Liz

8 of us are planning to go to Newport RI and there are only 2 dates that are good for everyone's schedule. April 1-4 or May 27-30th. Any opinions on which is better? Anything open yet that early in April? Or is May too crowded? We would like to visit 2 mansions, do a little shopping, and go out to eat. Thanks in advance for your help

Sara

I don't know about crowds, but I can tell you that the weather will be much nicer at the end of May than the beginning of April. You might luck out and get nice weather in early April, but it's a big gamble - just as likely to be cold and blustery. If you want to be outdoors much (and Newport's a lovely place to be outdoors!), walk the Cliff Walk, visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden, maybe take a harbor tour (and I doubt they're running in early April), late May is a better bet. On the other hand, May 27 is Memorial Day, so it's likely to be crowded then, but the following days, being mid week, would probably be fine.

Larry

I agree with Sara. In early April you may end up with raw, wet NE weather, so weather-wise late May is a much safer bet. However, the first couple nights of your May dates are over the Memorial Day weekend, which can get insanely crowded in Newport. Still, I think I'd rather put up with the crowds in better weather than have Newport all to myself in a drizzle.

sandy

To be sure- go in May

Michelle

As a frequent visitor to Newport, I would go in April. The crowds during Memorial Day weekend are not to be believed. Plus (big plus), you will pay a MUCH higher room rate for that weekend. The weather may not be summer weather but I have had very nice weather in April. As for food, give The Mooring's and Asterix and Obelix a try.

Liz

Thanks to everyone for the excellent advice. As luck would have it, a schedule change has allowed us to go the last week in April/beginning of May. We are all set with reservations at "The Inn at Shadow Lawn". I would also like to thank Michelle for the restaurant advice, I'm going to check into these.

Michelle

You're very welcome, Liz. If you're going to be there on a Sunday, have brunch at the Inn at Castle Hill. It's wonderful and the view is really beautiful.

Pam

We are going to RI from 13th-29th March.............I am thinking of staying at the Inn at Shadowlawn, or Chasefarm,.........I would like a water view, but the rooms etc look so nice at Shadowlawn.
Any comments welcome, please, and ASAP <bg> as I have to book !! Thanks, Pam.

Bri

Liz-
I live in RI and I can just say, May definately. It is known to snow in April, although like the other poster said, you may luck out! May is mild, just beginning to get sunny an warmer. Newport is a very fun place to be in the summertime as far as nightlife goes, so I would favor the crowds...it never gets THAT bad...but that's just me. Another thing to look into is the Dinner train (newportdinnertrain.com). A few friends of mine said it is very fun and romantic - I will be doing that over the summer I am sure! Hope that helps, let us know if you have any other questions or any questions about RI in general!