Newport, Rhode Island Travel Ideas

Known for their pizzas and pastas this cute and funky spot on Bellevue Ave is always a crowd pleaser for lunch or dinner.  They use homemade sauces, pasta imported from Italy and serve up thin crust pizzas in Italian ovens with a bubbly slightly chewy crust. There’s also salad and sandwich options on the menu.

The branding alone will make you want to buy every, single thing in this store. From the beautiful packaging to the carefully curated shelves, Shore Soap Co is a must stop when you’re in Newport. A local couple started the brand out of their kitchen and turned it into what it is today. I also love that they are cruelty free, sulfate & paraben free and use responsible packaging to reduce environmental impact. From candles, to skincare to soaps they have a really nice assortment of products to shop. I particularly love the face mist and sea spray candle. Their scent Mermaid Kisses has a bit of a cult following.

Whether you’re looking for oysters and a cocktail or dinner on the harbor the Mooring is a great option for lunch and dinner. One of my favorite things about the Mooring is their gluten free and vegetarian menus (takes the guess work right out of it so you don’t have to sit there wondering what you can and can’t eat). A great option if you have a larger group as it’s a big space and they take reservations. In the winter the roaring fireplace makes it feel extra cozy. In the summer you can sit out on their enclosed deck that overlooks the harbor, a pretty great place to watch the sunset too.

Don’t let the small menu fool you. Stoneacre Brasserie is one of the best restaurants in Newport right now. A daily changing, seasonal menu with local, fresh ingredients, you won’t be disappointed by a meal at Stoneacre. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner I’ve found myself there sometimes twice in one day. They also have a cafe serving coffee, pastries, deli meat and cheese selections.

One of our favorite spots to grab dinner, Perro Salado is a funky historic 18th-century Naval officer’s house turned Mexican joint. Their outdoor patio is a must during the summer months (well-behaved pups allowed outside). If you like a little kick, the spicy jalapeno margarita is my go-to (or try the blood orange). A delicious menu with daily specials and lots of local ingredients it’s a fun spot to grab a drink and/or dinner while in Newport. Call ahead for reservations.

Marble House is one of my favorite mansions in Newport.  Built in the late 1880s for the Vanderbilts it was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. Mr. Vanderbilt’s older brother built The Breakers. Marble House also features the Chinese Tea House on the property, built by Alva Vanderbilt after their divorce (and Mr. Vanderbilt’s death). It became a meeting place to hold rallies for women’s right to vote. The Preservation Society of Newport now allows photography at the mansions (with restrictions) so feel free to snap a photo in one of the breathtaking rooms or at the grand front entrance.

Whether you’re looking for luxury ocean view accommodations or a delicious meal overlooking Narragansett Bay, Castle Hill Inn is a Newport classic. Grab sunset drinks on their rolling lawn or have the ultimate Newport luxury experience in one of their beachside cottages.

One of the best locations in Newport, not only is the three-story Clarke Cooke House an institution, it’s one of the best people watching spots in town. The menu is full of American classics, plus plenty of seafood and raw bar options. In the summer their sushi is the best in town too. For an after-dinner treat, try the espresso martini and the infamous Snowball in Hell. If you’re looking for a cozy and slightly upscale brunch, they offer one every Sunday.

One of my favorite stores in Newport for shopping. Kristen Coates truly has something for everyone. A beautiful assortment of art, books, candles, and more, it’s the kind of place you can spend an hour in just perusing through each and every corner. There’s also often fresh flowers for sale from local florists. And the window display never disappoints.

The Cliff Walk is a National Recreation Trail that runs 3.5 miles along the coast. Parts of the trail are paved and easily walkable while other parts are rugged and rocky shoreline. Cliff Walk starts near First Beach and Memorial Blvd with several exit points along the way at Narragansett Ave., Webster St., Sheppard Ave., Ruggles Ave., Marine Ave., Ledge Rd., and ending at Bellevue Ave. right before Bailey’s Beach. It’s a beautiful walk that will take you along Newport’s stunning coastline past historic mansions and rocky beaches.