Nancy

We will spending Thanksgiving weekend in Newport. Can anyone suggest some "must-do's" for this time of the year. I've read about the mansion tours. Are the tours offered year round? Also, any suggestions for restaurants would be great! We may take a ride to Providence. Any "must-do's" for Providence? Thanks

Chris

Go to www.newportmansions.org for schedules. Only 3 of the mansions are open during the winter. You can do all or one. I found that I enjoyed the taped audio tours vs. the human guide. Not sure which houses offer which but the website will tell you I assume.

In town, recommend Cheeky Monkey (nicer), Yesterdays (casual), Becky's BBQ (Middletown - very informal).

For Providence, recommend walking around the riverfront, up to Brown, and taking in the RISD museum. Some good Italian restaurants and bakeries in Federal Hill area.

Enjoy, Chris.

taffy

As the previous poster mentioned, check the websites for information on which mansions are open. We were in Newport in September and visited The Breakers, Rosecliff and Marble House. I agree, also, with the previous poster about the self-guided, taped tours...much more informative and you can go at your own pace. We also had dinner at the "fancier" side of Yesterday's called "The Place" and the food was outstanding!! "Shells & Scales" is a seafood only restaurant that I thought was just average despite the rave reviews. We also had dinner one night at "Zelda's" and it, too, was very good! Be sure to take a drive along Ocean Drive...the houses and the ocean scenery are both amazing! Have a great trip!

Nancy

Chris and Taffy......thanks for the information.

mm

Hi,

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a nice walk through the woods right along the ocean.

Cliff Walk is a 5ish mile long cliffside walk that follows the coast and passes the back yards of many of the mansions. Salve Regina College's administration building is known as Ochre Court and it is free to enter and walk through.

For dinning suggestions you should check out www.phantomgourmet.com. Newport has some nice places to eat but Providence has too many great places to mention here.

While in Providence you could take a ferry ride down Narragansett Bay to Newport. Or you could take a ferry from Newport to Block Island.

Ft. Adams State Park is interesting as is the residence of President Eisenhower in the same area.

There a lots of other historic places to visit in Newport including the Old Colony House, Touro Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in America).

Check out www.gonewport.com for more.

MM

sandra

There is a lovely restaurant on the end of a pier in the middle of town. I belive it is called the mooring . great restaurant, great views and terrific atmosphere.
I would not recommend taking a ferry to Block Island in nOvember. Everything is closed except for two restaureants Kittens and the Beach head. My friend owns 2 shops on Block and lives there part time. The island closes down from Columbus Day on.
She closes up here fudge shop and taffy shop as do all the other merchants. The entire population of BLock Island dwindles to a few hundred people in winter.
As far as the Mansions gp find out if they will be decorated for Christmas yet, some offer a holiday tour and even a candle light dinner. that should be on the website