Newport, Rhode Island: girlfriend getaways in the off season!

While researching pretty destinations in New England we could take a little drive to see, I remembered Newport. It’s a seaside town in Rhode Island I hadn’t visited before despite growing up only 90 minutes away. This late winter was the perfect time to finally see what all the fuss was about those famed mansions!

Accommodation in Newport

You’ll be spoilt for choce with many hotels complementing the area in coastal and nautical charm. For a quic trip with friends and access to a car, we stayed at The Wayfinder Hotel, about ten minutes drive from downtown. Paying homage to lots of local artists, designers, and businesses, the common areas are bright and fun for a coffee or a lounge about. Our room was clean, sunny and welcoming as well, although we got lost a few times in the winding hallways! The seaosnal pool area also offers fun cocktails and swimming in the warmer months.

Other options closer to the center include the The Vanderbilt, with gorgeous pools, spa, and plenty of suites available. Or try the 5-star Chanler with views of Easton Bay inside a 19^th century mansion. If you’re traveling with your furry pal, check out the new Paws on Pelham that welcomes dogs to visit Newport too!

If splashing out in Newport, make sure to book your spa treatments in advance, whether at your hotel property or elsewhere. Discover Newport has some tempting recommendations, including a Himalayan salt cave and hammam-style soaking pools.

Elevated Dinner and Drinks, Newport-style

Guisto for a sunset cocktail

On a blusery walk by the wharfs, we nipped into a sleek bar with water views for something sweet and a cocktail at the bar. We’ll have to return for a full meal as the creations from local Chef Kevin O’Donnell looked delicious.

Flora at Gardiner House

To splash out at dinner, I enjoyed a classic ambience with the perfect winter waterside mood at Flora. My friend and I chose tasty, sippable wines with a pre-fixe menu that featured filet and wonderful Basque cheesecake to finish. There was no wait in late winter and we closed the place down with a wonderfully patien and friendly staff.

Cliff Walk Mansions

People who know about Newport often think of the stately mansions first. Some have been maintained privately as homes, others bought by local educational institutions. But a few you can tour as museums to see how the other side lived more than a century ago.

The best way to experience the all is to start at the Cliff Walk. Unfortunately, the Cliff Walk isn’t accessible and includes a few stairs and narrow walkways. Also, as of March 2022 they are working on some repairs that re-routes you a block off the path. We had a little trouble with the stroller, but did manage to see a few properties and also admire the pretty coastal views too.

Along the walk you’ll see mansions such as the elegant Chepstow from 1860 and chateau-esque Ochre Court, which is now part of Salve Regina University. Keep an eye out also for the Rosecliff and my favorite, The Breakers.

It’s well worth taking a peek insidethe iconic Breakers mansion, especially in the offseason when there’s no crowds to be seen. An audio tour pointed out all the opulence celebrating the luxury of the guilded age decor and design.

Salve Regina University

If you check out this campus, you’ll think you stumbled upon an ocean-hugged Hogwarts. This 88-acre campus is full of more than 100 species of trees and offers lots of grassy lounging spaces for a quick break. When I went a few years ago in the fall, my toddler loved running around overlooking the water and hearing the chapel bells toll. If into historical architecture, you can check out 20 various structures owned by the university, dating back as far as the 19^th century.

Igloo Dining – Fun & Cozy

I was thrilled to find out many dining spots are accommodating this with fun outdoor ‘igloo’ tables, complete with space heaters if needed. Do check though in advance to see if this feature is still available at the restaurant of your choice before you go to Newport.

The Reef

For a fee, your whole group can access one of the chic and cheerful igloos at The Reef for harborside dining. For off-season seafood, I was wholly impressed by a plentiful raw bar and a massive lobster roll to boot.

Diego’s

On Bowen’s Wharf is a Mexican food joint with satisfying drinks and bites. Have some fresh fish tacos and a margarita overlooking the harbor and you’ll be all set! Kiddos love the quesadillas too.

O’Brien’s

Another igloo sanctuary is O’Brien’s. This looks to be where some of the co-eds might hang out during school term, with hearty pub fare and a few New England local pints on tap.

While they might not have the trendy igloos, you can also have a memorable meal at two more popular Newport restaurants: The Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant and The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar.

Opt outside in Newport

Alongside the famed Cliff Walk, there are lots of hiking and biking trails in Newport for the outdoor fans (weather permitting!) I also think it definitely counts to cruise the 10-mile Ocean Drive with your windows down too.

On the ocean, people of all ages can contact Sail Newport for a lesson or two. And if you rather sit back and relax, try one of the Narragansett Bay harbor cruises.

Even in the winter some of the breweries and nearby wineries are open. Newport Vineyard especially offers a restaurant, café, marketplace, tasting room and tank room onsite to enjoy.

Newport, Rhode Island was such a wonderfully picturesque surprise that proved worthy of a weekend. And definitely a return trip someday!

Thanks to the Wayfinder Hotel for hosting and Discover Newport for support!