It’s no secret that I love Newport, Rhode Island. It’s where I rang in 2021– and it’s where I spend a lot of time in the Fall and Winter since the scenery is always breathtaking. I love the area in the Summertime, too- but it tends to get a little crowded along the beaches, the wharfs and the quaint downtown district in the hotter months- a fact I had completely forgotten when I went there this past weekend for a day in the sunshine (and in the shade for brunch, too.)
Call it post-pandemic-brain-fog- but I only remembered the crowds of people that descend on the town this time every year when I was already well into the area and struggling to find parking. The inconvenience was short-lived, thankfully- and I had a wonderful morning/afternoon exploring the fully bloomed gardens at The Elms and strolling the cobblestone streets in the seaside shopping district before I wrapped up the day with a quick dip in the ocean at the nearby Sachuest Beach.
Being that it was my first time splashing in the (surprisingly) warm water this year- I think it’s safe to say “Beach Season 2021” has officially kicked off and I’ll be making those beloved weekend trips to Maine in no time at all.
I grabbed a fantastic brunch At The Deck on Waite’s Wharf while I was in town- complete with a passion fruit margarita that tasted so good after all the walking and sunbathing I’d done all morning. The view of the water and sailboats was a treat- and the staff were very friendly and accommodating.
If you plan on visiting Newport in the Summer (and despite the crowds, I highly recommend it!) be sure to get there early enough in the day to find parking since some of the narrow streets can be a little difficult to navigate- especially under pressure or with time limitations- and plan your dining options in advance so you can beat the lines that tend to wrap around different restaurants and bars as the day goes on and the temperatures rise.
Also, bring sunscreen- and wear comfortable shoes! You’re going to do a lot of walking.
I think that I might start writing up occasional guides for visitors traveling to some of my favorite New England towns/cities- complete with my favorite places to dine, shop, historical landmarks and places of interest- and Newport seems like a good a place as any to start!
We’ll see!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 