The best thing I can recommend for travel is that one not only consult travel guides and online resources, but also their friends and family who have been where they are going. In my case, I decided on this last minute trip to Newport the day before Memorial Day, but luckily, I knew exactly who to call. My aunt loves to travel to Newport every summer, and so she has her absolute favorite picks in terms of beaches and activities. We mostly followed her itinerary, but added a few of our own favorites to the mix. I hope this inspires you all to check it out, especially with a fairly recent kosher restaurant available!
For Bostonians, Newport is a lovely weekend trip as it is only an hour and twenty minutes in the car. This means no expensive planes or trains, although public transit is available if you do not have a car. I would, however, recommend taking your car so you can get around upon arrival. There was ample space for parking, and we found the car to be a very valuable asset.
Our first stop was Root on Broadway, a vegan restaurant certified by Rabbi Marc Mandel of the Touro Synagogue in Newport. We are usually skeptical of vegan restaurants with hashkachot, but I consulted a local Rabbi who said this one seemed fine (Rabbi Mandel only certifies one kosher restaurant in the entire state, so there must be a good reason!). Please consult your own local Rabbi before going to a restaurant with a hashkacha with which you are unfamiliar. Not only was their food delicious, but there was a wonderful selection and it meant that I did not have to schlep a cooler full of lunch with us! We had the avocado toast, flamingo smoothie, pizza rolls, and Greek Goddess grain bowl. All was incredible and we were very full by the end of our lunch. Here is their website: https://rootonbroadway.com/
Next, we went to Third Beach in Middleton, RI. It was 12 minute drive from Newport proper, and so it was somewhat quieter than the Newport beaches. Parking is $25 a day on weekends, and $15 on weekdays (and you can go in and out of the lot as much as you like). Credit for this recommendation goes to my aunt who told us it would be a bit quieter, although not much surf. The weather was absolutely perfect, though the water was a bit cold. We really enjoyed soaking in the sun and dipping our feet in the water. However, we did forget towels, which we were luckily able to pick up at CVS near Root on Broadway. Water bottles, sunglasses, and sunscreen were also really important to bring to prevent dehydration and unhealthy sun exposure. Just a tip-change before you get there if you do not like porto-potties. The only changing facilities on that beach are porto-potties and (call me a snob, but) that’s not my jam.
Our next stop was the Chanler Hotel on the cliff walk. If you would like to stay at this hotel, it is $1,000 a night (YIKES), but we were there just for some drinks and a lovely view of the Cliff Walk. We ordered ritzy looking pear martinis and enjoyed an incredible view of the Cliff Walk, which we then explored afterwards. Their valet parking was free, and their bathrooms super clean (bonus if you are looking to change before the beach). Everyone was so accommodating and polite, and the hotel was absolutely incredible.
After a beautiful hour by the Cliff Walk, we decided to grab some Ben and Jerry’s (because why not), and then head on over to the Breakers. Newport is famous for its beautiful mansions, but Jacob said that the Breakers was known to be the most breathtaking one. Boy, was he right. We loved the audio guided self-tour because it is great for impatient people like me who like to listen to the information, and skip through what is disinteresting to them. It provided just the right amount of background for what we were seeing, and took only about 1 hour. The actual house was not to be believed, with beautiful architecture, attention to detail, and views of the sea. My favorite rooms included the foyer and the kitchen. This Vanderbilt home is an absolute must-see.
Note: The Touro Synagogue is a beautiful place to visit, but we had seen it so many times before, we did not return on this particular trip.
By the end of the day, I was wiped, but wanted to grab one more hour by the ocean. We went back to Third Beach for some more time in the sun, and then headed on home. On our way back, a little farm called Sweet Berry Farm caught my eye. We were a week too early for fresh strawberries, but if you are thinking of going during the mid-summer or fall seasons, they have berry or apple and pumpkin picking available, respectively. I would be so excited to come back and pick out some apples once the fall rolls around.
Where should we travel next? Send me a comment with your favorite itinerary!
~Eat, Pray, Travel!
Danielle
Eat Pray Travel 