The City By The Sea is the place to go during the summer months in Rhode Island for both tourists and local Rhode Islanders alike. The height of activity includes: sailing, tennis tournaments, polo, walking-tours, outdoor movies, and seafood and music festivals. When the leaves begin to fall off the trees, New England begins to change.  

The temperature drops, and the coastal wind gusts have the ability to slice right through the three layers you are most likely wearing. For us Rhode Islanders, January through March is the time where we typically embrace our stereotypical “snowbird” status and book a plane ticket to Florida. For those of us who may not have the time or energy to plan a sunny getaway, a staycation in the City By The Sea is the way to go.

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.”

 -Albert Camus

Places to Stay

Castle Hill Inn, Ocean Drive  

Intimate, secluded, high class. This is the home of a marine biologist turned into luxury accommodations without sacrificing the coziness, home-y feel. Located off of Ocean Drive, the view of the ocean and the Newport bridge is something to behold. The dining room here is 5- star and a part of the Newport Restaurant Group (IYKYK). If you are inclined to brave the cold, take a walk down a short trail to the cliffs and lighthouse that you’ll most likely recognize from many Rhode Island coastal photographs. This space is perfect if you’re looking for a weekend of quality time characterized by deep bathtub soaks, warm espresso, treats delivered to your room and a view of the ocean for every moment. 

Hammets Hotel, America’s Cup

Located at the corner of America’s Cup, Memorial and Lower Thames St, you’ll be in the heart of downtown Newport. You’ll get a view of the water, have access to shops featuring top designers in the nautical industry and walking distance from, well, everything. 

I haven’t stayed here myself, however this is the hotel of choice for my mom who does seasonal stay-cations here and knows most of the staff on a first name basis by the end of the winter season. There’s a special winter rate for Newport locals – typically under $100 a night – but prices are subject to change so I’d recommend giving a call to get a direct quote before you book. 

The Hotel Viking, Memorial Blvd  

Historical Newport coated in modern luxury. A coveted place to vacation over the summer, during the winter months they also give a special rate to Rhode Island locals.  Enjoy being set back from the downtown noise and winds and closer to the Tennis Hall of Fame, Art Museum, Audrain Automobile Museum and breakfast cafes. Besides its historical prominence, the Viking is also known for Spa Fjor, the most elevated spa in town.

“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.”

– John Burroughs

Things to Do

Bodhi Spa, Lower Thames 

A small hydrotherapy spa most widely known in Rhode Island for the “water journey”. Inspired by eastern wellness, the water journey includes a series of hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas and a cold plunge that offers a series of health and overall wellness benefits. As this attracts many bachelorette parties and tourists in the summer, as a local I’ve found the best time to visit is during the winter months. I’d recommend going later in the evening or first thing in the morning to have better odds of a more private experience of this shared space. Please, please, please respect the whisper policy of the spa while you are here! If you’re looking for a place to chat while relaxing, go get your nails done. 

Newport Seafoam Trading Co, Lower Thames

Not just an adorable store to buy beautiful and quality bath products for your home – they offer soap making classes! The staff will educate you about the soap making process and take the hard work off your hands leaving you to explore what essential oils, herbs and textures you would like to add to your soap. I’ve done this as an office Christmas party activity, and we had the best time! The amount of bar soap I made and took home lasted me several months. Class times vary on size and availability, so I’d recommend reaching out to them via their website for inquiries! 

Escape Room, Memorial Blvd

Think you can crack the code to solve a mystery like Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holms or Agatha Christie? Newport’s latest attraction gives you 60 minutes to do so via two escape rooms: The Tomb and Di Vinci’s Test. This is great for ages 10+ and for groups 2-6 people. 

Kaffeology, Lower Thames

Two words: Sundae Milkshakes. Skip breakfast and lunch. Trust me. These shakes are enormous enough to share between two people and just so much fun to eat. They make for cute pictures too if you’re looking for a photo op for the gram. 

Copper Club, Lower Thames

GIANT espresso martinis. HUGE. The Copper Club is a speakeasy lounge located at the top of Wally’s Wieners, so look for that signage and go in/up through the restaurant main entrance. Another fun foodie activity that is going to make for some fun pictures and make your friends very jealous.  

Igloos at the Reef, Lower Thames

Of course Newport has them! Rental fee is $100 upon booking and then there is an added food and beverage minimum of $25 (lunch)/$50(dinner) per person upon arrival. Your rental covers you for about two and a half hours for 2-6 people. These terms are subject to change, so call the restaurant or check Open Table, where your igloo can be booked. 

Mansions, Belleview Ave and Ocean Drive

The mansions of the Gilded Age are a staple of Newport’s lavish history. Many people come to see the Breakers Mansion, however Marble House, Rosecliff and the Elms are beautiful to see as well. Both the Breakers and the Elms Mansions offer a second tour that explores a “behind the scenes” view of how the staff lived and what it took to run a “summer cottage”. Don’t forget to book your tickets online! While the grounds won’t be the most wonderful thing to view in the cold, it is nice to admire the interior without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. Another unique experience is to enjoy Tea Time like Alva Vanderbilt and discuss women’s suffrage in the Chinese Tea House located on the property of Marble House. Enjoy a pre-fix menu Thursday-Sunday courtesy of Stoneacre (their two restaurants, the Brasserie in Washington Square and the Garden in Brick Marketplace are two of my favorites). If you’d like to combine viewing a mansion and fine artwork, I recommend exploring the National Museum of American Illustration. 

Museums, Belleview Ave

As a Rhode Islander, you already know there’s a museum for whatever intrigues you: The International Tennis Hall of Fame, Sailing Museum, 13 Naval War College Museum, Art Museum, Museum of Newport History, Rough Point and Fort Adams just to name a few. Check out the Newport Preservation Society’s website for more information on unique historical homes/landmarks to visit to gain a more intimate view of Newport’s history, however most other sites besides The Breakers, Rosecliff, and Marble House are closed for the winter season. The Audrain Automobile museum can be done two different ways: next to the tennis hall of fame, there’s a small front that hosts a rotating show that changes every few months. If you’d like to spend more time viewing a larger selection of vehicles, visit the Newport Car Museum located in Portsmouth. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Jay Leno! 

Entertainment

Live music is all around at the local bars, and if you don’t mind paying a cover for some dancing, Newport Blues and Pelham are two of the hottest spots downtown. They’re an easy walk across the street if you chose to stay at Hammet’s. If dancing isn’t your vibe, there’s a Dueling Piano Show at Top of Pelham with two show times to accommodate any dinner or pre-show drink plans you might have made. Check out the Firehouse Theater for the best local comedy (again, watch out for Jay Leno!) or get cozy with some popcorn at the Jane Pickens Theater for a cozy movie night in.