For an informal, tradional Thanksgiving dinner I would suggest one of the hotels..like the Marriot or Goat Island or Hotel Viking. For something more formal the White Horse Tavern is excellent (longest running restaurant in the US) or the Rumbline or the Black Pearl. It all depends on what you're looking for: creative Thanksgiving or standard, expensive or not. My vote would go the White Horse Tavern for food, atmosphere, history for a holiday but it's not cheap ($40-50 p/pax w/out wine).

Sorry-I speak for Newport...can't offer much for Providence although there are some excellent restaurants there.

I'm thinking about going to White Horse Tavern for our Thanksgiving dinner. Has anyone been there for Thanksgiving and is there enough food for my 27 year old son and his girlfriend? Also, would you stay at Castle Hill Inn or Francis Melborne House? Thanks again for your input!

Castle Hill is positively lovely, on the coast and a bit of a drive away from Newport proper. The rooms are well done, the service is excellent and if you happen to catch a rare sunny, mild November day you can sit on the Adirondack chairs on the lawn with a drink and enjoy the rocky coast of Narragansett Bay. The Francis Malbone is right in Newport, on lower Thames St. Noise might be the only downside to this location. However, I know the rooms in the rear are nearly silent. More of a B&B than Inn. Fantastic breakfasts, wonderful surroundings and everything is walkable.

Both are great but if you don't mind maybe a 6 mile drive out of Newport, I'd vote for Castle Hill. And if money's really no object, check out the Chanler Inn for your next visit. It's a new and unbelieveable inn right at the head of the Cliff Walk.

Sorry-it seems I can only do one question at a time. Re: White Horse Tavern and Thanksgiving...I cannot speak for the quality or quantity of Thanksgiving at the restaurant but enough food? Yeah, I'd say so. While it is fairly gourmet it is still American cousine which usually equals beyond sizeable portions.

As far as the hotels are concerned -- since you are going in November when you won't be sitting out in the sun, I think the in town choice, Francis Malbone, is better. You can walk up and down Thames Street, your son can go out and do something on his own, stay out later for drinks with friends, etc., without taking the car and leaving you in the lurch, etc.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and ideas.....it has helped me a great deal. I'll let you know what I decide!