Newport, RI recommendations
 

My husband and I are getting away for a long weekend in Newport, RI next week. We are staying at the Hyatt. I plan to get to the mansions in the area, but are there certain ones not to miss, should we not get to them all? Also, we're looking for recommendations for restaurants and cute shops and other things in the area.

They have mansion packages. It can be overwhelming to see all of them. I would research which sound most interesting to you and see those. Or if you buy, say, a 5 mansion package I would split visits over a two or three day period. Some of the mansions have specific Christmas Decor and programs that might make it even more fun. http://www.newportmansions.org/

http://www.astorsbeechwood.com/ChristmasTour.html

This one has Christmas special.

Myst,

Thanks for the information. I was not able to bring up the AstorsBeechwood site, but the newportmansions site was very helpful. I believe, since we are there for three days, that we will be able to get in five of the homes. I was wondering which one belonged to Jackie Kennedy's family? Also, is there a particular Inn or restaurant that you'd recommend in the area? Thank you for your help.

You may want to read my article on
Newport as well as reference a restaurant we tried out that was just great: Le Bistro
Here is our article
http://www.lovetripper.com/issues/is...ewport-NG.html

Message: We just visited Newport the week of July 4th . We saw three mansions--the Breakers, Rosecliff and Marble House--you can get a package deal for any 3. The best of the three for us were the Breakers and Marble House. In the summer, it's best to go early to avoid the crowds, but don't know what you'd expect now--plus, in the summer, the packages were sold outdoors. You will find shopping/dining options on Thames St./America's Cup Ave. For just a casual meal, there are alot of options on the menus at Brick Alley Pub on Thames and the Red Parrot(further out but on the main drag, also). Brick Alley Pub is a short walk from the Hyatt. Since it's cooler now, you can sightsee by taking a drive out to the Fort (get a map from your hotel) and Castle Hill Inn along Ocean Ave. I would think the drive along Ocean Ave will be just as scenic now as in the summer. We also stayed at the Hyatt on Goat Island and found it conveniently situated, although in some public areas cleanliness was an issue. We got a great rate for the hotel on Orbitz. If the weather is favorable, it's a good location for an evening stroll. There are also benches situated along the water there if you just want to relax for awhile. Enjoy!

The mansion previously owned by the Kennedy family is Hammersmith Farm which was recently sold and no longer avialable for tours...but is visible if you do the highly recommended drive along Ocean dr. For restaurants, I would also recommend Pronto, Asterix and Obelisk, Salvation Cafe and Tucker Bistro besides Le Bistro. I would avoid touristy spots on Thames, food's not so great. Shops on lower Thames and near Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellvue are very nice and fun to visit. For brunch, I would definitely go to the Inn on Castle Hill. Exceptional food with an outstanding view of the bay.

Thanks for all the help. I've printed out information from the Newport site online, given to me on this site. Was disappointed to hear I cannot see the Hammersmith mansion. Can anyone recommend a seafood restaurant? I know it's past the season, but while there, we'd love to get a good lobster dinner!

For really fresh, excellent seafood fare I would highly recommend Shells and Scales on Lower Thames. It's kind of a hot spot in the summer with the line running down the street but in the winter time it's quieter. We've been going to Newport for many years and think this is the best. Have fun!

If this double-posts, my apologies. For a great seafood dinner, try The Mooring and for REALLY GREAT French, most certainly Bouchard.

A friend recently spent a lovely day in Newport with her husband. They toured the lElms mansion, which has a earphone and cassette tour. They found it very informative and enjoyable. Newport is beautiful any time of year, but I am sure the Christmas lights and decorations are spectacular. For a casual lunch that is very reasonable and very good, try the BrickYard Cafe. That may not be the exact name, but close enough. It is right on the main drag. It can be cold and blustery, as it is on the Atlantic Ocean, so bring lots of warm clothing.

Thanks to all for some great tips. Would you believe there's a noreaster coming! We are planning on heading out anyhow, and are hoping for the best. I will most certainly look into the restaurants that were suggested here. IF weather conditions are a problem, our choices may be impacted, but we intend to make the most out of it. Thanks again.

What fun!!! The weather will just make it better! Check out Castle Hill for lunch or dinner, Breakers is the must do introductory Mansion, the others are icing on the cake, I particularly didn't love Shells and Scales. Asterisk was good, there are many restaraunt choices, bundle up and check out the menus, and love the Christmas lights, the snow will make it magic!!!!