Picture this: Sunny cobblestone paths lined with fresh spring blossoms. Chic eateries, craft-cocktail bars and casual seafood shacks refreshed and renewed. That feeling when you turn your face towards the long-awaited sunshine and the ocean breeze hits just right. 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 spring in Newport is. Here's what they told us:
1. Newport 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. Go for a drive down Ocean Drive with the windows rolled down
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. Get take out from Winner Winner and watch the sunset at the beach
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 is only amplified by take out from Winner Winner, a casual eatery located in the Fifth Ward where they do one thing and they do it exceptionally well: fried chicken. Pro tip: Don't skip the biscuit.
4. Watch the 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.
5. Go for a walk in The Point
Located just off the Newport Bridge 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. Get coffee at Rosemary & Thyme and go for a morning walk on Third Beach
Tucked away on Spring Street is Rosemary & Thyme, an intimate first-floor cafe where artisan delights like muffins, scones, baguettes and croissants are hand-baked daily. Grab a cup of coffee (and a croissant if you dare) and make your way to Third Beach for a serene stroll before the town wakes up.
7. Stroll through downtown among all the daffodils
Last year, city residents watched as the one millionth daffodil bulb was planted at city hall. Wander cobblestone byways and sun-drenched parks as all one million daffodils bloom to welcome the arrival of spring.
8. Participate in the 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.
9. Visit Blithewold Mansion for Gateway to Spring
Each April, tens of thousands of daffodils trumpet the arrival of spring at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol. The well-known daffodil display, now known as Gateway to Spring, blankets the 33-acre seaside estate with more than fifty thousand daffodils.
10. Order twin lobster rolls at the Easton's Beach Snack Bar and eat them overlooking the ocean
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.
11. Hike the trails at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Norman Bird Sanctuary is a wildlife refuge and environmental education center located on the largest area of contiguous open space on Aquidneck Island. The 325 acres contains 7 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats and beautiful ridge vistas.
12. 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.
13. Explore Rose Isand 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 Below:
14. Walk my dogs on Second Beach
15. Order oysters from Midtown and eat them on the second floor deck
16. Eat clam chowder at The Black Pearl
17. Drinks and live music at The Landing
18. Watching the boats on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn
19. Order clam cakes and chowder at Flo's and eat it overlooking the beach
20. Watch the sunset at Brenton Point
21. Pick up donuts at Liberty Donuts and watch the sunset at Castle Hill Lighthouse
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