Christmas in Newport Events and 2 Questions

I just wanted to post this helpful link to Christmas events in Newport. Lots of great ideas for visitors or locals alike!

http://www.christmasinnewport.org/

In previous years, we%26#39;ve gone to see the 3 Newport Mansions decorated for Christmas and it was a great time. This year we are thinking of the Victorian Christmas Tour of the Astors%26#39; Beechwood.

QUESTION: Has anyone been on this tour in past years or could comment on how long the tour is? It appears to run hourly (except lunch time) but wondered if the tours are just staggered and take longer than an hour?

QUESTION2: The Nutcracker Suite Christmas shop on Mill Street. How is the parking near there and anyone happen to know the hours?

Christmas in Newport Events and 2 Questions

I can really only answer question #2...there%26#39;s very limited parking on mill street as it%26#39;s very narrow, but there are sometimes parking spots towards the end where it meets Spring Street at Trinity Church. Your best bet would be to see if you can get a meter on Thames across from the park and Starbucks, or the Mary Street lot across the park from the store. (I think however that lately the lot has been charging for parking through the holidays, I know they were charging last weeekend.)

You could also try and park at the Neport Harbor Hotel across America%26#39;s Cup. They generally don%26#39;t require their parking passes unless it%26#39;s a busy weekend for them.

They%26#39;re open 10-6 M-Sat and 11-6 Sunday. Not sure if it%26#39;ll change during the season, but you can give thema call: 401.846.7385

Christmas in Newport Events and 2 Questions

Thanks Milemarker for your parking ideas! Ordinarily we don%26#39;t mind walking but someone in party has trouble walking so the closest we can get the better. I guess we can always drop her at the door and look for a spot. Good idea to call. I was surprised they didn%26#39;t have a web page (which was the first place I%26#39;d look for hours).

I just wanted to give a review of our visit to the Astors Beechwood Mansion decorated for Christmas (Victorian Christmas Tour).

We went this past Saturday. No advanced tickets are required just show up 15 mins before the time to buy your tickets.

The tour consisted of 20 minutes that you can tour the various rooms on your own. In each room was a costumed guide that recounted information about the people, furniture, history, etc. Each person kept in character as they answered questions. The various guides in each room had fascinating stories but we felt rushed to see all the rooms as it had been quite a long time since we visited the mansion. Each room was decorated with Christmas related decorations.

Next all were invited to the ballroom where the costumed guides put on a show for 40 minutes. The show consisted of piano playing, singing Christmas carols, dancing, playing popular parlor games of the time, etc. (all keeping with the time period of the house). Various audience members participated in all the events except the initial Christmas carols. So if you are shy avoid sitting in the front rows and you won%26#39;t be asked to participate!

Some comments: The Christmas decorations were much simplier than the Newport Mansions decorated for XMas. We did feel rushed touring the rooms in the initial 20 minutes portion. I think if we had more time for this it would have been better. The Xmas songs and performances by the guides was very good (voices/music etc.) The price of an adult ticket was $20 for this hour long event (so kind of steep!). I would say if you are more interested in decorations touring the 3 Newport Mansions for $25 total (Breakers, Marble House and Elms) would be the thing to do.

Hi sedum37

Thanks for posting. I will be going to Newport next weekend and will do the 3 Mansions decorated for xmas. What restaurants did you eat at and recommend? we are two friends 47 and 50.

Thanks,

NYChubby

NYChubby sorry we didn%26#39;t eat at any Newport restaurants this time... just there for the day.

Look for posts by Milemarker0. He usually has very good suggestions for restaurants.

NYChubby you%26#39;ll have a great time visiting the mansions decorated for Christmas! We loved it. We went a couple of years ago and bought the Winter Passport. In 2006 due to time constraints we only got to see two of the mansions that day (Marble House %26amp; Breakers). The lady at the ticket booth told us we could save our third ticket and use it again in winter (apparently the tickets never expire). And we did this past weekend (no problem)! Getting to see the Elms decorated for Christmas topped of a fun day.

I took a few photos last visit (2006) if you want to take a look:

http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid14086361

Note that they only allow you to take inside photos in the front hall of the Breakers. The Breakers has the most elaborate decorations by far of the 3 and the gift shop there is quite impressive. Each mansion has a gift shop but the Breakers is the largest/most comprehensive one so if you see something you like buy it at the Breakers.

the phone toll free # to the nutcracker suite xmas shop is 877-388-4578. It is on the web site www.gonewport.com Lots of great info on that site about Newport

providence and cape cod this weekend

Hi, last minute idea for anniversary weekend in providence and cape town. We would fly into providence Friday evening and leave Sunday night. Wondered if we rented a car, where is best to go to cape cod? we are not really big drivers either, as we are city folk, in early 30s. is it best to drive to cape cod friday and come pack to providence early sunday morning? or is it best to drive saturday to cape cod, return that night, or sunday morning.

providence and cape cod this weekend

Well, the drive to the Cape will be pretty easy as it%26#39;s the off-season and there won%26#39;t really be much traffic. But it will be getting dark around 4:30pm, so if you don%26#39;t like driving in the dark you might take that into considereation.

Not sure what you are looking to do while you are on the Cape....in all honesty it%26#39;s a slow time of year for the Cape, although there will be some holiday activites going on. Are you looking for Relaxing piece and quiet, or are you looking for a little bit of activity (like Nightlife, Restaurants, bars, Shopping)

For a quick weekend like that, you might also consider Newport, RI. an easy drive from the airport about 40 minutes. Newport has a lot to do in a more compact areea than the Cape this time of year. The mansions are decorated for the Holidays, and there is plenty of shopping, dining, bars/nightlife, etc to keep you busy.

check out www.gonewport.com for an idea of what there is to do...if you%26#39;re from the DC area and have been to Annapolis, think of Newport as Annapolis on steroids...

providence and cape cod this weekend

Hi,

I have to agree with what milemarker had to say. Being that it%26#39;s offseason up here, Newport would be a perfect spot to stay for the weekend. You could take a daytrip into Providence or to the Cape if you so choose. The Cape would be about 1-2 hours drive depending on where you wanted to end up. Providence is about 40 minutes from Newport.

Providence is a nice, mid sized city with great shopping and fantastic restaurants. The Federal Hill area is brimming with fantastic italian food. The Downcity (downtown) area also has numerous choices for a delicious meal. Strolling around College Hill (east side) where Brown University is located is a must. Benefit Street has a fantastic collection of early Colonial and Federal stle homes anywhere in the country. All that said, the city is best visited in the warmer months when you could visit places like Roger Williams Park, take in Waterfire or the free concerts Downcity. This is when the city is really hopping.

For me, the Cape is most enjoyable late spring, summer and autumn. Visits there in the winter really do nothing for me. (my sister lives there). The big towns like Falmouth and Hyannis have the most stores restaurants, etc. open, but they provide the least Cape Cod charm. The smaller towns are where it%26#39;s at, and they get pretty buttoned up come winter. The good side of a winter visit is there will be zero traffic problems. I don%26#39;t know, but like I said, the winter is so blah on the Cape.

Back to Newport if your still reading this. Newport is awesome. It offers everything that you could want from Cape Cod during the winter. It has an essense about it that just captures you and makes you want to visit more than once. It has charm. It has beauty. It has architecture. It has fantastic dining. It has cool shops and galleries. It just has it all. And 90% of the places stay open year round. The hotels are all nice. No dumps to be found. And it has to be a top 5 destination in the U.S. for it%26#39;s B%26amp;B%26#39;s. Look through the reviews of all the B%26amp;B%26#39;s in Newport, and there%26#39;s ALOT, and you%26#39;ll be very hard pressed to find bad reviews. Staying in these gorgeous places offseason is such a bargain.

Anyways, that%26#39;s my two cents worth. (maybe a nickel with all that writting, lol) Feel free to ask anymore questions, regardless of where you decide to visit.

Thanks to both of your insight. so we have thrown out the cape cod idea-- will come in a better season with more time, but you say to stay in Newport instead of Providence? i think the travel deal was pushing the nice downtown hotels in providence. i will look into the B%26amp;Bs. Yes, we are looking for a relaxing weekend that is filled with nice walks in historic areas, great dining, and historic sites.

Thanks

Nothing wrong with spending a weekend in Providence. If you can get a great deal, then go for it. Providence will certainly hold your attention for a weekend. Any longer than a few days there and you would be bored, especially in the winter. All the hotels except for the Marriott Downtown Providence are within easy access to downcity, federal hill and the east side. What hotels are they pushing?

As far as Newport goes, I think it would provide a more relaxing type of getaway. Most of the hotels, b%26amp;b%26#39;s, restaurants and shops are located in one area, which makes it convienent. The Cliff Walk, mansions and Brenton Point Park along Ocean drive are a short drive or a long walk from the downtown.

Historical buildings abound in both places.

Good nightlife in both places as well.

The outdoor ice skating rink in downcity Providence is always a fun way to spend a couple hours. Rentals are available.

Providence Place Mall is a very nice shopping center in downcity. Lots of restaurants there as well. The shops of Newport are much more charming than the urban shops of Providence, but Providence has more to offer overall.

Great places to eat in both cities.

Providence has the river while Newport has the ocean.

I agree with Will that both places for a weekend will fill up your time.

Re: Newport, I did a quick look on Orbitz, and you can find some great lodging prices this wweekend.

Marriott for $159

Newport Harbor Hotel for $139

Quality Inn and Suites $99

Comfort Inn and Suites $99

Vanderbilt Hall $179

America%26#39;s Cup Inn $114

Inn at Castle Hill $350

etc...

There are also many chain hotels like Hampton Inn, Howard Johnson and Holiday Inn Express in Middletown that would be under $100

Providence Hotels will probably be little bit lower this time of year.

Thanks, i%26#39;m feeling great about the purchase i made early this morning. wanted to stay at a B%26amp;B in newport, but nothing could beat the deal we got--2 nights hotel, 2 round trip plane tickets and a rental car for $360 per person! Hotel is Providence Biltmore. we picked cuase its on the historic registry and our choices were slim.

We will arrive at the hotel around 9:30. What neighborhoods do you recommend that will be still lively for dinner at 10pm?

Any restaurant recommendations--we eat everything, and will be looking for nice restaurants locals favor.

We plan to leave in the morning for the day in newport and come back late night. Any restaurant recommendations for specific restaurants in newport?

Thanks

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable about the later night eats of Providence can help out.

As far as neighborhoods, Federal Hill has tons of restaurants and cafes with an italian influence...I know they have Cafes open late, not sure which restauraants will serve later though.

Also the Thayer Street area near Brown University has many bars and restaurants...again, hopefully someone can give you more specifics as to what will be serving late...also ask at the Hotel, they%26#39;ll have some good reccomendations.

As far as Newport, if you%26#39;re into seafood, check out The Mooring. If you like Clam Chowder (NE style) check out the tavern at the Black Pearl. Also the Clarke Cooke House and 22 Bowens have good food.

For more casual food/drinks, check out the Brick Alley, Buskers, Mudville Pub, Red Parrot, Zeldas.

If you%26#39;re staying past say 5:00pm, check out the 5th Element for a hip, loungy type place...really good wood grilled pizzas, as well as other entree%26#39;s and tappa style apps.

Basically, as you%26#39;re exploring Newport, keep looking at the menues as you walk by....see what grabs your attention...most a pretty solid restaurants that wouldn%26#39;t be in business long if they weren%26#39;t.

First of all, you got a great deal!

For your late night arrival, I recommend either Citron or Local 121 for drinks and eats.

Other dining suggestions for Providence:

Federal Hill:

Costantino%26#39;s

Camille%26#39;s

Angelo%26#39;s Civita Farnese

Blue Grotto

Providence Oyster

Providence Prime

Pastiche Fine Desserts

Geppetto%26#39;s Wood Grilled Pizza

Downcity:

Gracie%26#39;s

Al Forno

New Rivers

Parkside Rotisserie %26amp; Bar

Cafe Nuovo

Hemenway%26#39;s Seafood %26amp; Oyster Bar

XO Prime

Fleming%26#39;s Steakhouse

East Side:

La Laiterie

Kabob -N- Curry

East Side Pocket

For Newport, milemarker has given you some great suggestions. I only want to add Tucker%26#39;s Bistro to the list.

Gotta say- never before have I noticed more funky, hip stores and restaurants than in Newport right now. Sometimes it seems there is more going on down here than in Providence. Awesome sunset too.

Newport, like the Cape also has its fair share of ocean and beach. Be sure to drive around Ocean Drive, maybe Fort Adams and go to Sachuest (2nd) Beach in Middletown, a five minute ride from Newport. Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge is also a nice getaway. There really is a lot to see and do in Newport in a day, if you decide not to spend it all in the Mansions.

golisw- I saw the words Providence, nice walks and historic buildings- and remembered when we lived there that I gave my wife a book by William McKenzie Woodward. It had many, many walk routes with details of each historic building along the walk, for the City of Providence.

We lived there from 2000-2005, and used it the last two years we were there.

If you are in to touring Providence by foot, this book will be invaluable if you can get a copy.

Perhaps someone here can remember the exact title.

good luck,D

What name should I give my dog

Need Itinerary Help

Looking to plan a first time trip to Newport in late August with my husband. Thought we%26#39;d fly in to Providence and maybe spend the night. Next to Newport for 3 or 4 days, then to Block Island for a night or two and then fly home. How many days for Newport? We want to tour the mansions, bike the RI path, etc. Thinking about staying at Francis Malbone Inn. Any thoughts? Should we spend a day or two on Block Island? Or it is better for just a day trip? Any thoughts about inns there? The 1661 Inn gets good reviews. Would like to keep to the $250 - $275 range for inn stays. I%26#39;d appreciate any help.

Need Itinerary Help

The Francis Malbone House consistently gets great reviews here on TA. Unless you have a specific reason to check out Providence, the drive from the airport to Newport is only about 40 minutes, and an easy drive.

3 - 4 days in Newport is certainly enough to do the things you%26#39;re looking to do, however the Bike path (if you%26#39;re talking about the East bay bike path) starts over in Bristol. About a 20 minute drive.

If you like the laid back island type of vacation, Block Island would be ideal...not nearly as busy as Marthas Vineyard or Nantucket if you%26#39;ve ever been to those islands. You can also just go for the day, right from Newport.

The Cape might also interest you, that would be about 1 1/2 hrs drive (at least to the mid-cape area) and is about 1 1/2 hours to the airport in Providence too (if you were to go out to the Cape and head back to Providence from there) The Cape has a nice bike trail as well.

Need Itinerary Help

Thanks for the advice. We%26#39;ve never been to this area before and didn%26#39;t think about visiting the Cape. Any thoughts about accommodations? Is it crazy crowded in the summer?

Late August for Cape Cod is often a quiet week to go since many people with school age children are getting them ready for school and therefore aren%26#39;t vacationing. You%26#39;ll still have to get your accommodations beforehand but that week may be more options than other times in July/August.

I would suggest staying at least 2 nights in any place. Seems like a waste to stay just one night and hassle. Remember the distances from Newport, RI to Cape Cod, etc. are a lot less than you are probably used to in NC!

For Cape advice, check over on the Massachusetts/Cape Cod forums....lots of great advice.

If you%26#39;re looking for commercial activity, then the mid-cape area would be good for you (Hyannis, Yarmouth, Dennis) Chain restuarants, lots of shopping, bigger hotels, miniature golf, etc..

Falmouth also is a commercial area in the Upper Cape area, although it has quiet parts too.

Lower Cape area is a little more quiet with quaint shops and restaurants. (Orleans, Chatham, Brewster, Harwich)

Outer Cape has the National Seashore and is alot less developed, (Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown)

Unfortunately since I have places to stay in both areas (Cape and Newport), I do not have much first hand experience with much lodging in the areas, except for what I hear word of mouth.

What sort of things are you looking for in accomodations? Inns, B%26amp;B%26#39;s, Hotels, Motels, on the beach? All of those things will determine your $$ and what location is best...again, look over on the Massachusetts forums for some advice.

Oh, and as far as crazy crowded, it all depends when in August you are looking at. Generally speaking the first 2 weeks of August are still very busy in all the summer spots. Towards the end of the month there is a little drop with kids heading back to school and such, but nothing that a first time visitor would really notice...it would still probably seem pretty busy to you, and ';deals'; are still generally hard to find. It%26#39;s still considered that ';high'; season.

Check out some of theese links for some ideas:

www.gonewport.com

www.capeguide.com

www.capecodchamber.org

Hi carolinagirl,

I%26#39;m going to suggest not visiting the Cape if you decide to visit Rhode Island next summer. I feel there%26#39;s plenty to keep you occupied for a week without cruising over to Cape Cod. While the Cape is a wonderful place to visit, your R.I. vacation will provide you with everything you seem to be looking for in your vacation. There would be no reason to pack up and drive to the Cape IMO.

Newport is a great town. It will surely keep you and your husband happy for a few days. Whether you like to keep busy or just unwind, there%26#39;s plenty of both in Newport. Things to love about Newport in the summer:

1. The great atmosphere

2. The scenery

3. The festivals

4. The shops

5. The restaurants

6. The mansions

7. The cliff walk

8. The nightlife

9. The harbor cruises

10. The surrounding towns of Jamestown, Little Compton, Portsmouth and Bristol. They all have that New England charm and there%26#39;s lots to see and do in all of them if you so choose to explore.

I would suggest settling into Newport for 4 nights. Francis Malbone would be perfect. Be sure to dive along Ocean Drive and stop at Brenton Point park for some nice views. Fort Adams park is another nice park to explore while in Newport. Great sunsets can be had from both. When your ready to take the car and go exploring elsewhere, head off to Little Compton or Portsmouth and enjoy the Vineyards there. Or cruise over to beautiful Bristol Harbor to take in some sights. You could also cross over the Newport bridge into Jamestown and enjoy Beavertail State Park. You can also cross both bridges (newport and jamestown) and take a spin over to Wickford Village or Narragansett. I highly recommend Narragansett if you enjoy top notch beaches. I will put there beaches up against anything Cape Cod has to offer. They are simply gorgeous. Providence is definitely worth a daytrip visit. If you can plan the visit around one of their WaterFire events, along with dinner in Federal Hill, that would be a definite winner.

Block Island should be seen and enjoyed. You simply can%26#39;t enjoy it by taking the ferry over for a daytrip. I%26#39;ll guarantee that if you do that, you will be kicking yourselves for not planning a stay. You won%26#39;t want to hop back on the ferry once your there! It%26#39;s hard enough getting on the ferry after staying a few days. So, I suggest a 2 night stay for B.I. This will allow you enough time to enjoy the island and see most of the ';must see%26#39;s';. Where to stay is important. While the island is small, there is really one main area that is bustling. That would be Old Harbor, where the ferries come in. That%26#39;s the area that everyone congregates to, where you%26#39;ll find the majority of everything, from restaurants, shops, nightlife and anything else going on. The rest of the island is all about scenery and tranquility. So, while there%26#39;s nothing wrong with staying at the 1661 Manisses, be advised that it%26#39;s a good mile from the action. If this doesn%26#39;t bother you, then stay there by all means. If you want to be in the thick of things, then a stay at the Old Town Inn would be a better choice. It should be noted that Block Island is best explored by bicycle or moped. There%26#39;s really no need to bring a car to B.I. for a short stay. There%26#39;s other things to consider, like whether to leave from Point Judith or Newport and what to do with the car, but we can get into that if you indeed want to go through with doing an overnight there. Hope this helps you out some. Best of luck planning and feel free to ask away. We%26#39;ll be here!

Just to clarify, I meant to say The Inn at Block Island, not The Old Town Inn. Another good place to consider is The Blue Dory Inn.

I stand corrected - by stating that last weekend in August in Cape Cod is %26#39;quiet%26#39; should have said %26#39;less busy week%26#39; during the peak summer season. All summer on Cape Cod is busy and stays busy until after Columbus Day weekend. We have often gotten last minute rentals this week that is why I mentioned it.

May be consider Will007%26#39;s suggestion to just stay in RI whole time? If you wanted you could always do a day trip over to Nantucket/Martha%26#39;s Vineyard island for a day trip and return to your hotel in RI. Thus saving the hassle of moving your room.

Francis Malbone Inn is really nice. I am staying there for the second time this weekend.

lipstick color

Next weekend

Seasons Greetings!

Will be staying at The Frances Malbone Inn next weekend with my girlfriend. Stayed there before and was very satisfied. In town to see the Mansions that are decorated for Xmas. Have my tickets already. Need restaurant recommendations within walking distance for dinner. Thinking about Spark I think the name is or Salavation Cafe. Want good food at a decent price. Nothing fancy. My friend loves steak. I love chowder and wonder who at this time of the year has the best.

Thanks,

NY Chubby

Next weekend

My wife and I have always had great meals at The Red Parrot, which is a very short walk from where you%26#39;re staying. And at this time of year, that can be a real plus. Casual place with very good food.

As far as chowder goes, I%26#39;ve heard The Black Pearl has the best, but I%26#39;ve never tried it myself. That%26#39;s a little more of a walk, but not far from where you%26#39;ll be.

I%26#39;ve never eaten at the restaurants you mentioned, but they are very highly rated here. A bit further of a walk to Broadway which might be a problem if it%26#39;s really cold, but if the cold doesn%26#39;t bother you it might well be worth the trek.

No matter what you do, you%26#39;re bound to have a great time. Enjoy!

Next weekend

Thanks!

Have not eaten at Spark, but they are a BYOB, so that might bring down the cost a little bit. Salvation is a more funky locals place that has good food....we love their Pad Thai. As Hyborian1 mentioned, those two restaurants are a little bit further of a walk, up on Broadway...probably about a 20 minute walk.

The Tavern at the Black Pearl is a good spot for chowder...in the summer they sell it to go at an outdoor shack, but this time of year you%26#39;ll have to go inside.

The Mooring also has good chowder, and nice views of the Harbor.

Second the Red Parrot, and it is probably the closest to the Inn.

Hi,

We%26#39;ll only be in town for 2 nights. Which of these restaurants previously post would you eat at? Walking is not a problem. We have a car.

Also can you recommend lunch spots.

Thanks,

NYChubby

Some of my favorites for a casual lunch:

Brick Alley Pub

Red Parrot

Mudville Pub

Buskers

Yesterdays

A little bit nicer, but still reasonable:

The Mooring

Clarke Cooke House

22 Bowens

Zeldas

for some links to alot of the restaurants and menues, check out:

www.gonewport.com

Since your looking for a place that serves up good chowder, seafood and steaks, I would suggest Cafe Zelda. My first recommendation would be 22 Bowen%26#39;s, but you did mention you were looking for decent prices. The steaks are great at 22, but they average around $42 with sides extra. Zelda averages around $30 with sides included. Cafe Zelda is about 1/4 mile down Thames Street from the Malbone if your interested.

Lunch cptions depend on how casual you want to go. The most casual, with a lot of local flavor, is the Handy Lunch right down the street from the Malbone House. Local diner, lots of atmosphere, fodd is standard diner.

At the other end is Castle Hill, which has a great lunch for much less cost than their dinners, and you get the view as well at noontime.

Dinner depends on whether you are interested in great food or are more interested in how much you want to spend. Tow good less expensive options are Spark, interesting but a bit off-beat in its menu at times, and The Salvation which is similar, though it has been around a while and is a favorite for many.

I%26#39;d forget Brick Alley and Red Parrot unless you don%26#39;t mind a lot of pre-prepared food out of a microwave etc., similar to Chilis or Applebees. Try Fluke on Bannister%26#39;w Wharf, or Zelda%26#39;s on Thames St. for less expensive but well prepared food. Try The Black Pearl or the Mooring for really good chowder and some great food choices. Try 22 Bowen%26#39;s, which is pricey, for Prime steaks and a get big city steakhouse vibe. Try Bouchard%26#39;s on Thames St. for the best classic French restaurant in the state, if not all of New England.

Have fun!

I think I%26#39;d give Yesterdays a try for lunch. It has an interesting decor and I%26#39;ve never been disappointed there.

You can look at their menu online:

www.yesterdaysandtheplace.com/frameset.htm

Cafe Zelda is also a good choice. It has been in Newport for many years so it must be doing something right!

Another place you may want to consider for lunch is Fathom%26#39;s at the Marriott. Food is good, and if you sit by the windows you%26#39;ll get a fantastic view of Newport Harbor.

Restaurant suggestions

Our family is staying for two nights in Newport the weekend after Christmas. Looking for suggestions for restaurants. We are fans of casual, Italian, seafood,

restaurants. Any ideas of both lunch and dinner would be greatly appreciated.

Restaurant suggestions

Hi Margo,

It would be more helpful to let us know what age ranges we are talking about here. Do you have young kids or is everybody adults?

Restaurant suggestions

we have 4 adults and a 13 yr. old boy who eats like an adult !!

Sardella%26#39;s for italian. It%26#39;s located between Thames and Bellevue at 5 Memorial Blvd West. Kids welcome. Kids menu available if needed. Dinner only, 401-849-6312 for reservations.

Brick Alley for American/Seafood. Located at 140 Thames St. Mainly seafood dishes but they also offer lasagna, steak, pizza, etc. Kids welcome, no kids menu. Lunch or dinner. 401-849-6334. Management frowns upon unattended kids, but I doubt that applies to you. Good food, decent prices.

Every Day Gourmet at 677 Thames St. for breakfast or lunch. Resonably priced gourmet omelettes, egg sandwiches, and pastries. Lunch serves up good wraps, sandwiches and burgers.

Franklin Spa at 229 Spring St. for another breakfast place. Awesome breakfast menu and very reasonable. Friendly place.

Hope this gets you started. Enjoy Newport.

Casual wedding spot?

Just engaged, we%26#39;re looking for a casual but lovely spot in RI to get married. I don%26#39;t know the area well and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions. The ideal reception would be a simple barbeque on the beach or something like that. Our budget is not huge, so the Newport %26amp; Block Island spots are beautiful but may be out of reach for us. The more natural the setting, the better and if there is a B%26amp;B or an inn that has both a restaurant %26amp; space, that%26#39;s ideal because it%26#39;s less coordination %26amp; planning. Anyway, any ideas are welcome from the locals who know the less-known gems! Thanks.

Casual wedding spot?

Some ideas- I%26#39;ve seen many people get married at the white gazebo at King%26#39;s Park on Wellington Ave in Newport, overlooking the harbour. In Jamestown the island on your way to Newport, I%26#39;ve seen many weddings overlooking the ocean at stunning Beavertail State Park, I%26#39;ve even seen people set up lots of chairs. There%26#39;s also great hiking, lighthouse, and great coves and beaches to explore there. In Jamestown as well, there is a big Town owned pavillion at Fort Getty where you actually could have a bbq on the beach, however there%26#39;s also a campers to contend with during the summer- but its still a great spot. In Newport, there is Fort Adams State Park, with stunning locations for a wedding. Huge lawns over looking the bay, among many other things. Especially in front of the Eisenhower House- a beautiful Victorian- which you might even be able to rent for a reception as I think it is publicly owned.

Yes, any hotels on the water would be big bucks around here. But there are many less ex. places in Middletown next door which wouldn%26#39;t be far from all the other sites. There are photos online for most of these locations. Enjoy!

Casual wedding spot?

You can rent the Rotunda at Easton%26#39;s Beach in Newport.

The rental comes with tables and chairs, but you%26#39;ll still have to find a caterer, but that%26#39;s not too hard.

cityofnewport.com/departments/…home.cfm

Best restaurant in newport for kids with grown up taste

Hi my family and I are going to Newport over the holidays and I was wondering what the best restaurant is. Kids are going but there used to going to nice restaurants.

Best restaurant in newport for kids with grown up taste

What sort of food are you looking for? Best is subjective...on the high end, Castle Hill, Bouchard%26#39;s, White Horse Tavern all are consistently good.

Some Favorites....

For Seafood:

The Mooring

Scales and Shells

American/Casual:

Brick Alley Pub

Red Parrot

Mix:

Clarke Cooke House

22 Bowens

Tuckers

West Deck

Italian:

Mama Luisa%26#39;s

Sardella%26#39;s

Check out www.gonewport.com and check out their dining section, lots of links to the restaurants and their websites with menues.

hair bands