TI head up to Newport, Rhode Island last week with my good friend Caroline who I have known my whole life practically. We had a lot of fun, a few hiccups but all in all it turned out to to be a great trip! We drove up from New Jersey so it was about 4 hours but we made a few pits stops, a Dunkin’ one of course, lunch, and the best one was Watch Hill, Rhode Island. It was about an hour outside of Newport and we are huge Taylor Swift fans so since we were in the area it was a must stop.
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
The town of Watch Hill is super small and definitely more exciting during the summer, most of the stores were closed but seeing the Ocean House, Taylor Swift’s house and all the other beautiful houses. We wondered around the grounds at the Ocean House which gave us great views of Taylor’s House. If you are a Taylor fan this is house she threw her infamous 4th of July parties and the house behind the song “The Last Great American dynasty” on her Folklore album. Once we fan girled over Taylor’s House we got back on the road and continued to Newport.
Where we stayed:
This was a debacle. We did out research and found an airbnb that was 2 bedrooms, a great deal and an even better location. It was walkable to Thames Street and Bowen’s Wharf, we thought it could not get better that that. We arrive and it is the top floor or a semi rundown building, as we lug our stuff up to the apartment we notice the other tenants smoke and it smelled but it wasn’t to bad once we reached our apartment. We head out shopping and to dinner. That night we didn’t sleep because it was so loud, we might as well have been sleeping outside it was so loud.
The kicker was when we woke up their was no heat and it was freezing. Unfortunately, the heat was unfixable so we have to pack up and move to a hotel mid day on Saturday. by that time we were completely exhausted. The hotel was about 15 minutes down the road but totally worth it for heat and a good night sleep. We ended up at the Hampton Inn down the road and it was perfect! After that I am definitely team hotel!
Food:
Breakfast:
Saturday: 12 Meter This places was so cute! It is located right in Bowen Wharf in the Seaman’s Church Institute. Small menu with egg sandwiches, avocado toast and each breakfast. Of course they had tea and coffee as well to caffeinated us for the day!
Sunday: Hotel breakfast, kept it easy on Sunday! the hotel breakfast was easy and included so it was perfect before heading out to do the cliff walk!
Monday: Empire Tea and Coffee, we stoped here 3 rimes throughout the trip when we needed a caffeine fix. huge menu with teas and coffees. It was a perfect stop on the way out of town Monday morning for sure. I got the bacon egg and cheese and it was already made so every easy grab and go. We went to both the location on Broadway and the William street one. The William street one is definitely the fancier one and if you are looking for a good coffee shop ascetic then definitely check to that one.
Best Breakfast: 12 Meter
Lunch:
Saturday: The Corner Cafe Huge menu lots of options, almost too many, The pancakes looked killer but I went with an omelette. I would go back to try something else. No reservations just go and put your name on the list. It is definitely a classic luncheonette.
Sunday; Empire Tea and Coffee and Belleuve Nutrition after finish the Cliff walk fuel was needed. We got smoothies and tea! I picked up a sweet treat to from empire to hold me over until dinner it was perfect!
Dinner:
Friday Night: Brick Alley: Pub food, I had a chicken sandwich and it was tasty. This was the restaurant my Aunt kept telling us to go to so we did and it was perfect for an easy dinner after a day of driving. No reservations here, just put your name on the list and they text you.
Saturday Night: Pasta Beach, Pizza and pasta, it had higher expectations but wasn’t that good. I wouldn’t go back. But take the review with a grain of salt because we were exhausted and got it to go. It may be better eating in the restaurant.
Sunday Night: Diego’s, Mexican food, Chips, salsa and guacamole to die for! My stake tacos were so good, and the drinks were just as good. I would say this is a must stop. We made a reservation and then end up hungry earlier and they easily moved out reservation. I think this mostly worked out because it was a Sunday night and the off season. Definitely make a reservation on Resy.
Best dinner: Diego’s.
Activities:
Friday when we arrived we got the lay of the land and did some window shopping and pre plaining of what we might buy on Sunday.
The Mansion Tour
If you are in Newport touring at least on mansion is a must do. Only two were open at the weekend we were in town. The Breakers and the Marble House. Both beautiful. Unlike anything I have ever seen. Each tour took about 45 minutes and were self guided. You can either walk around and admire all the rooms or download the app and bring your headphones to listen to all the history as you walk through. Both houses were spectacular but my favorite part of each was the kitchen and the views of from the backyard. As I wondered through the backyard I couldn’t help but imagine pitching a tent, setting up a dance floor and hosting a the classiest wedding of all time!
The Cliff Walk
The cliff walk is a 3.5 mile hike along the coast line of Newport. Some parts are paved and easy walk and others are rocky and definitely more of a hike. The views of the water were beautiful and as you walk you get to see the back of all the mansions which was cool since we didn’t get to go into all of them since they were closed. The cliff walk was beautiful. It took about 2 hours, we went early Sunday morning and were some of the only people on it which made capturing the views even more beautiful. This is a must do if you are visiting Newport. Even if it’s just the flat part.
Shopping:
What’s a girls weekend without a little shopping. We shopped along Thames Street and Bowen Wharf. SO many shops, Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, The Black Dog, local Newport gear and the Kiel James Patrick Store. We hit them all multiple times. First to window shop then we went back to make our final purchases. I have been a fan of KJP for years, so seeing that store was a dream come true. I purchased a few gifts from there. My other gifts came from the Newport gear shop. I picked up a slate blue Newport crewneck that I have been living in ever since.
A few other thing we did was take a drive up to The Castle Hill Inn, the drive there was just as beautiful as the hotel. A trip to New England isn’t complete without seeing a lighthouse so we head over to the one on Goat Island to check out the one at Gurney’s. It was so beautiful and the bridge in the background was a very cool view.
Overall Newport was an amazing New England Town. I can’t recommend it enough. The peak season is definitely a mad house so heading up there late spring and early fall is your best bet to be able to enjoy it with out all the crowds.
With love from Newport,
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