Summer Weekend in Newport, Rhode Island

Fresh seafood

There are incredible local spots at all price points. My favorite was the Newport Lobster Shack, which is located on the fishing docks where they collect their stock every morning. Newport is known for their fresh lobster, clams, and scallops, and features Rhode Island's own kind of clam chowder and calamari.

Boating

What is a trip to Newport without admiring the magnificent boats? Known for its sailing community, there are affordable options to get on the water for everyone. Personal favorite: Newport Classic Cruises' Mimosa Sail. Get a view of the breathtaking coastline.

Polo

Home to the Newport International Polo Series, Newport is also the site of America's first polo club. USA's polo team as well as Newport's local team play on the field. The atmosphere is electric and offers food trucks and bars, but also the option to bring in your own food and beverages. This can be an all-day affair or you can just go for the game, but either way, it's exciting and unique.

Mansions

Who could forget the Gilded Age mansions? Newport is home to breathtaking beach homes from historically wealthy families in America, including the Vanderbilts, the Whartons, and the Bouviers. Take a trolley tour, individual house tours, or walk the Cliff Walk to observe.

Shopping

Thames Street, Bellevue Avenue, Bowen's Wharf, and Newport Historic District are a few areas to explore for both shopping and restaurants. There are several clothing boutiques, unique gifts and jewelry stores, vintage shops, and more to walk through while walking around the town that is filled with bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Wineries

The Newport area is home to at least three wineries with expansive grape fields, offering food and beverages at each location, vineyard tours, and hosted events including live music throughout the summer.

• Newport Lobster Shack: A waterside shack with fresh seafood right off the fishing boats and picnic tables where you can eat.

• Flo's Clam Shack: A local seafood spot right next to one of Newport's public beaches.

• The Mooring: More upscale dining on Sayer's Wharf with an expansive menu of fresh catches and non-seafood items.

• The Reef: Great spot right off Thames Street and on a less crowded boat dock on the water. Variety of both seafood and other items and great atmosphere.

• The Corner Cafe: Fresh options with a large variety for everyone to enjoy. I tried the Portuguese sweet bread scrambler and it did not disappoint. It is one of those places that makes it hard to decide as you look at every plate that leaves the kitchen. Would be a regular if I lived close by.

• The Nitro Bar: Excellent local coffee shop, but be prepared to wait in line. The word is out but it's well worth the hype.

• Mother Pizzeria: Wood-fired sourdough pizzas with a rotating farm-to-table ingredient menu.

• Seaside Scoops: Delicious homemade ice cream with a rotating menu of fresh flavors made by the owner. They even have a lobster flavor and offer samples.