*Hattie Spencer gets credit for this title
Do you know what divot stomping is? Have you toured a 70-room summer "cottage" that was owned by the Vanderbilts? Ever eaten a "Snowball in Hell?" You can experience it all in stylish Newport, Rhode Island, one of the oldest resort towns in America. The grand summer homes that dot the Cliff Walk and the smell of seafood in the salt air create a relaxed beach town vibe with a touch of elegance. A 40-minute ride from the Providence Airport, Newport is easily accessible and is drivable from Boston or Manhattan, in case you want to make it a longer trip!
SATURDAY
Visit Belle's for a breakfast on the water! You will feel pretty fancy, eating waffles and sipping hot chocolate next to 90-foot yachts. Tip: Reservations are required and bring a jacket, as it can get windy.
The best way to see Newport is the Cliff Walk! One of the town's top attractions, the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk winds along the coastline and offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and unreal summer "Cottages." We started at the north and walked south (don't miss the 40 steps!). Tip: Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking the whole thing, as there are slippery parts.
Next, beeline to The Black Pearl for some authentic New England Clam Chowder. Tip: Try a local beer! My favorite was Rise from Whalers.
It's time for polo! Despite our best efforts, we did not completely grasp the rules of the match, but we had a lot of fun trying. The whole vibe felt similar to The Grove at Ole Miss (southerners are friendlier, but I digress). Make a new friend during divot stomping, a bizarre ritual where spectators are invited onto the field to stomp the divots made by the "ponies." Tip: Bring your own snacks and champagne. It's much cheaper than anything from the (fabulous) Veuve Clicquot golf cart.
Dinner at the Clarke Cooke House is the ultimate Newport experience, which means reservations are a must. During summer, indulge in their Summer Sushi dishes, which are prepared from a sushi chef flown in from Japan! After dinner, check out the restaurant's second-floor Candy Shop Bar and order a Newport Water. Tip: Get the Snowball in Hell for dessert, you won't be disappointed.
SUNDAY
Start your day off with brunch at White Horse Tavern, which originally opened in 1673. The food was delicious (lobster benedict, YUM) and we really enjoyed learning about the history of the tavern! Reservations are a good idea.
After brunch, head to the Newport Mansions for a tour of the unbelievable summer cottages. If you only have an afternoon, check out The Breakers, the Vanderbilt's vacation home, and Rosecliff, which was featured in 27 Dresses. Tip: Purchase tickets ahead of time and see what special exhibits they have.
Shopping is next on the itinerary! With so many stores along Thames Street and on Bowen's Wharf, here are a few highlights: Kiel James Patrick flagship store, Anchored in Pink, Island Outfitters, and the Shore Soap Co.
If you're hungry, stop by Benjamin's Raw Bar for a snack before your sunset cruise. Short on time? There are plenty of snack bars on the Wharf.
It's time for a sunset cruise on the 80-foot schooner, the Aquidneck! It's a smooth ride, the crew is hilarious, and it's the only sailboat trip that is BYOB.
Head to Scales & Shells for some delicious Italian seafood! The shrimp scampi is a fantastic option, and don't skip the fried calamari appetizer.
MONDAY
If you're a tennis fan, you've got to tour the International Tennis Hall of Fame. You can even reserve one of the grass courts to play on! Definitely a bucket list item, if you're a lifelong tennis player.
In the summer, you have to spend time one of Newport's beaches! Although east coast beaches have nothing on Seaside's white sand, it's still a can't-missI'm a sucker for salt air. The closest beach to town is Easton's Beach (aka First Beach), home to Flo's Clam Shack and the iconic Del's Lemonade. If you're looking for a beach that's off the beaten path, Gooseberry Beach is a great option.
Conclude your trip with lunch at another Newport landmark, Castle Hill Inn. When there isn't a worldwide pandemic, you can also grab a drink and sit a spell in their Adirondack chairs that overlook the ocean!
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT TIPS
If you have a car, go cruising on Ocean Drive! The elegant architecture and meticulous landscape of the estates will transport you back in time, when only the wealthy could afford to summer in Newport.
Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is home to Taylor Swift's Holiday House and the grand Watch Hill Inn. About an hour drive from Newport, we ran out of time, but my cousin says it's a worthwhile trip if you can make it happen.
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