the
NEWPORT AGENDA
Some may call this itinerary ambitious; locals call it a Saturday.
SLEPT IN? Grab a Grandma Morin’s muffin to-go at Cru Cafe.
10 a.m.
Visit Newport’s “summer cottages.”
The grandest of them all, the Breakers is a seventy-room Italian
Renaissance-style mansion on Ochre Point Avenue. The wealthy
Vanderbilt family constructed it in 1893 and later named it in
recognition of the waves that continually crash into the base of the
cliff the house stands on.
The Marble House, another Vanderbilt property, went on to serve
as a social and architectural landmark that transformed Newport’s
community. Reports say $7 million dollars was spent on the
500,000 cubic feet of marble that makes up the building alone.
Nearby stands the illustrious Rosecliff commissioned by Nevada
silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1899. The mansion was
famous for its fabulous soirees, including a fairy tale-themed
dinner party featuring magician Harry Houdini.
NOTE: More Newport historic houses worth touring include the Elms,
the Chateau-sur-Mer, Rough Point and the Whitehorne House.
OR, GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR OWN ROOTS: The Newport
Irish History Museum illustrates Irish immigration to Newport
County from the 1600s to the present and highlights their many
contributions to the local community. At the Touro Synagogue and
Loeb Visitors Center, discover the beginnings of American
religious tolerance and freedom and learn about the first Jewish
settlers in Newport.
12 p.m. Enjoy a lunch fit for a Vanderbilt.
After taking a scenic stroll along the mansions-adjacent Cliff Walk,
head on over to the White Horse Tavern for local favorites such as
Narragansett clams and shrimp and crispy heritage pork belly. As
one of the oldest running taverns in the United States, remember
to be respectful of its business-casual dress code.
NEED MORE OCEAN VIEWS IN YOUR LIFE? Head on over to the
OceanCliff and grab a bite at its onsite waterfront restaurant, the
Safari Room, instead.
60 YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2020
2 p.m. Take an afternoon sail.
What better way to soak up a sunset in Newport than with a sail
around the bay? Both of Sailing Excursions’ yachts, the
Adirondack II and the Sloop Eleanor, allow you to enjoy seaside
views of the mansions, a nineteenth-century military fort, the
Newport and Jamestown bridges and beautiful antique
lighthouses.
WANT TO CAPTAIN YOUR OWN VESSEL? Contact Sail
Newport for expert sailing lessons and rentals.
5 p.m. Catch an evening Polo Match.
Unlike more common sporting events, a polo match has just as
much to see off the field as on thanks to spectators’ inclination to
dress to the nines and sip on fabulous artisan cocktails. If you’re
looking to get in on this highbrow action, the Newport International
Polo Series hosts professional games every Saturday at 5 p.m.
sharp.
INTERESTED IN A SHOPPING BREAK INSTEAD? Check out
Newport’s Broadway District and Thames Street retail scenes.
8 p.m. Satiate your seafood cravings.
Originally built in the 1920s, the Black Pearl is a time-honored
establishment dedicated to providing an authentic New England
experience. That includes your choice of dining in the elegant
Commodore’s Room or al fresco with uninterrupted dockside
views, as well as a robust seafood menu filled with fresh raw bar
samples and savory steak and seafood entrees.
CAN’T GET A RESERVATION? Some other worthwhile upscale
restaurant choices include the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret,
the Mooring, Clarke Cooke House and 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar and
Grille.
10 p.m. Finally, get your groove on.
People who come from old New England money might seem stuffy
at first glance, but we can assure you that they like to let loose
every now and again, too. Grab drinks and dance the night away to
live music amongst the cool, unfiltered ocean breezes at the
Landing.
BAR HOPPERS SHOULD ALSO CHECK OUT: O’Brien’s Pub,
One Pelham East, Dockside and the Newport Blues Cafe.
8:30 a.m.
But first, breakfast.
Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, like an egg
white omelette or lobster Benedict, or something sweet, like old
fashioned rolled oats or pancakes, the award-winning One
Bellevue at Hotel Viking has it all.