New Year's in Newport RI
 

How is New Years eve in Newport, especially for out of towners? The events at some of the mansions really do sound fabulous, but I wonder if it is more of a locals event and If I'd feel really out of place.
At the other end, is First Night too much of a family event for a couple of thirtysomethings? Not worried about the lack of alcohol, I just am wondering if the events are mostly kiddie oriented.
Other ideas? An early dinner on New Year's eve (8 pm) in a place that would serve a regular menu, not a special holiday one? Can be really casual, or something a bit more special but still not expensive. I will have a car, so it can be outside of Newport too.
I know I'm asking about a very wide range of prices here. I still haven't decided what kind of weekend I'm looking for, so I'm open to all sorts of suggestions!

No you will not feel out of place...lots to do on New Years Eve. Although alot of the First Night stuff is defnitely more "family oriented"

You should not have trouble finding a place that serves a regular menu, but you'll need to make reservations, but for 8:00 you should be fine.

Clarke Cooke House, 22 Bowens, Asterisks, Cheeky Monkey, the Mooring, Brick Alley (downstairs) etc. all serve regular menus, but you will need to make a reservation.

Some clubs will be charging a higher "cover charge" to get in that night, but some of the smaller bars and pubs won't charge you...I'd make a reservation at a restaurant that appeals to you, and then play it by ear for the rest of the weekend until you get into town...Fireworks are at 9:15...and the locals will party the next day down at First Beach for the Polar Bear Plunge and the after party at the ABC. (Atlantic Bech Club)

Well, fireworks are always good!
Sounds like dinner won't be much of a problem. Any other specific events that we might enjoy?

I'd definitely stop by the Visitor's Center for an overview of what's going on that weekend.

3 of the mansions will be open and decorated for the holidays.

Since you have a car, I'd suggest the 10 mile drive...
http://www.oceandrivenewport.com/

Also, if the weather is nice you could combine the drive with a walk on the Cliff Walk.
http://www.cliffwalk.com/

If you're feeling hearty and want to head out on the harbor, there are seal watches...not sure if it'll be a family event depending on the weather...
http://www.savebay.org/news_sealwatch.asp

Plenty of little shops to explore on Thames Street and the Brick Marketplace.

Ice Skating at the skating rink at the Yachting Center...although it'll probably be packed on New Years Eve with kids and families...

plenty of places to grab a bite/coffee/cocktail if the mood hits.

Check out www.gonewport.com for some other info and links.

We spend New Year's in Newport almost every year. We've stayed at Castle Hill and then a great, late dinner at Bouchard. We start with drinks at either Castle Hill or the Chanler and then head off to dinner. The fireworks are quite nice.

You can check about the skating on
http://www.skatenewport.com/
they used to have evening adult skate - so if you do or can skate, it can be a different romantic type thing to do at night and they have a big lit tree, etc....not Rockefeller Ctr, but charming :)

I don't know if the Yachting Ctr is having any other festivities relative to New Years wknd, but you can chekc ontheir site
newportyachtingcenter.com

and yes, visit Castle Hill - for something - brunch, lunch, dinner, drink - the view is great

Any opinions on "Tucker's Bistro"? They have a reasonable looking New Year's eve menu

Posted too soon!
Any opinions on "Tucker's Bistro"? They have a reasonable looking New Year's eve menu
By way of comparison, we liked Rhumbline and Cafe Zelda. Any other recommended restaurants?

Quaint little romantic restaurant...it's on Broadway which is different than the downtown, waterfront area....Braodway is "up and coming/eclectic" but perfectly safe, just not as "quaint" as the Thames St area...that being said, it will probably be less crowded with families...more like locals and 30 - 40 somethings..

Sounds good to me!

Just saw the other options you were considering....I think Tuckers is perfect for New Year's Eve...Rhumbline is nice, but a little less "cozy/romantic", and Zelda's is good too, but small and can get crowded/noisy in the small bar area if you have to wait for your table, or you get a table near the bar doors......but definitely two good choices for a return visit, or another day/night.