New Port, Rhode Island

New Port, Rhode Island 

New Port is the perfect trip from NYC, about 3.5 hours, where you get a mix of modern activities and dining against the backdrop of the Gilded Age. I stayed for 2 nights and absolutely loved it.

Where to Stay: The Admiral Fitzroy Inn

​This bed and breakfast is located on Thames St. and within walking distances to phenomenal restaurants, shopping centers and the famous Cliff Walk.
Built in 1854, it is now on the National Register of Historic Places, and is named after a famous English Admiral who created the very first barometer predicting the daily weather forecast.
There’s an actual antique Admiral Fitzroy barometer in the lobby which can still tell you the weather!
There’s a gorgeous rooftop open to guests where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine.  There’s fresh baked chocolate chip cookies at the front desk, and a wonderful hot breakfast made with love by Joan! I couldn’t ask for a more cozy stay.
Be sure to check prices as they are cheaper off peak.

Cliff Walk

This is a beautiful scenic view of the sea, about 3.5 miles one way (you can walk back the same way you came or continue to another area of New Port to explore).
Along this beautiful cliff are the historic mansions from the Gilded Age (1870s)  that are perfectly preserved. This was an era where extreme wealth was made for people like Rockefeller and Vanderbilt. They had more money than the government and paid very minimal taxes, hence the 70 room mansions that they considered their summer cottages!
You can buy tickets to see the biggest one, The Breakers, home of the Vanderbilts for $25 or pay extra and see them all (which is the rest of the cliff walk). I recommend dressing in athletic wear and some comfy sneakers, its a trek but its worth it.
Fun fact: The 1974 version of the Great Gatsby was filmed at the Rosecliff mansion.

Visit Sweet Berry Farm 

The most adorable and picturesque “pick your own” farm offers fun pickings from strawberries and raspberries, to apples, pumpkins and many more. Inside is a delicious cafe where they serve the best chowder and apple cider donuts, and a small shop where they sell local honey and other gems.

Go shopping

There’s so many areas of shopping with beautiful boutique shops all over New Port including Bellevue Ave, Thames St,  (which is right by The Admiral Fitzroy Inn) Bowen and Bannister Wharf and more.

Get a Lobster Roll

You can’t travel to New England without downing a fresh lobster roll! My first choice was Blount Clam Shack, but one of the downsides to being a spontaneous traveler is that I don’t look up things ahead of time and it was completely closed for the season. Quick pout and move on. I decided to go with Anthony’s Seafood whose lobster roll was featured on “Diners, Drive ins and Dives.” They have a huge selection of fresh fish you can buy including swordfish, scallops, tuna and more. I ordered 2 lobster rolls (comes with THE BEST FRIES I’VE EVER HAD) and 3 fluffy crispy clam cakes, for $52 total. Not bad! I was a very happy girl by the end of my meal.

Visit New Port Vineyard

This has to be one of the most beautiful vineyards I’ve ever seen with over 50 acres of vines. They also have a brewery inside. Sit back relax and enjoy some local Newport wine and beer.

Hit up New Port Creamery

Not only is this a full service restaurant known for its one pound burger, but its also an ice cream shop and home to the patented Awful Awful which is made up of whole milk, flavored syrup and a secret frozen ice milk!

EAT!

I cannot emphasize enough how incredible my food experience in New Port was, and highly recommend these restaurants which are all walking distance from the Admiral Fitzroy Inn. Everything from the wine, to the apps and small plates and the entrees left me feeling so joyful when I walked out of the restaurant.​

Giusto 

Everything just worked together so seamlessly.  The ambiance of the open kitchen, the outstanding service, my delightful conversation with the owner,  the Sicilian wine and decadent food. It was the most perfect dining experience. You do not want to miss the scotch meatball here!

Midtown Oyster

Get some white wine and pair it with the hamachi sashimi that just melts in your mouth. I sat at a communal table and its always fun striking up conversations with other travelers or even locals.

The Black Pearl

The perfect spot to grab some lunch in the middle of all your shopping.
Don’t forget a cup of that local chowda!

There’s tons more to see that I’ll have to catch on my next trip. Fort Adams, Redwood Library, a boat ride, the Tennis Hall of Fame and more, and I truly can’t wait to go back!