"In Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours." - Mark Twain
No matter the weather, this Classic Coast of ours is brimming with plenty to do this month, like the return of Newport Restaurant Week with 52 restaurants boasting menus as aromatic as the spring blossoms. Savor $20 two-course lunches, $35 three-course dinners and $50 premier menus.
The middle of the month brings the return of the Newport's Daffodil Days Festival with more than 20 festive, family-friendly events amid one million daffodils throughout the city.
Can't get enough of those yellow blooms? Head over the bridge to Bristol for Gateway to Spring at Blithewold Mansion, where more than 50,000 daffodils blanket the 33 acre estate for dreamy wanderlusting.
Later in the month, indulge in local flavor at the Newport Craft Beer Festival featuring 35+ breweries boasting local beer, live music, food and more.
Our picks for the month below.
BLITHEWOLD: 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 blankets the 33-acre seaside estate with more than fifty thousand daffodils.
When: April & May
Where: Blithewold Mansions, Gardens & Arboretum
NEWPORT RESTAURANT WEEK
Winter is slowly fading into spring here on The Classic Coast and with it comes the return of meals as aromatic and lively as the season's blooms. Local chefs and mixologists work diligently to craft their most tempting menus for the return of Newport Restaurant Week. The bi-annual tradition returns to area restaurants anticipated to offer enticing prix-fixe menus and special seasonal offers.
When: Friday, April 5 - Sunday, April 14
Where: Participating Restaurants throughout Newport + Bristol counties
NEWPORT NIGHT RUN
Newport's first and only nighttime road race, this 5k starts weaves along some of Newport’s most tranquil roads. Funds raised benefit local public schools.
When: Saturday, April 6; 7:30 PM
Where: Begins at Rogers High School
NEWPORT DAFFODIL DAYS FESTIVAL
Featuring nine days and more than 20 festive, family-friendly events amid one million daffodils throughout the city, Newport Daffodil Days Festival returns Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 PM on Bowen's and Bannister's Wharfs with the official ribbon of daffodils cutting, live music, games, a stilt walker, face painting and more. From a Daffy Doggies Parade and painting among the daffodils to private garden tours to parties, Newport Daffodil Days celebrates one of the most vibrant times throughout our City by the Sea.
When: April 13 - 21
Where: Throughout Newport
NEWPORT RHODE RACE
This stunning marathon, half marathon and 5k starts from Easton's Beach where nearly 100,000 daffodils will be in bloom and weaves through Newport including the historic mansion district and neighboring Middletown’s bucolic back roads and nature preserves.
When: Saturday, April 13; 7:30 AM
Where: Easton's Beach
EASTER EGG HUNT & BRUNCH AT ROSECLIFF
When: Saturday, April 20
Where: Rosecliff
Join the Easter Bunny for an candy-filled egg hunt on the oceanfront lawn of Rosecliff followed by an elaborate sit-down brunch in the famed Newport Mansion.
NEWPORT ARBORETUM WEEK
When: Monday, April 22 - Friday, April 26
Where: Throughout Newport
Newport is home to far more professionally accredited arboreta than any other city in the world. Arboretum Week, sponsored by Newport Tree Society, celebrates the city’s numerous trees and aims to raise awareness of the natural treasures abounding in Newport’s “urban forest.” Enjoy a week of events including the Lighting of the Trees, a tree walk, lectures and more.
NEWPORT CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
The 8th Annual Newport Craft Beer Festival returns for two days of taste-testing, live music and local flavors from area breweries and restaurants. Sample beers from all the breweries present and get a taste of the ‘local flavor’ from Newport restaurants offering their best plates while listening to live bands at each session.
When: Friday, April 27 - Saturday, April 28
Where: Lawn of Great Friends Meeting House
OPENING DAT AT HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM
Enjoy free admission, family activities, new exhibits, guided tours, arts and crafts, a food truck, door prizes and more at the opening day of Herreshoff Marine Museum.
When: Sunday, April 28; 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Herreshoff Marine Museum
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