Block Island

Does anyone have any recommedations for what to do, where to eat ect. on Block Island? Is there a ferry in Newport - we will be there in the fall = thanks for your help!

Block Island

The Newport to Block Island Ferry stops operating on Sept. 3 (Labor Day) You%26#39;ll have to go down to Pt. Judith to catch the ferries in the fall.

Block Island

Actually the Point Judith ferry is your best option as it offers more frequent daily trips to the island.

http://www.BlockIslandInfo.com/

Don%26#39;t go crazy on the Block. Rent a bike, realx and ride the island. Explore the Bluffs and hang at the beach. If you want to spend the night check out www.SuiteDreamsBI.com. Great location and the owners will be able to point you in the direction with all your questions.

Yellow Kittens is a must for a cocktail.

Also, for all things Newport

www.GoNewport.com

All Newport Restaurants

www.TableHound.com

Cleveland House

I read as many reviews of this place as I could find. Looking to see if anybody here has an opinion. For $129 a night it looks good. The Admiral Fitzroy we thought about but 200 a night is a bit more. Not sure if it is worth it. Also if we want to goto Castle Hill for a couple of cocktails is there still a dress code?

Thanks

Cleveland House

The Cleveland House is nice. Not over-the-top, but you will be pleased at that price. Great location also. The street it is located on feels as if you have been transported back in time.

Not sure about a dress code, but Castle Hill most likely does not allow tank tops, bathing suits, etc.

For all things Newport

www.GoNewport.com

For all Newport restaurants

www.TableHound.com

Mansion question

We are coming in for just a day from New London, since our cruise has been re-routed (which was very unfortunate for us!) and so now we are renting a car and driving to Newport. Would it be easy to see two mansions and walk a little of the Cliff Walk with us having about 5 hours in town?

Thanks for any help.

Mansion question

Good for you for coming to Newport on your diversion; I would say it%26#39;s definitly worth it. In 5 hours y ou could do it but that would take all your time, especially on a Sat or Sun...you might not be able to see much else of what makes Npt so special-- or shopping, lunch. Just looking at the grounds of the mansions on Bellevue Ave is an eyeful.

I would suggest just going to the Breakers and walking on Cliff Walk from there for a while, then drive further down Bellevue and onto Ocean Drive, also known as 10 mile drive even though it%26#39;s more like 7. Its a loop that will take you back into town.

Also when coming from 95 you may want to take Rt 138 instead of Rt 1as there may be some beach traffic along the coast.

Mansion question

Thank you so much for your reply. Maybe we will just take in the Breakers then... I really want to see some of the Cliff Walk and I would also like to go down by the harbor and have a late lunch before heading back. My husband loves it down there and said that it should not be missed... I so wish that we hadn%26#39;t been diverted... but I will be back for more than a day sometime... so we will make the best of the situation and come in anyway. Thanks for the info on the drive. Any other suggestions for the drive from New London?

DIRECTIONS FROM POINTS SOUTH (CT, NY, NJ)

Follow Route 95 North to exit 3A in Rhode Island. At the end of the exit ramp bear right onto Route 138 East. Follow this road to the intersection with Route 1 North/South (a couple of miles after passing the University of Rhode Island). At this traffic light take a left onto Route 1 North and look for the Jamestown/Newport Bridges exit on the right. The Jamestown Bridge leads to the Newport Bridge ($2.00 toll). Take the first exit off the Newport Bridge (Scenic Newport) and take a right at the end of the exit ramp onto Farewell Street. At the second traffic light take a right onto America%26#39;s Cup Avenue. The first brick building on the right is the Visitor Center with Public Parking behind the buidling. Pop into the Center and grab a map. Bring in your ticket to get validated for free a free 1/2 hour of parking.The trip to the Breakers is easy from there. Also grab The Best Read Guide that has a desription of each section of the Cliff walk. I agree with the other post that you tour the Breakers and then walk onto the Cliff Walk. Take a right on the walk as this is more scenic. Walk at least to the Chineses Tea House which will be very apparent. Farther on from here is very scenic, but you wouldn%26#39;t want to miss Ocean Drive.

On Ocean Drive pull into Catle Hill for a soda or cocktail and sit in the Adirondack chairs for a spell and enjoy the best view on the island.

Go downtown and have your meal on the patio of the Black Pearl. Great bustling area for people watching and their chowder is a Newport Must-Do up there with the Breakers and the Cliff walk.

You%26#39;ll be gald you made the trip and will want to come back again and tour another mansion, the tennis hall of fame, tour %26amp; tasting at a vineyard, attend a musical festival, comedy night, ..................

www.GoNewport.com - All Newport Info

www.TableHound.com - All Newport Restaurants

ADDITION:

If you want to tour two mansions and have the time The Astors%26#39; Beechwood Mansion has a gate that gives you access to the grounds from the Cliff Walk. It is a living history tour done with professional actors that brings you back to 1891.

From the Cliff Walk, the back of the manison is off-white with an expansive lawn. Toward the mansion there are steps leading up to the home with stone dog statues on either side of the stairs.The home is not as oppulent as the other mansions, but Mrs Astor was the queen of Newport Society and started the Social Register. In other words, she ran Newport in the summer and the tour is fun. Another landmark is that Astors%26#39; is a neighbor to Rosecliff mansion that has a pink and white awning on the back patio. Pretty easy to find from the Cliff Walk.

Don%26#39;t forget your camera!

Thank you SOOOO much! I love this site! Thank you for taking the time to write all of that down for me. I am so excited to be in Newport. Me and my husband plan to come back for a much longer visit sometime soon. It is his favorite place on the East coast. He loves the marina there... but I am sure my mother is going to love the Breakers... and the chowder... YUM!!!

I will print all of this out so I have it with me in the car... It sounds easy enough. And at least we won%26#39;t be giving any of our money to Royal Caribbean for the day :)

Fun for couple?

My husband and I, in our 40%26#39;s are visiting early August. Are there any fun spots you can recommend. Looking for dancing/entertainment etc.. Thanks.

Fun for couple?

I grew up in Neewport and am in my late 40%26#39;s. You might try the Newport Blues Cafe off of AMerica%26#39;s Cup Ave at the foot of Green St. If you are visiting in the first two weeks of August things may be crowded as the Folk Festival and Jazz festivals occur then. I will be in town the first weekend of August and am gearing up for the crowds. Parking may be a problem as well.

Karen

Fun for couple?

Older Crowd (30 + somethings)

West Deck, Clarke Cooke House, Black Pearl, 5th Element , Smoke House, Newport Blues Cafe, Sambar

Outdoor places:

O%26#39;Briens, West Deck, Smoke House, Black Pearl, Landing, Mooring

Pick up a copy of one of the 2 local weekley papers when you get there for more info. (Mercury and Newport This Week)

Thank you both. We%26#39;ll definately look into these suggestions.

Clarke Cooke House Boom-Boom Room for dancing

Clarke Cooke House just for socializing

Black Pearl patio for a good crowd, people watching and the best chowder in town

West Deck, Sunday late afternoon%26#39;s are a crazy party

Smoke House, great BBQ and good crowd

Newport Blues cafe for live music

Fluke from some unbelievably creative cocktails.

Also check out the Calendar of Events at

www.GoNewport.com

and restaurants at

www.TableHound.com

Try the fifth element for great cocktails and excellent steak tips. Another couple of nice options are 1- cocktails at Oceancliff and the top of the Hotel Viking - it is the highest place in Newport, and like Oceancliff has great views. Both are nice romantic spots to watch the sunset.

Help with dining options during Waterfire

We’re planning our first trip to Providence soon, which happens to fall on a Waterfire weekend. We want to take advantage of Providence’s restaurants, but also don’t want to miss the “action” at Waterfire. I suppose one option is to eat “street food” that night. If we are interpreting the information on the Waterfire website correctly, however, it seems we could enjoy dinner anywhere, stroll around the festivities after dinner (10 p.m. or so), and still have plenty of time to experience Waterfire. Is this correct? Another option might be to book a window-side table at a well-located restaurant overlooking the activities. If so, does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Help with dining options during Waterfire

Hello! I am a life-long Providence resident. I see you are from Houston. It takes longer to drive through your entire city than it does for me to drive through my entire state! With that being said, you could dine anywhere in Providence and be close to the action of Waterfire. If you want to be right next to the Waterfire, then book at Cafe Nuovo. It is where former mayor Buddy Cianci goes to get his river-front view. The new Ruth Chris Steakhouse is also right there. A short walk you will find Capital Grille and McCormick and Schmicks at the Biltmore Hotel. The aforementioned restaurants are on the pricey side.

If you crave Italian, visit Federal Hill. It is a very short taxi ride away from Waterfire. Federal Hill is basically Providence%26#39;s Little Italy. I recommend Mediterraneo, Pane e Vino, or Al Forno. Again, those are pricey. If you want something a little cheaper, I suggest Caffe Dolce Vita or even cheaper - Angelo%26#39;s Civita Farnese. Be sure to grab delicious desserts at Pastiche.

If you want Indian - go for India which is on the East Side of Providence is a longer taxi ride from Waterfire. If you want French, visit Pot Au Feu.

Don%26#39;t forget that the Providence Place Mall is across from Waterfire and if time or money is a constraint then there is a foodcourt or Dave and Busters, Pizzeria Uno, and Fire and Ice that could be more of your budget/time limitations.

If you need any other suggestions, let me know. Be warned, that reservations fill very very quickly on Waterfire nights.

Help with dining options during Waterfire

Thanks Rhody. My partner and I are tired of Houston%26#39;s size (among other things) so are eager to explore RI as a possible place to live eventually. Your suggestions are spot-on for us (we like a little high-end dining), so will print these out for our trip.

Too crowded?

Hello everybody from Italy!

We will come to USA next August, arriving in NY the 7th of August and leaving the 10th the City, to have a holiday on the road throught the North-East (about two weeks).

I read a lot of reviews and I%26#39;m quite worried about crowd and traffic.

We were pretty sure to visit places like Newport, Cape Cod, etc, but now...

Don%26#39;t want spend our Holiday into the traffic jam!

Would you visit these places if you were in my shoes?

Could you suggest me other less-known places in this area to stay for something as 2 days?

(We are 28, never be in USA. Don%26#39;t mind about clubs and shoppings, but love sea and sailing).

Thanks in advances!

Too crowded?

Hi Edna,

You must come to Newport, if , as you say, you ';love sea and sailing';. Once you are here in Newport, you must take two hours out of one of your days visiting to go sailing on either the Schooner Madeleine

http://www.cruisenewport.com/Madeleine.htm

or the schooner Adirondack

http://www.sail-newport.com/

Check out the links above. They charge $27 per person for a nearly 2 hour sail. You%26#39;ll get to see lots of sites from the water.

As you may know, Newport was once known as the sailing capital of the world.

Have a wonderful trip here and in case you%26#39;d like to have a vaction home here, my townhouse condominium here in Newport, is for sale. Its got 2 or 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths and 1413 sq. feet of living space. it%26#39;s within walking distance to the waterfront. Let me know if you are interested and I can send you the link to the website for the townhouse privately or you can e-mail me at emilybh@earthlink.net . In the Subject, say you are the couple from Italy visiting Newport.(so I won%26#39;t think it%26#39;s spam). If you aren%26#39;t interested, that%26#39;s ok. have a great visit here anyway. Definitely go sailing while you are here! ~ Emily

Too crowded?

Hello Ancona,

Yes if you like sea and sailing you must come to Newport. It is very beautiful and historic. The Cape is beautiful too but the ocean water is colder there. Since you have two weeks for travel that is a good amount of time.

Traffic will be busy on the weekends but it would certainly be worth it; the worst will be outside of NYC and headed towards the Cape, but that shouldn%26#39;t be too bad.

I would also recommend Sightsailer for a tour on the sea in Newport. It is a smaller, more intimate 12-Meter. Www.sightsailing.com. As well as taking the ferry to Block Island from Newport.

Hi Edna in Italy ~

I agree with the above posts that Newport is a must. The history is amazing, the water is beautiful, and tons of boating.

To be honest, leaving NY for Newport on a Friday will be horrible. I do that drive a lot because I have family in Boston and the Cape. If you don%26#39;t mind traveling at off times, either leave NY late on Friday night (8pm) or really early in the morning. Leaving anytime between 1:30 in the afternoon and 7pm, you will be in bad traffic all the way along I-95 - and there isn%26#39;t an easier way to drive.

I still think that Cape Cod would be a great place to see and traffic isn%26#39;t bad if you travel at off hours. Places to go on the cape: Chatham is beautiful but very popular. Falmouth is nice as well, on the south shore, so the water is a bit warmer then all the way up at Wellfleet. If you do go all the way to Wellfleet, there is a great local bar with live music right on the water: the Beachcomber. Or if you don%26#39;t want to go too far out, there%26#39;s a little restaurant and bar in a marina near Falmouth called the Chart Room. The town is actually called Cataumet. All the locals hang out there drinking cape codders and bloody marys while watching the sun set.

If you%26#39;re staying in the Northeast, you should really go up to Boston as well. Lots of great clubs/bars, tons of shopping and there is no tax on clothes in Massachusetts. The best trendy restaurants are in the South End or go up into the North End for Boston%26#39;s Italian neighborhood! The food is good, but nothing like Italy. I would suggest trying Hamersley%26#39;s or Mistral.

Hope that helped. Have a great time!

Thanks to everybody.

A lot of useful information, especially about traffic around NY (we will follow your suggestion and leave very late on Friday).

I always knew that american people were great!

Can%26#39;t wait to come in US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree you would not miss Newport! You will love it. I have brought cousins visiting from Florence and Positano and they both were so happy to see and experience Newport that they want to go every time they visit New York. I also agree that you should travel off hours. Where do you plan to stay? I suggest Castle Hill (if you can get reservations). If you can, I would suggest trying to stay in Newport during the week in August. You should not miss it regardless but August is a busy month especially on weekends. Well, have a great time.

Hi Edna in Italy,

I just got back a month ago from visiting your country; had a wonderful time - super food, beautiful people!

If you DO visit Cape Cod (which I hope you will), go out to Wellfleet and go to the beaches at the National Seashore. These would include Marconi Beach (right off Route 6), a few miles before you get to Wellfleet; and the beach at Cahoon Holow (where the Beach Comber, mentioned previously, is located) is also great and you can park there for a fee. The Wellfleet town beaches all require a sticker indicating that you are renting (or own) a place in town . . . that is, no day stickers. You will see signs to the various locations of the Cape Cod National Seashore from Eastham on out. One of the wonderful things about these beaches are the high (in some cases, really high) dunes; and the way you can get away from the crowds (even on really crowded days) by just walking along the water, away from the areas guarded by life-guards. After a little while of walking, you%26#39;ll find long stretches of beach with hardly anyone there.

midwesternerOhiol

origins

Jazz fest very crowded?

My girlfriend and I are going to Newport for the second time this coming weekend (Sunday/Monday) but I have heard that the jazz fest makes nearly incapacitated due to large crowds. Would it be a bad idea to attend this weekend without the intention of enjoying the actual jazz fest? I am more interested in the mansions and cliff walk tours as opposed to the music. Has anyone been here during the fest before? And if so, did you need to make reservations ahead of time for the mansions and restaurants? Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!!

Jazz fest very crowded?

I was driving around town on Sat during the Folk fest and I actually thought traffic was light, but then I would never go with my car on the main drag on any weekend day. I think many people are either at the festival or stay away cuz they think its going to be swamped--plus the hot, hot weather...so no it wasn%26#39;t by any means incapacitated. After the festivals get out it probably gets quite busy, just stay away from the road to FOrt Adams and you%26#39;d probably be fine. Actually I think the jazz fest especially brings some of the cooler people to town..be sure to take the water taxi around to by-pass traffic. Have fun!

Jazz fest very crowded?

Where is the water taxi located? That sounds like a great idea

It starts at Perotti Park on America%26#39;s Cup ave, but you could catch it at of the drop off/pick up locations....Bowen%26#39;s Wharf, Fort Adams, Museum of Yachting etc. The Jamestown ferry also does this and goes to the Rose Island lighthouse in the harbor as well..its difficult to tell the difference some times..

No worries about being too crowded for Jazz Fest. The majority of people will be at Fort Adams, but the town will be very busy Saturday night after the fest is over. If you don%26#39;t have a place to stay yet, that will be your biggest challenge and could be expensive. Try to eat early or late to aviod the 7-8:30pm crunch of the large crowds all going out at the same time.

Avoid the water shuttles as they are packed with taking people to the festival.

www.GoNewport.com is a fantastic resource for all things Newport. Be sure to check out the calendar of events

www.TableHound.com is a good restaurant site.

MUST-DO%26#39;s in one weekend...

- Tour a mansion - Breakers is the number one Newport attraction. To make the most of this location, after the tour, walk down the street to the Cliff Walk and take a right onto the Cliff Walk. Go at least as far as the Chinese Tea House. On your way there will be a gate to enter the estate of the Astors%26#39; Beechwood Mansion. You will see an expansive lawn with a short set of stairs that lead up to the house with two stone dogs at the top. This is Astors%26#39; which offers a Living History Tour done with professional actors. When you enter the house you step back in time to the year 1891. Great tour to compliment the Breakers mansion since it is so different.

Go to the Visitors Center and grab a copy of the Best Read Guide which has a detailed map and description of the Cliff Walk.

- Take a harbor tour. Some of the most popular are Madeleine, Adirondack II, RunRunner and Gansett Cruises.

- Tour %26amp; tasting at Newport Vineyards. Just a short 5-10 minute ride from downtown. Great deli right next to it also, Fateulli%26#39;s.

- Drive 10 Mile Ocaen Drive and also stop in at Castle Hill while doing so. Sit in the Adirondack chairs and enjoy the best view on the island. Best at sunset!

- Grab a picnic lunch at Sig%26#39;s Deli and go the Brenton Point State Park. Bring a kite as the afternoon winds are fantastic and international kite festivals are held here so it has to be good. At Sig%26#39;s every Mon, Wed %26amp; Fri is fresh baked turkey sandwich day. Get the mac %26amp; chese if it is on display.

Restaurants

- Black Pearl for chowder and a delicious meal

- Mooring, the Bag of Donuts is a must and the scallop chowder

- Smokehouse for BBQ

- West Deck for a great meal.

- Scales %26amp; Shells

- Zelda%26#39;s

- Brick Alley Pub

Breakfast with the locals -

Corner Cafe, Gary%26#39;s Handy or the Franklin Spa

Keep in mind that it is Jazz Fest weekend and traffic on Ocean Drive will be very heavy from about 10am - noon and then from 7-8pm as concert attendees are going and leaving Fort Adams

Narragansett/Newport

We are a family of 4 hoping to visit the area for two nights- August 19/20. Can anyone name a Hotel in Narragansett they enjoyed (not the Anchor Inn-booked) on the beach and do the beaches in Newport have waves and sand (not rocks) if we decide to stay there? I know there are plenty of Hotels in Newport . Any Hotel along the coast of RI in the area thay has rave reviews would be great. I can%26#39;t seem to find any that are consistently rated high. Thanks.

Narragansett/Newport

There aren%26#39;t really a lot of hotels along the coast, just smaller places, more just beachside inns and b%26amp;b%26#39;s.Yes the hotels would be in Npt or Middletown, however there is a Holiday Inn in Kingston. Yes the beaches have waves and sand, in Newport 2nd Beach, also known as Sachuest is the best- however Third Beach and Gosseberry are popular with families and children. Oh, and the water is a lot warmer than you would experience in Mass.

Narragansett/Newport

Narragannsett Town Becah is beautiful as are the other beaches in that area. This is a true beach resort as that is the main attraction in that area of RI. You also have easy access to the Blcok Island ferry in Pt. Judith for what is a great day trip with a family. Bring bikes or rent them on the Block. www.BlockIslandInfo.com

Newport is a great area to vacation with more to do than you could fit into a weekend.

The Inn at Newport Beach is right across the street from First Beach and next to a few places to eat. In downtown Newport there is a Hyatt, Marriott, The Newport Harbor Hotel and Hotel Viking. You could also contact a resrevation service such as Newpoirt Rez or TaylorMade Rez found on GoNewport.com

www.GoNewport.com and be sure to check out the calendar of events and Things To Do for many more options than listed below.

www.TableHound.com for all Newport restaurants

MUST-DO%26#39;s for a family

- Tour the Breakers Mansion - #1 attraction in the state

- Tour Astors%26#39; Beechwood - big hit with children. Living History tour with professional actors and you walk back into the year 1891 when you enter the home

- Walk the Cliff Walk . Go to the Visitors Center and pick up The Best Read Guide which has a detailed map and description of the Cliff Walk.

- Go to Sig%26#39;s Deli and get a picnic lunch, grab your kites and go to Brenton Point State Park. Right on the ocean and you can walk along the rocks also.

- Visit Aquidneck Lobster Company to see the amazing lobsters for sale

- Tennis fans? The only public grass courts in the US are at the Tennis Hall of Fame. Go play or walk throught the interactive museum that children enjoy.

- First Beach is in Newport, but has lots of seaweed. Go to Second. If your kids are very young go to Goosebeey that has no waves at all and is perfect for families.

- Walk through St Mary%26#39;s when President Kennedy was married when he was just a Senator.

- Visit Trinity Church as see the pew where General George Washington worshipped from before he became President.

- harbor tour is a must! Madeleine, Amazinbg Grace, RumRunner, Adirondack II, and Gansett Cruises are very popular, but there are many other options

- as I mentioned, check out Newport%26#39;s calendar of events. Lots to do!

Restaurants for children

Salas%26#39;s for dinner - the second floor

Brick Alley Pub - lunch or dinner

The Wharf Pub - lunch or dinner

Breakfast at Gary%26#39;s Handy, Franklin Spa, Poor Richards or Corner Cafe

Must have chowder at the Black Pearl. Great burgers also.

Flo%26#39;s Clamshack at First Beach

SmokeHouse cafe

Might also want to investigate Misquamicut

http://www.misquamicut.org/

From Narragansett you can do day trips to Newport, but Misquamicut is a bit farther.

First Time in Newport 8/10 - 8/13

hi

we are planning on going to Newport this weekend - our first time, surprise for my wife. I have been reading the forums, would like to get some ideas/suggestions of what to do. If possible, romantic (not stuffy), and, perhaps, adventurous. we are staying at 50 william st.

also, i see it might rain fri/sat.

this is what i gathered so far, any thing i am missing?

---------------------

YES

-spa/massage (indoors)

-America%26#39;s cup charter racing cup charter - sunset?

-rent/bring bikes

-cliff walk

MAYBE

-something literary?

-jazz festival

-mansion tours (Breakers/The Elms / Marble House)

-restaurant - mooring / black pearl

-helicopter

NO

-Block Island Info

-horseback riding

-tennis

thanks

cj

First Time in Newport 8/10 - 8/13

oh

and what about block island?

First Time in Newport 8/10 - 8/13

I%26#39;m confused? I thought you put Block Island on your NO list...?

In any event, if you are just coming to Newport for the weekend, I would skip Block Island...that%26#39;s a full day itself, and you%26#39;d be missing all that Newport has to offer.

You could take the Jamestown Ferry for a short ride across the Bay and check out Jamestown for a couple hours.....Simpatico is a great romantic but not stuffy restaurant there. Al Fresco dining on their outside trellaced yard.

I%26#39;d probably put a mansion from Maybe to Yes....at least one...The Breakers or Doris Dukes Rough Point.

For another romantic idea, grab a lunch and/or cocktail out on the lawn at Castle Hill....grab a couple adirondacks and hang out on the back lawn with great views....or grab a sandwich to go, and find a quiet spot out on the 10 mile drive near Brenton Point.

There is a sunset rum runner cocktail cruise on a small boat . Usually just nice couples .Boards near the black pearl .It serves rums drinks included in the price of the cruise . You can get some discount tickets at the information center as you drive into town .

You can get some good info at : gonewport.com

The Newport winery tour is fun and inexpensive . Also good for souviners to bring or ship back .

There is a short train ride along the river . Very enjoyable .

I recomend the Newport Blues Cafe for live music and good bar snacks . I like many other restaurants much better than the black pearl which is cramped and old downstairs . Try Red Parrot , Quohog , Asterix . Or most of the restaurants on Jamestown . I suggest to check out the Coast Guard Station Restaurant ( casual upstairs outdoor deck , or very nice dining rooms downstairs ) in Naragansette just a bit before Newport . We always stop for dinner or lunch when we go to Newport . I second going to the Breakers . My wife ';dragged'; me to it and I loved it !

Well, walking ALL of cliff walk to the very end can get adventurous..if you like to swim, there is a beautiful beach at the end...only the further half is private...taking your bikes to Newport is a great idea..and to Block Island if you could do it....but for a three day weekend better to leave that for another visit....if you have any literary inclinations don%26#39;t miss the Redwood Library, it%26#39;s on Bellevue and wouldn%26#39;t take but a half hour..a great place to relax too. Other things...Rose Island Lighthouse is in the middle of the harbor and is a very special place; from there you could take the ferry to Jamestown and yes eat at the Trattoria outside. Yes to charter racing a 12 meter, yes to Rough Point and the Breakers...

How about flying a kite at Brenton Point Park? Right on Ocean Drive for great views. Always a breeze, even the most inexpensive of kites can take flight there. Bring a picnic lunch-you can spread a blanket on the grass or there are a number of picnic tables too. (sandwiches from Sigs Deli). There are also clean public restrooms there too.

I second the Mooring for dinner. Get a table on the deck. Ocean Breeze Cafe for breakfast.

Alright. Some good ideas and some that need to put on the back burner.

www.GoNewport.com is a fantastic resource for all things Newport. Be sure to check out the calendar of events

www.TableHound.com is a good restaurant site.

Suggestions to put on the Back Burner:

- Narragansett and the Coast Guard House. Too many places to eat in Newport before you drive a half hour for a meal. Good, but not worth taking you out of Newport

- Block Island is an entire day trip. Once again, too much to do in Newport. Save it for another trip as it is an enjoyable visit. Avoid weekends there if possible during peak season.

- Recommendation to aviod the Black Pearl. This restaurant is an institution in Newport and has a great location for people watching and the best clam chowder you will ever taste. There isn%26#39;t even a downstairs so I don%26#39;t know how the downstairs can be cramped and stuffy as one of the posts suggests. Eat there!

MUST-DO%26#39;s in one weekend...

- Tour a mansion - Breakers is the number one Newport attraction. To make the most of this location, after the tour, walk down the street to the Cliff Walk and take a right onto the Cliff Walk. Go at least as far as the Chinese Tea House. On your way there will be a gate to enter the estate of the Astors%26#39; Beechwood Mansion. You will see an expansive lawn with a short set of stairs that lead up to the house with two stone dogs at the top. This is Astors%26#39; which offers a Living History Tour done with professional actors. When you enter the house you step back in time to the year 1891. Great tour to compliment the Breakers mansion since it is so different.

Go to the Visitors Center and grab a copy of the Best Read Guide which has a detailed map and description of the Cliff Walk.

- Take a harbor tour. Some of the most popular are Madeleine, Adirondack II, RunRunner and Gansett Cruises. If you have the budget to do a 12 meter America%26#39;s Cup harbor tour by all means do it!

www.AmericasCupCharters.com

- Tour %26amp; tasting at Newport Vineyards. Just a short 5-10 minute ride from downtown. Great deli right next to it also, Fateulli%26#39;s.

- Drive 10 Mile Ocaen Drive and also stop in at Castle Hill while doing so. Sit in the Adirondack chairs and enjoy the best view on the island. Best at sunset!

- Grab a picnic lunch at Sig%26#39;s Deli and go the Brenton Point State Park. Bring a kite as the afternoon winds are fantastic and international kite festivals are held here so it has to be good. At Sig%26#39;s every Mon, Wed %26amp; Fri is fresh baked turkey sandwich day. Get the mac %26amp; chese if it is on display.

- Literary??? Visit Redwood Library and call ahead to see when the formal free tours are conducted. Oldest Lending Library in the US. If you want a keepsake buy a signed copy of ';Newport - A Lively Experiment'; while at Redwood.

Lots of other things to do, but you only have a weekend!

Restaurants

- Black Pearl as I mentioned for chowder and a delicious meal

- Mooring, the Bag of Donuts is a must and the scallop chowder

- Smokehouse for BBQ

- West Deck for a great meal.

- Scales %26amp; Shells

- Zelda%26#39;s

- Brick Alley Pub

Breakfast with the locals - Corner Cafe, Gary%26#39;s Handy or the Franklin Spa is a short walk from Williams Street which by the way is a very central location.

Keep in mind that it is Jazz Fest weekend and traffic on Ocean Drive will be very heavy from about 10am - noon and then from 7-8pm as concert attendees are going and leaving Fort Adams

thanks for all the suggestions!

One dinner, one lunch in Newport

My husband and I are visiting Newport this weekend for a wedding -but because of all the wedding festivities, we only get to enjoy 1 dinner and 1 lunch on our own. Where would you recommend we go?

Not looking for anything fancy - we live in Chicago and can do fancy all the time here. Just good food and a fun, relaxed atmosphere - something local that we%26#39;d only get in Newport. Thanks!

One dinner, one lunch in Newport

For casual dining I would recemmend Black Pearl for lunch and Scales and Shells for dinner. Very casual but a great Newport experience. I would recemmend the clam chowder for lunch at Black Pearl and any seafood you like at Scales and Shells. Scales and Shells is seafood only. It is fresh and simply prepared. Get there early, a line forms on the weekends during the summer. BTW- Scales and Shells is on Themes and Black Pearl is on Bannisters Warf. For a casual but more upscale dinner I would recommend West Deck on Waites Warf. Have fun!!!

One dinner, one lunch in Newport

The Mooring, Clarke Cooke House, 22Bowens, Black Pearl. (all are very close to each other so you could check out the ambiance and menues and decide) IMO I find that in the summer, Lunches can be better than dinner...less crowded, better value, more relaxed.

For dinner you could also try Salvation Cafe, (Not a lot of seafood, but a very local crowd.) on Broadway. Fifth Element, Brick Alley, Mudville Pub, Sambar, are all local haunts as well.

For a nice view for an afternoon cocktail, or a splurge for lunch (Dinner would fall under your ';Fancy'; category) Castle Hill offers an amazing view.....

http://www.mooringrestaurant.com

bannisterswharf.net/clarke_cooke_house.aspx

http://www.22bowens.com/

http://www.blackpearlnewport.com/

http://www.salvationcafe.com/

http://www.5eri.com/

http://www.brickalley.com/

(can%26#39;t find websites for Mudville, or Sambar)

castlehillinn.com/Dining/Menus/Grille_Menu/

Another good all around site for dining options, but slightly confusing at first, is:

http://newport.tablehound.com/

Thanks for the help!

I would suggest Chopmist Charlies in Jamestown for Casual Seafood ( huge portions - local spot ) , or The Landings on Bowens Wharf . Also Bay Voyage in Jamestown has outdoor dining looking out on Newport , just a bit fancy . Outdoors tables at the Quohog give you a great people watching seat and the food is good . If you have the time to drive around the Coast Guard Station - Naragansette , is a great piece of history and VG food for lunch or dinner . Oudoors up stairs is more casual and smaller menu . Downstairs has big windows looking out on the Ocean .

Some great suggestions, but stay in Newport. No need to venture off when you have more options that you will know what to do with.

The Black Pearl is a great choice for lunch or dinner. I would prefer lunch on the patio under an umbrella. Great people watching and you can experience the harbor tours coming in and out. Their chowder is a Newport Must-Do.

Way to many places to have a casual nice dinner...

West Deck, Moorings, Fluke, Clarke Cooke House are all on Bannisters Wharf and would suit you well. Zelda%26#39;s Scales %26amp; Shells, Pronto%26#39;s, Mama Luisa%26#39;s....see what I mean. many places!

check out www.GoNewport.com for all things Newport

www.TableHound.com for all restaurants.

IMHO Morrings is soooo similar to Ruth%26#39;s Chris ( I assume there%26#39;s one in Chicago ) . and probably fancier than you are looking for .

????

The Mooring specializes in Seafood.....Ruth%26#39;s Chris is a steakhouse....

They couldn%26#39;t be further apart.

Correction , I meant to say 22Bowens was similar to Ruth%26#39;s Chris . A bit of a hangover ! - Sorry . But Moorings might also be too formal as is West Deck . Although remember that ALL of Newport is a town where if you don%26#39;t really dress up anywhere except the White Horse Tavern and Castle Hill . I once saw 4 women in their 30%26#39;s go in the Red Parrot at about 10 at night on a Sat. night . They were dressed like NYC women would going out for a few drinks or such ( High Heels and skirts .) People stared and them like someone was filming an episode of S*x in The City -LOL . PS you can%26#39;t type the word S*X on this site -lol .

Yes...22 Bowens is your average steakhouse....

As far as dress goes, I agree...other than the real high end, anything goes....except tank tops!!!! I was at the bar at 22 Bowens this past weekend, and they gave T-shirts to the men that tried to come in with tank-tops....Nice 22 T-Shirt....I wondered if they got to keep it or were charged for it...but please, NO TANKTOPS!

Beach Plum Inn

Don%26#39;t go there! The place was a disaster. The rooms that they on the website are the ones that are being shown by RE agents as vacation condos. The other rooms have fithy rugs and comforters. The smoke detector was pulled off the ceiling.

YUK! When I tried to reach the owners to lodge a complaint, there was NO REPLY.

If I hadn%26#39;t pre-paid (and there were handwritten signs all over about NO REFUNDS) I would have run screaming from the place!!!!

Beach Plum Inn

I wish we had read your post prior to staying at this hotel. It was horrid. At first glance the 1 bed room suite looked nice but when we were getting ready for bed was when we noticed things wrong with the place.

1. Fire detector was not on the ceiling instead in a drawer and wires were hanging from ceiling.

2. Light switch cover was also found in drawer and open wires at light switch,

3. Couch which was supposed to be a sleeper couch was disgusting. Un sleepable. Dirty, ripped, literaly couldn%26#39;t sleep on pull out bed. Also no sheets for it if we could have

4. A live bug found on pillow.

5. Not enough towels provided and when we asked for more she would not give us any.

6. No extra toilet paper, No shampoo, or things to cook with for the kitchenette.

All and all this was a terrible INN and I strongly recommend NO one to ever stay there.

Beach Plum Inn

And the worse part is...I tried to get in touch with the owner several times, but it was to no avail. We also had a detached smoke detector. This is a safety hazard that should be reported to the Westerly Fire Dept.

Burbank Rose B&B

Has anyone ever stayed at the Burbank Rose B%26amp;B? My husband and I are considering a trip to Newport the week of August 20th and we are thinking of staying there or someplace called the Hawthornehouse B%26amp;B? Any advice would be gladly appreciated?

Burbank Rose B%26amp;B

Never stayed at any of them, as I%26#39;m a local....but I had never heard of the Hawthorne House so I was curious and looked it up. It looks as though it%26#39;s a single unit that the owners rent out. Not the typical B%26amp;B that you%26#39;d find in town. It%26#39;s in a more residential area than the Burbank Rose.

The Burbank Rose is right in town on the corner of Memorial and Thames....right across from the Red Parrot. It%26#39;s a much better location for walking to the sights. Can%26#39;t comment on the Inn itself however.

Pearls Boutique Hotel

Has anyone been here? The Willams St location rooms are cheaper, because its a couple of blocks from the Pelham location..Is is worth it to pay more to stay at the Pellham location

Pearls Boutique Hotel

there is no tax on the williams location

Pearls Boutique Hotel

that%26#39;s strange....do you know why?

not sure. maybe not zoned as a lodge?

Everyone has to pay state tax. Maybe if it doesn%26#39;t have enough rooms to have to register as a B%26amp;B they don%26#39;t have to charge the lodging tax. Not sure what that is all about, but Williams Street is central to everything. No problems with staying at this location.

I would certainly recommend AGAINST the William St location and this establishment in general. Room 19 at William Street would be more accurately described as a ';slightly renovated basement apartment';.

Restaurants

Hello,

My friends and I are headed to block island for the weekend. Any restaurant recommendations?

Thanks!

Restaurants

The Mohegan Cafe is one of my personal favorites and I would recommend it to anyone. It has great food and the waitstaff is very freindly. Also, it has a very ';local'; feel to it.

I would also recommend the 1661 Inn. Their breakfast buffet is extraordinary.

I would warn against going to Ballards. It can be fun for the young crowd, but the food is very average and the waitstaff leaves something to be desired.

Restaurants

I like the Beachhead for the view and deck. The food was good as well.

Absolutely - The Beachhead - I can%26#39;t believe I forgot about this place. An excellent restaurant with great views and reasonable pricing. A very short walk from downtown.

I%26#39;ve been many times and tried most places at least once. Eli%26#39;s, Spring House and Manisses are the only places I been to twice. Try drinks and apps at Spring House and Atlantic Inn at sunset. You can get a taste of the menu without spending a fortune. My girlfriend is vegetarian, and we were surpised that Eli%26#39;s has a great veggie menu, but you need to ask for it.

I had dinner at Dead Eye Dicks and the food was fantastic. I went with my girlfriend and another couple, and we each ordered something different and sampled each others meals . Everything was great. I hear Eli%26#39;s is good, but didn%26#39;t eat there. Lunch and cocktails were very nice at the Oar ,which has a beautiful view of the harbor. In fact, I think the photo of the harbor on the blockisland.com webpage is from the Oar.

I also had a great meal at the Mohegan Cafe for dinner. I ordered the chicken pad thai. It was one of the best things I%26#39;d ever eaten.

Historic Hill Inn??? Nothing online?

I am debating booking a room TONIGHT in the Historic Hill in for next week/weekend. I can not find much online about it and want to make sure it is valid before I go and book it.

If someone has any information please let me know as soon as possible. THANK YOU

Historic Hill Inn??? Nothing online?

As far as valid....yes it actually exists. Good location for walking to town. Walk by it all the time, but have never known anyone that has stayed there. Looks fine from the outside....

I assume you found their website, but were looking for more reviews.....but just in case:

http://www.historichillinn.com/index.html

Historic Hill Inn??? Nothing online?

Sorry, but I do not have any specific info on that Inn, but it is in a very convenient location.

www.GoNewport.com is a fantastic resource for all things Newport. Be

sure to check out the calendar of events

www.TableHound.com is a good restaurant site.

MUST-DO%26#39;s for a first-timer to Newport...

- Tour a mansion - Breakers is the number one Newport attraction. To make the most of this location, after the tour, walk down the street to the Cliff Walk and take a right onto the Cliff Walk. Go at least as far as the Chinese Tea House. On your way there will be a gate to enter the estate of the Astors%26#39; Beechwood Mansion. You will see an expansive lawn with a short set of stairs that lead up to the house with two stone dogs at the top. This is Astors%26#39; which offers a Living History Tour done with professional actors. When you enter the house you step back in time to the year 1891. Great tour to compliment the Breakers mansion since it is so different.

Go to the Visitors Center and grab a copy of the Best Read Guide which has a detailed map and description of the Cliff Walk.

- Take a harbor tour. Some of the most popular are Madeleine, Adirondack II, RunRunner and Gansett Cruises.

- Tour %26amp; tasting at Newport Vineyards. Just a short 5-10 minute ride from downtown. Great deli right next to it also, Fateulli%26#39;s.

- Drive 10 Mile Ocaen Drive and also stop in at Castle Hill while doing so. Sit in the Adirondack chairs and enjoy the best view on the island. Best at sunset!

- Grab a picnic lunch at Sig%26#39;s Deli and go the Brenton Point State Park. Bring a kite as the afternoon winds are fantastic and international kite festivals are held here so it has to be good. At Sig%26#39;s every Mon, Wed %26amp; Fri is fresh baked turkey sandwich day. Get the mac %26amp; chese if it is on display.

Restaurants

- Black Pearl for the best chowder and a delicious meal

- Mooring, the Bag of Donuts is a must and the scallop chowder

- Smokehouse for BBQ

- West Deck for a great meal.

- Scales %26amp; Shells

- Zelda%26#39;s

- Fluke

- Brick Alley Pub

Breakfast with the locals -

Corner Cafe, Gary%26#39;s Handy or the Franklin Spa

Best Lobster Roll in Newport?

Where can we get the BEST lobster roll in newport???

Best Lobster Roll in Newport?

Best is obviously subjective (some like the ambiance of an old shack with picnic tables near the water, other like lots of claw meat others want cheap...etc) but La Forge Restaurant, right next to the Tennis Hall Of Fame has an excellent one.

Best Lobster Roll in Newport?

Yesterday my husband had the lobster roll at the Black Pearl (actually it was on a croissant) but he said it was fantastic. I like the lobster roll at Flo%26#39;s. Flo%26#39;s is a beach shack and serves theirs on the traditional hot dog bun and only contains lobser meat (you can add your own mayo) and it is pretty cheap ($12.95 I think).

Great replies and I agree that there are many fantastic choices and ambiance should be one of the the deciding factors.

The Black Pearl does a great job and they have the outdoor patio which is great for people watching. It is only on the lunch menu.

I had Flo%26#39;s last week and it was good. Across from First Beach and very rustic, but a fun experience. You get in line, order your food, and go find a table. As I left Flo%26#39;s I saw a sign for 2 lobster rolls at the First Beach concession stand for the same price I just paid for one, but have never had the lobster roll there.

try them all!

www.TableHound.com for all Newport restaurants

leaves still changing the last 2 weeks of October?

Want to spend the weekend in Newport the weekend of Oct. 19. Is this too late to enjoy the fall foliage in Bellvue Ave.?

leaves still changing the last 2 weeks of October?

This is the best time for foliage on Bellevue. By Halloween the trees are just starting to fade here.

leaves still changing the last 2 weeks of October?

That is usually a great time for foliage, but it can be hard to gauge because you have to take into account the temperature and also the rainfall that happened during the summer. While nothing is a sure bet, that is time of year usually is good.

www.GoNewport.com and check out the calendar of events for when you will be in Newport.

Any scene going on on a summer Saturday in Providence?

Looking to hold a bachelor party - possibly in Providence. Guys in our early 30%26#39;s....just looking for some good bars/outdoor drinking?

Anything going on next weekend August 18th that would make this a good destination or is everyone out of town?

We%26#39;ve done Newport before and that was a good scene...

Thanks Mike from NYC

Any scene going on on a summer Saturday in Providence?

Aug. 18 there is a ';waterfire';. The only one in August. Just google waterfire for full info.

Any scene going on on a summer Saturday in Providence?

Hello Mike,

August 18th there is going to be a Waterfire in Providence. Waterfire is basically when the Providence River is illuminated with cauldrons of fire from sunset until the early hours of the morning. It brings in thousands of people to the city and continues at sporadic dates through October.

There are definatley some good bars in the Providence area. Considering that college students make up a third of Providence%26#39;s population, the city is a little quieter in the summer. However, colleges are starting up soon and the city is slowly returning to normal capacity.

Federal Hill has lots of bars and they are all located on the same street. There are also some good bars just east of the Providence River as well. Downtown has some great spots but they are sort of spread out. You can walk to any of them within about 10 minutes.

Hope I was able to help you out.

Andrew

Concierge

The Hotel Providence

Weather and Accomodations

I would like to plan a girls weekend with my sister to Newport (it%26#39;s been 20 yrs) and tour the mansions again. What is the temperature during the middle of September as well as the middle of October. Does it rain a lot during this time? Also, does anyone know of a decent bed and breakfast that has two beds in the same room (not twins, at least doubles). Thanks so much for your help.

Weather and Accomodations

It%26#39;s New England, so it%26#39;s hard to predict, but for the most part, September %26amp; October are wonderful months to visit up here. But do be prepared and bring an umbrella or slicker and a light jacket. As for B%26amp;B%26#39;s, a good place to start is bbonline.com. From there, you can access individual B%26amp;B websites you%26#39;re interested in. Two double beds may be a challenge, but nose around in the site and see what you come up with.

Weather and Accomodations

What would you say the average temperture during the day and night are?

weather.com/weather/鈥?/a>

Weather.com will give you averages for any location. Above is for Newport. A fantastic time of year and Newport is still in high-gear with festivals, outdoor dining, harbor tours, etc.

www.GoNewport.com. Check out the calendar of events and also the B%26amp;B section that lists all the ones in Newport. You could also check out a reservation service that should be familiar with all the B%26amp;B%26#39;s.

www.TableHound.com for restaurants.

If you haven%26#39;t toured Astors%26#39; Beechwood make a point to do so. It just went on the market for sale and this may be your last chance. Rough Point is also new since the last time you were here.

Sorry, I forgot to ask...

When, if at all, do the mansions shut down for the season? When do they open, as well. Thanks so much!!

Sorry, I forgot to ask...

OK, the best source of information on mansion schedules is newportmansions.org. This should have all the information you%26#39;ll need.

Sorry, I forgot to ask...

Thank you, I appreciate the info.

Once again, I would go to www.GoNewport.com where you will find info on all the mansions

Preservation Society Properties

Astors%26#39; Beechwood

Belcourt Castle

Rough Point

and don%26#39;t forget the Tennis Hall of Fame which is a great place to visit.

A trip to Newport isn%26#39;t complete without walking the Cliff walk.

origins

RI beaches

We were at Narragansett town beach last week and although we loved the water it was absolutely packed with people. Blanket to blanket. Not our cup of tea. Any suggestions for good waves with less crowds?

RI beaches

How about Misquamicut Beach in Westerly? It%26#39;s a very large beach, so crowding would be less of an issue.

RI beaches

I haven%26#39;t been there since we were kids! I always remembered it as being crowded as well. We%26#39;ll give it another try - we%26#39;re actually headed up next week. Thanks for the response.

JMO but I would avoid Misquamicut Beach, Its the most crowded in the state with traffic backed up into Connecticutt on weekends. I would recommend East Beach in Charleston or if you like even more solitude park in Watch Hill(early) and walk out towards Ninigret Point..

B.

Regarding Watch Hill, just be aware that parking is a big issue.

Make that Napatree point not Ninigret point, and you do have to get there early.

b.

Late September Roadtrip N.E.

Hi,

We are a Danish couple (ages 25 and 31) travelling to new England, for a roadtrip from September 16th to October 1st. We are planning to take the route below, and are hoping for some input for places to see (or not see!)or other good ideas from all you who knows the area:

Newport, 1 night (We are driving from New York)

Cape Cod, 2 nights

Kennebunkport, maybe Portland?, 1 night

White Mountains, 2 nights

Green Mountains, 2 nights

The Berkshires, 1 night

And then finally finishing off with 2 nights in Boston.

Does that sound like a good trip, or does any of you have other recommendations/ of places to visit instead of the above maybe?

I know it can be difficult to provide advice to people you don%26#39;t know, however we are taking this trip to experience the beautiful nature views of New England, to visit the small and cosy towns, maybe finding good shoppingareas and just enjoying the ambience of New England in that season.

Also, we are trying to find some of the good inns and BB%26#39;s the area offers and are famous for, at affordable prices, our pricelimit is about USD 140-160 pr. night pr. room, so if any of you should have any good suggestions in this pricerange, we would really appreciate to hear about them :o)

Thank you.

Kind regards,

Jomany

Late September Roadtrip N.E.

Jomany,

Your itinery covers the best of New England, and September is beautiful weather for a driving trip here. If you had to skip something I would say Kennebunkport, and give more time to Newport. :-) - just much more to do/see -or maybe just a drive through or skip the Berkshires which won%26#39;t seem as impressive after being in NH or Vermont. If you like nature the Audubon Wildlife Refuge on the cape is very beautiful. Enjoy..

Late September Roadtrip N.E.

Jo,

You should put this in the VT, MA, NH, and ME forums.

xia post has good suggestions.

I visited Kennebunkport a month ago and did everyhting in a few hours. Very nice though.

I would also suggest more time in Newport because there is so much to see and do...mansions, harbor tour, tennis hall of fame, vineyards, Cliff Walk, 10 Mile Ocean Drive, more restuarants than you can count, special events and festivals, etc.....

www.GoNewport.com is a fantastic resource for all things Newport. Be

sure to check out the calendar of events

www.TableHound.com is a good restaurant site.

MUST-DO%26#39;s for a first-timer to Newport...

- Tour a mansion - Breakers is the number one Newport attraction. To make the most of this location, after the tour, walk down the street to the Cliff Walk and take a right onto the Cliff Walk. Go at least as far as the Chinese Tea House. On your way there will be a gate to enter the estate of the Astors%26#39; Beechwood Mansion. You will see an expansive lawn with a short set of stairs that lead up to the house with two stone dogs at the top. This is Astors%26#39; which offers a Living History Tour done with professional actors. When you enter the house you step back in time to the year 1891. Great tour to compliment the Breakers mansion since it is so different.

Go to the Visitors Center and grab a copy of the Best Read Guide which has a detailed map and description of the Cliff Walk.

- Take a harbor tour. Some of the most popular are Madeleine, Adirondack II, RunRunner and Gansett Cruises.

- Drive 10 Mile Ocaen Drive and also stop in at Castle Hill while doing so. Sit in the Adirondack chairs and enjoy the best view on the island. Best at sunset!

- Grab a picnic lunch at Sig%26#39;s Deli and go the Brenton Point State Park. Bring a kite as the afternoon winds are fantastic and international kite festivals are held here so it has to be good. At Sig%26#39;s every Mon, Wed %26amp; Fri is fresh baked turkey sandwich day. Get the mac %26amp; chese if it is on display.

- Tour %26amp; tasting at Newport Vineyards. Just a short 5-10 minute ride from downtown. Great deli right next to it also, Fateulli%26#39;s.

Restaurants

- Black Pearl for the best chowder and a delicious meal and great people watching

- Mooring, the Bag of Donuts is a must and the scallop chowder

- Smokehouse for BBQ

- West Deck for a great meal.

- Scales %26amp; Shells

- Zelda%26#39;s

- Fluke

- Brick Alley Pub

Breakfast with the locals -

Corner Cafe, Gary%26#39;s Handy or the Franklin Spa

It will be hard to decide what to do especially if you have just one day.

Hi Jomany,

Spend atleast 2 -3 nights in Newport You will be very happy you did. I am going in Oct and can%26#39;t wait. The Attwater Villa has budget minded rooms for 165 a night in Sept. Most places still have high season rates then.

Have fun!

Maria

Dear all,

Thank you so much for your ideas, suggestions and comments to our hopefully wonderful trip. So many places to see, so little time!

Our dilemma on the N.E. trip is mainly that we would like to see as much as possible of New England, as we have heard and read so many good things about this part of America, but also do not want to do and see everything in a hurry. Hopefully the above itinery will be just perfect, althoug we know it is a bit early for leef peeping.

But thank you very much for your inputs, as mentioned before it is highly appreciated :o)

If you should have any suggestion of small quaint towns to stay in nearby the more ';touristy'; cities and places mentioned in the itinery, we would love to hear about it.

Many regards,

JOMANY

Yes, in New Hampshire I would highly suggest taking route 25 just south of the White Mountains- Sandwich, Holderness, Squam Lake areas- lovely country. In Connecticut if you have the time on your way to RI there is the Hadlyme area- where you could take a car ferry over the Connecticut River for a dollar. In RI, Wickford and Jamestown (especially) are beautiful and on your way to Newport. On the Cape, the Sandwich area was very nice, as is the area around Wellfleet, and the views of the ocean are stunning in Chatham- to name a few. In Vermont there are several nice beer breweries to visit as well the Ben %26amp; Jerries Ice Cream Factory.

I would skip the Cape and head out to Nantucket for a night or two instead. I just think you have to hit one of the Islands to have a real New England experience. Portland is nice, I might skip kennebunkport. And give Newport 2 nights, and spend one of those days checking out Jamestown and Wickford. On your way out of town hit Bristol- all three are authentic New England small towns. (actually Bristol is a cheaper place ot stay about 15-20 minutes North of Newport)

Place wanted to stay for one night, no minimum stay

I%26#39;m looking for a place to stay this weekend (Aug 18) for one night only. So far, the Hyatt Goat Island comes in at $570, the Marriott around $500; and others are in the same range. WAY TOO MUCH! I%26#39;ve come across many others (B%26amp;B%26#39;s too) that are reasonable, but two or three night minimum, or Friday/Saturday minimum which is more than I want.

Anybody know of anyplace that is reasonably priced and does not have a minimum stay?

Near Fort Adams a plus, but not too far away from there.

Thanks, Harry

Place wanted to stay for one night, no minimum stay

Hi Harry,

Sorry, but no place that I know of doesn%26#39;t have a 2 night minimum. I always stay at a B%26amp;B and this is high season as you know, so I think all might. The only place I can think of is a motel. Motel 6 is fairly new and a few minutes out of the downtown area. They have actually gotten good reviews on this site for being very clean.

Good Luck,

Maria

Place wanted to stay for one night, no minimum stay

Best Westsern Mainstay (just outside of town across from Newport Grand) has rooms for around $189....also Motel 6 for $109.

Unfortunately that is the nature of high-season. A Staurday night is much easier to sell than a Friday. Your Saturday-night-only will most likely create a vacant room on Friday. Hotels and B%26amp;B%26#39;s would rather wait until the last minute for a guest than to sell just a Saturday.

www.GoNewport.com is a great resource and you could call a reservation service.

The Visitors Center lists hotels and B%26amp;Bs that still have openings and if you go into the Center when you arrive you can check out the selection. You are also taking a small chance that there may be none and will end up in Middletown at the Best Western mainstay or Motel 6. Theses two places are only a mile or two from downtown, but are not close enough to walk into downtown. Fort Adams is also not walking distance to downtown just in case you are not familiar with Newport%26#39;s layout. If you stay outside of Newport be sure to ask in the Visitors Center how to get parking in their lot for just $2.00 a day.

Why don%26#39;t you try the Seamen%26#39;s Church Institute, they might put you up for the night...and are in the heart of downtown. On old West Broadway there is the Las Palmas Inn; the America%26#39;s Cup Inn on Thames St. is often overlooked as well. Good Luck.

Definately do not try the Seaman%26#39;s Institute. It is not the place for a visitor to be staying. It is for sailor%26#39;s looking for a transient place to stay or maybe for someone who may a bit down on their luck and needs a place for a short time. Strict rules to follow and no guests allowed.

Las Palmas might be a good option, but you may come across the 2-night minimum.

You could also try the Old Beach Inn for just one night. Nice place and good location behind the Art Museum on Bellevue.

http://www.OldBeachInn.com

Thanks to one and all.

I waited too long and wound up at the Quality Inn, Somerset Mass.

Maybe next time.

origins

moving to RI

I am moving to RI from Maryland and am curious where to live. I would love about 1 acre in an older community with good schools. Ideally, only 15-20 minutes from Providence? Any suggestions?

moving to RI

Rhode Island is only 47 miles from top to bottom, so anywhere you live is going to be close to Providence. The Warwick or Coventry area is right about in the middle of the state. Foster, Scituate and Hope get a little more country and have beautiful wooded areas, also further from the water, making winters a little tougher. Foster is actually right onthe CT border, but still so very close to Providence. I have a great realtor guy who may be able to find you something. His name is Donny Bennett and his number is (401) 269-9615 - Tell him Denise from West Warwick referred you.

I moved out to RI about 2 years ago and have recently come back to NY to deal with some family issues. I miss it terribly and look forward to going back some day. Work is hard to find, so I hope you%26#39;ve lined that up or are going due to a work transfer. You will NEVER get a state or government job because everything stays within family there. You%26#39;ll find the government to be interetsingly corrupt, but that%26#39;s part of what RI is. There is a great my space blog on RI blog.myspace.com/index.cfm…

it%26#39;s so true.

Good luck on your move

moving to RI

Thank you for the information. I have a job and that is the draw to the state. I am very nervous about moving. Here is an odd questions: can you buy beer in grocery stores in RI? In Maryland all beer, wine, etc. has to be purchased in a liquor store.

Thanks!

Nope, all beer wine and spirits are bought at a liquor store..

Anniversary Dinner

My husband and I are staying at the Hotel Viking for a 20th anniversary celebration. We are looking for recommendations for a romantic, but not stuffy dinner. We looked at all the websites and like the looks of Mama Luisa%26#39;s, Tucker%26#39;s Bistro, and Canfield House. Any thoughts on these or other suggestions?

Thanks for your help!

Anniversary Dinner

I%26#39;d suggest the White Horse Tavern for a quintessential Newport experience. It%26#39;s not stuffy, , fits the romance requirement, and how often do you get the opportunity to dine in a 350+ year-old tavern?

Anniversary Dinner

First of all , Try to plan your dinner a bit off hour . All the area restaurants get backed up 5pm to 7pm .

If you like outdoor dining , there are several places in Jamestown that have outdoor dining and can be romantic . Bay Voyage looks out at Newport .They also have a ';Tap Room'; with a dinner for two including a botle of wine ,in a cozy setting . The Italian restaurant on the restaurant row ( Can%26#39;t think of the name ! ) usually has diiner music outdoors ( piano player / vocalist ) . There is a small place across the street with a courtyard and Tiki Bar .

If you go an hour or so before closing , the Asterisk on Thames Street is more quiet and has live music on Sunday nights ( Call to see if they still have it ) .

Mama Luisa%26#39;s is a good choice But I%26#39;ve heard some people complain that certain dishes were a bit bland . ? ? ?

Also if you want to drive , there is the Coast Guard Station Restaurant on the ocean in Naragansette . This is a place that a lot of locals celebrate special events .

Happy Anniversary !

The Italian restaurant is Simpatico . here is a link :

http://www.trattoriasimpatico.com/

Also my wife and I had a nice dinner at Chopmist Charlies (Seafood ) down the street from Simpatico . A place with booths , table cloths, a bar , a fishtank . Casual and cozy . Very good food .

If staying at the Viking you want to be able to walk to dinner.

Some very fine places to choose from:

22 Bowen%26#39;s

Black Pearl in the Commodore Room

Mama Luisa%26#39;s or Pronto%26#39;s

White Horse Tavern

The Mooring

Clarke Cooke House, upstairs

Bouchard%26#39;s

West Deck

Cafe Zelda%26#39;s

Fluke

Also, the Hotel Viking has very nice dining if you want to stay at the Hotel.

www.TableHound.com is a great resource for all Newport restaurants.

Also visit www.GoNewport.com and check out the calendar of events for when you are here.

The new rooms at the Viking are spectacular if you are staying in the Viking Wing. The rooms in the Newport Wing are very nice also, but the Viking Wing just reopned after major renovations.

Thank you all for your suggestions. We did end up at the Canfield House on Friday night at 8 pm. We had a wonderful dinner! The service was great and the food was excellent. My husband had a seafood alfredo dish and I had the mixed grill with lamb chops, shrimp wrapped in proscuitto, and salmon. We had the fried calamari appetizer, I had 2 cocktails, and my husband had a beer (we did walk from the Hotel Viking). We finished the meal with coffee and a round turtle cheese cake that was so delicious and the bill was under $100! The owners were on the premises and were very gracious.

There was a party of 6 next to us that had to send back their steaks, and their waiter brought the check before asking if they wanted coffee and dessert. I thought it interesting that we could both write reviews of the Canfield House on the same night, and have such different views.

We were turned off by Mamma Luisa%26#39;s when we spoke to them on the phone about making a reservation. It%26#39;s unfortunate how one rude staff member can taint a potential customer%26#39;s view, but it really did.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Any biking trails?

hi there--Any safe biking trails in Newport? I haven%26#39;t been to Newport in years and wondered if there were any trails on Ocean Drive? Also, wonder about the White Horse Tavern..really enjoyed it many years ago, but just read some mixed reviews. If the biking doesn%26#39;t work out, any advice on the Cliff Walk by foot?

Any biking trails?

No there aren%26#39;t biking trails in Newport- plenty of nice roads to ride on including Ocean Drive. Cliff Walk is initially paved though there are several sections with stairs to about the middle. Then, starting at about Marine Ave. it has intermitant stretches of sections with large, human placed rocks. The final section is all walking on the cliffs.

Any biking trails?

Thanks for the info. I am concerned about the traffic w/ bike riding. Does the traffic decrease after Labor Day? I%26#39;m planning a special birthday dinner--thought the White Horse Tavern would be a good idea, but I have read some disappointing reviews. Have you been there recently? Is there another restaurant you would recommed for a special occasion? Thanks again for your help!

Travelmore:

I dont know if you are looking to bike in newport exclusively but if you are more interested in biking than in visiting things around newport, you might like to try the east bay bike path that starts/ends in Bristol (not too far from newport by car) and goes long the water of the bay up to Providence.

Just for your information since you mentioned biking....

http://www.eastbaybikepath.com/index.html

Yes the traffic does fall off after labor day. Ocean Drive is fairly quiet in the mornings especially; a nice quiet street to ride on in particular is Coggeshall Avenue, parallel to Bellevue Ave. Regarding the White Horse, I know they%26#39;ve just started outdoor dining.

origins

Road trip NY to Providence,

Does anyone have any great ideas of where to stop for a breather between NY and Providence - maybe for lunch and a bit of sightseeing??

Also driving from Providence to Boston and then Boston to Portland.

Any ideas??

Road trip NY to Providence,

From New york city to providence isnt a huge trip, well as long as you dont drive it on a friday during the summer - then it can be REALLY long due to beach traffic. Of course this depends on how fast you drive too but I can make the trip in 3.5 - 4 hours with no traffic.

One place you might like to stop is Mystic, CT, it is closer to providence than to new york but it is the most ';touristy';, meaning destination stop, area along 95 in connecticut.

I would recommend a look in the CT forum and maybe do a search on mystic, I%26#39;m sure you would find a lot of helpful information. Mystic is an old sea port that has a cute old town and an aquarium. It also has the famous ';mystic pizza';. I have only had the frozen version myself but hear from others that the restaurant is really good.

Providence to Boston can be done in under 2 hours and so I%26#39;m not sure there is anywhere really to stop inbetween for sightseeing - not that I can think of anyway.

While in Providence I would recommend caserta%26#39;s pizza on federal hill and a cup of del%26#39;s frozen lemonade from any stand or ice cream type truck around the town - its like a slushy but 100 times better.

Have a good trip!

Road trip NY to Providence,

How about Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun casinos?

Mystic would be your best place to stop. I grew up in the area and can tell you Mystic Pizza ain%26#39;t all it%26#39;s cracked up to be. I%26#39;m not saying it%26#39;s bad, but good pizza is a dime a dozen around here. I would recommend Go Fish or Steak Loft, both are owned by the same group and do an excellent job. They are also right off the highway at exit 90.

Skip Mystic Pizza, but don%26#39;t skip Mystic entirely. I can second the vote for Steak Loft.

Easy on and off the highway, good food and atmosphere.

I would get off in Groton right after the big bridge and eat at Paul%26#39;s Pasta on the water- where you would get a Texas sized portion of homemade pasta. From there you could take the local road to Mystic and then get back on the highway there.

Anyone Been to Taste of Newport ?

Being held at the Hyatt on Goat Island Nov 07 .

Has anyone been to these in the past few years ? Is it too crowded ? Are there many people under 21 ? What is dress code ? Is it more like a wedding ( music , bar , dancing ?) or an Atlantic City Buffet ( eat and wait for the auction and raffles ) ?

Any advice , feedback welcomed . Also anyone ever stay at the Victorian Ladies B%26amp;B ?

Anyone Been to Taste of Newport ?

I%26#39;ve been to the Chili Cook Off and the Chowder Fest which were both crowded, casual affairs with plenty of young people. If it%26#39;s in the afternoon this would probably be just as casual, if its at night people would dress up a little more but not really.

Anyone Been to Taste of Newport ?

this is $100. p.p. so i think it would be less children and maybe more dressy ?

It%26#39;s a fund-raiser for a local non-profit; tends to be a bit upscale, not casual, and offers a good food selection and intteresting auction items. Best enjoyed if you go with friends.

Victorian Ladies is a nice place, not over the top but not just average.

There is a fundraiser that is upscale and more expensive and I think this is what you are referring to. Not exactly a family affair or a ';young'; affair.

I think what you are talking about is

newportfestivals.com/Taste-of-Rhode-Island/

This is much more festive with all ages, bands, cocktails, etc., but does not match the dates you listed.

Victorian Ladies is a nice B%26amp;B. Not in downtown, but not so far out that you can%26#39;t walk to downtown.

www.GoNewport.com for all things Newport

www.TableHound.com for restaurants.

The affair I was reffering to is Nov 10th ( or 11th ?) at the Hyatt . I was to the one on the Wharf ( casual event ) last year . Thinking of going to the November one this year .

Newport RI

Hi,

We will be in Newport RI for one night getting in late the 19th and leaving around noon on the 20th for Cape Cod. I wanted to see some of the cliffs, etc. and a few mansions. If we get up early, can someone tell me the ';drive'; to take or what I can see in a few hours? Also, since we are getting in late and up early, we just need basic sleeping and shower. Can anyone tell me about the Pineapple Inn? Is it horrible or is it OK?

Thanks!

Newport RI

I%26#39;d pass on the Pineapple Inn....it%26#39;s a Motel style place with doors that open to the parking lot, not great area (not crime wise...just deserted and near a construction plant)

There is a Motel 6 right down the street next to the Walmart, or the Best Western Mainstay across from Newport Grand, that would be a better option, and usually has cheap rates mid-week after labor day.

You might get lucky and find something in town that%26#39;s not too pricey as well....

For the drive:

http://www.oceandrivenewport.com/

For the Cliff Walk:

http://www.cliffwalk.com/

Newport RI

Thanks so much....I will check out the sites and the motels you mention.

I agree, Best Western Mainstay or Motel 6 will be perfect for you. Only a mile from downtown, but not really walkable because of the location. check out these places in town for rates because you never know.

http://www.innsofnewport.com/

http://www.admiralfitzroy.com/

Must-Do%26#39;s for a short stay (and you will be very upset with yourself for not planning more time in Newport)

- 10 Mile Ocean Drive and stop at Castle Hill for the view. There is also a light house you can walk to at Castle Hill.

- Breakers mansion. after the tour walk down the side street to the Cliff Walk. Take a right onto the Walk and go at least as far as the Chinese Tea House.

Go downtown and have some New England Clam Chowder at the Black Pearl. Sit on the outdoor patio for some great people watching. This place is an institution and a Must-Do for anyone visiting Newport.

Then hit the road for the Cape and discuss how you wish you had more time to spend in Newport. Ha-ha!

www.GoNewport.com for all things Newport

www.TableHound.com for restaurants

My favorite Cape location is Chatham if you are going near or by there.

Since you%26#39;ll be here after Labor Day only some of the mansions will be open. The Breakers (on the Cliff walk) may be one to see. It is the largest mansion and it opens at 9AM. The other ones open at 10AM. So depending on when you%26#39;ll be up and about this one you can see the cliff walk and a mansion before you leave at noon. Most of the mansions take 1 hr at a minimum so seeing one mansion may be all that is possible in the time you have that morning. See the Newport Mansions web site for hours:

http://www.newportmansions.org/page3555.cfm

Thank you! I know I am going to kick myself for not staying longer. This is our first trip to New England and we only have 6 days. We are staying 3 in Cape Cod and going to Nantucket one day....then on up to Boston for 2 days. I couldn%26#39;t fit it all in! I know I will want to go back to Newport for a separate vacation next year. We felt if we did a ';whirlwind'; tour of these places we could settle on one of them for the next time. Your recommendations will help greatly as now I know exactly what I can do in the time I have there. I plan to fit in as much as possible.

I did check out the Motel 6 and will probably stay there as it is so reasonably priced and the reviews are OK.

We stayed at the Motel 6 for one night and it was OK . Clean and no problems .

Ok, great! Thanks for the confirmation.

The Atlantic Inn gave me the hives from the mold problem!

I would advise any one planning a wedding on Block Island to stay completely away from The Atlantic Inn. I stayed there one night and the mold smell was enough to make you break out in hives! The rooms are very small and the employees are not hospitable in the least! I ate in the Dining room and the portions are very small and extremely pricey! When I went to check out there were extra charges on my bill that the owner could not justify so he removed them,imagine if I wasn%26#39;t paying attention! Do your self a favor and stay at the Spring House or the 1661! The Atlantic Inn is a Horror scene!

The Atlantic Inn gave me the hives from the mold problem!

I can%26#39;t imagine how you could have such an experience. I have stayed at the Atlantic in on several occations and have had a wonderful experience. The Bed and Breakfast concept is not for everyone and obviously this person didn%26#39;t know what to expect or had unrealistic expectations. The restuarant is world class. Tappas on the lawn are wonderful. The rooms are small as they should be. This is not the Hilton. My family has had nothing but an enjoyable experience with the facilities and the staff. They truely go out of their way to make your stay a pleasurable experience. If you are looking for a quiet, quaint and wonderfull stay you can%26#39;t miss. I can%26#39;t say enough about the positive experience we have had at the Inn. We will definatly be back.

P.S. Even the President of the United States and his family have enjoyed the dining experience at the Atlantic Inn. You%26#39;ll see pictures of President Clinton in the dining room with the owners.

Enough Said.

Irish Festival + Rhythm & Roots Festival

Hi. My husband and I are possibly interested in going to the Newport Waterfront Irish Festival in Newport as well as the Rhythm %26amp; Roots Festival in Charlestown and they are both happening Labor Day weekend. Is it possible/feasible to do both? I don%26#39;t know the locations or how far apart they are. Thank you in advance for your help.

Irish Festival + Rhythm %26amp; Roots Festival

Absolutely you can do both! That%26#39;s the fun of a small state.

Seriously, Newport is about a 30-40 min drive from Charlestown depending on traffic of course, on good roads. You might want to consider staying in Narragansett, or Wakefield as that would put you half-way between the two events. A car is needed as public transport won%26#39;t be available. I wouldn%26#39;t plan on doing both on the same day though as both events are so fun and so much dancing is going on you probably need a good night%26#39;s sleep in-between, LOL

Francs Malbone House?

Has anyone stayed here and is it worth the money?

Francs Malbone House?

This place is great. I%26#39;ve stayed twice and looking to go again.

Breakfast is out of this world. Rooms are wonderful. Worth it.

Francs Malbone House?

This place is great. I%26#39;ve stayed twice and looking to go again.

Breakfast is out of this world. Rooms are wonderful. Worth it.

Thanks so much for your reply. Which room do you reccommend and what time of the year did you go? Also is it close to the mansions?

Being local, I%26#39;ve never stayed there, but I%26#39;ve never heard anything but good things about Francis Malbone. I also know people that have been there to visit others staying there, and they say it%26#39;s lovely. It%26#39;s close to the wharf area for dining and shopping, and not far from Bellevue Avenue, which is where a number of the mansions are. It%26#39;s in an overall good location. Anything decent in Newport in the summer is going to cost you.

My husband and I stayed at the Francis Malbone House for 3 nights without the kids. NICE. We decided to try it after reading all of the positive feedback on various websites; it%26#39;s all true. The plusses: beautiful place, clean, welcoming, great location, breakfast buffet and 2 entrees to choose from each morning (my favorite was belgian waffles with carmelized pears) and afternoon tea starting at 3pm. The staff was very courteous and helpful. It%26#39;s an easy walk (day and night) to the harbor for shopping, restaurants, music, and boat rides. I loved walking around listening to the various live musicians the restaurants had, and choosing which place we felt like going to based on the menus posted outside and the music playing. I%26#39;m sure there are other Inns within walking distance, but we both liked the Malbone. Each room is different. Depending on what season you go, check the location of their a/c and fireplace. Some fireplaces are at the foot of the bed, and you wouldn%26#39;t be able to see them too well. You can see the virtual tours of their rooms on their website. Also, the beds are very firm. The double jacuzzi is tight for 2 average size people. Ways to save money and still enjoy the Inn: the rooms without a walkout patio are just as nice, check the last minute availability, and sales around Christmas time - I heard 20% off and can be booked for any time of year. My favorite room is Courtyard 4.

Book a room and you will be rewarded.

Amazing place, fantastic staff, and great location.

They used to offer rooms for $99 in Januray. If they still do, it is worth coming to Newport in this off-time of year just for the stay at the Malbone.

The best--only place better in Newport is Castle Hill.

Things to do / events in Providence area - Mid December '07

Hello,

Me and my wife are travelling to the US in December for a holiday, staying in Boston first, then Providence R.I and then finally New York.

We have visited the area before and it was fantastic but would like to make the most of this trip and see and do plenty of interesting things hence started researching early.

So, can anyone recommend any events in Providence and the surrounding area for mid December? I%26#39;d love to see some live music in particular, and perhaps a sporting event as well as the usual shopping, eating, drinking etc.

We will have a hire car so we aren%26#39;t limited by public transport. Any ideas?

Much appreciated,

Stu

Things to do / events in Providence area - Mid December '07

Your best bet would be to visit some web sites for more detailed information. Of course, there%26#39;s cityguide.aol.com/providence (note that you can substitute other cities you%26#39;re interested in for ';providence';). There%26#39;s also the official Providence website -- providenceri.com.

For entertainment and events, try providenceafterdark.com, and look at the civic center website -- dunkindonutscenter.com and the convention center website -- riconvention.com.

You can also check out rimonthly.com, which has a calendar option, too.

One unique item for Providence is Waterfire, but I%26#39;m not sure if they continue on into December. Check their webstite -- waterfire.org.

Things to do / events in Providence area - Mid December '07

Sports: Providence College Basketball or Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins Minor League Hockey)

You could also take a ride down to Newport to check out some of the Mansions that will be decorated for the Holidays....Newport itself also has some great restaurants, shopping etc.

Wickford Village is also a cute stop on the way down to Newport too.

craftland will be open at this time - a kind of market for local artists, in downcity where there are a lot of places to see live music (tazza, the black rep)

http://www.craftlandshow.com/

http://www.tazzacaffe.com/

http://www.blackrep.org/