Nothing says quintessential old American elegance and leisure like summer-vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island.
The wealthiest turn-of-the-century American family (aka The Vanderbilts) built their 70-room summer “cottage,” The Breakers, in Newport. But rest assured, you do not have to be a multi-billionaire to enjoy the hidden gems of this Aquidneck Island situated in Narragansett Bay. Anyone can experience the charm, elegance and style of Newport, on any budget!
What to do
I spent the first few weekends of summer in this beautiful Northeastern seaside town that was for many years home to the world’s most famous yacht and regattas series: The America’s Cup.
I recommend kicking off your getaway with a sunset sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack II. Delight in the best Dark and Stormies you will come across in the ‘City by the Sea’. This Newport traditional is a favourite among the local sailing community, featuring Newport’s own Thomas Tew’s Rum and Rhode Island Yacht Club’s Ginger Beer. What better way to kick off your holiday in the ‘Sailing Capital of the World’ than cruising the coast with a cocktail in hand, exploring the magnificent bay views.
Roughly £20 per person ($32) for 1.5 hours
Departs from Bowen’s Wharf
Book here
Getting Around
Getting around the area by boat or bicycle is easy and cost effective. For less than £35 ($50) for your entire stay, I suggest renting a bike upon arrival with Newport Bicycle. For those without time to waste, they will conveniently deliver to your front doorstep!
For rental bookings, call +1-401-846-0773 or email [email protected]
If you have time, the Classic Newport Bike Tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the charm and history Newport has to offer. Pedal along Bellevue Avenue to see the beautiful estate gardens, The Breakers and many other pioneering architectural vacation-home styles of the filthy rich. Cool off after the 9-mile ride by dipping your toes in the Atlantic Ocean at Bailey’s Beach, an elite beach club where locals hang to escape the summer tourists.
The Breakers Mansion, Newport (Photo Credit: mikedooleyphotography.com)
Dine like a dignitary
Newport is America’s ‘Summer White House’ for high-society figures and past presidents such as the Kennedys and Eisenhowers. Although this yachting-town symbolizes social and financial preeminence, it exudes a very laid-back, modest and casual vibe where bright and colorful beachcover-caftans are a staple in ‘formal’ ladieswear, and gents in khaki shorts and canvas deck shoes are cool and common at even the finest, 5-star restaurants in town.
Rhode Island oysters offer a culinary delight whether they are being slurped raw on the half shell, deep-fried or tossed into a hearty stew. Check out a couple of my favourite local eateries, which offer ambiance with appetite. Not to worry, these restaurants include equally tasteful dishes for the ‘not-so-crustacean lovers’ in your crew.
Clarke Cook House (24 Bannister’s Wharf)
Clarke Cook House at Bannister’s Wharf is the scene of boisterous nightlife; it is a social and gourmet focal point.
Clarke Cooke House
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White Horse Tavern (26 Marlborough Street)
White Horse Tavern’s Executive Chef Richard Silvia masters local, upscale farm-to-table American cuisine.
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Where to Stay
Castle Hill Inn
After a long day out, take off your shoes and take in the most intimate and cherished views from your own private beach cottage at Castle Hill Inn; perched on your own private beach and atop sand dunes, this Relais & Châteaux property may not be as ostentatious as The Breakers, but it is as much of a coastal haven.
Enjoy complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea, and live lavishly like a royal on the cliff’s edge, where Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco used to stay, and famously sneak down to the water’s edge in 1956.
Castle Hill Lighthouse at the water’s edge. Castle Hill Inn residents can enjoy their own private beach cove here
Rates start from £496/night ($645)
Rates include a generous made-to-order breakfast with eggs benedict, Maine lobster hash and pancakes on the menu
The hotel is closed annually from January 1 through 16.Book Here
Getting to Newport
Getting to Newport is easy from anywhere. These are the fastest and most efficient ways to travel to Newport, Rhode Island for your next getaway:
· Fly into T. F. Green International Airport (Warwick, RI) with most major airlines
· Amtrak rail service takes you from almost anywhere in the USA to Kingston, Rhode Island
· Carpool with your girlfriends from New York City, Boston, or other points west or north via Interstate 95
So channel that Gilded Age glamour in you, and put your pretty, modern penny to good use, Vanderbilt-style.
Any Questions or Tips to add?