Summer isn't the only time things heat up in Newport. As temperatures begin to dip, this list of date ideas around town gets even more creative to keep the flame alive. Because what's more romantic than freshly fallen snow and the sound of winter waves meeting the shoreline? Correct answer: Not much. Commence mitten holding.

Downtown Date Night

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First Stop: Ice Skating at Newport Harbor Island Resort
Second Stop: Shopping and Stroll on Bowen's Wharf
Final Stop: Dinner at The Reef

Newport Harbor Island Resort Ice Skating Winter

Head over to Newport Harbor Island Resort to glide across the ice with unobstructed views of the Newport Bridge, Goat Island Lighthouse and Newport Harbor as your backdrop. When you're done, don't forget to warm up with seasonal cocktails and indulgent hot chocolate in a dedicated lounge on property.

When you're done, head over to Bowen's Wharf for a crisp stroll sure to include harbor views, quaint shops and a chance at mitten holding. When you've built up an appetite, head down the street to The Reef where you'll delight in the indulgent flavors of elevated dockside dining in styled and themed igloo. Each igloo can fit up to 8 guests, and offer a full cocktail, wine and winter menu to choose from. 

Newport Harbor Island Resort, 1 Goat Island Rd, Newport
Bowen's Wharf, Newport 
The Reef, 10 Howard Wharf, Newpor​t

 

Hands-on Dinner + Drinks

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First Stop: A cooking class at Newport Cooks
Second Stop: Drinks at Rejects Beer Co.

Bywater

Whether you've been hoarding an impressive repertoire of culinary skills or struggle to make cereal in the morning, nothing is better than creating something together. Head over to Newport Cooks for a creative line-up of cooking classes to hone your skills on everything from Greek tapas to homemade pasta and Vietnamese staples. 

Next, make your way to Reject's Beer Co. The hyper-local brewery is located in an 1880 square foot converted garage overlooking Easton's Pond in Middletown, and pays tribute to the area's surfing scene. The vibe: Retro counter culture meets 80's basement. Inside you'll find a 28-seat bar with six beers on tap alongside neon lighting and oak wooden barrels housing the latest brews. You and your date can enjoy a tasting of beers on tap, or choose from a selection of prepackaged cans to take with you.

Newport Cooks, 796 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown
Reject's Beer Co., 124 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown

 

Journey Back in Time

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First Stop: Dinner at America's Oldest Tavern
Second Stop: Improv Comedy at Firehouse Theater
Final Stop: Drinks at Cabana

White Horse Tavern

 

Few things say romance quite like dinner in America's oldest tavern, trust us on this one. Opened in 1673, White Horse Tavern feels somewhat frozen in time; rooms are still lit with oil lamps, logs burn in the fireplaces and cozy candles still set the mood. Don't let this fool you, though. While the atmosphere is reminiscent of the Colonial Era, the food takes a modern approach. Indulge in New England fare like clam chowder and lobster bisque, plus a twist on classic favorites like duck scotch eggs, Beef Wellington and more. 

Afterwards, start building a lifetime of laughter together (Is it too soon to discuss the future? You think we're rushing things?) at Firehouse Theater with The Bit Players, Rhode Island's award-winning improv comedy troupe. Shows are modeled after Whose Line Is It Anyway, are BYOB and typically last one hour and 45 minutes.

End the night with drinks around the corner at Cabana on Broadway, a vibrant eatery celebrating classic New England with a spicy Caribbean twist. 

White Horse Tavern, 26 Marlborough Street, Newport
Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, Newport
Cabana, 140 Broadway, Newport

 

Playful Night for Two

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First Stop: Dinner at Pasta Beach
Second Stop: Games at Ryan Family Amusements

Ryan Family Amusement

 

Set the tone for an evening of charm by beginning the night with dinner at Pasta Beach. Tucked away on historic Bellevue Avenue, this classic Italian eatery offers pastas tossed with fresh veggies, cheese and herbs; pizzas topped with cheese and arugula; and Italian sandwiches crafted with fresh ingredients. Pro tip: The back bar is a cozy spot to share pizza and a bottle of wine. 

Next, indulge in a little playful competition at Ryan Family Amusements on Thames Street where you'll find more than 35 video and arcade games to engage your kid-at-heart side.

Pasta Beach, 138 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
Ryan Family Amusement, 268 Thames Street, Newport

 

A Day-date on the Harbor

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First Stop: A seal tour on Narragansett Bay
Second Stop: Lunch at Bar 'Cino
Final Stop: Glassblowing at Thames Glass

Seal Watch Tours Save the Bay 2020

 

Hop aboard Save The Bay's education vessel for 360-degree views of Narragansett Bay and the chance to catch harbor seals resting on Citing Rock off of Rose Island and the NPT Bridge. Tours are one hour, or you can opt for a two-hour tour and hop off at Rose Island to tour the historic lighthouse and the grounds. Don't worry, you'll have your love to keep you warm (Still too soon?)

Afterwards, head over to Bar 'Cino in Washington Square where Italian cuisine is the star of the menu and the vibe is casual with a cafe feel. You won't regret ordering their signature item: thin-crust pizza with toppings like prosciutto, fig and arugula. It's served with scissors to cut it yourself—you know, the way your Italian grandmother would. 

End the day with a trip down Thames Street to Thames Glass where you and your date can create a hand-blown masterpiece together with the supervision of an experienced glassblower. 

Save The Bay, departs from Bowen’s Ferry Landing, Newport
Bar 'Cino, 22 Washinton Square, Newport
Thames Glass, 688 Thames Street, Newport

 

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