Sunny cobblestone paths lined with fresh spring blossoms. Chic eateries, craft-cocktail bars and casual seafood shacks refreshed and renewed. Longer days and long-awaited sunshine.
The arrival of spring is wondrous. But the arrival of spring in Newport? That’s like something out of a dream.
We asked our Instagram followers what their favorite thing to do during one of the best times in Newport is. Here's what they told us:
COVID-19 NOTE:
When you're ready, we can't wait to welcome you back to The Classic Coast! Rest assured, local restaurants, shops, and businesses are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of all. This includes wearing mandatory face coverings, following guidelines put in place by health and government officials, and implementing stringent cleaning practices.
All we ask when you land on these shores is that you play your part in keeping everyone safe. Please be kind, wear a mask, wash your hands, and maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
1. WALK CLIFF WALK
There's a reason people travel from all over to experience Newport's 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. It's where the serenity of salt air and the familiar sound of crashing waves collide with the awe of Gilded Age architecture. It's also where total invigoration meets utter relief.
2. DRIVE DOWN OCEAN DRIVE W. THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN
The windows rolled down and your favorite song blasting through the speakers on Ocean Drive is mandatory once spring rolls around. Ten miles of commanding coastline meets one winding road. Start your journey just off historic Bellevue Avenue and continue along the drive for an undeniably tranquil journey. Roll the windows down and turn the music up to ten for an therapeutic experience unlike any other.
3. TAKE PASTA BEACH PIZZA TO THE BEACH AT SUNSET
There's something about watching a Newport sunset after winter fades into spring and the warmer air settles in. According to Instagram, a sunset at the beach only gets better when you grab some pizza from Pasta Beach first.
4. WATCH SUNSET OVER THE NEWPORT BRIDGE
The Newport Bridge is arguably Newport's most iconic landmark. People often describe the journey across this 2.1 mile beauty as "a sigh of relief." Needless to say, to sit and admire it during sunset is nothing short of remedial. For an up-close show, head to Van Zandt Pier, or catch the view from anywhere along the harbor.
5. WALK THROUGH THE POINT
Located just next to downtown Newport, The Point is a small neighborhood tucked away from view. Formally called Easton’s Point after one of the founders of Newport, Nicholas Easton, it is most commonly referred to as The Point. This quaint neighborhood is home to the largest concentration of colonial homes in the U.S. A stroll through its neat grid of streets reveals meticulously maintained, cozy homes boasting unique architecture.
6. HEAD TO A DAFFODIL FIELD
Last year, city residents watched as the one millionth daffodil bulb was planted at city hall. This year, spring welcomes the arrival of 1.2 million daffodils around town with Newport Daffodil Days, an annual celebration of all things spring around town. Wander cobblestone byways and sun-drenched parks for the most vibrant yellow views around.
7. PARTICIPATE IN NEWPORT NIGHT RUN
Newport's first and only nighttime race, the Newport Night Run is a 5k that supports the Newport Public Education Foundation. Participants don neon attire and glow sticks and run the streets of downtown Newport after the sun goes down.
Please note: This year's Newport Night Run has been postponed until April 9, 2022 in light of COVID-19.
8. DAFFODIL DAYS AT BLITHEWOLD MANSION
Each April, tens of thousands of daffodils trumpet the arrival of spring at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol. The well-known daffodil display, known as Daffodil Days, blankets the 33-acre seaside estate with more than fifty thousand daffodils.
9. ORDER TWIN LOBSTER ROLLS AT FIRST BEACH
Easton's Beach Snack Bar serves up two lobster rolls for the price of one served with a side of fries for $15.87. Kick up your feet at their beach-side snack bar and feast with an ocean view.
10. HIKE THE TRAILS AT NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY
This wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center in Middletown is home to 325 acres of diverse habitats and 7 miles of scenic, marked hiking trails.
11. HIKE UP TO HANGING ROCK
Head out on Hanging Rock Trail at Norman Bird Sanctuary for a hike along the most eastern of the sanctuary's three ridges offering the best ocean views. Land at Hanging Rock overlooking Second Beach at a 70 ft. elevation.
12. EXPLORE ROSE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Rose Island Lighthouse was built in 1870 on Rose Island, located in Narragansett Bay. In 1970, after the Newport Bridge was built, the lighthouse was neglected and abandoned. Fourteen years later, the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation was founded to restore this treasure on behalf of the city. This lighthouse is only accessible by boat and is now a historic living museum and environmental education center.
Pro Tip: The lighthouse operates as a living museum where you can stay overnight and become a lighthouse keeper. Stay in one of the available rooms where you'll enjoy the crashing of the waves and peaceful tranquility. In the morning, change the linens and have the room back in order before the museum opens.
More Suggestions:
14. Order oysters from Midtown Oyster Bar and eat them on the second floor deck
16. Drinks and live music at The Landing
17. Watch the boats on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn
18. Order clam cakes and chowder at Flo's Clam Shack
20. Pick up donuts at Liberty Donuts and watch the sunset at Castle Hill Lighthouse
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