DH is being sent to Newport for work in a few weeks; I will have one entire day to occupy myself and we’ll have the morning before we return, together. We can suggest where we’d like to stay but his staff assistant will make the decision based on work parameters. We have never been there and I’m fine with walking around – any suggestions? Is it a walkable place? I will not have the car.
I know there’s a Marriott Residence outside of downtown, and one on the water, but that’s about it. I know the mansions are there but I am more of a water-and-walking, or maybe the art museum?
If I only had 24 hours, I’d walk The Cliffwalk (part of it collapsed this week, so I’m not sure where you’d have to get on/off), maybe hop on a Trolley tour. Since you like outdoorsy things, there is a Rail Bike trail. I’ve never done it, so I don’t know how they handle single bikers as most of the “carts” seem to be doubles.
Visit one mansion, all are beautiful. The Cliff walk is likely closed. They have had some rocks collapse last week. They might have part of it open by the time you get there. The downtown area is also very nice. They used to have a trolley type bus you could get on and off of, easily. That might only be in the Summer. But if it’s available that would be perfect for you.
The collapsed portion of the Cliff Walk is at the Salve Regina University (northern) end. There are multiple entry spots. I would imagine the stretch south of there, around The Breakers, may be open. I’d check into it–the Cliff Walk is breathtaking.
The area around Trinity Church (Queen Anne Square) is also very beautiful—many colonial era buildings. The church itself has some Tiffany windows paid for by rich parishioners and a rare “wine glass” pulpit.
I have been looking at maps and I get what you’re saying – but DH can’t eat in most restaurants so we almost always try and find a place with at least a microwave (the Marriott on the Harbor doesn’t have those in the room)
If I had one thing to visit in Newport, it would be the Newport Tower in Touro Park. If you’re there on a Saturday or Sunday, you can visit the store front Newport Tower Museum or read any of a number of articles about the history of the tower on line by Jim Egan before you go.
From little Storer Park on Washington Street in downtown, you can stroll across the causeway to Goat Island and get great views of the harbor, the bay, and the Newport Bridge
Castle Hill Inn for a drink/meal is a must in my book. Although much nicer in the summer sitting on the lawn overlooking the sailboats—sounds like you may be going in late March?? Weather is a factor in what you choose. But they do have cozy indoor areas and then you can always return in the summer (really at its peak) at some point! Beyond the cliff walk, walking around the Oceanside trails on Sachuest Point is magnificent (more natural, lots of cool wildlife, but all along the coast). Renting bikes and biking “10 mile drive” aka Ocean Road is absolutely incredible. The Breakers or Marble House for a mansion tour (good for off-season weather!). Shopping/eating/drinking around the harbor. There are various boat cruises you can sign up for (as short as an hour or two, or longer ones). In the off-season there are seal-watching boat tours (bundle up). Dueling pianos at The Pelham. So, so many amazing restaurants—look to Yelp to narrow in on what you prefer. Just walking around various areas with lots of historic houses is cool. The historic Jane Pickens Theater for a movie. You’ll have a blast!
Touro Synagogue, oldest synagogue in America. Might not be accessible for much longer—property owned by a NYC congregation, owners may be trying to get the local group out of the building–not sure why.
We are staying outside downtown, closer to the base to make DH’s life easier and give us a small kitchen. Arrival day we hope to pick up food, and then drive the 10-mile drive. If the weather is lousy, we’ll probably still do the 10-mile drive
Day on my own, I can take a shuttle to Thames St or the Harbor walk and do gawking and walking. I found Newport Creamery and am told I should have an Awful Awful but we might save that for end of day with DH. I haven’t planned much, which is a treat for me. He is likely to be occupied for an extended day.
Day together looks like Fort Adams, and the park past the beach (can’t recall the name at the moment) for more walking. There’s a windmill he wants to see. If the weather is bad, Island Books and the Art Museum or something like that. Probably at least a portion of the Cliff Walk. The ferries and boats are not yet running, it seems, or we’d be considering those. All plans flexible and I am notorious for cramming in too much so I am only thinking about a million other things we could do.
If you’re visiting a windmill (Boyd’s?), then you must combine it with a visit to the old stone tower in Touro Park, which is purportedly the remnants of a windmill. After visiting a real windmill in nearby Jamestown, even my middle school grandson could see that the Touro Park tower is not a windmill. The Newport Tower Museum across the street dates it to an early settlement attempt during Elizabethan times. It’s a fascinating remnant of the late Middle Ages. The museum is only open on weekends or by appointment. So if neither of those are possible, read one of Jim Eagan’s articles on line in advance to understand what you’re looking at.
