Have a “ yes ” day at Spring Lake in Burrillville .
French fries for lunch : Yes . Face-first down the waterslide : Yes . An hour of eyes-glazed-over arcade games when the sun is at its most brilliant : Yes . ( Hand sanitizer : Yes .) Kayaks : Yes . Two ice cream cones for the car ride home : Why , yes . springlake . com
Vacation in the Gilded Age , if only for a weekend .
Pack your devil-may-care attitude ( an ascot or party dress won ’ t hurt , too ) and book a stay in these fine establishments that date to Newport ’ s golden era .
The Cliffside Inn , owned by Lark Hotels and renovated in 2019 , is a hidden gem of a bed and breakfast just steps away from Newport ’ s famed Cliff Walk . Sprawling , romantic suites with whirlpool tubs are available , or go for a charming and expertly designed room inside the main mansion . thecliffsideinn . com
The Chanler at Cliff Walk , a summer retreat built for New York Congressman John Winthrop Chanler , offers a fleet of carefully appointed suites and rooms with ocean views . The decadent furnishings , moody art and gourmet dining experiences — we recommend the surprise degustation menu — hearken a richer , more indulgent time . thechanler . com
The Vanderbilt has an illicit history — Alfred Vanderbilt built it for his mistress — which , in our estimation , makes it the most perfect modern-day rendezvous spot . Stay for a weekend and experience the spa , cocktails on the rooftop deck and other contemporary amenities tucked inside a stately brick manse on Historic Hill . aubergeresorts . com / vanderbilt
Architect ’ s Inn , also on Historic Hill , was constructed in 1873 for renowned Newport architect George Champlin Mason . Innkeepers Nick and Brian have a passion for historic preservation , which you ’ ll see for yourself in the canopy beds , antiques , ornate textiles and — why not ? — themed murder mystery weekends . architectsinn . com
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