Newport, Rhode Island
Follow us on our weekend adventure to Newport, RI, a coastal gem where Gilded Age mansions, a bustling harbor, and charming streets filled with shops and restaurants, blend history, elegance, and seaside adventure.
Day 1
We arrived in Newport on a Thursday afternoon in September and checked into The Chanler at Cliff Walk, which was beyond anything we’d imagined. Nestled right at the beginning of the famous Cliff Walk, the hotel felt like stepping into a European estate. With its stunning oceanfront views and old-world charm, it was the perfect blend of historic elegance and modern luxury. We felt like we’d been transported to another era. After settling in, we decided to take a peaceful stroll along Newport Harbor. The waterfront was lively with its sailboats swaying in the breeze and cute little shops lining the streets. It felt like the perfect way to kick off our trip, just soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the scenery.
That night, we had an incredible dinner at Giusto. The tasting menu was amazing—every dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. The whole vibe of the restaurant was chic but laid-back, and the views of the harbor really added to the experience. It was such a great way to relax and enjoy our first night in Newport.
Itinerary:
Hotel: The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Reviews: TripAdvisor
We strolled the Harbor, shopped and just took it all in.
Dinner: Giusto
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 2
We hopped on the "fast ferry" to Martha’s Vineyard for a quick day trip. The ferry docked in Oak Bluffs, where we strolled through the quaint streets admiring the whimsical gingerbread houses and the lively harbor before catching the local bus to Vineyard Haven and then Edgartown. The bus system made it easy to navigate the island, and we loved how each town had its own unique charm.
In Edgartown, we stopped for a relaxing waterfront lunch at Atlantic. The views of the harbor were stunning, and the fresh seafood dishes were the perfect complement to the coastal setting. After a day filled with exploring, we caught the ferry back to Newport that evening.
Itinerary:
We explored lively and quaint Oak Buff
Then we headed to charming and vibrant Vineyard Haven
And, finally, beautiful and historic Edgartown
Lunch: Atlantic
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 3
We kicked off the day with a hike along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk. The views were absolutely breathtaking—on one side, we had the ocean stretching out endlessly, and on the other, we got these incredible glimpses of the Gilded Age mansions that made Newport famous. Seeing those grand estates from the back felt like we were getting a sneak peek into another world. After the Cliff Walk, we made our way back along Belleview Street, where we got up close and personal with the mansions from the front. It was fascinating to learn about the families who once called these palaces their "summer cottages."
We grabbed a quick bite at a cozy little café on Belleview before diving into the afternoon’s mansion tours. First up was The Breakers, then The Marble House, and finally The Elms. Each one was more jaw-dropping than the last, filled with over-the-top opulence that left us feeling like we’d been transported straight back to the Gilded Age.
As the day wound down, we made our way to Castle Hill Inn for dinner—and wow, did we time it right. The sunset was pure magic, with panoramic views of the sky turning shades of pink and gold as the sun sank below the horizon. Dinner that night was an indulgent seven-course tasting menu at Aurelia, and every dish was a delight. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day full of history, beauty, and pure Newport luxury.
Itinerary:
Hike the Cliff Walk
Mansion Tours
There are a number of gilded-age estates that are now open for tours. We visited The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms, probably the 3 most impressive. All of these homes were built as summer cottages and were only used for an average of 6 weeks out of the year.
The Breakers - Built in 1895 by Cornelius & Alice Vanderbilt II
Marble House - Built in 1895 by William Vanderbilt, younger brother of Cornelius as a birthday present for his wife Alva, who when the home was completed, through an extravagant party inviting over 1000 people, but famously did not include the Vanderbilts who requested an invitation but had once snubbed her. Alva wasn’t just known for her lavish parties—she later became a fierce advocate for women’s rights, leading the charge for women’s suffrage. She eventually divorced William but kept Marble House.
The Elms - Built in 1898 by Mrs. & Mrs. Edward Berwind, who made their fortune in the coal business.
We ended our day at Castle Hill, to first watch one of the most beautiful and atmospheric sunsets that we have ever experienced...truly, we felt like we were in a movie!
Dinner: Aurelia
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 4
Our final day coincided with the Newport Boat Show, so we spent the day exploring the show, admiring some amazing yachts, and soaking up the lively atmosphere. It was a fantastic way to close out our trip, full of energy and excitement, as we took in the beauty and craftsmanship of the boats on display, as well as the beautiful harbor.
On to the next adventure...
