Summer brought us what will undoubtedly be our favorite memories of the year. We dined on rooftops and seaside patios, we savored free concerts all around town, watched movies under the stars and even got our hands on a boat load of fantastic free classes and tours.
As Labor Day weekend nears and the buzz of the season begins to settle down in our coastal enclave we prepare to part ways with summer. From family friendly adventures like murder mysteries, lobster tours and living history tours to chances to sit back and relax on a boat, beach or rooftop, these LDW ideas are just what you need to send the season out in style.
FAMILY FUN
EXPLORATION CENTER & AQUARIUM
Save the Bay's Exploration Center & Aquarium's interactive marine science center is home to more than 40 species from Narragansett Bay, often including rare lobsters, crabs, seahorses, sea robins, terrapins and more. Three touch tanks allow you to get up close and personal with little skates, urchins, spider crabs, sea stars, dogfish sharks and more - all from local waters.
When: Daily 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Exploration Center & Aquarium
RAIL EXPLORERS RAIL BIKES
Rail Explorers offers an unforgettable scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and spectacular Narragansett Bay on custom built pedal-powered vehicles. The eco-friendly business is all about rail bikes and aims to provide an amazing journey using existing railroad tracks.
When: Daily
Where: 1 Alexander Road, Portsmouth
RELATED: Pedal-Powered Rail Bikes Are Coming to Portsmouth
MYSTERY AT THE MUSEUM
Enjoy a 90-Minute, family-friendly interactive mysteries inside the Newport Art Museum. Search the galleries for clues and interrogate the suspects. Bring the whole family, come with a group of friends, or test your sleuthing skills alone for 90 minutes of fast-paced fun and interactive entertainment at the Newport Art Museum. You're guaranteed to meet a cast of colorful characters dressed in gorgeous period costumes, but be careful who you trust, or you might just end up the victim!
When: Saturday, September 2; 7:00 PM
Where: Newport Art Museum
NEWPORT CAR MUSEUM
Newport Car Museum, the 114,000 sq. ft. building in Portsmouth that was once a missile manufacturing plant, has officially opened its doors to automobile fans and those simply interested in a family-friendly, fun excursion. Completely gutted and renovated for its current purpose, the museum now houses a private collection of 50 automobiles that highlight six decades of modern industrial automotive design.
NEWPORT DINNER CRUISE
Climb aboard Newport's only dinner cruise for a carefully catered meal right on the harbor. Choose from a 2-hour lunch cruise served family style, a 1.5 hour hors d'oeuvres cruise, or 2-hour prix-fixe dinner cruise. No matter which you choose, each cruise offers a scenic trip through Newport Harbor, passing by some of the city's most beautiful attractions.
ASRI NATURE ACTIVITIES
End the summer with Audubon Society. Head to the Environmental Education Center and enjoy crafts, a nature hike, games and more. No registration is required.
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Nature Craft Table
- 10:00 AM: Nature Story
- 11:00 AM: Nature Walk
- 1:00 PM: Why We Love Ducks! Learn about the many species that call Rhode Island home, and then go out on a duck walk.
- 2:30 PM: Animal Interview
When: Monday, September 4; 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Audubon Society of RI
COGGESHALL FARM LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Step foot into 18th-century farm life in Rhode Island at Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol where interpreters perform the daily farm tasks dressed in clothing of the period. Learn about the roles of ordinary men, women and children during the founding years of our country. Explore 48 acres of woodland, fields and salt marsh. Take a lesson from the past in sustainable farming. Arrive prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.
When: Daily, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: 1 Colt Drive, Bristol
FISH'N TALES LOBSTER TOUR
Get up close and personal with lobsters, see how lobster traps are hauled, put on gloves and help bait the traps and sort the catch. Learn how lobsters live and how lobstermen catch them all while riding through Newport Harbor.
When: Daily, 2:30 PM
Where: 31 Bowen's Landing, Newport
RELATED: Summertime Sand Bucket List For Family Fun
PURE RELAXATION
HARBOR CRUISES
SMUGGLERS COCKTAIL CRUISE
Enjoy a leisurely 60-minute cruise through Narragansett Bay and along the coastline past Castle Hill. Relax while sipping complimentary rum punch, beer, bottled water or ice tea, listen to music and enjoys the sights and sounds of the waterfront.
When: Daily
Where: Departs 24 Bannister's Wharf, Newport
12 METER CRUISE
America's Cup Charters offers the largest fleet of America's Cup Winners in the world. Relax aboard a legendary 68' classic l2 Meter yacht as you sail through picturesque Narragansett Bay, and even get the chance to help the crew sail.
When: Daily
Where: 49 America's Cup Avenue
AMAZING GRACE HARBOR TOUR
Oldport Harbor Tours aboard the Amazing Grace take you on a one-hour narrated tour with close-up views of lighthouses, America's Cup yachts, grand estates, a historic fort and more.
When: Daily
Where: Departs Oldport Marine located next to The Mooring on America's Cup Avenue
RELATED: Save the Date: 47th Annual Newport International Boat Show
BRUNCH ON ADIRONDACK II
Start your day with an invigorating Morning Mimosa Sail aboard Adirondack II, an elegant, 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner. Feel free to bring a brunch to compliment perfectly poured mimosas (available for $4 each). Mimosa Morning Sails are the perfect way to see the sights of Rhode Island.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM
Where: Departs Bowen's Wharf
ROOFTOP BAR AND OUTDOOR PATIOS
TOP OF NEWPORT ROOFTOP BAR
Hotel Viking's al fresco rooftop kitchen and bar is officially open for the summer season with a full menu offering local and traditional cuisine and a full bar. Dine at tables, lounge on couches or sit along the newly expanded bar, all with unparalleled views of the neighborhood's tree-lined streets and Newport Harbor.
DEALS:
Start at the Top Half-Price Raw Bar
Friday, 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Kick off the weekend with Top of Newport’s Half-Price Raw Bar, a delectable spread showcasing the freshest seafood including succulent shrimp and locally sourced oysters on the half shell and littleneck clams accompanied by an assortment of condiments.
Bloody Mary Bar
Sunday, 2:00 - 5:00 PM. We provide the fixings, you do the mixing. Concoct the perfect Bloody Mary blending vodka with any combination of celery salt, celery stalks, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, horseradish, assorted hot sauces, olives and black pepper.
Craft Burger and Draft Beer, $11.99
Monday, 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Each week, the culinary crew creates a unique handcrafted super burger and pairs it with a draft beer.
RELATED: The Best Restaurants For Late Night Eats In & Around Newport
THE LAWN AT CASTLE HILL INN
The sprawling seaside lawn at Castle Hill Inn is often considered a Newport icon. Offering unbeatable panoramic ocean views, classic New England fare and warm weather cocktails, you'll find it hard to leave your Adirondack chair once you sit down. The lawn officially reopens Memorial Day.
THE CLIFF WALK TERRACE
Dine al fresco on The Chanler's Cliff Walk Terrace offering fresh cuisine infused with local flavor. Savor New-England infused dishes crafted by Executive Chef Thomas Duffy, or lounge by the bar. Either way, you'll be accompanied by an oceanfront view and a comforting sea breeze. The terrace reopens May 26.
RELATED: A Master Guide to Al Fresco Eats & Drinks in Newport
THE ROOFTOP AT VANDERBILT GRACE
Savor a glass of champagne or a carefully crafted specialty cocktail while enjoying a scenic sunset over Newport Harbor from atop Newport's Vanderbilt Grace. Situated in the heart of downtown, you'll have gorgeous views of Newport's bustling neighborhoods and the iconic Newport bridge. The rooftop deck reopens Friday, May 26.
THE PAVILION BAR AT FORTY 1 NORTH
Located right on Newport Harbor, the Pavilion at Forty 1 North is a modern bar overlooking the iconic Newport Bridge and offering a scenic spot to savor classic fare or lounge on area sofas and arm chairs. Soak in the sights while sipping a signature cocktails.
PORTSIDE AT 22 BOWEN'S
The open-air, harbor side bar located next to 22 Bowen's is officially open for the season, serving tasty cocktails and culinary treats in an intimate atmosphere.
REST EASY
With so much to see and do this weekend, you won't want to head out of town until the very last second. Rest easy with these featured deals on overnight stays at our city's finest hotels and B&Bs.
DARK & STORMY BRIGHT & SUNNY
The Attwater, Newport or Gilded, Newport
Think: an America’s Cup sail, a New England sailor's favorite cocktail, plus all the goods for a day at the beach.
Includes:
- Welcome Dark & Stormy cocktails for two at The Black Pearl, located waterside on Bannister's Wharf
- A two-hour sail for two (with a chance to crew) with 12 Meter Charters (on one of their 12 Meter yachts that has competed in the America's Cup)
- The Attwater Beach Picnic Kit — including snacks and drinks for two, the use of beach towels and a J. Crew beach bag that’s yours to keep
- Details
SUNSHINE BAY-DREAMS
Dreaming of warm winds & sand between your toes? Mention Discover Newport & receive 10% off your stay at the Bayberry.
Includes:
- A chef prepared breakfast
- On site parking
- Details
RETREAT NEAR THE VINES
Stay in a 1 bedroom cottage at The East Island reserve and receive two complimentary tour and tasting vouchers to visit our next door neighbor, The Newport Vineyards. Details.
PARADISE FARMHOUSE & NEWPORT VINEYARDS
Paradise Farmhouse at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Rest nestled at this gorgeous farmhouse located on the 325-acre Norman Bird Sanctuary with 7 miles of hiking trails, gardens, and rolling fields. You'll be right next to gorgeous beaches, local vineyards, farm stands and a five minute drive to Newport.
Includes:
- Three-night full-house vacation rental (sleeps up to 16 people in 6 bedrooms/7.5 bathrooms)
- 1 Year Membership to Norman Bird Sanctuary
- Complimentary Newport Vineyards Tour & Tasting (up to 16 people)
- Details
