Tune into this episode of “Eat Play Stay” on Newport for all the New England flavor and seaside adventures in Newport,newport rhode island Rhode Island. Located about two hours from Boston, this is an easy road trip for a weekend getaway. Newport may have a reputation for being a destination for America’s old money, but there are plenty of affordable ways to spend a weekend here.
EAT – RESTAURANTS IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
Sardella’s Italian Restaurant
Sardella’s Italian Restaurant has been a Newport mainstay for the past 38 years. For a true taste of Italy, order the No. 1 seller, the chicken romano. Created by former mayor of Newport, Richard Sardella, this popular dish is sauteed, baked with mozzarella cheese and then served over pasta with fresh basil (grown in their own garden right outside, of course). The must-order drink to cap off your night? Sardella’s espresso martini.
Sweet Berry Farm
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Sweet Berry Farm. Offering seven types of pick-your-own fruit, Sweet Berry Farm had humble beginnings back in 1980, starting with just strawberry plants. Since then, this local favorite – spanning over 100 acres – has been the go-to destination for fruits, vegetables, apple and pumpkin picking, flowers and Christmas trees. But it’s the addicting cider donuts that visitors can’t get enough of. Shop at the market, grab a bite at the cafe and leave happy with a dozen (or two) doughnuts.
PLAY – THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
Newport Sailing School and Tours
Experience Newport, R.I., on the water with Newport Sailing School and Tours (after all, it was sailing that put Newport on the map). For more than 50 years, they’ve offered daily sailing cruises of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay as well as sailing lessons and instruction. Newport Sailing School and Tours provides plenty of sights (and insights) of Newport from a local perspective. You’ll have your choice of sailing with a group or a private charter of up to six people.
Rail Explorers
There’s no shortage of scenic routes in Newport, and Rail Explorers is proof. Utilizing old railroad tracks that are no longer in use, this family-friendly activity provides a second life to those tracks in the form of your own personally-controlled train. There are two routes to choose from, both running along Narragansett Bay. Travel as fast or slow as you want and take in the beautiful water views with the entire family. Afterward, join a fireside tour and enjoy your own fire pit (just BYO s’mores kit). And if brunch is more your speed, there’s no shortage of booze or views come Sunday morning.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating tennis history. Built in 1880 as the Newport Casino, it was the gathering place for Newport’s summer society. In 1881, it hosted the first U.S. national lawn tennis championships, continuing until 1914 when it was moved to New York (now known as the U.S. Open). The International Tennis Hall of Fame is open throughout the year for visitors to explore the tennis museum, play tennis on the grass courts or catch a professional tennis tournament during the summer.
The Kings Lens And Friends
Newport’s rotating art gallery, The Kings Lens And Friends, is owned by local surfer and artist Patrick Murphy, a fifth-generation Newport local. Having featured over 100 artists across a range of types, mediums and styles, this art gallery is considered to be a “circle of life” within Rhode Island’s artist community. The Kings Lens And Friends is a way to showcase not only Murphy’s friends and their creative endeavors, but also his own photography. And if the gallery is closed, it usually means he’s gone surfing or swimming.
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is a winery, brewery and restaurant owned by a fifth-generation Aquidneck Islander. Situated on over 100 acres of farmland going back to 1917, Newport Vineyards offers a broad selection of wines, including whites (which is 75% of the total wine produced), cool climate reds (à la France), dessert wines and more. There’s something for everyone’s palettes here. If wine isn’t your thing, they’re also making their own craft beer and cider. And the scratch-made charcuterie boards are worth writing home about – complete with a variety of locally-sourced ingredients.
STAY – HOTELS IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
The Wayfinder Hotel
Unwind at The Wayfinder Hotel, a boutique lifestyle hotel that’s unconventional in the best way. Everything in this colorful and energetic spot has been individually sourced; there are thousands of pieces of art throughout the hotel, all specifically made for The Wayfinder by local artists. But the creativity doesn’t stop there; there are events every day during the summer, including cocktail-making classes and silent movie nights outdoors. And of course, no stay is complete without their signature frozen drink, lit juice, best sipped poolside.
Looking for more weekend getaway ideas near Boston?
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