The official start of summer is just three weeks away and Newport and Bristol Counties is welcoming the busiest time of year with new accommodations, restaurants and experiences. See below:

ATTRACTIONS:

Audrain Automobile Museum: With the vision of becoming one of the most highly regarded automotive museums in New England, the Audrain collection is comprised of over 112 of the rarest and most remarkable vehicles in history. The completely renovated space, originally constructed in 1903, houses fully restored vehicles ranging from the beginning of the 20th century to modern day. To keep the museum fresh, the entire collection is never displayed at once. Instead, vehicles are showcased based on periodically changing exhibition themes. 222 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, audrainautomuseum.org

International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum: This icon of Newport has just unveiled a $3 million renovation. Multimedia technology is the highlight of the new museum experience highlighted by a hologram of Roger Federer talking about why he loves tennis. It is the first use of holographic technology in a sports museum in the US and is a natural fit among 1,900 artifacts of tennis history displayed throughout the exhibit galleries. 194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, tennisfame.com

FOOD + DRINK

Ally McCally’s, The Family Deli: a casual deli serving sandwiches and more. 66 Broadway, Newport.

Aruba Steve’s Island Grill: An authentic, tropical themed restaurant/bar serving specialties including a rendition of the world famous “Best Ribs in the Caribbean” sold at Smokey Joe’s in Aruba, tender Mahi-Mahi bites, seafood paella and Portuguese style littlenecks. 520 Main Street, Warren, arubasteveswarren.com

Bar 31: A family owned lounge-meets-tapas-style bar with a warm ambience, fresh, seasonal food, craft beers, whiskeys, wines, martinis and mixed drinks. 29 State Street, Bristol, bar31ri.com

Boru Noodle Bar: This cozy Broadway eatery celebrating “ramen culture” is expanding into an adjacent space to add 20 more seats. 36 Broadway, Newport, borunoodlebar.com

Bristol Oyster Bar: This restaurant’s mantra is “Everything from scratch using only the finest local ingredients.” Menu items change daily and offer the very best seafood delicacies to be found in the Narragansett Bay. 448 Hope Street, Bristol, bristoloysterbar.com

Chipotle: National chain of quick serve Mexican food in a casual environment. The company’s Food with Integrity initiative highlights its efforts in using organic ingredients and serves more naturally raised meat than any other restaurant chain. 11 East Main Road, Middletown, Chipotle.com  

Christian’s Wood Fired Grill: Small plates, big flavors and wood-grilled menu items featuring creative dishes composed of fresh ingredients with delicious flavor combinations. Specialty cocktails, craft beers and wine offerings. Seasonal outdoor seating. 382 Thames Street, Bristol, christiansri.com

The Corner Bakery Café: National neighborhood restaurant offering healthy, fresh and delicious food choices, free WiFi and catering. 11 E. Main Road, Middletown, cornerbakerycafe.com

CRU Café: Purveyor of craft café dining integrating a weekly changing menu, fresh local ingredients and great coffee. Owned and operated by Russell Morin Catering & Events. 1 Casino Terrace, Bellevue Plaza, Newport, crucafenewport.com

Fatulli’s Bakery & Deli: Nearly doubling in size, the newly renovated Fatulli’s boasts over 3500-square feet of indoor space, as well as 2000-square feet of outdoor seasonal seating, vaulted ceilings, views of Newport Vineyards and a state of the art kitchen. 909 E. Main Road, Middletown, newportvineyards.com/fatullis

Food Trucks: Every other Wednesday through September 23 at Residence Inn by Marriott, 325 W. Main Road, Middletown, marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdnm-residence-inn-newport-middletown

Hope Food & Spirits: A hip eatery with nightly dinner menu, small plates, craft cocktails, Sunday brunch and a downstairs discothèque with live music. 10 Broadway, Newport, hopenewport.com

Lil Clam: The smallest’s state’s “littlest clam shack” serves clam cakes, clam rolls, lobster rolls and of course, clam chowder! 190 Thames Street, Newport.

Mainsail: A nautically-themed 98-seat restaurant at the Newport Marriott serving dock-to-table local seafood with a front row harbor view via floor-to-ceiling windows. 25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdlw-newport-marriott

Metacom Kitchen: A modern American Bistro serving hand-crafted dishes including house made charcuterie, locally-caught seafood and farm fresh meats. 322 Metacom Avenue, Warren, metacomkitchen.com

Newport Food Tours: A two-hour tour of Newport restaurants where you will taste a range of high-quality, modern American cuisine with a twist. All of the restaurants are located in the Broadway area so expect a short walking distance between tastings. Tour includes craft beer and local wine samples. nptfoodtours.com

Open Oyster: A Newport-based traveling oyster bar serving freshly harvested local oysters shucked on site from an ice-filled dory. Available for events, private parties, weddings and more. openoysterri.com

The Plank: The Newport Marriott’s lobby bar featuring a sculptural reference to prohibition-era Rhode Islanders who went to extreme lengths to enjoy their libations. 25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdlw-newport-marriott

Rhode Island Red Food Tours: A three-hour neighborhood walking tour combining local history and culture with food tastings. Savor regional and ethnic food and drink from at least six locally owned and operated eateries. rhodeislandredfoodtours.com

Simone’s: Serving the finest locally-grown and seasonal ingredients composed in an elegant and approachable way, Simone’s dishes are clean and contemporary but the traditional flavors shine day and night. 275 Child Street, Warren, simonesri.com

Scratch on Broadway: Small, simple eatery featuring handmade soups, gourmet grilled cheeses and wraps, sandwiches and more, lovingly prepared from “scratch.” 88 Broadway, Newport, scratchnewport.com

The Skiff: This 58-seat restaurant bar at the Newport Marriott offers spectacular water views, especially on the 57-seat new outdoor bar terrace (opening late June) overlooking Newport Harbor. Here you’ll find creative yet familiar small plates. 25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdlw-newport-marriott

Sticks and Cones: Newport's first and only waffle-on-a-stick take-out; also serving ice cream, gelato, smoothies, ice coffee and more. 8 Fair Street, Newport.

Thames Street Burger Boys: Burgers, wraps, fried dough, dessert and more. 404 Thames Street, Newport.

Tong Phoon: Traditional Thai foods as well as creative dishes served at lunch and dinner as well as international pastry and dessert. BYOB. 382 Thames Street, Bristol, tongphoonri.com

VanGogh Pizza: Traditional and creative pizza pies for take-out, dine-in or delivery. 12 Broadway, Newport, vangoghpizza.com

Washington Square Cafe & Baking Company: Serving breakfast and lunch in addition to coffee and pastry. Both sit-down café and take-out counter available to accommodate diners. 22 Washington Square, Newport.

LODGING

Gilded: A boutique experience by Lark Hotels offering a modern, irreverent take on Newport's Gilded Age with 17 uniquely-appointed rooms conceptualized by renowned interior designer Rachel Reider. Located just off Bellevue Avenue near Broadway. 23 Brinley Street, Newport, gildedhotel.com

Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa: The Goat Island resort has completed a $9 million renovation which extends to the property’s 257 guestrooms and suites which now invoke a contemporary, coastal chic aesthetic. The new vibe complements the updated lobby and public areas including the Five33 Lounge. 1 Goat Island, Newport, newport.hyatt.com

Newport Marriott: A newly revealed $35 million renovation included all 320 rooms and suites, common areas and function spaces. With a coastal, modern and polished feel, the transformation included a completely reimaged restaurant plus two new bars. The largest hotel in Newport now features a new M Club lounge onsite, complimentary for Gold and Platinum Marriott Rewards members or available for guest upgrade. 25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdlw-newport-marriott

RETAIL STORES

Anchored In Pink: Rhode Island’s only Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. Featuring women’s clothing and accessories from the famed resort wear brand. 433 Thames Street, Newport, anchored-in-pink.myshopify.com

Aqua Boutique: Casual and hip couture, gifts, jewelry, custom handbags, beach bags, timeless books and more. 295 Hope Street, Bristol.

A Christmas to Remember: Christmas comes alive at this store where ornaments, lights, collectibles, novelties and traditional finds, decorations and unique treasures all celebrate the season. 172 Thames Street, Newport.

L'OCCITANE en Provence: Natural beauty skincare products made in the south of France. Long Wharf, Newport, loccitane.com

lululemon athletica Newport Pop-up Shop: Technical clothing for yoga, running, and most other athletic pursuits for men and women. 106 William Street, Newport.

Marc Allen Fine Clothiers: Luxury clothing and accessories for men, many European brands, as well as custom pieces including hand-made bespoke, made-to-measure formal wear, suits, sport coats, trousers and shirts. 142 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, marcalleninc.com

The North Face: American activewear and outdoor gear company specializing in outerwear, fleece, coats, shirts, footwear and equipment such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, accessories and more. 64 Thames Street, Newport.

Run Newport: Performance footwear and apparel store with in-house treadmill for testing product which includes Brooks, Asics, New Balance, Saucony, The North Face and more. 16 Long Wharf Mall South, Newport.

The Sand Dollar: Nautical home décor and gifts, jewelry, accessories, glassware and small furnishings. 54 State Street, Bristol. 

SPAS + WELLNESS

The Bodhi Spa: New England's premier hydrotherapy day spa offers therapeutic water treatments, massage and more. 654 Thames Street, Newport, thebodhispa.com

Inspired Living: A boutique-style retreat center with a focus on holistic leadership principles honoring the mind, body and spirit. The center offers innovative educational experiences and creative exploration to individuals, communities and organizations. Located within the Bristol Harbor Inn. 259 Thames Street, Bristol, startlivinginspired.org

SpaFjör: The Hotel Viking’s spa refuge promotes health and well-being for mind, body and soul. Exotic Balinese spa experiences and Thai body rituals are custom-designed to replace the weight of the world with the feeling of absolute relaxation. 1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, hotelviking.com/hotel-spa.aspx

The Retreat at Castle Hill by Farmaesthetics: Treatments featuring the acclaimed, 100% natural skincare line that is made locally, loved globally, with organically grown herbs, many harvested from local Rhode Island farms. All spa services are enjoyed in a grand mansion suite. 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, castlehillinn.com/the-retreat-at-castle-hill-inn-by-farmaesthetics

TOURS

4 Faiths, 4 Landmarks: Experience four of Newport’s historic houses of worship in one comprehensive walking tour. Features: Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States; Trinity Church, a National Historic Landmark; Newport Congregational Church, houses windows by legendary artist John La Farge; and St. Mary's Church, the oldest Roman Catholic parish in Rhode Island and more famously known as the church where President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier said “I do.” Tickets available at the Newport Visitor Information Center (23 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport) and Bowen’s Wharf Pilot House. 4faiths.org

Cliff Walk Trail Markers: Rhode Island’s most visited attraction, the Cliff Walk, now features 16 new smartphone-friendly trail markers along the 3.5-mile path with information on sites along the way including mansions and landmarks.

Return to Camelot: Jacqueline Bouvier and then-Senator John F. Kennedy married at St. Mary’s Church in Newport on Sept. 12, 1953. Relive that special day in the same church with this live musical performance and video presentation each Tuesday from 3-3:45pm throughout the summer. Schools, group tours and VIP tours welcome. 80 Memorial Blvd. at Spring Street, returntocamelot.org

Newport Food Tours: See FOOD + DRINK category

Rhode Island Red Food Tours: See FOOD + DRINK category

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