A great place to eat in Newport is the Local Ocean Restaurant- not a fancy place with atmosphere but great food. It is on the bay front but busy road between it and the bay - I had great crab cakes there

Sunbum--I agree, Local Oceans is really good!

Not that it really matters, but Local Ocean (no s)

believe MMS.

Thanks for the update MMS, good to know that I may have more time on saturday for another hike. With the kids and my mil, I don't plan on rushing thru anything. I found an interactive hiking guide that has a detailed descriptions of the hikes in the Gorge area and even includes pictures. I've spent the better half of the evening checking out all the hikes in the area including the ones already suggested here. I've selected a few as 'stand by's' in case we can get some extra ones in. Will post again when I finish reviewing all other suggestions you've all recommended. Thanks again.

Also check out the Eagle Creek hike as Spiro mentioned as an option- nice hike- might be long for kids to do the whole thing but they can make it to the first falls- its a pretty hike- some places with steep drop offs but cables to hang onto if nervous about it-