This is officially the first summer that I have not spent a single day in Rhode Island. Ever.
Let me explain.
My family is originally from Narragansett, Rhode Island. We kept our house, even when moved out of the state, to stay close to our relatives living in other parts of Rhode Island. We went back often throughout the year for holidays and vacations. Eventually, I found my way back to Rhode Island on a long-term basis to go to college at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.
I stayed at Salve for all four years, then lived in Newport for another 18 months after. In 2015, I had to move back to Connecticut, but Newport has always stayed on my mind.
People come from all over the world to visit Newport, Rhode Island, especially during the summer, for the yacht races, the “summer cottages” on Bellevue Avenue, the history. Whenever I find myself scrolling through my camera roll, I can’t help but wonder if I miss living in Newport.
To clarify, I’m not complaining at all—I’m now living in the most beautiful metropolitan capitals in the world—it’s only that I’m an ocean lover at heart.
I’ve pulled together some of my favorite photos I took when I lived in Newport or during recent visits—there’s a lot of eating, drinking, more drinking and plenty of ocean.
The photos below are not in a particular order:
A bouquet of fresh flowers from the Aquidneck Growers’ Market, Newport’s farmer’s market on Memorial Boulevard
Narragansett Beer has its classic Del’s Lemonade Shandy for the summer and released the Bermuda Style Pilsner for the 2017 America’s Cup
Rubber ducks and aromatic soaps at Newport Soap Company on lower Thames Street
A champagne cocktail at the top floor of Fluke’s bar & restaurant on Bannister’s Wharf
The best chicken wings you’ll find on Aquidneck Island are here at Winner Winner NPT, the same family who runs Mission NPT, the cult burger joint on Marlborough Street across town
How this shack on Bannister’s Wharf hasn’t collapsed yet is beyond me…
Pretty things all over Kristen Coates shop and gallery
Coffee Grinder at the end of Bannister’s Wharf is an absolute find if you’re willing to tread through the crowd of tourists walking along the wharf
The first hotel I ever stayed at in Newport was Gilded, a boutique hotel, on Brinley Street. I would love to go there again, the atmosphere is so welcoming
I’m not that big of a beer drinker—hence the wine—but Norey’s has an impressive selection of craft beer and amazing food to go with it
I worked at Laura Jean Denim at 198 Bellevue Avenue for over 3 years before I left Newport—even when I left, I still found myself coming back every so often. The store has a new owner now, but it’s the place where I got started in premium denim and fashion retail.
I loved having breakfast at CRU Cafe when it first opened. I would order the quinoa scramble most of the time, occasionally switching it up for eggs benedict. The Audrain Auto Museum around the corner showcases rare cars—it was always fun to see what car the owner would leave outside whenever he would visit the museum
It’s a big deal that the Volvo Ocean Race made it to Newport. Whether or not you know how sailing works, everyone who works in town appreciates the business—they just don’t appreciate the additional traffic.
If you haven’t survived a New England winter, do you really know the true meaning of winter? A few years ago it snowed so much in Rhode Island—I remember it vividly because the snow kept cars buried along on the street for weeks. During one blizzard, my car got stuck in a snowbank at the main crossroads between Narragansett Avenue and Spring Street.
One of the nice things about the snowfall is enjoying how it completely changes the landscape. I took the photo below at Sachuest Point in Middletown.
Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I went out while living in Newport until I put this post together. There are so many drink photos from the Clarke Cooke House…
And Diego’s…
Also a lot of coffee and breakfasts from CRU.
If you’re a sushi lover and you’re visiting Newport in the summer, run to the sushi bar at the Clarke Cooke House.
One of the best Newport experiences is newportFILM’s outdoor movie series. Check out their website for dates, times and venues—sometimes there are picnic competitions like this one for a screening of IRIS at Marble House.
Coffee, muffins and magazines at CRU Cafe.
And another car at Audrain Auto Museum.
The rooftop at Vanderbilt Grace has stunning sunset views overlooking downtown Newport and Narragansett Bay.
MALT is another hidden gem on Broadway. It gets crowded fast for drinks and dinner.
Blueberry lemonade at Diego’s for a Salve Regina University alumni trivia night.
Benjamin’s is a classic, casual New England bar for locals. You can’t really go wrong with anything you order—not recommended for a health conscious eater.
Boru Noodle Bar is where I first became interested in ramen. The guys at Boru have a lot of fun experimenting with different ramens and appetizers. Now wherever I am, I always look for a ramen noodle bar to see how their spicy miso compares to Boru’s.
I have never stayed at the Newport Marriott, but the recent renovations have made it a stunning place to be. I would imagine that the modern nautical touches and new amenities help set the tone for visitors to enjoy their stay in Newport.
The Rochambeau monument overlooks the harbor on Wellington Avenue
Ochre Point at Salve Regina University. Pretty much where it all started.
Pasta Beach serves homemade pasta for a great price—there’s even parking.
Green margaritas at Diego’s for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. There is nothing more to say.
A quick shot of Clingstone, the Wharton seaside home in Narragansett Bay located in Jamestown, Rhode Island. The best views of Narragansett Bay can only be seen by air or by boat. Unless you can fly or sail by yourself, I would recommend checking out Gansett Cruises.
You can’t visit Newport in the summer without stopping by Castle Hill Inn. After spending the morning at the beach, enjoy cocktails on The Lawn while watching the sailboats pass by.
Great post!
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Thank you! Glad you liked it 🙂
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Lovely memories you have captured! It makes me want to take a weekend vacation there to relax and enjoy the area!
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Glad you enjoyed the photos! Newport and southern Rhode Island is a great place to spend a long weekend
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Looks like an amazing place to visit!! Beautiful photos!
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I should go there soon, I’m only a state away!
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You definitely should! I grew up doing the 2 hour drive from southwestern Connecticut to southern Rhode Island
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Okay—in all honesty this post made me tear up!! From one former Rhode Islander to another, you captured summer there perfectly. Excellent photos and thanks for sharing. #wickfordsummers #crazyburgerfries
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Yay so glad you liked it! I don’t have a picture of Brickley’s on Boston Neck Road, but I grew up smelling those waffle cones in my backyard 😍🍦
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Newport looks beautiful! I’d love to visit someday, these photos are stunning!
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If you find yourself in New England, you definitely should! Rhode Island is less expensive (and less crowded!) compared to other destinations like Cape Cod, Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard
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This is such an interesting idea to show a place in a photo diary, and I loved to look at Newport through your eyes.
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Aww! This post reminds me of my post about my hometown, too. Heartwarming!
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