The thought of a trip to Newport typically conjures visions of clam chowder, tan lives and and the Atlantic drying on your skin. It's true, we've got that whole summer-on-the-coast-thing down pat. But believe it or not, winter in Newport 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.
HEATED POP-UP IGLOOS
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 multi-sensory themed igloos overlooking the Newport Bridge and Narragansett Bay. Each igloo is heated and has its own theme-specific games and music alongside a signature cocktail pairing. Themes include Harry Potter, Astrology, Tropical Summer, Gatsby, Log Cabin, Astronomy and more.
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
GOAT HIKES AT SIMMONS FARM
There's nothing like a hike through the great outdoors to ease your winter blues, even if the temperatures may be a little chilly. When nature calls (literally), head over to Simmons Farm in Middletown for a two-hour goat hike around the historic family-owned farm. Led by farmer Karla and her crew of adventurous, spirited goats, you'll get your own goat to walk on a leash along the designated trail. Stop along the way to feed your goat a treat and to take in stunning views of the preserved farmland, and conclude your journey with a cup of hot chocolate.
Simmons Farm, 1942 West Main Road, Middletown
HOT CHOCOLATE BAR
Hot chocolate is mandatory when trying to make it through a winter in New England. When the frigid air rolls in, make your way to The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a luxury hotel nestled in a 19th century private mansion-turned-hotel, for a sip of elaborate craft hot chocolate from their newly re-opened hot chocolate bar.
Offerings include three combinations: milk-chocolate hot chocolate topped with caramel pearls, white and dark chocolate curls, whipped cream and crispy dipping cookies; dark-chocolate hot chocolate made from Callebaut chocolate topped with dark chocolate pearls, marshmallows, brownie and hibiscus-scented whipped cream; and finally, spiced cinnamon dark Peruvian chocolate topped with alfajores, gooseberry and malted milk whipped cream.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk, 117 Memorial Boulevard, Newport
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ICE SKATING OVERLOOKING THE BAY
As the temperatures drop, Gurney's Newport Resort and Marina transforms their North Lawn into a wintry wonderland complete with an ice skating rink. Glide across the ice with unobstructed views of the Newport Bridge, Goat Island Lighthouse and New Harbor as your backdrop. The rink is open daily until 9:00 PM.
Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina, 1 Goat Island, 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.
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 Newport 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.
Departs Bowen's Ferry Landing, Market Square, Newport
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