The thought of a trip to Newport typically conjures daydreams of tan lines, harbor cruises and sunsets with an ocean view. It's true, we've got that whole seaside summer thing down pat. But believe it or not, winter on our Classic Coast is when the magic happens. Winter sunrises unobstructed and in full glory, snow-kissed seasides and a seat by the fire - it's a feeling unlike any other. Not to mention, winter is when we take all things cozy and kick them up a notch. Heated igloos with a bay view? Got it. A hot chocolate bar? Got that too. So sure, we've got summer down pat. But you better believe we nailed winter too.
Below are our favorite winter experiences in and around Newport.
IGLOOS ON THE BAY
Meander your way through the lobby at Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina on Goat Island and through the back doors onto the Regent Fire Pit Deck where you'll find heated igloos overlooking the Newport Bridge and Narragansett Bay. Kick your feet up with a warm specialty cocktail and savor the scenic view. Pro Tip: When you're done, make your way down to the North Lawn where you'll find resident goats William and Cornelius lounging in their goat mansion (Yes, we said goat mansion).
Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina, 1 Goat Island, Newport
HOT CHOCOLATE BAR
This pop-up hot chocolate bar at America's Most Romantic Hotel combines the nostalgic comfort of your favorite childhood cold-weather treat with the stunning scenery of the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. Savor white, milk and spicy dark chocolate varieties of hot chocolate, with or without spirits, and topped with specialty whipped creams, cookies and macarons crafted by the restaurant's pastry chefs.
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The Chanler, 117 Memorial Boulevard, Newport
COZY COCKTAIL DEN
A roaring fire and a hand-crafted cocktail on the garden terrace of this 1909 mansion turned luxury boutique hotel is just what your winter soul needs. The Vanderbilt's Cozy Cocktail Den is open every evening between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM on the outdoor terrace for cocktails and s’mores around the fire. Enjoy a warm cocktail created by master mixologist, Christina Mercado while relaxing by the fire and savoring a delicious s’more under a blanket.
S’mores & blankets: complimentary for house guests; $10 per person for non-resident guests.
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The Vanderbilt, 41 Mary Street, Newport
SNOWBALL COCKTAILS
You may find it too chilly for an outdoor adventure, but you might just forget it's winter when you're sitting by the blazing fire with a cocktail in hand. Once a fresh snowfall has come and gone, make your way to the bar at The Vanderbilt to pick up a snowball maker before heading out to the Garden Terrace to gather your libation's ingredients. Return with some snowballs and their resident mixologist will use them to craft your favorite cocktail, like Nights in White Satin made with black fig vodka, Bailey's, house-made ginger syrup and chai tea brewed for five hours. *Winter weather permitting.
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The Vanderbilt, 41 Mary Street, Newport
NEWPORT WINTER FOODIES STROLL
Bundle up and arrive hungry. This winter rendition of the Newport Foodies Stroll leads you to three different Newport restaurants for a journey culminating to a three-course meal alongside meticulously chosen wine pairings. Your wintry stroll will last several hours and journey along Newport's historic Thames Street for a total of .75 miles. Tours run Friday and Saturday evenings starting 5:30 PM.
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Departs 365 Thames Street, Newport
SEAL TOURS
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.
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Departs Bowen's Ferry Landing, Market Square, Newport
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