Thinking about going to Newport around mid-March. How will the weather be? If it's cold and/or rainy, what other sorts of things can we do?

Also, my boyfriend and I are on a budget, so any recommendations of cozy/romantic B&B's would be greatly appreciated, preferably with a fireplace in the room. Looking towards under $150/night.

Any particular seafoods in season during this time of year?

Any advice for a relaxing weekend in March would be greatly appreciated!

It will be cold in march- rain/snow would be hit or miss. newport is beautiful no matter when you go. If it is inclement weather outside, you can always do the mansion tours.There are quite a few of them. If there's no rain, you can walk around town and visit the shops and restaurants. Check out www.gonewport.com or www.newportchamber.com for things to do and places to stay.

In March you shouldn't have any trouble getting a decent room for $150, since it is off season. I would make sure the place you choose is central and close to town.The Inns of Newport group has an inn called the Wynstone which is pretty reasonable and might have rooms with fireplaces. I would look at the chamber's website and look at the inn's websites and make some calls. Rates should be pretty reasonable in march.

Not sure what seafood is in season that time of year, but the clam chowder at the Black Pearl is delicious. The Mooring has very good seafood and wonderful views. Those are 2 of the more "touristy" places, but they are good.

Just a heads up....the weekend of March 15th is the St. Patricks Day Parade....the whole town is packed and crazy, forget about a quite lunch/dinner. It's fun if you're in that sort of thing (crowds, drinking, revelry, etc) but if you're not, you might want to hide in your room on Saturday. It's really the unofficial kick off to Spring.

Any other weekend in March you'll be fine.

while not Irish, we are young and live in NYC, so the extra festivities for that weekend may be a plus for us. we probably just have to book ahead now.

Didn't mean to scare you too much....you'll be able to find a couple of quiter places for a relaxing lunch/dinner....but most of the bars along Thames will be where the crowds are...everyone is Irish that day....