail is on the cliffs above the Atlantic that happen to be the backyards of many huge mansions. In some places you are even with the upper levels and in a few places you dip down under the view of the homes that stand on the shore. The walk is easy to slightly moderate. There are stairs, some concrete and asphalt walks and mostly uneven dirt paths. I would recommend good walking shoes or at least sneakers. Flip flops and sandals may be a hazard. After the walk you can back track on the trail, or better yet, go back up and walk along some of the beautiful streets lined with fine homes.
HISTORIC HOMES
The late 1800's was considered the Gilded Age in American Architecture. This was when some Americans gained incredible wealth. The Astors, Belmonts and Vanderbilts are a few of the family names you may recognize. These families built what they called "Summer Cottages" that they would travel to in season. These happened to be huge mansions that were designed, for the most part, to reflect European grandeur and opulence. There are a number of these homes still in existence and open for tours. This is another must in Rhode Island's Newport. Some of these places were magnificent!!
The tours are about $9.00 for each home but multi-tour discount tickets can be purchased. If you are staying a few days then see what deal best fits your itinerary. We did a number of these homes. Though they are wondrous there is only so much touring one can take in a day. We never did more than two on any given day.They last an average of an hour and a half each.
The parking was freely available at the homes. Though you cannot tell because of todays landscape, most of these homes that were on the higher elevations had commanding views of the Atlantic and some owned the land from the home all the down to the waterfront. The majority of the homes are on Bellevue Ave. A couple like the Astor and Breakers are situated overlooking the cliffs.
The tours were very informative. The Marble House, Elms, and Rosecliff are favorites. It was the Breakers however that out glitzes them all. This place is just "Unbelievable!!". This Italian Renaissance 70 room home was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1893. It also costs about three bucks more to visit. It's worth it.
Though I have never witnessed it, I understand that some of the mansions are used as venues during the music festivals.
SOME LAST THOUGHTS
Newport can get crowded and the driving and parking is sometimes a bit difficult. All the same Newport happens to be a romantic town for my wife and me. We like staying at the B&Bs, walking in town and along the wharfs at night. Sunset cruises are available too. The beaches were nice enough and the Cliff walk breaks up the day with fine views and quiet time together. We both also happen to enjoy hearing a bit about history and seeing the grand homes of some of our first, and perhaps last, "American aristocrats".
Though there may be some things for kids to do in and around town, I recommend Newport for couples only. The restaurants are fine, the sunsets from the shores are a wonder to behold, and the B&Bs are filled with charm.
The Cliff Walk is listed in the book
1,000 Places to See Before You Die
Wonderful Weekends from New York City Newport is listed in this book that suggests places to stay, where to dine and what to do.
Also visit
MYSTIC SEAPORT it's less than 50 miles down the coast and also listed in the book. Hey, see those two and you have just 998 places to go before you die!
Mystic Pizza a fine, famous restaurant in town. This isn't listed in the book but they do have pizza you "could die for".
Connecticut
Newport RI is one of Pops Top Ten Getaway Places From NYC for Couples
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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