(Does anyone else fall in love with any town that has cobblestone streets?) Maybe I’m getting a little stir crazy… but I would love to be in Newport, Rhode Island right now. You know what? I would rather be in Newport most days. I spent seven years of my childhood living in Rhode Island and have gone back to visit a few times since moving to Florida. My most recent trip back was extra special because I got to show my now fiance around and introduce him to some special people from my childhood. Today I will reminisce about the amazing times I’ve spent in Newport while showing you the best things to see and do!
Take a Picture with the Wave Statue
I don’t think you can live in Rhode Island for any amount of time and not have a picture sitting on The Wave statue. It’s a classic and it is the perfect statue to welcome you into the town as you drive in. I hope you appreciate this photo of Haley with horrible style from 2010.
Try Del’s Lemonade
My mouth is watering while writing this. Del’s is a classic Rhode Island treat and a cup of watermelon frozen lemonade is sure to make your day. I loved getting to show my fiance around Rhode Island two summers ago to watch him try his first Del’s!
Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
I can’t say enough about the ITHF, even for non-tennis lovers. The grounds are green and gorgeous, the museum is interactive, interesting and technologically fascinating! You’ll be amazed by the Roger Federer Hologram. Not to mention, you can take a picture with the real US Open trophies.
Walk the Cliff Walk
I have the best memories from showing people the Newport Cliff Walks. This National Recreation Trail spans 3.5 miles along the Newport coast. On one side of the trail is the ocean, and the other side holds gorgeous mansions (featured in the next section of this post). Every time we had family or friends visit us, we brought them to do the Cliff Walks. It is definitely a favorite past time of mine.
See the Mansions
As previously mentioned, these mansions are a huge perk of visiting Newport. Many of them are open to tours and you can walk alongside the ocean side, or drive along the street side to see them all! Get ready… you’ll definitely hear people joke about buying their next house while pointing to one of these mansions.
Fly a Kite at Brenton Point State Park
Brenton Point is a beautiful state park which features kite flying, the Portuguese Discovery Monument, and these coastal rocks.
Walk by the Marinas
While in Downtown Newport, you won’t be able to ignore the beautiful marinas. Catch dinner at a restaurant with a view of the water, walk the cobblestone streets, and sip a frozen lemonade.
Visit Easton’s Beach
If only I could find photos of 8-year-old Haley playing at this beach. Going to Easton’s beach was a special treat and my mom says I was always in the water even when it was NOT warm enough. Easton’s is a beautiful public beach with a carousel and a small aquarium. It is the perfect spot for a summer beach day, but it is also beautiful to see in the cold!
Get an Awful Awful at Newport Creamery
“Awful big. Awful good”. And it really is! Stop by Newport Creamery for one of the best milkshakes ever. They are only available at Newport Creamery, which has several locations around the state (and one in Massachusetts). Don’t miss out on this.
Have you been to Newport? What are your favorite places to see and things to do?
-Haley
