allison46

Will be arrving in Newport on a Monday morning in early August and will stay overnight and leave the next day around noon. I really want to pack in as much as I can during this time frame. Will be staying on Thames Street at the Francis Malbone. I need top places you would recommend to have breakfast, lunch, dinner,
(atmosphere is everything) best places to shop with my limited time (don't want to waste time going to all)one mansion to tour if we can squeeze in, and should we walk most of the Cliffwalk or just do a section?
I like to eat and shop at places with a local flavor to them. Thank you

allison46

Also, how safe is it to walk around town at night - Thames Street - waterfront area, etc.?

karameli

Personally, I felt 100% safe at night on Thames. Obviously no city is 100% safe, but you will feel a lot more confident here than in many other cities.

I loved the Red Parrot so much that I ate there twice. There's also a great seafood place on the wharf -- Black Pearl.

We did the Cliff Walk as far as the Breakers, I believe. It took less than two hours, going both ways, and being seriously lazy and spending a lot of time sitting on rocks by the ocean. I'd suggest seeing the mansions Monday morning/afternoon (depending on how interested you are), then spend time strolling around the wharf area, shopping and eating. In the morning you can do the Cliff Walk before you leave. Take the scenic way back from the Cliff Walk so you can ogle all the gazillion-dollar homes. Some are even more impressive than the mansions IMHO!

allison46

Thanks for the great tips on helping us plan out our time. I was not sure how to squeeze it all in and how much time to allot. Any suggestions for a great place for breakfast in the morning and another for maybe a glass of wine to watch the sunset in the evening? Maybe the Red Parrot and the Black Pearl would still apply to this also?

karameli

I'm not much of a morning person -- or much of a wine drinker -- but Black Pearl is fairly upscale and I'd assume they'd have a good wine list. They're also right on the wharf, so you'd be able to watch the sunset from that area. Red Parrot is a Caribbean-influenced bar and restaurant, across the street from the water. As far as breakfast and sunset go, it's an easily walkable area, so you can easily play it by ear! Have fun

John_T_Cuttino

You will not have a lot of time. The Black Pearl (outside) is fun for lunch as is the Red Parrot. I would highly recommend The West Deck for elegant meal and Scales and Shells for the best seafood in Newport (cash only, no reservations.) Reserve the West Deck before you go (it is that popular). Scales and Shells is right on Thames and West Deck on the water just off Thames.
Drive the 10 mile Ocean Drive and stop at Brenton Point State Park.
Do only part of Cliff Walk. Start at the Beach (Easton's Beach) and go as far as the Breakers. If you tour a mansion, Breakers, Marble House, The Elms are the best. Can stop at Newport Creamery or Cold Stone on Bellevue for an ice cream.
If you want to savor the night scene go to The Newport Blues Cafe (good live music) late.
As for shopping, all along Thames. For Jewelry go to Down Under up Thames. For shoes Sole Desire.
By all means get a Del's Lemonade/slush. They are to die for.
You will just get a taste of Newport and will want to come back. Please do.

cybor

John's made some excellant rec.
I'll add a few others as I'm not sure how much money you'd like to spend. Also, do you receive breakfast at the Francis Malbone house?

More on the water lunch or dinner locations:
The Atlantic Beach Club (moderate - views), The Spiced pear (expensive - views), The Inn at Castle Hill on Ocean Drive (expensive - great views and sunsets)

Lunch on Thames St.
Brick Alley Pub - good food, fun and moderately priced. White Horse Tavern - (expensive)

Not so sure what your shopping for but added to John's list:
Erica Zap designs - jewelry and home decor. Karen Vaughnn Designs - home decor.
Good Luck!

escargot

At Malbone House included is a complimentary breakfast which his lovely (as well as afternoon tea)

You've received good advice - I would go to the Cliff Walk right after breakfast - walk part of the cliff walk - cliffwalk.com - and see some amazing views, visit one mansion - go to the web and read about the different ones and pick the style/time that appeals to you most, but if you want the best of the 'gilded age' I would choose Breakers or Marble House vs. Rosecliff/Elms/etc. Peruse the web site:
newportmansions.org

Restaurants mentioned were good for lunch and spend the afternoon shopping on the wharf area downtown and I second Erica Zapp - I love her designs.

Castle Hill has amazing views and beautiful sunsets, and you could drive there passing Breton Point along the way. Eat dinner there or not, but it is worth a stop by. If weather is good great views of newport, water, bridges, and sunset.

You can also see the sunset from the harbor, and could check to see if the Adirondack II has a sunset cruise - right on the corner of America's Cup just before the Red Parrot they have a corner kiosk. It's a short ride but a lovely way to see the harbor, bridges, etc.

We had a great lunch at the Parrot last week, but you are inside on a busy street and not on a wharf - so if you want outside dining, choose one of the ohters at hte end of Bowen or Bannister wharf area instead.

That would be one long but great day and the next day you could shop some more before heading out if you wanted to, or if you have had enough shopping go see something else like the Newport Art Museum (walkable from downtown) or on your way out of town stop at the Tennis Hall of Fame.

allison46

Thanks guys! Was in Newport for only a few hours years ago and fell in love with it. Have always wanted to go back and love all of your recommendations. Wish we could stay even longer but will have to pack everything into our time frame. Thanks again!

Shanghainese

Allison46: Could you please post a TR? We are also trying to plan a 1 or 2 nights short trip, and would like to know how much you packed in. Comment on the Francis Malbone too, thanks.

escargot

I can tell you I will be shocked if you are not amazingly pleased with the Malbone House - the people that run it are awesome, the facility is gorgeous, every detail perfect, the ambiance, atmosphere, location, quality is all top top notch. It is one of the places I reserve for multiple clients who stay there every summer for five days during an annual event of ours and we have used them for over 12 years - you are lucky to be staying there !!

allison46

I will definitely post a trip report. Will be leaving next week and can't wait to see everything. I'm also glad to hear about the Frances Malbone - it is an indulgence for us but I know it will be worth the money.