Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

I'm being taken to Newport for my birthday in April.

I am having a "mulligan" or a do-over from my horrific 30th birthday last year. I turned 30 while I had just given birth about six months prior, had just had to file for separation and then divorce the month prior, in the middle of a job change that I had to undertake because as a single mom I needed a certain amount of income plus benefits, AND -- icing on the birthday cake -- my brother who was severely hurt five years back, needing all of a sudden emergency surgery *ON* my 30th birthday. It worked out and he's better than ever as a result of the surgery, thank God, BUT it was definitely a not-so-much-fun birthday!!

I actually never even thought about it at the time, just tried to muddle through. Recently, when I was talking to my BF about it he was like, "wow, you need a mulligan That's the worst sounding birthday EVER lol I'm taking you to Newport!"

Anywho, the point of the post!! Sorry! LOL! We are staying at the Cliffside Inn. Has anyone been there?? Did you like it?

Has anyone been to Newport? Things to do in early April? Suggestions? We are taking the ferry over and then driving - this is the best way to go, do you think??

And restaurant recs for LUNCH AND DINNER would be amazing. Breakfast is covered at the B&B we are staying at.

Any info would be lovely!! Thanks!!!

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

Go to Castle Hill the view, food and ambiance is just amazing. We did the Cliff Walk and made it almost all the way to the end- bring a good pair of sneakers if you want to do this because you will be climbing over huge rocks that are not 100% flat. Walk around the town it's so cute with great little stores. I forget the name of the restaurant that is right on the water near where the boats are docked but it's huge and great food there too. You shouldn't have a problem parking but it does get packed at night especially if it's warm out, not sure what it will be like in April. Have fun!!
ETA: we also ate at a French restaurant- Bouchard- that had the best soufflé!!! Highly recommend it. Check out tripadvisor or yelp for the restaurants that's what we did. Enjoy it is one of our favorite places. We also did the mansion tours. The view from some of them are absolutely stunning. We also walked near the beach too before you go on the cliff walk trail. We also took the ferry over and it only took about an hour or so to get there (we were on the first ferry from Orient).

Message edited 2/21/2015 6:57:42 AM.

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

Have stayed at the Cliffside 2x and it was wonderful-great location. so close to the beautiful cliff walk! definitely visit or eat at Castle Hill (another incredible place to stay!) I adore Newport-everything about it..the town, the restaurants, the shops, the inns etc. we usually go for only a night or 2 and so i can't speak for every restaurant etc. we usually arrive via the ferry (short drive from there) go to the Brick Alley Pub for lunch, walk around town for a while, check in to wherever we're staying,,relax there, go for a stroll on the Cliff Walk, later we usually go either to town by walking to dinner or have visited Castle Hill and have eaten both indoors or outdoors (which is amazing at sunset!) the next day we've had breakfast at the inn, another walk on the cliff walk, another visit to town, lunch at the Red Parrot or a drive down Ocean Drive to marvel at the homes. there is a park called Brenton point state park- which is lovely to explore too. my brother and his wife loved visiting the Vanderbilt Hotel's rooftop bar around sunset for drinks too which i haven't done...but i've eaten at the wonderful restaurant there and highly recommend it. that hotel is right in the heart of the town. have fun-it is a great place!

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

Castle Hill does a nice brunch. We really like the Mooring for dinner- get the bag of donuts. If you like bands, there's usually good ones at Pelham East. It reminds me of a college bar, but we always have a good time and there's usually a big mix of ages. Red Parrot is nice for lunch. And we really like this little diner, I think it's called Franklin Park or something like that, for breakfast.

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

OMG thanks everyone.

I'm so excited. I'm so lucky he's doing this for me because I'm in such a need of a mulligan I feel like I'm going to love it there so much that I'll want to go back annually!!!

Message edited 2/24/2015 11:45:08 AM.

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

Posted by DaniJude

OMG thanks everyone.

I'm so excited. I'm so lucky he's doing this for me because I'm in such a need of a mulligan I feel like I'm going to love it there so much that I'll want to go back annually!!!

Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

I love Newport - went on a whim after being in CT

You can tour the mansions I believe ? But we just drove by them
We loved the long stretch of a car ride that was right on the coast - just water and water and water ! Many people were flying kites.

Parking can be a hassle in the actual shop part but you can pay for parking

We're going back this spring too, hopefully can do the cliff walk.

Message edited 2/24/2015 3:45:40 PM.

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

We did Newport for our honeymoon and as a 1st anniversary trip. We took the ferry out of Orient Pt and it was about another hour from there to Newport. You don't have to take I-95 either, we took US1 south and saw some amazing beaches along the way! Make sure to have your EZPass to use on the bridges to Newport.

You did the right thing by booking a bed and breakfast in the heart of the historic areas.

I would recommend the Newport Mansions Experience. It allows you to visit 5 of the mansions using one ticket. Since you are going in the spring, I would recommend the Green Animals Topiary Garden. It's further out of the area from Newport, but the views from the property and the gorgeous gardens are well worth it! Make sure to go to the Breakers - their is a room made of PURE GOLD!

Do the cliff walk - make sure to wear sneakers, dress warm as the winds can be cooler and bring a camera!

I highly recommend eating at the Red Parrot Restaurant, Brick Alley Pub and the Pier Restaurant (only if its warm bc it's right on the water) - the sunsets are amazing!

Also, take a drive around Newport on ocean Ave near sunrise or sunset. The views you will get are amazing! You can pull over and walk on some of the beaches - see fisherman out, etc. Some of my best shots are from this drive. We ended up seeing a wedding at OceanCliff during our drive - just amazing!

Have an amazing trip!

ETA: I would recommend keeping your car parked at the b&b and walking to the mansions you want to see and walking to town - parking is at a premium in this city!

Message edited 3/3/2015 1:57:23 PM.

Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

Great suggestions above, also there are three wineries within an hour and we went there one day. There's also the mystic brewery if you prefer beer.

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs:

Re: Newport, RI for my Birthday -- Recs: