Nuts & Bolts
Travel Time : About a fifty-minute drive from Providence . How to Get There : I-95 South to RI-4 South to RI-138 East . Bucket List for Next Time : If you visit during the summer , try to snag tickets to the Newport Folk or Jazz festivals — renowned events that attract big-name talent from around the world . Tickets go on sale during the winter months and almost always sell out . Worth a Detour : Newport is part of Aquidneck Island , which also includes the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth . For a dose of outdoor tranquility , visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown for nature views and hiking trails , or head to Portsmouth for Rail Explorers , a scenic ride on pedal-powered rail bikes .
FOR THE STAYCATIONER Newport , Rhode Island
Life can be stressful , and sometimes even planning and executing a trip can add to the stress . That ’ s why a staycation might be your best bet for a truly relaxing getaway . No need to worry about baggage restrictions , hours of waiting in traffic , figuring out train / plane / bus schedules , you name it .
And what better location to escape to than our very own Newport ? It ’ s Rhode Island ’ s go-to tourist spot for travelers from across the globe , and for good reason . It has everything from breathtaking waterfront views and craggy cliffs to historical sites and endless leisurely activities — and it ’ s right in our backyard .
Whatever relaxing looks like to you , Newport has it all — walks on the beach ( or better yet : a stroll on the Cliff Walk , a three- and-a-half-mile path overlooking the Atlantic Ocean ), boutique shopping along Thames Street — the city ’ s main thoroughfare , and a spot for treasures like coastal chic clothing and artwork — wandering the grounds of renowned landmarks like the Newport mansions ( newportmansions . org ) and much more .
To make this an even more stress-free mini vacation , be sure to book a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Newport / Middletown ( hilton . com / en / hotels / mtnrihx-hamptonsuites-newport-middletown ), an affordable option in Middletown , less than fifteen minutes from downtown Newport . The recently renovated property is equipped with an indoor pool , expanded fitness center , free hot breakfast , and a shuttle service to and from downtown Newport and local beaches . And since you ’ ll be saving on hotel costs , feel free to indulge on all Newport has to offer for luxury experiences — you deserve it . — Tabitha Pereira
54 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l SEPTEMBER 2024